HELP: Do I really need a classic leather tote bag?

Hi all,

Today I found what I feel is a perfect tote bag in black leather. I'm sorry, there are no images of it online, but it looks somewhat like this Cole Haan tote: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/co.....tback=4788

The tote I found is from Enzo Poli, and it is in black, smooth leather, medium sized and with long enough straps to carry it over my shoulder. It has a zipper, and two pockets inside. No logos, no particular details. It is large enough to carry a laptop inside, and would be very versatile for travels, too, I think. I have a blue/grey coat and a black puffer as Winter outerwear. The bag would match these. It is also available in brown, but I have my brown messenger already, and they would be too much of the same. I don't own any black leather bags at all.

BUT: It was rather pricey. I must be certain of that I really need something like this, or else the money are better spent elsewhere.

What do you think - are such bags so useful and classic that they would be worthy of a splurge? Do you awn any, and if so, how do you use them, and how often?

I would love to hear you out on this matter!

13 years ago

eperdu

Active Member

I love the look of leather tote bags but I'd check the weight of the bag before making a decision. I have a gorgeous leather bag (laptop bag) and it weighs so much that I rarely ever carry since it's so heavy. If a bag is heavy without anything in it, imagine what it'll be like when you do fill it!

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I have one and hardly ever use it. I also have a messenger-style bag for my laptop that I use a lot more - it's a lot easier to manage on my bike, or if I'm traveling and have another piece of luggage to deal with. I actually think this is kind of an awkward size, too small even for overnight but bigger than I want to lug around all the time.

Ingunn

(website)

Hmm. Interesting! I think the one I looked at is quite light, and it sits nicely under my arm. But you have a point, fern, the size must be considered carefully.

Gaylene

I think "useful and classic" really depends on your lifestyle. I know that, when I'm in the city for a conference, walking and using public transport, a light-weight, leather tote is very useful. It is smart and functional. But, when I'm hauling papers, laptop, lunch, etc. to and from the university where I teach on a daily basis, I much prefer my nylon messenger bag. It may not look as smart, but it is much more functional.

ClaraT

I know leather looks more classic, but I love nylon for larger bags/backpacks that are meant to carry a fair amount of stuff. Nylon is lightweight, strong and washable. Perfect, really.

You are making valuable points here. If the tote were cheaper, I'd buy it at once, but I must be sure about that I really need something like that. I do need a black leather bag, that's certain.

My lifestyle could require a leather tote. I do have meetings, conferences etc that I attend. But I already have a laptop bag for that. When I'm traveling I sometimes miss a practical carry-all bag, and that goes for my commute and weekends too. But then I might get away with the brown messenger. Not easy!

Krista

Ingunn,
I have a smaller size black leather tote bag that is part carry-all, part purse that I adore. It is Italian calf-skin leather and, even though I've had it over 10 years, it looks as good as new. Unfortunately, it has been missing for about 6 months and I cannot remember where I put it. I am hoping it turns up one day out of the blue!

I only mention this story because you are wondering if it would be worth it for you to splurge on such an item. My tote bag was $250 (CDN) when I bought it ten years ago, and I really couldn't afford it when I bought it, but it is the one purchase I have never regretted making! The only regret I have now is that I can't find it. So I can say for sure that this purchase just might one day be a very beloved piece of your wardrobe - and, in my opinion, well worth the money.

PS> if you buy it, please post a pic!

Kiwibird

Ingunn
I have a large black tote that must be 8 or 9 years old now. It's a Tumi and I couldn't really afford it (Like Krista and her tote) but it was the only one that ticked all the boxes when it came to what I was looking for - a bag that looked good, was ideal for work and travel that would take my everyday stuff and even my laptop when I didn't want to haul two bags around. It's been to meetings and conferences and it's been the perfect carry on bag for some very long, long haul flights. It's "ballistic nylon" whatever that may be with a leather bottom and leather handles and it's a simple, classic, slimline design that hasn't dated. I've never regretted buying it and have never got tired of using it. It was money well spent - it's also a brilliant shopping bag!

April

Ingunn, even though most of my wardrobe is neutral, with black figuring prominently, I do not gravitate toward black bags. I like to get color from my bags (which I can put down). My work tote for two years was a lime green leather tote from BR, and my travel bag for when I go to SO/DH's house is an emerald-green patent tote from Talbot's. I have one AT black tote, but the interior is hot pink.

I think it depends on whether you want your bag to blend in or stand out.

Category