Hi TPFrs!
You may want to grab a cup of tea or something because this is a little long and detailed.
So Ive been on the hunt for a non-trendy, structured, classy and chic black tote style handbag that I can carry for business and day. After considering budget and my pretty long search, I finally narrowed it down. My decision was between the Louis Vuitton Montaigne Empreinte GM ($3500), Chanel Cerf/Executive Tote ($3,400) and the Prada Saffiano Cuir Double Bag ($2870).
So far the Prada Double Bag is winning my heart. Let me tell you why:
LV Montaigne Empreinte
While the leather on the LV smells scrumptious, I ruled it out mainly because the front and back of bag is very logo-y. (If thats what you are going for than thats great.) I also noticed something weird when I look at the bag from certain angles in person and in pics, the empreinte sides of this particular bag occasionally look rubber, although I know its genuine leather. Wondering if its just me? I did mention it to the SA and she actually said I never noticed that until you just brought it to my attention - I can see what you mean. I wasnt particularly crazy about the lining. I did like the leather middle zippered compartment and the security it provides. I felt the price point was too high. I would have preferred to see something under $3K. But lets face it all the luxury-high-end designer bags have crazy price points attached now. So I guess it just boils down to making sure you love it (practicality and aesthetics)!
Chanel Executive Tote (Cerf)
Ill be honest I was hoping to walk into Chanel and fall in love with the Chanel Cerf (which is also referred to as the Executive Cerf now, I guess). I visited 2 Chanel boutiques inside Saks in Beverly Hills and the other in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. I was disappointed in the shape of the bag and how stiff and boxy the bag seemed. I could wear the top handles over my shoulder but it seemed so boxy that it made my arm stick out. I couldnt wear it over my shoulder comfortably. The bag was also a little long in width and not as high as I would have liked. I wanted gold hardware, they only had the silver but I didnt love the overall bag so I wouldnt have gotten it anyway. I still havent given up on Chanel, it just doesnt seem like they have what I want now. I will keep my eye on Chanel for future versions of this tote or other totes.
Prada Saffiano Cuir Double Bag
Now lets get to my baby that I have the option to return in less than 14 days (only 10 days left). My darling husband actually purchased this Prada Saffiano Cuir Double Bag for me as a gift. I know they have all sorts of colors to choose from but I was specifically looking for a timeless all black tote so I chose the black on black. The saffiano cuir exterior is softer than the saffiano lux. Its interior is made of lambskin leather.
I believe the bag comes in 3 sizes now (small, medium and large). I picked out the medium size 10 ½ H x 14 W x 7D for my 56, 135 lb frame. It comes with a detachable adjustable shoulder strap. The original version (black with red interior) released in February 2014 only came in one large size and did not come with the shoulder strap. The new large doesnt come with shoulder strap either. I love the fact that you can carry it in your hand, arm or on your shoulder. I can even carry it on my shoulder using the top handles, they just wont fit over a bulky coat or sweater.
As you can see, it has fixed handles. I like the way they stay up in the air on this bag.
Im ok with the top having no zipper for added security because the top handles have a little strap that you can snap to keep the handles close together which reduces the opening at top of bag. The snaps on the side of the bag also help keep the sides tucked even more.
This Double Bag doesnt seem like it will lose its shape (like one of Pradas other styles, Saffiano Lux Double Zip tote) because it has a snap flap pocket in the middle, that some may feel is a weird pocket but that piece in the middle was designed to help the bag keep its shape and provide some organization to the inside. I actually like having that separation because I can put my magazines on one side and put whatever else I want on the other. The small pocket included is just another benefit and can hold small items (cell, keys, etc).
This bag also comes in a smooth calf skin leather exterior which I considered. Its called the City Calf Double Bag. I dont think this one has the shoulder strap. My sales associate advised me not to consider it for everyday because she said the leather will eventually get scratched and start to look worn. For the $2,900 + price point we wouldnt want that to happen now would we?! So I went with the saffiano cuir. I appreciate the minimalistic design and it has just enough gold hardware including Pradas triangular logo that neither looks cheap or overbearing.
Id love to hear your comments!
You may want to grab a cup of tea or something because this is a little long and detailed.
So Ive been on the hunt for a non-trendy, structured, classy and chic black tote style handbag that I can carry for business and day. After considering budget and my pretty long search, I finally narrowed it down. My decision was between the Louis Vuitton Montaigne Empreinte GM ($3500), Chanel Cerf/Executive Tote ($3,400) and the Prada Saffiano Cuir Double Bag ($2870).
So far the Prada Double Bag is winning my heart. Let me tell you why:
LV Montaigne Empreinte
While the leather on the LV smells scrumptious, I ruled it out mainly because the front and back of bag is very logo-y. (If thats what you are going for than thats great.) I also noticed something weird when I look at the bag from certain angles in person and in pics, the empreinte sides of this particular bag occasionally look rubber, although I know its genuine leather. Wondering if its just me? I did mention it to the SA and she actually said I never noticed that until you just brought it to my attention - I can see what you mean. I wasnt particularly crazy about the lining. I did like the leather middle zippered compartment and the security it provides. I felt the price point was too high. I would have preferred to see something under $3K. But lets face it all the luxury-high-end designer bags have crazy price points attached now. So I guess it just boils down to making sure you love it (practicality and aesthetics)!
Chanel Executive Tote (Cerf)
Ill be honest I was hoping to walk into Chanel and fall in love with the Chanel Cerf (which is also referred to as the Executive Cerf now, I guess). I visited 2 Chanel boutiques inside Saks in Beverly Hills and the other in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. I was disappointed in the shape of the bag and how stiff and boxy the bag seemed. I could wear the top handles over my shoulder but it seemed so boxy that it made my arm stick out. I couldnt wear it over my shoulder comfortably. The bag was also a little long in width and not as high as I would have liked. I wanted gold hardware, they only had the silver but I didnt love the overall bag so I wouldnt have gotten it anyway. I still havent given up on Chanel, it just doesnt seem like they have what I want now. I will keep my eye on Chanel for future versions of this tote or other totes.
Prada Saffiano Cuir Double Bag
Now lets get to my baby that I have the option to return in less than 14 days (only 10 days left). My darling husband actually purchased this Prada Saffiano Cuir Double Bag for me as a gift. I know they have all sorts of colors to choose from but I was specifically looking for a timeless all black tote so I chose the black on black. The saffiano cuir exterior is softer than the saffiano lux. Its interior is made of lambskin leather.
I believe the bag comes in 3 sizes now (small, medium and large). I picked out the medium size 10 ½ H x 14 W x 7D for my 56, 135 lb frame. It comes with a detachable adjustable shoulder strap. The original version (black with red interior) released in February 2014 only came in one large size and did not come with the shoulder strap. The new large doesnt come with shoulder strap either. I love the fact that you can carry it in your hand, arm or on your shoulder. I can even carry it on my shoulder using the top handles, they just wont fit over a bulky coat or sweater.
As you can see, it has fixed handles. I like the way they stay up in the air on this bag.
Im ok with the top having no zipper for added security because the top handles have a little strap that you can snap to keep the handles close together which reduces the opening at top of bag. The snaps on the side of the bag also help keep the sides tucked even more.
This Double Bag doesnt seem like it will lose its shape (like one of Pradas other styles, Saffiano Lux Double Zip tote) because it has a snap flap pocket in the middle, that some may feel is a weird pocket but that piece in the middle was designed to help the bag keep its shape and provide some organization to the inside. I actually like having that separation because I can put my magazines on one side and put whatever else I want on the other. The small pocket included is just another benefit and can hold small items (cell, keys, etc).
This bag also comes in a smooth calf skin leather exterior which I considered. Its called the City Calf Double Bag. I dont think this one has the shoulder strap. My sales associate advised me not to consider it for everyday because she said the leather will eventually get scratched and start to look worn. For the $2,900 + price point we wouldnt want that to happen now would we?! So I went with the saffiano cuir. I appreciate the minimalistic design and it has just enough gold hardware including Pradas triangular logo that neither looks cheap or overbearing.
Id love to hear your comments!
