Yay: New Work Tote!

So I'm back from my week's holiday (don't they always fly by too fast?!) and whilst my newly planted dahlias in the garden have been been decimated by snails and slugs, my newly acquired VVA Dahlia Tote looks just as lovely as she did when she arrived a few days ago.

So far so good. I packed her up for work and off we went. Want to see what fits in and how I got on?

Cooee Chloe - Tempting Tote

I've forever been looking for a chuck-it-all-in-tote. Something leather but lightweight, roomy but not too big. This Chloe Alison seems to tick all the boxes. Her full name is actually "Chloe Alison East West Colourblock Tote in Ocean Mermaid" - bit of a mouthful, eh?

And not only is it big enough for a weekend trip to the shops, it would make a handy carry on for a weekend trip away.

Check out how much exactly I am fitting into it!

Pretty Versatile

I love a nice tote. For me, the ideal one will have some structure to it, so it doesn't just puddle when you put it down, have an optional closure, long enough handles to be carried on the shoulder and a little zip/secure compartment to keep valuables safe. As it is such an everyday style, I want it to be either really robust and not very susceptible to stains and scratches, or be made of the kind of leather which will age beautifully - and where scratches just add to the character.

Mulberry's Cecily Tote is ticking pretty much all of the above boxes: Sturdy and structured... 

 ...with a closure (which is pretty to boot)...

...and handles that are long enough for me to carry the bag on my shoulder. (And despite them being made from metal, they are actually comfortable.)

There is also a small inside zip pocket and the bottom is adorned by four cute, flower-shaped feet, which will protect the leather somewhat from scuffs.

But let's have a look what I can fit in...

Head vs. Heart

Ok, so maybe I am over-dramatising a bit. (Me? Never!) But seriously: after I figured out only recently that the oh-so-coveted Strathberry Tote had a serious design flaw, which made it impossible for me to use as a work bag, I thought I'd step back for a bit and re-consider. 

Though said issue won't be as deal-breaking in the smaller-sized Midi Tote, I hadn't planned on jumping straight onto the next want-this-Strathberry story. And then they send me an email, which goes all "AW 2016 Preview" (*insert mocking voice*) and shows me this. 

 Strathberry Midi Tote Charcoal Tri Colour, £450 

This has to be my favourite: such a classy grey, inject a bit of pretty, whimsy and fun with a pastel shade in lilac but prevent it from going 00's 2-tone by adding navy. I'm already building an outfit around it. And I don't do that.

 

 Strathberry Midi Tote Metallic Dusty Pink, £475

Dusty Pink - whatever. That looks rose gold to me and rose-gold anything is a "yes, yes, yes!" in my book. Oh, and to top it off it's saffiano, which doesn't only add some weighty texture to prevent it looking all shiny and twee but also makes it more resistant to scrapes and smudges. My inner German loves it.

 

Strathberry Midi Tote Black Haircalf, £495 

Never been a big fan of haircalf when Mulberry did it. Usually that was done on slouchy bags, such as the Alexa and I just always thought it looks a bit like a cuddly toy you're carrying around but also that it's so unpractical as it will, eventually, go bald. No danger in thinking anything cuddly with this structured bag. It just is so perfect juxtaposed against the clear lines. And I don't care about the bald. I'll tell the inner German to shut up.

I mean, what am I even supposed to do?!

Don't answer that.

Rustic Weekend Tote

So after my dream of that smart yet pretty Strathberry Tote didn't come true, I am still looking for something along those lines. 

I am also, however, tempted by something more weekend and casual. Something to just pop on my shoulder when I go to the shops, library... whatever I might do on a Saturday morning. I am thinking something where the leather looks better with age and where I'm not bothered about any minor scratches or blemishes. Something along these lines...

Shoulder Bag by PARK, £137

CUYANA Leather Tote, $150

Chicsparrow Tote, $160

Whipping Post Vintage Tote Bag, $195

Maybe I'm just not happy when I'm not searching?