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5 hours ago
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I loved Amazon Prime's The Better Sister. In fact, I finished it in two days. The show features Jessica Biel as Chloe Taylor, a magazine editor living what seems to be a perfect, wealthy life. When her husband Adam is brutally murdered, her estranged sister, who was also married to him at one point (yep, it's juicy), comes back into her life. Together, they untangle the mystery and a load of family secrets — all while Chloe's draped in fabulously luxe and put-together looks, a la "rich mom" style.
Those looks include several sumptuous leather bags, including a $3,300 The Row tote in all its simple, chic beige-ness. Flashy logos, loud colors and obnoxious prints are considered gauche in the world of wealthcore, but neutrals are an approved aesthetic.
But (duh alert), you don't have to be a rich mom, or even rich, to rock a neutral. They are, after all, the height of versatility. The $3K+ price tag, though? A bit out of my — and most people's — budget. So, with that in mind, I set out to find affordable alternatives. A quality leather tote will still set you back around $100-$300, but it's a staple accessory that you'll use for years, even decades. In other words, consider it a good investment. With that in mind, take a look at a few Better Sister-inspired tote bags that won't prevent you from paying your mortgage this month.
Quince is known for quality, designer-looking goods at lower prices, and this Italian-leather bag is a good example. It has three compartments and two pockets for essentials, metal feet, and an included dust bag. A 13-inch laptop fits too, but don't take our word for it...
"Love the structure of this bag and the spacious flexibility," said one well-equipped working mom. "The quality of the zipper and leather is top notch. I was worried it would be heavy, but it's very lightweight and easily fits my laptop, a water bottle, makeup bag, wallet, phone, bug spray and sunscreen, so I can work poolside while my kids swim."
If this Cappuccino color isn't lighting your fire, the bag comes in five other neutrals.
San Francisco-based Cuyana specializes in timeless, high-quality goods. Its mantra is "fewer, better," which is marketing-speak for prioritizing quality over quantity — an idea we can get behind, especially when it comes to bags. I first heard of it when Meghan Markle carried this very bag years ago, and since then, she's worn many of the brand's clothing and accessories. But the Classic Easy Tote stands out for its timeless, go-with-everything look.
Here are the highlights: It features a two-year warranty, a secure top zipper, and it's big enough to store a 16-inch laptop. The soft Italian pebbled leather comes in six colors, and the tote is available in tall ($278) and small ($258) versions as well. Also cool? Cuyana offers add-on accessories like an AirPod case, a crossbody strap or a tote insert.
As previously stated, you really can't go wrong investing in a sturdy, stylish tote bag, but this one is pretty low stakes at $124. It's great for work, travel and everything in between. Made with textured leather, its top zipper keeps things securely inside and there are two interior slip pockets and an exterior back pocket for conveniently stashing go-to items like a phone, wallet or lip balm.
While it's smaller than some of the other picks on our list, buyers confirm that it can fit plenty. "The name of the purse really lives up to its expectation," noted one. "I have used it for work, and it fits my thick planner, a book, my large checkbook, two cell phones... I mean, I can pack this bag!"
It's only available in this fawn shade. If you're looking for more color options, the leather Kate Spade Harlow Tote ($145) comes in a few more.
Even more affordable? This leather lovely drops to less than $100 when you add it to your cart. The price applies to three of the five colors, including this rich brown. It features a small Michael Kors logo and a removable MK keychain, both in gold and neither overly flashy. Inside, there's a pocket for easy-access items, and a top zipper keeps contents safely inside.
Nearly 2,000 shoppers have rated it five stars, with one labeling it "the perfect bag for work or traveling," adding: "I use it every day to carry my iPad and my notebook! It is both functional and stylish."
You can rely on an 84-year-old luxury brand to make a solid leather bag. In this case, it's the Mollie, which can fit a ton of stuff, including "a spare pair of flats." Beyond spacious, it's also great for organizing whatever you've got in your haul with its center zippered pocket and two open compartments on either side. A fabric lining and double-face leather construction round out the luxe detailing. It comes in 11 colors, including many neutrals.
"Great sturdy purse. Love the style. Love the quality. Love the middle zipper compartment," said one succinct five-star shopper.
Founded in 1967, Ralph Lauren and its sub-brands can also be counted on for classic, quality American products, which include this timeless tote. Available in four neutral crosshatch-leather hues, it features subtle gold hardware, a tasteful logo, and a top zipper to keep contents from spilling out. There are also interior and exterior slip pockets and one more zipped compartment inside, so organization won't be a problem.
"Great tote/purse!" said on Macy's shopper. "It's everything I was looking for. It holds just enough with pockets to stay organized... I love it!"
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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