Question for Gallery Tote Owners regarding the strap buckles...

I forgot to mention that the gallery book tote in my pic is a factory bag, not necessarily the one you'll currently find in the Coach store or department store. I think the one the OP is referring to is a little different in size and strap length than mine.

Good to know, gotracey! Thanks! If I don't get the Gallery Tote before Xmas, I'll be sure to look out for it at the Factory Outlet near my Parents' house (I'll be shopping at their Outlet around Xmas time!). :tup:
 
I have a 2006 (the pink/burgundy one?) holiday patchwork gallery tote which I think measures 14Lx9H x5W with a 9" drop. I looked at the current Coach offerings and the handles are so different on the various gallery totes. So I'd definitely second others and recommend that you try them on in person at Coach to be sure how you like the handles.

Mine has no buckles on the strap parts that would touch your arm; instead the buckles are on the bag portion. The straps are thin and a little bit rounded, very comfortable. I'll look for a picture to attach as example. I noticed on the studded gallery tote that there are buckles closer to where the front of your arm might meet the strap, but I did try it on in person and can't recall that the bag felt like it was digging into my arm -- of course though there was nothing in the bag except paper stuffing so not sure how different it might be if it were loaded up with normal purse things.

Personally I love my gallery tote! :heart: It feels comfortable no matter whether I stuff it or not. I do tend to stuff my bags so it can get heavy, and with a purseket also causing it to bulk out sometimes, it gets a little thick under my arm but still managable. There's no pain when I wear my bag even if it is heavy. The straps seem to stay on my shoulder for the most part, except one strap sometimes slips off when I have the bag overstuffed.

I like the thinner straps. (I can't get over the Carly's super-thick middle strap reinforcer as it feels uncomfortable when I hold the handles in my hand as opposed to wearing on shoulder.)
 

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I have a 2006 (the pink/burgundy one?) holiday patchwork gallery tote which I think measures 14Lx9H x5W with a 9" drop. I looked at the current Coach offerings and the handles are so different on the various gallery totes. So I'd definitely second others and recommend that you try them on in person at Coach to be sure how you like the handles.

Mine has no buckles on the strap parts that would touch your arm; instead the buckles are on the bag portion. The straps are thin and a little bit rounded, very comfortable. I'll look for a picture to attach as example. I noticed on the studded gallery tote that there are buckles closer to where the front of your arm might meet the strap, but I did try it on in person and can't recall that the bag felt like it was digging into my arm -- of course though there was nothing in the bag except paper stuffing so not sure how different it might be if it were loaded up with normal purse things.

Personally I love my gallery tote! :heart: It feels comfortable no matter whether I stuff it or not. I do tend to stuff my bags so it can get heavy, and with a purseket also causing it to bulk out sometimes, it gets a little thick under my arm but still managable. There's no pain when I wear my bag even if it is heavy. The straps seem to stay on my shoulder for the most part, except one strap sometimes slips off when I have the bag overstuffed.

I like the thinner straps. (I can't get over the Carly's super-thick middle strap reinforcer as it feels uncomfortable when I hold the handles in my hand as opposed to wearing on shoulder.)


Beeeeautiful tote, btw!! DO they still make it? Probably not, huh
 
I went and tried on the various Totes this weekend and most of them were a teeny tiny bit snug on my shoulder and they wouldn't fit over a coat or anything. Luckily, AZ doesn't get winter weather for very long. I still like these Gallery Totes so I may still end up getting one. I appreciate everyone's opinion on these - you helped me consider factors I didn't even think of!! Thanks!!
 
Beeeeautiful tote, btw!! DO they still make it? Probably not, huh

Thanks. :shame: And these should still be available, check a Coach outlet. I got mine at the Hawaii outlet within the past couple of months when they had the gallery tote, larger tote, duffle (I think), wristlet, etc. I went there last week and it looked like they only had the larger tote size and the wristlet left, though, and I didn't ask if more would be coming in.

I heard either from these forums or in-store that the holiday patchwork is apparently made for factory and available at outlets the year following its release. So that's why I assumed mine is from 2006 holiday patchwork, since I got it this year 2007. I did hear also that sometimes they change the pattern or something small for the factory re-release. But one of the Coach boutique SAs who was totally eyeing my purse said that she didn't think any of the patches had been changed! :yahoo:
 
I have the bronze tote pictured in my signature pic. I have been using it every single day (even though I have a bunch of other bags I dont use anymore!) since I got it on Ebay last year for Mothers day and some days, I STUFF that thing to the MAX! I have larger arms and I didnt think the straps would work for me at first, but its works FINE for me! I either carry it in my hand, hanging in the crook of my elbow or even on my shoulder! I actually was able to get it on over my shoulder with a coat on yesterday!
Now that I have the tote, I just completely LOVE that style bag! Its SOO perfect for everday! I just got the black studded tote last week and I havent used it yet because
I might be returning it. I have issues with the fabric, I have a feeling its going to be very prone to pulls! :sad:
Anyway, here are a few pics of me with the studded tote.....

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/MissyJane27/Joy/IMG_5644.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/MissyJane27/Joy/IMG_5643.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/MissyJane27/Joy/IMG_5642.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

CRAP!!! I dont know how to make the pictures work, SORRY! :sad:
:girlsigh:
 
I have the new Gallery tote from this fall, I always wear it on my shoulder and I stuff that bag full with heavy things....it is really comfortable. I never noticed the buckles btw.
 
I have the bronze tote pictured in my signature pic. I have been using it every single day (even though I have a bunch of other bags I dont use anymore!) since I got it on Ebay last year for Mothers day and some days, I STUFF that thing to the MAX! I have larger arms and I didnt think the straps would work for me at first, but its works FINE for me! I either carry it in my hand, hanging in the crook of my elbow or even on my shoulder! I actually was able to get it on over my shoulder with a coat on yesterday!
Now that I have the tote, I just completely LOVE that style bag! Its SOO perfect for everday! I just got the black studded tote last week and I havent used it yet because
I might be returning it. I have issues with the fabric, I have a feeling its going to be very prone to pulls! :sad:
Anyway, here are a few pics of me with the studded tote.....

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/MissyJane27/Joy/IMG_5644.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/MissyJane27/Joy/IMG_5643.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/MissyJane27/Joy/IMG_5642.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

CRAP!!! I dont know how to make the pictures work, SORRY! :sad::girlsigh:

Thanks, Glamrgirl! I have bigger upper arms and I was concerned about that so it's so good to know that the Gallery Tote straps work just fine for you. Do you have the Large Totes or Medium Totes or the Small ones? I have a tendency to load up my purses, too, so I usually want to make sure my purse(s) can handle it fully packed! *LOL* I'm sorry I couldn't view your photos but if you get the photos to work/post, I'd love to see your collection! :yes:
 
I have the new Gallery tote from this fall, I always wear it on my shoulder and I stuff that bag full with heavy things....it is really comfortable. I never noticed the buckles btw.

That's so good to know! I'm putting the Gallery Tote on my December PCE wish-list (if I get a PCE in December). Thanks, Kimmi!
 
I have the bronze tote pictured in my signature pic. I have been using it every single day (even though I have a bunch of other bags I dont use anymore!) since I got it on Ebay last year for Mothers day and some days, I STUFF that thing to the MAX! I have larger arms and I didnt think the straps would work for me at first, but its works FINE for me! I either carry it in my hand, hanging in the crook of my elbow or even on my shoulder! I actually was able to get it on over my shoulder with a coat on yesterday!
Now that I have the tote, I just completely LOVE that style bag! Its SOO perfect for everday! I just got the black studded tote last week and I havent used it yet because
I might be returning it. I have issues with the fabric, I have a feeling its going to be very prone to pulls! :sad:
Anyway, here are a few pics of me with the studded tote.....

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/MissyJane27/Joy/IMG_5644.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/MissyJane27/Joy/IMG_5643.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/MissyJane27/Joy/IMG_5642.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

CRAP!!! I dont know how to make the pictures work, SORRY! :sad::girlsigh:


What about the gallery studded tote makes you think it will run/tear? I just saw the bag and tried it on in the store and am thinking of getting it for Christmas! Now im worried...:s
 
What about the gallery studded tote makes you think it will run/tear? I just saw the bag and tried it on in the store and am thinking of getting it for Christmas! Now im worried...:s

Well, my hands are kind of rough right now due to the excessive washing I have to do at work. When I was trying the bag on at the store, I kept hearing that awful scratching on it when one of my poor dry cracked fingers brushed against it. So I keep bringing it out and trying it to see if its going to get pulls. It really feels and sounds like it will! :sad:
But I dont know ? :shrugs:
 
I tried on the gallery tote in the store today and I noticed that the straps soften up nicely after its been used a little while. At first I thought the straps were too stiff and "hard", but after trying the display model, they seem to get nice and soft and comfortable with use. It's on my PCE list for next month too!