Roomy Rustic Camel Leather Totes (Say That Three Times Fast!)

I have about four DIY projects in progress right now, but none are ready to share, so let’s talk bags.

Every day, I walk in and out of work with no less than three bags, and it is no fun. There’s this thing, see – I call it Steph’s Law. Steph’s Law states that if anything can get caught or tangled on something else, it will. I’m constantly muttering obscenities while trying to yank my computer bag out of my car, only to find that the strap has somehow wrapped itself around my emergency brake. UGH.

I really think it’s time for me to grow up and get a “work” bag, so I’m in the market for a casual, versatile camel leather tote. I’m obsessed with the color of my current purse – a Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. in Almond – so something about the same shade would be ideal. Camel is the best because it goes with black, brown, light, dark … everything!

I still have a little bit of birthday money left, but I’m trying to save some, so I’ll probably buy on the lower end of the spectrum. But some of these bags are just so beautiful, I had to share them anyway.

1. MIVO Medium Light Brown Leather Tote from Misoui on Etsy: $326.12. This bag is handmade in Warsaw. The shop also sells matching zip pouches that can attach to the inside of the toast with a snapped strap. Probably a little out of my price range, but aren’t they beautiful?
2. Cuyana Tall Leather Tote in Caramel: $160 ($150 without the monogram). I’ve seen this one all over the place, and from what I hear, it’s for good reason. My friend Bianca just purchased one, and she says it’s “the most perfect thing in the entire world.” I’m digging it for the gold stamped monogram and the super-reinforced straps. I tend to overload my bags, so strong straps are a must.
3. J. Crew Downing tote in English Saddle: $168 ($178 with a monogram). This one might be a little preppy for me, but the leather is a gorgeous shade.
4. Maycomb Mercantile – The Scout Leather Tote in Caramel: $225. This bag is locally made in Atlanta, which is always cool. You can also monogram it with gold or blind embossing. I like the brass details, too. The only problem is that it’s constantly selling out!
5. Leather totes from Joy and Surprise on Etsy: $113 for small, $118 for large. These bags come with a separate zippered canvas inner bag. I’m guessing they’re removable. My only concern is the single line of stitching that holds the straps on – I wonder how strong that is.
6. Madewell Transport Tote in English Saddle: $168. The black version of this bag can be monogrammed, but it’s not an option for the English Saddle version at this time, which is a bummer. Other than that little problem, though, this bag is tempting. My blog pal Alex posted about it a couple months ago and got a million comments with everyone saying, “BUY IT!” which makes me think it’s a keeper.
7. Large Brown Camel Leather Tote from MISHKA Bags on Etsy: $180. This is one of the biggest bags of the bunch, and it comes with an attached zipper pouch. So cute!
8. Brown Leather Market Bag from Sord on Etsy: $235. This bag has two interior slip pockets – always helpful. The leather looks nice and thick, too.

Honorable mention goes to this bag from Candy Ruan on Etsy. I really like it, but there isn’t currently a brown option in the shop. I sent the owner a message to see if they do custom orders – I’ll update this post if/when I hear back!

UPDATE: Just came across this gorgeous cognac leather tote for $178. It’s currently back-ordered, but will allegedly be back in stock at the end of the summer.

So, what do you think? Which bag would you pick?