Is this bag worth the money? - YouLookFab Forum

Some background on me: I have a sort of minimalist closet. I buy very little (only when I need to), but when I do it must be good quality (not necessarily expensive, though it can be). However, I've never owned a designer bag. I sometimes think of it as a liability, because what if I'm carrying a really expensive bag and it gets stolen or completely destroyed by someone spilling coffee all over it (this has happened to me, and the bag was $50, but it cleaned up nicely thankfully).

Now, I'm not buying a designer bag for the sake of buying a designer bag. The reason why I'm having this conversation with myself (and now asking for everyone else's insight) is that my eyes landed on a Tory Burch bag that I absolutely LOVE during my last visit to Nordstrom. It's this one: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/to.....ltback=140 and it's $435.

I have two questions: 1.) If I buy this bag, I'm going to use it as a school bag to carry my laptop and the occasional textbook - I'm going off to graduate school for 4 years and will get lots of use out of it. Should I buy it for this purpose? Or is it too expensive to be using as a school bag/everyday bag?

2.) Which color will complement most wardrobes? My closet is color coordinated so I can tell you from a glance that I wear black, gray, white/cream, beige/taupe, dusty rose, and then pops of bright teal/red/yellow/any other bright color if I'm in the mood for it. I was thinking of just getting black as it seems the most versatile, or am I completely wrong? Would tan be more versatile instead?

Thanks and sorry for the novel!

15 years ago

marianna

Veteran

My initial thought is that carrying a laptop in such a gorgeous bag isn't the best idea. Laptops are heavy and will put on a lot of strain on the bag. I think for school purposes you can find something less expensive, but I'd absolutely carry this bag for everyday wear... I just wouldn't put a laptop in it!

MsMary

I don't think I'd buy a super-expensive designer bag for grad school, either. If for no other reason than that sometimes nice things can grow legs and walk out of the library on their own power, if you know what I mean. Let's put it this way -- I'm a grad student AND I have a full-time professional job making a nice amount of money, and I wouldn't use that for a school laptop bag. If you are a more typical un- or under-employed grad student, I'd pass.

annagybe

(website)

I wouldn't use such a bag for a laptop/school bag. It is nice however.

starrynight

Active Member

Thanks for your input! My laptop is ultra portable (the size of a netbook, but has the capabilities of a regular laptop), and the bag is within my budget. I guess I'm just having a hard time justifying the purchase in my head as I don't normally spend this much on one item.

What would you use this type of bag for? Shopping trips? Daily errands?

Angie

Fashion Stylist

It's a stunning bag, but not robust enough for a laptop. May I suggest something from Fossil for that purpose.

Well if you have plenty of money, and you love it and think it will hold up under the intended use, then I guess htere's no particular reason not to go for it.

MaryK: Thanks for the advice I don't have plenty of money, just enough leftover and saved up for a nice purchase to reward myself (something I never do lol). My conscience is telling me no, so I'll hold off for now.

What about my second question regarding colors? Which color is the most versatile for a tote bag like this? Tan or black? And what purpose do most people use bags like this for? For school I use totes, for any other activity in my life I'll use a very small cross body bag (hands-free!)

Actually if you're going to an urban area I highly recommend something that either has a closing flap or zipper. This is coming from someone who lived and worked in the Bronx for a year.

I'm with you on that one annagybe! This bag has a top zip, which is probably why I liked it so much. But like many totes, the inside is just one big bottomless pit...the good thing being though that it is at least structured and can stand on its own.

Mellllls

Wow, I love that lava red color! I'd be wary about using as a grad-school bag for all of the reasons already suggested though...how about using it when you go on interviews?

taylor

I am with the others. It is totally worth the money and treat it right it will last forever, however I am in agreement throwing a laptop in it everyday is not a great idea for such a beauty!! Angie's advice is a perfect solution:)

I love every color...you can't go wrong!

Isabel

I guess I am the only one who disagrees. I love a nice sturdy bag for "functional" , everyday stuff. I would not go with the tan because it will get dirty and be hard to clean up. But I gotta tell you, I LOVE the navy. I do think that you should have an alternative way to carry it so that it is not always handheld.

When I got my first ( and only ) corporate job with decent pay, I bought a beautiful and very expensive Coach tote ( with zipper closure ). I carried literature, contracts, a computer, catalogs...you name it, for 9 years in that thing !!!

I do think that something like this is more practical :

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ko.....ltback=291

or
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ko.....ltback=430

I own the following ( converts to back pack or shouler/crossbody bag ) :

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/el.....ltback=248

My Macbook fits in it along with other things, but it may not be big enough for books and a computer....

Thanks for sharing Isabel! I love the Kooba 'Colby' convertible backpack

biscuitsmom

If you're looking for a rugged, durable bag for everyday use thats also gorgeous and versatile, I would highly recommend Brahmin bags. They run around $200 generally...Ive had my 2 for a couple years and they have proved to be the best bags Ive ever had (and Ive had a lot!-lol)

I can't thank you all enough for the advice...I took some of it into account (like the one about being able to wear it multiple ways) and decided to buy this bag instead: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....sultback=0

much cheaper and if it doesn't turn out the way I'm expecting or isn't durable enough (bought online), I'll return it (that's the beauty of Nordstrom...their return policy!).

Thanks again

Hope it works out well for you! Its a lovely bag....

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