handbag reviews


Coach Day Tote review

coach day tote review

Pictured: Coach Day Tote in Silver/Faded Blue (looks like pale turquoise or mint green in person) /

How pretty is this tote bag! I love having a good, workhorse tote bag; especially during the summer months. This roomy tote bag has everything I need, and possibly you too, in a tote bag. Love!

The Coach Day Tote is currently available in several colors, ivory, mustard, canvas, black and faded blue. I love this faded blue color because it is reminiscent of the sea and is so pretty in person. These photos do not do the color justice!

As with all of Coach’s handbags, the Day Tote is made from sturdy pebbled leather and the craftsmanship is high quality. This means the stitching is strong, and the bag can handle everything you put inside of it without being compromised. I have also found that the leather is easy to clean if it gets dirty. I use a slightly damp cloth, and dirt wipes off easily without damaging the leather or rubbing the color off of the bag.

Most open tote bags do not have a clasp, the Coach Day Tote offers a magnetic clasp which I find to be a good feature. I clasp it when I set the bag down so it keeps it’s shape, which helps it from flopping over if the contents are unbalanced. Who knew a small clasp would be so helpful! Love!

coach day tote clasp

Typically, most tote bags have an interior pocket of some sort. The Coach Day Tote has a detachable pocket which is really a little pouch. This is handy if you use the tote for work. You can keep your lunch money in the pouch and detach it when going to lunch or buying more coffee. This is also handy for travel if you don’t want to bring a purse in addition to the tote bag. You can use the little pouch as a small clutch.

coach day tote interior

The interior capacity of the Coach Day Tote is quite large. Even with my typical tote bag contents, there is still plenty of room. This tote fits my laptop too with plenty of room to spare. It is a great work tote, travel tote, or summer activity tote. I am in love!

For smaller items such as lipstick and keys, the interior pouch can be used. For photography purposes I threw everything inside the bag so you could see the space. If you use a tote organizer, it will fit nicely inside the Day Tote too.

what fits inside a coach day tote
inside coach day tote

Pictured: Coach Day Tote / book / lipstick / scarf / (golden nail polish pictured in clasp photo) /

The Coach Day Tote is a great, workhorse tote bag which can be used for years. It offers a classic style and silhouette as well as roomy interior capacity. The detachable pouch a great feature too. I love the faded blue hue for the summer season, but if you are looking for something to wear all year long, the classic black, ivory, or signature canvas might be perfect for you.

Shop the Coach Day Tote online:

The perfect tote! Love it!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy


Coach Tabby Messenger 19 review

Coach Tabby Messenger 19 review

pictured: Coach Tabby Messenger 19 in Silver Burnished Amber /

How cute is this little messenger bag! I am in love! The Coach Tabby collection is part of the brands’ classic collection, but for spring 2023, they have introduced a new messenger bag which is perfect for everyday wear. Love!

The Coach Tabby Messenger 19 handbag offers a 1970s vibe with modern, cross body practicality. The bag is just big enough to hold a small wallet, iPhone (pro, not max), keys, and a lipstick. There isn’t room for a mask or kleenex in the main compartment, just the essentials. Although, there is an additional exterior pocket where you can store additional, small items. This is the perfect size when you can be a minimalist.

There are several colors available, at varying price points. The burnished amber is offered at a slightly higher price due to the leather treatment process. I sprung a little extra for the color because it offers such a rich brown hue, and the leather is extremely good quality. I feel like it was worth the extra cost.

By modern day standards, this Coach Tabby Messenger 19 offers the same quality as a $3000 handbag, for a fraction of the cost. The leather is thick and strong, the craftsmanship is top-notch, and the style is on point. It makes it hard to justify paying more for a similar bag. If you are looking for a mini messenger, go with the Coach Tabby Messenger 19! Remember, it’s all about investment dressing and quality. This bag has both.

One thing I noticed about the leather on this Coach Tabby Messenger 19 handbag is that it reminds me of the glove tanned leather of the 1990s. While not as thick, you can care for it the same way you did back in the day. The leather scratches a bit when it’s new, then the scratches blend into the leather and create a beautiful patina. If you get scratches right away, embrace them! They will eventually fade away and the leather on your bag will turn into a beautiful patina which only adds to the value and beauty of the overall bag. This is only on select colors, some of the colors offer pebble leather or canvas.

coach tabby messenger 19 interior
coach tabby messenger 19 review
what fits inside coach tabby messenger 19 handbag

The interior of the Coach Tabby Messenger 19 handbag offers a slim pocket which is perfect for notes and receipts. If you plan to make room in the bag by not carrying a wallet, you can use the pocket for cash, credit cards, and ID. There is a snap on the pocket which can secure what you slip inside.

In addition to the interior pocket, there are two outside pockets. On the backside of the bag, there is an opera ticket pocket. Unlike old school opera ticket pockets, this one has a clean, magnetic closure. Love that! You can rest assured your tickets will be secure.

The other exterior pocket is on the front of the bag and can fit small items. This can free up space inside the main compartment of the bag or offer additional space. I haven’t used it yet, but it looks like a good spot for kleenex! This exterior pocket has a small snap closure, again, offering a secure spot for items you don’t want to fall out of your bag.

Speaking of security, the main closure, which is the “C” logo you see on the front of the bag, has a push button for security. This is a good, overall bag for keeping pickpockets away. Love that for travel, festivals, and public transportation!

So, as you can tell, I love my Coach Tabby Messenger 19! I plan to wear her quite often. You can find the Coach Tabby Messenger 19 in an array of colors. Which color if your favorite?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

coach tabby messenger 19 review styled with jeans

Tory Burch Mini Ella Bio tote review

tory burch mini ella bio tote review

pictured: Tory Burch Mini Ella Bio tote / spring nail polish / bracelet /

How cute is the new Mini Ella Bio tote from Tory Burch! It is adorable! This little mini tote features Tory Burch’s classic tote styling with her full size logo on the front, simple lines, and simple straps. It resembles the tote bags Tory Burch has been designing for years and years, but this time, it is made from an eco-friendly material which is dubbed “the bio tote.” Love that!

As designers and brands work towards a more environmentally friendly manufacturing environment, they are also working hard to find materials which are environmentally friendly and downright eco-chic. While we see mostly new and emerging brands working with these modern fabrications, it is incredibly important to see a major designer work with an environmentally friendly material and create an IT bag people will get excited to buy and wear. I am thrilled to see this right now!

The Tory Burch Ella Bio tote collection is available in multiple sizes, but for spring 2023, I decided I wanted a little mini tote in a neutral hue, so I picked out the Mini Ella Bio tote and I am in love! This cute little tote snuggly fits my wallet, keys, lipstick, and iPhone without room to spare. The detachable cross body strap can be worn over the shoulder, or cross body, depending on your current mood. This bag can also be worn hand-held or on your forearm. Love that!

For the spring 2023 season, the Tory Burch Mini Ella Bio tote in available in neutral hues, as well as seasonal brights. I have a feeling the neutral hues will remain in her regular collection, and we will see new seasonal colors every year. This is a simple, practical, eco-friendly handbag, so I have a feeling it will sell well, and become popular. I might have to pick up a black one in a large size! Love!

Shop the Tory Burch Mini Ella Bio tote online:

What do you think of the new bio tote collection from Tory Burch? Are you excited for this new era of environmentally friendly materials in handbags? I know I am!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy