handbag--somewhere between a 'meh' and a 'wow'?

Let's all agree that I've been procrastinating on and off this entire day. Sigh.

Anyhow, thinking about Angie's recent look (the one with the cons, jeans jacket, tote bag, etc) made me realize I don't have a tote bag and could probably use at least one. I was looking for a nice graphic one but found this solid leather tote instead, in my favorite color, red:

http://www.flotoimports.com/Ca.....ggage.html

1. It's nice, but is it really nice and worth $250?
2. Does the contrast stitching have a cheapening effect in your opinion? And/or relegate it to casual-only status?
3. Is 4.5 pounds too heavy for a bag I'd be slinging over my shoulder at times? (Obviously not counting contents.) Or is that about typical for what any well-made tote would weigh?
Edited to add 4. Does anyone know if this is a company that makes high-quality bags? (Floto--Italian brand)

Obviously these are all subjective, but that's what I want to hear. On the one hand, I really want something I love madly. On the other hand, I never end up owning anything because I'm such a damn perfectionist. It's clearly a nice bag, and I don't have to rush to get it...but I'm not sure I should even be putting much effort into stalking it.

Thanks, all!

13 years ago

Preppy Pear

Veteran

Hi Mochi,

I think you need to find a bag you love if you will be spending lots of time with it. I'm not a huge fan of the stitching, but to me it's not a problem if you like it. The stitching looks much better on the red bag than it does on the black one, in my opinion. 4.5 pounds is a little heavy, but not that bad to my mind, though I carry large bags and put lots of things in them.

What function will this bag serve in your wardrobe, and will this be like a work tote for you, or more a fashion accessory?

Thistle

I am not sure it is worth $250. I think it is heavy, but they may be common in totes. I am not a fan of the contrast stitching, but that is really a personal preference.

If you are not moved to stalk it, I think that says you are not in love with it. Not sure your budget, but mine demands love, or at least serious lust, for that.

Mochi

At this point I would say accessory, but even if I end up working outside the home I doubt I will ever be going "business wear" anytime soon.

I think Thistle is saying the truth. I am just lacking so much stuff...and am on a weight-loss program so there's no point in getting any nice clothes for quite a while, so I was hoping I could put some money into a nice bag, a pair of boots....obviously only if I really were in love. I also feel kind of guilty for all the time I spend online looking at things kind of aimlessly, or at least without results...

Aw....I think you should definitely treat yourself!!! And it isn't time wasted if it eventually leads you to figure out what you really like, right? (I hope so, because I spend lots of time looking at things I don't buy, or even stalk.)

That bag seems pretty business-y to me, very functional - I bet you can find one that makes your heart sing :).

Kristin L

It's a cute bag. But, from what you've been writing, I wouldn't suggest you get it. You may not find ever the perfect bag, but you don't have to settle for one that to you seems a little lack luster. There are too many awesome bags out there for that. I'd pass on this one for now.

DonnaF

I didn't buy bags for years because nothing I saw appealed to me. Finally, I saw one I loved but was way more $$$ than I ever would spend, and my husband got it for me for Christmas. (Unfortunately, a lot of the lovely blue color rubbed off in less than a year, but that's another story.) And now, I'm seeing more (but not many) bags that appeal to me. I see no point in getting a tote bag that only feels Meh to you. Of course, this is coming from someone who uses free totes from long ago professional conferences and who runs with a grizzled crowd that does the same and spots newbies by their fancy briefcases. Professional association stopped giving out those totes long ago.

Janet

(website)

I think this is a classic and common enough style that you can shop around and find something you love more. It seems ok, but the stitching is kind of meh to me. I have a similar style from Coach in forest green that I think looks higher-quality, and I don't think it was any more expensive (Coach outlet sale). I say keep looking.

Caro in Oz

Don't think of it as wasting time think of it as research. Also it's too heavy imo. Hold out for LOVE.

Suz

It's a nice, serviceable bag. It reminds me of something I would buy, and I am always buying "nice" and "serviceable."

I don't think Giovanna ever buys "nice" and "serviceable." Unless this is an actual need or you are in love, save your money for the item you DO love!

If I buy a $900 bag, I'm blaming Suz.

(She's right, though. WWGD?)

Anonymous

That's right, the Giovannas of the world do not buy serviceable. This bag looks like a laptop bag or something I would bring files in. You need more omph! No corporate shindings for Mochi!

O-kay, then .....how about this (for example)? I've been digging it from afar for a while:

http://www.lineapelle.com/hand.....olor=Black

(in black, of course--even if I have a kind of RATE black leather bag already...and I'd like to see it on sale)

It's like the polar opposite from a tote in terms of size and capacity, though. But I like and probably could find an excuse to justify it.

Also, I don't think I'd end up getting this for myself, but I really do like it in gold metallic, it's on sale, and hope someone here gets it!:

http://couture.zappos.com/kate.....allic-foil

Jaime

As said by others above, I don't think that bag is worth the money. I would not pay the retail price for it - that is just the sort of thing you might find at TJ Maxx or similar for much less, or on ebay. I would look at those sources and feel the bags with my hands - for me the quality isn't always apparent on the internet. And yes, if you are going to invest in one bag,"would Giovanna wear it?" isn't a bad test!

catgirl

I'd hold out fo rthe love of your life. I'm not loving the stitching. Remember in less than 2 weeks you will be in shopping nirvana with some really good advisors....

Okay, let's wrap this thread up. Una nailed the obvious--how could I have forgotten?

JAileen

I was going to suggest Coach also.

I'm a thrifter so my other suggestion would be to to go Goodwilll and see what they have. The chances of a perfect tote is slim, but I bet you could find a good quality one for $50 or so. Then you could find out if a tote works for you, without spending much.

ElleH

You don't love it & neither do I for that price. I love red purses. What do you want it to do? I will look out for you.

What about the Le Pliage? Lightweight, waterproof, folds up to go inside another bag to be pulled out for shopping. Can be used as a carry on then beach bag or shopping bag when on trips.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....tback=4548

Or this if you want to spend a lot more

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....ltback=506

This one has corners that open up for larger tote look or button closed for a more satchel look.

http://www.coach.com/online/ha.....=SR#114498

biscuitsmom

Wait for something that makes you go 'wow'! A bag is one thing you want to get a lot of use from and if you're not swooning when you first see it, how are you going to love it after you've had it for a few months?

Sona

Mochi: hit the thrift stores you took me to. I think a great tote bag awaits you there!!!!!!

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