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Original poster

Tote bag 1-1.5k

32 replies

Epli · 04/02/2023 19:11

I managed to find a job with 30% pay rise so I want to treat myself to a nice tote bag. I narrowed the choice down to following options, any feedback on quality of those?

  1. DeMellier New York in black croc
  2. Sain Laurent Tote back in black
  3. Tods Bag in Leather
  4. Second hand Saint Laurent Sac du Jour

Any other brands/models in similar style I should consider? I am not keen on Mulberry (I already have bags from this brand so I want something diffrent) or Aspinal, and bags like Goyard or LV Neverfull are my idea of fashion hell ;). I need it to be scratch resistant.

OP posts:
Shoemadlady · 04/02/2023 19:12

Does it have to be designer? The best leather shops in the world are in Florence and you'd get something amazing and potentially custom if you took a cheap flight over x

LadyOfTheCanyon · 04/02/2023 19:24

The DeMellier is the nicest out of those I think - no way would I spend that much on the YSL tote, it's so basic looking.
Tods used to be excellent quality leather, not sure if that's still the case. The violet colour or the black red is lovely.
Not keen on the vintage one either if I'm honest.

I think with a tote you want at least a bit of flair as they're such workaday bags.

Mumwithbaggage · 04/02/2023 19:28

That first YSL tote looks very generic and boring - wouldn't pay that much for it. Identical style to the Coach bag I use as a primary school teacher (145ish in the sale??)

Quite like the first bag in mock croc but again, I have a Zara knock off.

As pp said, some absolutely lovely not designer bags out there. Cheap weekend in Florence/Rome sounds a more exciting plan to me! Just depends what you want. Btw, my one and only Prada bag (still going strong after 26 years) was bought in Venice for much less than what it cost in the UK at the time.

Usernamen · 04/02/2023 20:07

The 4th one is the nicest.

LadyOfTheCanyon · 04/02/2023 20:11

I might be off to Florence in March - where would anyone recommend? ( sorry to hop on your thread OP!)

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 04/02/2023 20:22

LadyOfTheCanyon · 04/02/2023 20:11

I might be off to Florence in March - where would anyone recommend? ( sorry to hop on your thread OP!)

I was in Florence last year , we were taken (in our tour party ) to a leather and gold shop .
It was in a Square with a Church at the top end , leather shop on the left side facing the Church
There was jasmine growing outside .

I know I'm the opposite of help , but I don;t wear leather , I only went in 'cos we all did and I needed the loo !

Original poster
Epli · 04/02/2023 20:55

Shoemadlady · 04/02/2023 19:12

Does it have to be designer? The best leather shops in the world are in Florence and you'd get something amazing and potentially custom if you took a cheap flight over x

Yes, I actually once lived there, I do like quality of the leather offered but I like a bit more luxurious finish.

OP posts:
Original poster
Epli · 04/02/2023 20:57

Christmascracker0 · 04/02/2023 20:27

Thanks!

I am intrigued by Strathberry and Serapian - anyone actually has them? How's the quality?

OP posts:
Inca22 · 04/02/2023 21:07

I LOVE the sac du jour. that would be my pick and then the other ysl one.

mobear · 04/02/2023 21:49

I have (2) and it’s a lovely, lovely bag. I tend to default to my Neverfull though because I worry about it less not being leather. That said I’ve worn (2) rather a lot in the 3-4 years since I bought it and it still looks good as new. It was £685 in 2019 though, geez!

LoobyDop · 04/02/2023 22:49

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 04/02/2023 20:22

I was in Florence last year , we were taken (in our tour party ) to a leather and gold shop .
It was in a Square with a Church at the top end , leather shop on the left side facing the Church
There was jasmine growing outside .

I know I'm the opposite of help , but I don;t wear leather , I only went in 'cos we all did and I needed the loo !

Show quote history

Are there squares in Florence that don’t have a church at one end and a leather shop?

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 04/02/2023 22:57

LoobyDop · 04/02/2023 22:49

Are there squares in Florence that don’t have a church at one end and a leather shop?

Show quote history

I did say that I was the opposite of help , but this was a nice one , and even though I don't use it myself the leather smelled lovely Grin

MrsMikeDrop · 04/02/2023 22:59

I like the croc one, I think if you're going to treat yourself then you want something extra special that stands out. Congrats on the payrise! 🙂

Florissant · 04/02/2023 23:12

I like the Tod's in violet and the sac du jour. If you can get the latter second hand, go for it!

I have two Celine trapeze bags and love them, though they probably lack the luxurious finish you want, OP.

And congratulations on the new job!

rosewater20 · 05/02/2023 04:31

I almost bought the YSL tote but after talking with the SA decided against as it does show a lot of marks and you need to be careful with it (friends who own it also confirmed). I have a DeMeiller and Strathberry and love both brands and they are both great quality.

Original poster
Epli · 05/02/2023 09:59

Florissant · 04/02/2023 23:12

I like the Tod's in violet and the sac du jour. If you can get the latter second hand, go for it!

I have two Celine trapeze bags and love them, though they probably lack the luxurious finish you want, OP.

And congratulations on the new job!

I like Celine but I have impression these bags weight a lot - am I wrong?

OP posts:
Florissant · 05/02/2023 21:43

They can be quite heavy because the leather is extremely thick and hard-wearing but this means they keep their shape quite well. If you like soft leather then the trapeze bag might not be for you.

Ireolu · 05/02/2023 22:07

I was going to suggest the celine one already listed. The SL one that is in the OP is quite flimsy. Tried it on couldn't get it over my coat, quite thin leather imo. Would suggest definitely trying out in person if possible.

LadySpratt · 05/02/2023 22:27

I’m a fan of Anya Hindmarch. I bought two of her bags years ago; one full price in Harrods and the other at Bicester. They’ve both stood the test of time beautifully. I particularly like that they can be customised, although I chose not to do so.

PersonaNonGarter · 05/02/2023 22:52

The Metier one is nice. Some of the others suggested lack personality.

BakeOffRewatch · 05/02/2023 23:07

Oh my god I love the Metier bag that was linked by @Christmascracker0 . So classic, beautiful and useful and lovely on the inside. www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/metier/bags/tote-bags/incognito-small-leather-tote/43769801095317215

birthday gift list!!

BakeOffRewatch · 05/02/2023 23:15

oh the brand even has a super useful features and size comparison tool with annotated pictures 🤤 metier.com/pages/compare-contrast-women?1=Incognito+Cross+Body+Cabas&2=Incognito+Small+Cabas&3=Incognito+Large+Cabas Thank you @Christmascracker0 for introducing the brand

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