Your favorite black leather tote?

[dramaprincess713]

I'm searching for a black, leather tote, and cannot seem to make a decision! I'm looking for something chic, professional, and classic - I basically never want to buy a black tote again. My two top front-runners are the YSL Shopper tote and the Cuyana Structured Tote in the mock croc. My thoughts on both currently are:

YSL Shopper tote Pros:
- Love the minimal branding
- Love the removable YSL clochette - a little something extra when I want it, but can be taken off when I don't
- Love the shape of this one - I vastly prefer E-W totes, and this one is squarely E-W.
- Love how it doesn't seem to be super pebbled - at least in pictures. I feel like when pebbling is super obvious, it can give off a more casual vibe, which isn't what I'm going for.
- I like and appreciate that it comes with the removable pouch.

YSL Shopper tote Cons:
- More expensive than the Cuyana ($995 vs $355; I would definitely wait for some sort of code if I got for the YSL, but it would still be more than the Cuyana)
- No inner pocket - the pouch helps, but I do prefer inner pockets for phone and key/id storage.
- Doing research on it now, but I'm uncertain about the wear and tear.

Cuyana Pros:
- No visible branding
- I like that the mock croc is something a bit different
- It has an inner pocket!
- Price is less than the YSL

Cuyana Cons:
- I like the mock croc, but I also wonder if I will get sick of it?
- I like the shape of this one just fine, but I prefer the shape of the YSL
- Again, trying to research it, but I'm uncertain about the wear and tear

Any thoughts on which one I should go for? I want this to be my ONE black tote, and I'm facing decision paralysis are a result! I'm also open to other suggestions!

Photos for reference:

YSL:

Cuyana:

 

[jayohwhy]

I clicked on your thread to tell you that my absolute favorite tote is the ysl north south tote. I had originally looked at the east west because I like how the design looks but ended up getting the north south and am very glad I did. The corners don't get floppy, it fits a ton, the handles look like the day I bought it and it's a very flattering silhouette. I love how it's a premier designer but is so subtle that I feel comfortable taking it everywhere.

I've had the neverfull in the past and hated how it was so wide that people were knocking into it from behind.

This tote has survived so much, including two water bottle explosions and emerged unscathed. No matter how many times I try to quit it, I always go back to it. Full disclosure, though, I do carry the ysl lou camera back inside as my grab and go purse when I don't need my entire tote with me, but 99% of the time, the whole tote is usually with me, either as my work bag or my baby bag!

 

[Swathi]

I have an everlane market tote in black leather. Been using it all the time for work for 2 years. I carry my 15 inch MacBook in it. Very good tote, great quality leather

 

[dramaprincess713]

I clicked on your thread to tell you that my absolute favorite tote is the ysl north south tote. I had originally looked at the east west because I like how the design looks but ended up getting the north south and am very glad I did. The corners don't get floppy, it fits a ton, the handles look like the day I bought it and it's a very flattering silhouette. I love how it's a premier designer but is so subtle that I feel comfortable taking it everywhere.

I've had the neverfull in the past and hated how it was so wide that people were knocking into it from behind.

This tote has survived so much, including two water bottle explosions and emerged unscathed. No matter how many times I try to quit it, I always go back to it. Full disclosure, though, I do carry the ysl lou camera back inside as my grab and go purse when I don't need my entire tote with me, but 99% of the time, the whole tote is usually with me, either as my work bag or my baby bag!

I'm such a fan of the east-west silhouette, that I never considered the north-south, but after your review, I may have to re-consider! I'm so happy to hear the tote has held up so wonderfully! It certainly gives me confidence in YSL totes!

I have an everlane market tote in black leather. Been using it all the time for work for 2 years. I carry my 15 inch MacBook in it. Very good tote, great quality leather

The Everlane is beautiful! I actually had it on my list and did purchase it, but it didn't work out for me. I'm one of those rare birds that apparently likes thinner straps, so I found the straps on the Everlane tote uncomfortable. They felt like they were always about to fall off. I also found it a bit too slim/thin for my needs. It's a shame though because it really is a beautiful and very well-priced tote!

 

[Diva_k3000]

I'm searching for a black, leather tote, and cannot seem to make a decision! I'm looking for something chic, professional, and classic - I basically never want to buy a black tote again. My two top front-runners are the YSL Shopper tote and the Cuyana Structured Tote in the mock croc. My thoughts on both currently are:

YSL Shopper tote Pros:
- Love the minimal branding
- Love the removable YSL clochette - a little something extra when I want it, but can be taken off when I don't
- Love the shape of this one - I vastly prefer E-W totes, and this one is squarely E-W.
- Love how it doesn't seem to be super pebbled - at least in pictures. I feel like when pebbling is super obvious, it can give off a more casual vibe, which isn't what I'm going for.
- I like and appreciate that it comes with the removable pouch.

YSL Shopper tote Cons:
- More expensive than the Cuyana ($995 vs $355; I would definitely wait for some sort of code if I got for the YSL, but it would still be more than the Cuyana)
- No inner pocket - the pouch helps, but I do prefer inner pockets for phone and key/id storage.
- Doing research on it now, but I'm uncertain about the wear and tear.

Cuyana Pros:
- No visible branding
- I like that the mock croc is something a bit different
- It has an inner pocket!
- Price is less than the YSL

Cuyana Cons:
- I like the mock croc, but I also wonder if I will get sick of it?
- I like the shape of this one just fine, but I prefer the shape of the YSL
- Again, trying to research it, but I'm uncertain about the wear and tear

Any thoughts on which one I should go for? I want this to be my ONE black tote, and I'm facing decision paralysis are a result! I'm also open to other suggestions!

Photos for reference:

YSL:

Cuyana:

I’m OBSESSED with my Mansur Gavriel tote, and it sounds like it has everything you want. Classic look, minimal branding, removable pouch, structured leather that only gets better with age!