I'm really liking this very plain tote Mens Bleecker Leather Small Holdall which I plan to use over the shoulder but just can't decide between the black or brown. Has anyone else seen/tried this in person? Which is more all season and or versatile? Overall thoughts would be appreciated too.
Size is - 7 1/2" strap drop; 14 1/2" (l) x 13 3/4" (h) x 4 3/4" (w).
Pros and Cons about the Black
Black is a classic color, slightly more formal, the leather scratches easily but its easy to hide with shoe polish or other cover paint. Since the inside uses the same black leather, it may be hard to see, but its really not a large bag and my contents are not black. Most of my bags are black and this will be my second black tote/shopper, the other is a Madison Gathered Leather Tote w/gold hardware which is very different.
Pros and Cons about the Brown
Brown with black trim is more casual. But as I've said, this leather scratches easily and the bottom corners are very pointed so its going to show wear and fade faster and matching the exact shade of brown to cover is difficult. This is a rugged type of bag so scratches can add an aged character which may be a positive thing (or is that sales talk?), but stains can be a problem or can spraying a protectant help? Does having 2 colors add more versatility or clash more with different color clothing?
At $498, I think this bag is overpriced for what it is, a tote with no lining, no feet, minimum hardware but I like that asymmetrical look of the tough leather strap that I can easily add more holes for a longer strap drop. I find the strap drop on most Coach totes to be too short when worn with a winter coat and this seemed adjustable enough.
Opinions on the no lining suede interior?
I'll be combining my PCE and a bag return to cut the price to below $200.
Any other similar bags either Coach or not that I might also consider?
Size is - 7 1/2" strap drop; 14 1/2" (l) x 13 3/4" (h) x 4 3/4" (w).
Pros and Cons about the Black
Black is a classic color, slightly more formal, the leather scratches easily but its easy to hide with shoe polish or other cover paint. Since the inside uses the same black leather, it may be hard to see, but its really not a large bag and my contents are not black. Most of my bags are black and this will be my second black tote/shopper, the other is a Madison Gathered Leather Tote w/gold hardware which is very different.
Pros and Cons about the Brown
Brown with black trim is more casual. But as I've said, this leather scratches easily and the bottom corners are very pointed so its going to show wear and fade faster and matching the exact shade of brown to cover is difficult. This is a rugged type of bag so scratches can add an aged character which may be a positive thing (or is that sales talk?), but stains can be a problem or can spraying a protectant help? Does having 2 colors add more versatility or clash more with different color clothing?
At $498, I think this bag is overpriced for what it is, a tote with no lining, no feet, minimum hardware but I like that asymmetrical look of the tough leather strap that I can easily add more holes for a longer strap drop. I find the strap drop on most Coach totes to be too short when worn with a winter coat and this seemed adjustable enough.
Opinions on the no lining suede interior?
I'll be combining my PCE and a bag return to cut the price to below $200.
Any other similar bags either Coach or not that I might also consider?