Alternative to the Madewell Tote - Any ideas please?

[chipsandgin]

I have been guilty of getting obsessed with a bag/shoes/dress in the past all the time then eventually giving in and buying it when I really shouldn't!

My latest obsession, which of course would change my life and solve everything is the Madewell Medium Transport Tote in English Saddle:

www.madewell.com/the-medium-transport-tote-F5788.html?dwvar_F5788_color=BR6755&cgid=accessories-bags&position=9&position=9#start=1

Only it is nearly £200 once you add on tax and delivery costs, and it is basically a tan leather tote - not even lined. Plus I can't afford it!

Anyone seen/bought anything similar at a fraction of the cost!? Or suggestions for a roomy plain tote that will go with anything?

I also have been coveting this bag; just looked and it's £158 on the John Lewis site 👀

They do a canvas one for £58 too

Thank you! You Maybe the canvas one will do the trick, will have a look...

Curious about this brand as ive never heard of it. Just clicked on the link and the tan one in John Lewis is out of stock. Geniune question - why is this brand and bag so popular?

Madewell is a sister company of J Crew, with a slightly younger, boho style. The quality of their clothes and bags is good, similar to J Crew I would say. I really like their jeans.

With regards to the bags, I have the smaller zipper version of the bag mentioned in the OP. It’s not quite as nice in real life as it looks in the photos and on Instagram. That said, I have been very happy with mine, it is wearing well and I am planning to get the medium Transport tote soon. BUT, I am in North America - I wouldn’t pay the UK prices quoted above for either bag. Definitely something to pick if you go on holiday to the States, look around for a UK alternative if not in the US.

That's really nice, I'd never heard of the brand. I have bought several bags from a company called My Exquisite who I found via Facebook. They do some great quality totes for around 60 euro and deliver worldwide I think. Italian leather and great service.

@Kahu Thanks very much for your advice and for explaining Madewell brand exactly the info I was looking for

@LuxuryWoman2018 Thank you for the recommendation for My Exquisite - I've just ordered this one:

www.myexquisiteshop.com/collections/womens-bags/products/the-classic-tote-bag

It's PU but looks lovely and will definitely do until I can afford the Madewell one! Also a good idea from pp re buying in America, might see if I can request whichever friend is next travelling to the States to have a look for me!

Thanks everyone for the input :)

I've just ordered it as well!
Thanks

Oh blimey, that is nice and I love the red colour. Glad you like the recommendation but wish I hadn't clicked the link because I need that bag for Autumn 😁

Ordered.

I love that madewell bag too no way could I justify it. I have a few bits from Madewell - love the tomboy vibe and quality is good. Shipping and tax make it v expensive, but do keep trawling the sale section. Can be good.

Get the one you actually want otherwise you will end up buying it in a few months after you've bought a cheaper version!

I have a not dis-similar unlined tan leather bag from Zara (bought about 3 years ago for £99). They're leather stuff is quite good quality (even if a lot of their clothing is not!) and worth checking out.

I have just received my tote from My Exquisite (from China) it's much smaller than I expected and looks awful - like a cheap knock-off. I'm sending it straight back. Just a heads up in case anyone else orders.

I had mine on Saturday and I really like it Lolly it's fine for everyday and a nice deep red. It did need to kind of 'stretch' but was fine once I put stuff in it. It's weird I've had stuff sent by them from Italy, the UK and Asia.
if I could find boots in a similar colour I'd be most happy