We recently brought you a sneak peek of what you can expect from Christian Louboutin in Spring 2016, and thankfully, some of these spring accessories have started to trickle into stores. Louboutin has a lot to offer this upcoming season, and I wanted to take a closer look at the Paloma Tote, which is the brand’s biggest Spring 2016 handbag debut.
The Paloma Tote is both bold and sophisticated, and the black calfskin version has a contrasting nude top handle and Louboutin’s red sole emblem, as well as a red interior peeking out. At first glance, it feels a bit bare for a Louboutin bag (remember the Lucky L Hobo?), but the gussets provide a hidden pop of Louboutin, with leopard-print patent leather, spike detailing and, of course, a bit of red.
The bag also comes with a removable shoulder strap, which is important because the tote can feel a bit heavy when carried by the top handles. Since the bag is quite large, I initially didn’t think the shoulder strap would be functional or comfortable, as is often the issue with large, structured bags. Surprisingly, this adjustable strap proved me wrong; it fell at just the right spot on my body and the top handles weren’t in my way. The combination of structure and versatility makes it an excellent work bag.
I quickly fell in love with the unique structure of the bag, but it was the interior that really made me swoon. I love bags that help me stay organized and the red suede portfolio-style interior is hard to resist. Also, not everyone will agree with me, but I personally love a bag that doesn’t have a top closure. I like to have things at easy access without having to fumble with closures, clasps and buttons. The two zipper compartments are enough to keep my valuables hidden while still having other things in my handbag easily accessible, which is always a plus when I’m using a bag for work. But don’t fret, there’s still a concealed pull-out strap if you’re not completely comfortable having everything out in the open.
Louboutin sent us a sample that I got to use for a couple of days, and I have to say it’s way more functional than it looks. Everything from my daily essentials to my 13-inch Macbook for work (I wasn’t kidding when I said this was huge!) fit comfortably. If that’s not enough to convince you of the design’s worthiness, I also received a bunch of compliments while carrying the bag and everyone was dying to know the designer–always a perk in my book!
Also, if you’re wondering about the shoes in our photos, they’re the Christian Louboutin So Baker Sandals and they are even more awesome in person!
The Paloma comes in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes and can shop all these different options at Christian Louboutin. You can also shop this exact version at Neiman Marcus for $2,490.
You can’t shop for the large tote at the Louboutin site except in the “capucine” color: all the others sold out. And only two small versions of the tote are available. But thanks for flagging this up! I will be in Paris next month and might see what’s available there. I like these totes and some of the other CL bags/SLGs — they have a lot of snap and attitude.
Unfortunately these bags are selling out quick, but this exact version is currently available at Neiman Marcus! Hope you treat yourself in Paris!
Unfortunately, I live thousands of miles (and one ocean) away from the nearest Neiman Marcus and I like to handle bags before I buy them. So I will wait two weeks and cross my fingers that it’s still available in Paris. (also,the large looks just a little too big to me and the small looks a little too small — another reason I want to see them in person). But I’m on the prowl for a new work bag that has some style and this is definitely high up on my list. And the price isn’t bad either — the LV Montaigne GM I’m considering is a few hundred more.
I love this bag and I am not usually a fan of Louboutin bags. Going to Paris at the end of March. I wonder if the bag will be available for purchase there or sold out.
I SERIOUSLY need this bag!!
Red suede in the interior? Daring. No crocking issues so far?
Looks way too structured.
Those heels look like how my legs would feel wearing them for longer than 2 minutes tbh.
The booties look like pineapples.
The bag is stunning.
It looks clunky especially when worn over-the-shoulder.
Ugly shoes, so so bag. Not interested at all.
The bags is gorgeous! The shoes are freaking me out!