Totes (Page 27)

The Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag line is for the rational people out there, the people with a budget that actually stick to it. No need to pinch pennies and wonder why your handbag costs your mortgage, just buy a great bag that will eventually be replaced by another. Admit it, you replace your handbags with your newest obsession and soon you forget some of the old gems you have. This makes handbag purchases seem absurd at times. While it may not be made with the most luxurious materials, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Aline Leather Tote is made beautifully. Tan grained leather with a funky oversized embossed button embellishment make this handbag laid back for everyday use. There is brass hardware, natural stitch detailing, and buckle detailed pockets on each end. The front of the bag also sports a large detail pocket. Plenty of pockets to separate all necessities. I love this handbag because it can be worn for this season, or the next, or the next, and you still can get your money’s worth. Buy through Net A Porter for $478.

While I am not at all sold on this handbag, it is a viable option for anyone looking to buy a tan leather bag. I will keep my seat at my desk and not get too excited over this bag, but it doesn’t make me cringe either. The Celine Lirine Large Tote is made with tan grained leather and gold hardware and sports the handy perk of a removable shoulder strap. There is also the option for the bag to be hand held, with double top handles. For me to even think about spending $1600 I need to be wowed. Even with the exorbitant handbag prices, the bag must be justifiable. I must dream of it and yearn for it. This bag does not have me doing either, but it may suit someone else’s fancy. Buy through Net A Porter for $1600 while I continue shopping.

The always eclectic fashion designer Marni is at it again. Combining the hottest color for the upcoming season, gray, with a modern twist the Marni Large Leather Tote is a cutting-edge design. The truffle shiny leather is an alluring shade of gray and the contrast chocolate trim adds depth to the bag. The circular shape gives off a mod vibe along with the two small handles on top and the pleating on each side. Inside a burst of color is added with the blue shell lining. The gray trend has caught on good and steady, been showcased by every designer under the sun and this bag is yet another option. Completely in style and completely big enough for everyday wear (along with an across the body strap). Buy through Net A Porter for $1620.

And don’t be afraid to add color to your wardrobe this fall! While gray shades are taking over, a burst of color is a fashion must. Match the inside blue shell lining with a pair of blue pumps. Opt for the Christian Louboutin Simple Leather Pumps {$575 via NAP} or the Miu Miu Iridescent Pumps {$525 via NAP}.

To all of the Paddington carriers out there, just admit it, your bag weighs a ton but you continue to carry it with the lock because, after all, the lock is what makes the bag. It is true, I do it too. I shift my body weight from side to side, move the bag from one arm to the next, all in an effort to make the bag feel less heavy but still look good. Finally, while on my vacation in Italy, I ditched the lock. Whew. It felt better, but when it comes down to it, Chloe leather is much thicker and sturdier than others. It is simply heavy leather. Making the signature lock smaller, the Chloe Large Paddington Capsule Tote spotlights a chunky chain strap with a small paddlock detailing. The tan leather stays true to Chloe form, being thick yet smooshy. The fact that the paddlock is smaller is a great addition, but if the chain is heavy gold metal, we will have the weight problem. But sometimes, we all wear things that are uncomfortable all in the name of fashion. Buy through NAP $2,140.

Hot from the fall runway collection, this Prada bag is edgy and trendy to boot. The idea behind some of the fall bags for Prada is to add extra zippers, stud detailing, faded leather, which gives off a bold modern vibe. The Prada Glace Zippers Tote is available in either ardresio/talco (brown/tan) or black leather with tonal topstitching. The focal point are the zippers that run down the entire side of the bag. There are top handles and a removable shoulder strap. When I first saw this bag on the Neiman Marcus website I thought it was drab. But the picture shown above was taken by Neiman Marcus and really showcases the bag much better. Dimensions are 12 1/5″H x 13 2/5″W x 5 1/2″D. Buy via Saks Fifth Ave for $1490.

Two bags, one dark, one tan/brown shade, two styles, two brands, same name? What motivates established fashion companies to rip each other’s names is beyond me.

On the top row, the Juicy Couture Stella in Dark Neutral and Black ($360 via eLuxury), on the bottom row the well liked Kooba Stella Tote in Brown and Black ($595 via eLuxury).

Which one do you prefer?

This stunning overnight bag is a favorite among celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and handbag lovers around the world. The Pauric Sweeney Patent Leather Bag is done in eccentric purple metallic patent leather. The color is very bold, so it could not be worn daily (well not if you are me), but would add serious amp to your outfit. There are short brown shoulder handles and a zip top fastening. For a large bag that can fit all of your necessities, this is a great go-to. The dimensions are good to make this bag perfect for overnight, if you happen to get stuck. If the purple/magenta is not your thing, there are more subdued color options and even python available.

Buy the attention-grabbing purple at Brown’s Fashion.

Or the Black Patent Leather version is available at NAP for $1410.