I have been searching for a perfect black tote for quite a while now. Which one of us doesn’t need one for those days when a smaller handbag just won’t do? Personally, I want mine to be a black (so it goes with everything), a bit structured so it looks good when it is almost empty, but also light-weight and, ideally, weather-proof for those rainy days on the go. Here are the possible candidates – the jury is still out on this one.
Gucci Craft Tote (above) is an online aexclusive – classic look with a bit of a twist in its handle design (pan intended), and a very practical built-in case.
Above is Theory Large Leather Tote. I love the look but upon inspection it turns out to be very soft and “floppy”, which makes it unfit for carrying it unless pretty full. It just does not look right when empty (but it is a perfect folding shopper if that’s what you are looking for).
Jonathan Adler’s Black Hollywood Countess (below) is a serious contender. It is well structured but very light and the fabric seems to be all-weather appropriate.
Paris Pandora Leather Shopper (Lord & Taylor) has pretty scale-like detail that makes it a bit dressier than the other candidates.
Below is an Elliot Luca Habana Tote (Neimann Marcus) with a pretty detail of basket weave structured bottom. I also love that it has adjustable handles as some of the shoppers tend to have handles that are simply too long when you are 5’2″.
And last but not least, Barneys New York Easy Tote follows with a classic shape and quite large size. Perhaps too large.
Do you have a perfect black tote? Please share!
Olga Adler is an interior designer based in Delray Beach, Florida providing design and decorating services to some of the finest homes in Palm Beach County.
