Tote bag troubles

[houseof999]

[emoji38][emoji38][emoji38]

Another LOL moment... And I hope you don’t take offense to this, but your comment made me think that I, at almost 6 foot, could carry you, at 5 foot, in that huge bag. [emoji3] And then I REALLY started giggling.

Lol yes! I can be your purse pet peeking out! Hahahaha! [emoji23][emoji23][emoji12]

 

[vixnkitten]

I literally JUST posted this on another thread. I wrote about my Arayla Hepburn tote. I have had this bag for about 3 months now and can't seem to make myself switch into another bag. I am a very fickle bag carrier and I get bored really fast. I am usually constantly switching bags so to say that I have been carrying the same bag for over 3 months says a lot!
I am a busy mom and school teacher and my bags are usually just dumping grounds for the random assortment of school supplies, tae kwon do equipment, Boy Scout supplies, school supplies etc. I have seriously packed so much stuff in my bag that I am surprised that the straps haven't pulled off! My favorite feature of the bag is the crossbody strap. This is a deal breaker for me. I have so many bags that don't offer this feature that are just sitting in my closet (a mono LV Neverfull and a large Le Pliage tote included) that I never use because I like to be able to just throw my bag across my shoulder and go. I do carry those bags occasionally when the load isn't so monstrous (I am afraid of that strap issue as I mentioned above) but don't find myself using them for travel. I am afraid to cram the LV under the seat because the price of that bag, for me, makes me want to pamper it. I like the Le Pliage, but it doesn't have any organization so it's just a big black hole. Here are a few pictures of the Hepburn tote:
I really hate pampering bags and haven't done that with this bag at all. I have been using it continuously and it has been in planes, on the floor of countless cars, restaurants, movie theatres, etc and it has not shown any signs of wear at all. I don't feel like I have to give this bag a second thought at all.
Arayla chooses quality luxury leathers for their bags and designs them with the busy working woman in mind. Another plus for me is that they are handmade in Los Angeles. I love supporting US made goods.
Good luck in your bag hunt!!

 

[houseof999]

I literally JUST posted this on another thread. I wrote about my Arayla Hepburn tote. I have had this bag for about 3 months now and can't seem to make myself switch into another bag. I am a very fickle bag carrier and I get bored really fast. I am usually constantly switching bags so to say that I have been carrying the same bag for over 3 months says a lot!
I am a busy mom and school teacher and my bags are usually just dumping grounds for the random assortment of school supplies, tae kwon do equipment, Boy Scout supplies, school supplies etc. I have seriously packed so much stuff in my bag that I am surprised that the straps haven't pulled off! My favorite feature of the bag is the crossbody strap. This is a deal breaker for me. I have so many bags that don't offer this feature that are just sitting in my closet (a mono LV Neverfull and a large Le Pliage tote included) that I never use because I like to be able to just throw my bag across my shoulder and go. I do carry those bags occasionally when the load isn't so monstrous (I am afraid of that strap issue as I mentioned above) but don't find myself using them for travel. I am afraid to cram the LV under the seat because the price of that bag, for me, makes me want to pamper it. I like the Le Pliage, but it doesn't have any organization so it's just a big black hole. Here are a few pictures of the Hepburn tote:View attachment 4011155 View attachment 4011153 View attachment 4011152
I really hate pampering bags and haven't done that with this bag at all. I have been using it continuously and it has been in planes, on the floor of countless cars, restaurants, movie theatres, etc and it has not shown any signs of wear at all. I don't feel like I have to give this bag a second thought at all.
Arayla chooses quality luxury leathers for their bags and designs them with the busy working woman in mind. Another plus for me is that they are handmade in Los Angeles. I love supporting US made goods.
Good luck in your bag hunt!!

Is it leather? I love that it has feet on the bottom! I am with you on the lack of crossbody straps on large totes. Only thing I would need on this would be an exterior pocket for easy retrieval of my cell phone.

 

[vixnkitten]

Is it leather? I love that it has feet on the bottom! I am with you on the lack of crossbody straps on large totes. Only thing I would need on this would be an exterior pocket for easy retrieval of my cell phone.

Yes, it is leather and I forgot to mention that it has a zip top closure so your things stay secure. I would love to have an outside pocket as well and I have heard from a little bird that a front pocket might be a feature on the Hepburn in the near future. The leather is amazing. It is buttery when you first get it out of the box and after it has been used it transforms from a velvety buttery leather to one with a beautiful soft sheen. Honestly, though, I don't know how they do it, but nothing harms this leather. I have spilled all kinds of food and drink on my bag and it just wipes off with a wet cloth and leaves no marks or stains. There are three internal pockets. Two slip pockets and a zip pocket. I tend to keep my bag open so slipping my phone into the zip pocket works best for me. I am looking forward to another Hepburn in the future, one in a fun color and with a front pocket.

 

[houseof999]

Yes, it is leather and I forgot to mention that it has a zip top closure so your things stay secure. I would love to have an outside pocket as well and I have heard from a little bird that a front pocket might be a feature on the Hepburn in the near future. The leather is amazing. It is buttery when you first get it out of the box and after it has been used it transforms from a velvety buttery leather to one with a beautiful soft sheen. Honestly, though, I don't know how they do it, but nothing harms this leather. I have spilled all kinds of food and drink on my bag and it just wipes off with a wet cloth and leaves no marks or stains. There are three internal pockets. Two slip pockets and a zip pocket. I tend to keep my bag open so slipping my phone into the zip pocket works best for me. I am looking forward to another Hepburn in the future, one in a fun color and with a front pocket.

Thanks! I'll definitely stay tuned for a newer version with the pocket. If you find out about the new release feel free to tag me! [emoji4]

 

[mssmelanie]

I have had them all, LV, boat bag, Transport and the winner is..... Tory Burch Gemini Tote! (at least for me) I can't stop carrying mine in pink (girly girl lol). Structured yet will smoosh if needed, holds everything, no worries about putting it on the ground, I have literally used a paper towel with Windex to wipe marks off mine. The Transport just puddled, the LV I worried about, boat bag is awesome but will get wet/dirty. Plus, under $200! If you don't mind a patterned bag you should check it out!

Omg! I am going to suggest the same! I’ve had a few Gucci totes and other designer bags. Longchamps was too smooshy for me. I commute via train and walk almost a mile to work in all kinds of weather. I put my bag on the floor sometimes and bumping into people or things and having a designer tote just didn’t make sense when I had to keep worrying about it! So I use my white Tory Burch Gemini tote in the spring summer. I was going to buy black for the winter. But funny enough, I have been use this Star Wars tote from Charming Charlie’s. You can flip the sequins to change the color of the storm trooper.

 

[mssmelanie]

I also wanted to add that I usually have a smaller designer bag / wristlet inside that I can just take out when needed so at least I can get my designer fix in. I’m glad you brought up this topic so I can see everyone’s suggestions here!

 

[Clairen4]

Omg! I am going to suggest the same! I’ve had a few Gucci totes and other designer bags. Longchamps was too smooshy for me. I commute via train and walk almost a mile to work in all kinds of weather. I put my bag on the floor sometimes and bumping into people or things and having a designer tote just didn’t make sense when I had to keep worrying about it! So I use my white Tory Burch Gemini tote in the spring summer. I was going to buy black for the winter. But funny enough, I have been use this Star Wars tote from Charming Charlie’s. You can flip the sequins to change the color of the storm trooper. View attachment 4011202View attachment 4011203View attachment 4011204

The Star Wars geek in me just squeaked at the two toned sequins!!! So awesome!!! I’ve looked at the Gemini, and it’s gorgeous but I’m afraid I’ll need something a bit bigger... Thank you for the suggestion!!!

 

[vixnkitten]

Thanks! I'll definitely stay tuned for a newer version with the pocket. If you find out about the new release feel free to tag me!

Will do!!!!

 

[vixnkitten]

But funny enough, I have been use this Star Wars tote from Charming Charlie’s. You can flip the sequins to change the color of the storm trooper.

HOLY [email protected] need that!!!! I can't imagine that it's leather coming from Charming Charlie's but I would love to have that as a school bag. I had never been to one of their stores until I went to Arizona over Christmas and visited the store in Scottsdale. I just googled it and there is one THREE MILES AWAY FROM ME!!! How long ago did you get that???
(Sorry to hijack the thread.....I'm done now.... )

 

[muchstuff]

Fossil Tote, they're not expensive and look good. Anything I've purchased from that brand has been long lasting, I love their coated pouches...they have leather and PVC totes. Free engraving and embossing.
https://www.fossil.com/us/en/women/handbags/totes.html

 

[mssmelanie]

HOLY [email protected] need that!!!! I can't imagine that it's leather coming from Charming Charlie's but I would love to have that as a school bag. I had never been to one of their stores until I went to Arizona over Christmas and visited the store in Scottsdale. I just googled it and there is one THREE MILES AWAY FROM ME!!! How long ago did you get that???
(Sorry to hijack the thread.....I'm done now.... )

Probably not leather as it was $38! I used a coupon and bought other stuff so it came out to $30! I just got it on 2/25 so they might still have it! Go get it!

 

[vixnkitten]

Probably not leather as it was $38! I used a coupon and bought other stuff so it came out to $30! I just got it on 2/25 so they might still have it! Go get it!

This weekend.....going....done!! Thank you the info.

 

[Clairen4]

This weekend.....going....done!! Thank you the info.

Good luck!!!!

 

[Clairen4]

I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for your suggestions and advice. You all have been amazingly helpful and helped me frame up what my goals/needs are fromthis bag. I’ve narrowed it down to a few options I want to check out in person before making the final call. But again, you all have been so wonderful. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

(And if anyone is interested I’ll share the end result). Much love to you alll!!!