Seeking input for new bag purchase

I've been on the hunt for a large, functional black purse for quite some time.
I switched jobs in July and I now take the train to work which means in addition to my normal purse items, I now typically carry a second pair of shoes and a lunch. I have been drooling over some of Prada's bags for months but after having just made a MAJOR splurge purchase on a cocktail dress (pics coming soon), I've decided that I can't justify a second MAJOR splurge on a bag. Not to mention that using public transportation (and working in a downtrodden area of Oakland) calls for a slightly more lower profile bag, in my opinion.

So, here are two that are in the running, but I'd certainly be open to other suggestions. The main criteria are: high quality black leather, roomy yet not a total shapeless sack and handles long enough to get them over my shoulder (though I also often carry my bag over my arm).

J Crew: this one looks HUGE and I can't decide if the handles are disproportionately small or not. The price is right but it's final sale which is risky. Am hoping to get to my local J. Crew this weekend to check it out in person:
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navig...../29448.jsp

Tory Burch: I don't love it when she splashes her huge logo on her bags, but this one is understated and I really like the shape--feminine but functional. Obviously a higher price point, but I can get 30% off.
http://www.toryburch.com/p-139.....;color=001

Thanks in advance for the as-always helpful input!

15 years ago

Louise

Veteran

The handles look way too short for over the shoulder use on the 1st one. The 2nd one looks perfect x

Isabel

I love both. Louise is right, the first is a handheld or crossbody, not a shoulder bag. Are ok with that ?

I LOVE the following :

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/el.....tback=4840

I actually got it for Christmas in black, but returned it because it was so big and I already have a great black tote. This seriously tempted me to consign my large Coach tote. If my kids were still young and I was toting around alot of stuff, I would've kept it.

Velma

Have you looked at Levenger for leather totes and briefcases?
http://www.levenger.com

I have a Levenger pebbled leather tote (an older form of the Majorca, I think), and it has been a total workhorse: tons of space, very nice quality leather, professional but not too flashy/fancy. My only complaint about it is that it can become quite heavy to carry, especially if I have it loaded with my laptop and such--so I sometimes choose to carry a gray microfiber tote instead.

Marley

Auburn - I love the 2nd one - eSPEcially since her logo isn't so huge and gaudy!

rae

(website)

2nd gets my vote, especially since the first does not zip closed and you will be on public transport.

RoseandJoan

The second one is a winner, it's just so simply elegant.

Scarlet

Of those two i definitely prefer the Tory Burch.

A couple more options, but not as lady-like (so maybe not right for you?):

http://haydenharnett.com/index.....ion%3Dtote

http://www.lunaboston.com/Prod.....21244.aspx

Deb

Active Member

Here is one on sale, by BCBG Max Azria: http://www.theoutnet.com/product/211209

I was searching Ann Taylor's website in vain for a black tote I purchased last fall - that puppy can hold *everything* - it's a bottomless pit - yet is so pert with a large grosgrain bow on one strap. Maybe it could still be found in one of their stores.

April

The J Crew one appears to have sold out online. Did you check Brooks Brothers? They often have very nice quality bags, and sometimes they make it to the "clearance" section of their site. I know Taylor is also a big fan of bags from BB; she may have be able to speak to their longevity.

And here's another with a bow: http://www.talbots.com/online/.....e=cat70016

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