Reasonable expense or unchecked materialism?
June 30, 2010 5:13 AM Subscribe
Help me find the perfect leather tote!
I want a bag very much like this but can't justify spending that kind of money on a handbag, and what I'm looking for seems so simple that I must just be looking in all the wrong places because I can't find what I'm looking for for less.
I want a large (but not shopping cart-sized) simple brown leather tote. I like softer, more distressed leather and darker is better (in the picture above I like the one tucked in the back).
Mostly what I'm having a problem with is what I don't want: shiny buckles and shiny things and external pockets with zippers, buttons, buckles. (In the right set of circumstances I can be persuaded otherwise, though--I love this.)
I also want it to be durable. I generally buy a handbag once every two or three years and wear it until it's at a point where pretty much everyone who comes in contact with me is sick to death of it.
Do I really have to pay $300 or more for this? Should I just suck it up and pay it? That's a lot of money to me. If $300 is grossly inappropriate, or is it reasonable considering it's the only one I'll use? Should I just throw all my stuff in a bindle?
I want a bag very much like this but can't justify spending that kind of money on a handbag, and what I'm looking for seems so simple that I must just be looking in all the wrong places because I can't find what I'm looking for for less.
I want a large (but not shopping cart-sized) simple brown leather tote. I like softer, more distressed leather and darker is better (in the picture above I like the one tucked in the back).
Mostly what I'm having a problem with is what I don't want: shiny buckles and shiny things and external pockets with zippers, buttons, buckles. (In the right set of circumstances I can be persuaded otherwise, though--I love this.)
I also want it to be durable. I generally buy a handbag once every two or three years and wear it until it's at a point where pretty much everyone who comes in contact with me is sick to death of it.
Do I really have to pay $300 or more for this? Should I just suck it up and pay it? That's a lot of money to me. If $300 is grossly inappropriate, or is it reasonable considering it's the only one I'll use? Should I just throw all my stuff in a bindle?
Best answer: L.L. Bean's big plain leather tote looks to be well-reviewed.
posted by kmennie at 5:53 AM on June 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by kmennie at 5:53 AM on June 30, 2010 [1 favorite]
L.L.Bean has a leather tote for $129. They also guarantee all of their products for life, and the reviews look very positive.
posted by belau at 5:54 AM on June 30, 2010
posted by belau at 5:54 AM on June 30, 2010
L.L.Bean has a leather tote bag in dark brown that seems similar to the one you posted, although it's a bit wider.
posted by heurtebise at 6:00 AM on June 30, 2010
posted by heurtebise at 6:00 AM on June 30, 2010
If you'd be up for lighter suede instead of darker leather, Land's End has a really nice tote on sale for $99.
posted by neroli at 6:20 AM on June 30, 2010
posted by neroli at 6:20 AM on June 30, 2010
I can vouch for the quality of the LL Bean tote bag. I think you'll be pleased with it.
posted by orrnyereg at 6:42 AM on June 30, 2010
posted by orrnyereg at 6:42 AM on June 30, 2010
Do not pay $300 for any handbag ever. I paid $75 for a handbag once and the very next week I found it at Filene's for $28. Don't let anyone make you think clothing, handbags, etc. are investments. They aren't.
posted by anniecat at 6:45 AM on June 30, 2010
posted by anniecat at 6:45 AM on June 30, 2010
Response by poster: Well, that simplified things.
Ordered from LL Bean, coming in 6 to 8 days (they send it pony express, I believe.)
Thanks all. That was easy.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 7:07 AM on June 30, 2010
Ordered from LL Bean, coming in 6 to 8 days (they send it pony express, I believe.)
Thanks all. That was easy.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 7:07 AM on June 30, 2010
I know you've already ordered, but in case anyone else is looking, here's another classic, seemingly durable option that I've had on my wishlist for a bit:
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/clothes-workwear/womens/womens-bags-womens-totes/30005.aspx?feature=product_5
posted by not.so.hip at 9:05 AM on June 30, 2010
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/clothes-workwear/womens/womens-bags-womens-totes/30005.aspx?feature=product_5
posted by not.so.hip at 9:05 AM on June 30, 2010
Oh, oh -- you've already ordered, but I still can't resist posting about the WONDER that is overstock.com and their leather bag selection -- you know, just in case the LL Bean one comes and you don't like it in person.
I love this one, though it's not open-topped the way you were looking for. Oh well. I heart leather bags.
posted by alleycat01 at 11:36 AM on June 30, 2010
I love this one, though it's not open-topped the way you were looking for. Oh well. I heart leather bags.
posted by alleycat01 at 11:36 AM on June 30, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
• Wilson's Leather
• Fossil — check the men's section too. I currently carry this bag but without the buckles as a daily purse
• Hobo — these are a bit pricier but are so extremely well made with such plushy leather. I love love this brand
• Lucky
I also find the handbag section at Dillards and places like Marshalls/TK Maxx to have really good, really nice brands often either at a discount or on sale. Good luck!
posted by Brittanie at 5:42 AM on June 30, 2010 [1 favorite]