Battle of the backpacks, plus totes under consideration.

Pics 1-3: comparing the Milly and Aimee Kestenberg backpacks. Milly is the silver, and the AK is the cobalt. Not much contest for me: I LOVE the Kestenberg bag! The leather is soft but with enough structure, the zipper is sturdy and smooth, the straps are very adjustable and comfortable, and it's easy to use. By contrast, even though the Milly is really cute and fun, the zippers are sticky and not easy to use, the leather is stiff, and the straps are barely adjustable and not very comfortable.

Pics 4-7: Aimee Kestenberg small tote. This is actually a little larger than I was expecting, but I really like it. It seems very well-made, yet it is not heavy like some bags are. Comfortable on the shoulder or in hand, and I love the colors. The material is a printed heavy fabric, almost like a corduroy, accented with leather. I'm definitely considering keeping this, but I'll take my time deciding. I want to be sure the pattern plays well with my wardrobe.

Pics 8-11: the Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote in silver. I like this but I'm not sure if I love it. It would replace the silver slouchy tote and the grey and black one in photo #10. It's a little smaller than my most-frequently used tote (pic 11). I like the structure, but the handles are a little stiff, and I wish the handle length were a bit longer -- it's not the most comfortable strap on my shoulder in summer, and I'm afraid or might be a little tight over the shoulder with a winter coat. So I'm thinking I have not found my perfect go-with-all tote yet.

Feedback welcome!

PS Pics are not styled per se -- just threw on with today's outfit, damp hair and no makeup.

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11 years ago

Anonymous

If I understand this correctly, you are looking to add one backpack and one tote. I agree with you. The cobalt backpack is superior to the silver backpack, based on the pictures. I would definitely consider keeping the cobalt one.

I'm sad that the silver tote didn't work out because that was the one I was eyeing for myself. I noted your comments for future consideration. The blue tote is quite quite nice.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love the Minkoff, but if it is not the right size and shape for you, banish it! Do they make a bigger one in this silver?

The cobalt backpack is super! Does it have any pockets or compartments?

I really like the fabric bag, too -- it looks almost holographic in the photos. Very interesting, but you're right -- it might not play as well with others!

Oh, and I just had to post a photo of today's outfit. We are virtual twins.

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I really dig both backpacks and the tote in #5.

Carla

The cobalt backpack and peacock tote get my vote. The tote looks like the leather is black, but the colours in the bag look like it will work well with cognac as well. Bet it picks up your eye colour when on your shoulder.

Neel

The cobalt backpack is beautiful and looks like its a keep. Such a vibrant and gorgeous color on you!

I am on the fence for the patterned tote. It is a lovely pattern and color but I wonder the same thing as you. Does it play well with your wardrobe? There in Iies the solution.

I love the versatility of the minkoff and its clean lines. But if it doesn't work for you ... Off it goes.

Janet

I'm sorry -- I was kind of rushing and didn't really explain what I'm after.

I'm definitely in the market for a backpack style bag. I like it for a change of pace. So I was thinking one backpack would be a keeper, if I found the right one. Looks like I had a success right off the bat on that one!

I just purged seven handbags from my collection, and another two will go away (the grey and black tote, and the slouchy silver one, but only after I find the replacement -- a great neutral tote, preferably a metallic). I'm waiting to see what's at NAS, because I would still love a great burgundy bag, but I'm in no rush.

However, these grabbed my eye so I thought I'd give them a try. I could justify keeping three if they are all fab enough. The cobalt backpack is a winner. The patterned Kestenberg is a serious contender, albeit a bit of a wild card. The good thing is, it's from Nordstrom, so I can hang onto it while I continue to keep an eye out without worrying about a return window closing.

I really love the look of the Minkoff tote -- the silver, the shape, the structure are all right up my alley, and the size is not a problem, since I don't usually tend to overfill my tote. Well, usually. But the straps do kind of bother me. I may have to try bundling up in a coat to see how the straps fit over my shoulder in winter gear. For the price of this bag, and for the kind of use I give it, I want to be PPP.

Thanks for all the feedback so far!

Susie

I prefer the cobalt backpack by a billion percent so I agree with your pick there. I really like the print tote; the colors are beautiful. Is it an issue that the colors are shades of blue so simlar to the backpack? If you think it works with your wardrobe, I think it's a definite keeper.

I like the silver tote but it does look like the handles are a bit short. It reads as stiff. And this is probably weird, but I see a "face" on it and that always bugs me! I doubt most people are frightened by bag faces

Oh my gosh, Suz, that is SO funny! I almost missed your post somehow. We are twins today! I love these shorts, so glad I tried them.

I know, isn't that hilarious? I actually debated about the top this morning and I swear I was fully dressed before I read your post! I do enjoy these shorts. I see water in them, not camo. My only sad face is because I do not have a pair of perforated Everly booties to copy your other post!

TraceyLiz65

No help on the tote other than to say those handles would bug me....As for the cobalt back pack, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I bought a cobalt handbag this season and have gotten a lot of use from it already... Can't believe how versatile it is!

Caro in Oz

Both the Aimee Kestenberg bags win hands down imo

Sveta

Cobalt backpack and Aimee Kestenberg tote are definite winners here!
Janet, I just have to say that you really rock those shorts. I shudder every time I try short on in this length but your legs look great in them!

pil

Cobalt backpack for the win- it really makes a statement and the vertical zipper is that much more unique. Love the other Kestenberg bag as well especially because the pattern seems so 'just Janet'. It reminds me of your Tahari top from Boston.

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