I prefer the salmon bowler only because I have that bag...LOL! They are 2 very different bags. I really think it comes down to personal taste. The styles are totally different. If you want a shoulder bag, then the tote is better. The bowler has chain handles, more silver throughout the bag. The colors are very different also...one is a salmon color and the other is very, very pink. When they first came out I bought the pink bowler and returned it. It was really too pink for my taste. Also depends on what you wear and which bag will match better. Sorry, I'm not much help! Let us know what you decide.