Ask Belle: Versatile Leather Totes

Jun 1, 2015

Hi Belle,

I love this leather tote that I found on Club Monaco but the price point is too high. I do want something that is real leather and be something I will have for years. Would love if you could put a post together!

Best, Courtney

A leather tote is a great piece for the weekend, travel, or a relaxed work bag.  Leather is the best option.  Vegan leather (a fancier name for faux-leather) is a close second.

The important thing, after quality of materials, is to choose a color that you will use often.  Grey, cognac, and black are the most versatile choices.  I always prefer brown for casual wear, but grey is a close second.  For something a bit different, try navy or red.

Snip20150531_4

Will Leather Goods Tote ($195) // Mark & Graham Everyday Tote ($199) // Kelsi Dagger Leather Commuter Bag ($95)

This white and black tote from Nordstrom is the closest thing to the photo you sent me.  It has a heavy canvas liner for durability.  The Mark & Graham tote is another good option in this price range.  It comes in a myriad of colors and can be monogrammed.  I also like this Neiman Marcus bag in a combination of black and chocolate brown.  Forever21 also makes an affordable black and white bag in faux leather.

The cognac Kelsi Dagger tote is similar to the one that I own.  I like the structure.  This Romona leather tote has a different shape, but a similar steadiness.  I also like this more affordable blush tote from Mango.

Many people speak lovingly about their Madewell totes.  Their Transport Tote is a good basic.  Their Zipper Transport Tote is a remake of Cuyana’s popular tote, in case you don’t want something with an open top.

Ask The Edit, Style

share this post

Leave a Reply to PMD Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. KMM says:

    I have the J.Crew Downing Tote and love it. Hoping it holds up…

  2. PMD says:

    Check out the sales at J’Crew – I got a tote from there last season for $30. It was originally $150 or something ridiculous.

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

5

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Ask the Edit, Style, Top Posts | March 28, 2024

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

5

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 28, 2024

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty, Posts | March 27, 2024

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 27, 2024

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO