Meet The Floto Milano Crossbody Shoulder Bag

Sometimes I regret not buying Coach's full-sized Cassie Crossbody bag before it was discontinued, an action by Coach that surprises me. Nowadays you can get a smaller Cassie 19, which is still a terrific bag, yet too small (7 inches long) to hold my essentials. With the Cassie 19, I'd have to carry a tote too.

Let me introduce you to Floto, an American small business that sells bags handcrafted in Italy on Amazon.

The retailer's Floto Miano Crossbody Shoulder Bag is a twin style to Coach's Cassie Crossbody bag for 1/3 of the price! The Floto bag is certified full-grain Italian leather (namely calfskin). The leather is hand-stained to patina by artisans in Tuscany to look better over time.

It comes in 2 sizes: Large: 8.5"W x 3.5"D x 6"H and Small: 7". The Floto Crossbody is shaped so similarly to the Cassie and has the same turnover closure plus 3 compartments to organize daily necessities such as a back pocket with a zipper to fit a cell phone. It's such a timeless and popular style!

With customer service, a warehouse, and a leather workshop located in Connecticut, the leather merchant offers a lifetime limited warranty meaning it strives to make good if anything goes wrong with the normal usage of its bag.

Amazon is bad for small businesses when they can't compete, yet a positive aspect is Amazon also gives small businesses a platform to sell their creations if or before they can afford to open brick-and-mortar stores. It's an opportunity for small businesses to reach and sell to customers far and wide. 

For consumers, it's safe to buy online from unfamiliar small businesses due to Amazon's free returns policy. Still, I'm committed to mindful shopping as I don't want to see a change in Amazon's free returns policy. Nowadays more retailers require customers to return items in-store to avoid fees because of abuses of online free returns. In appreciation for great customer care, let's treat everybody's money as if it were our own! Savvy Shoppers expect to be treated in good faith by retailers and are fair to retailers with generous return policies!

Wow, the Floto Milano Crossover Shoulder bag, as well as, the whole Floto line is such a smart Amazon find! Superb leather and craftsmanship at a reasonable price. Nice!

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5 Coach Bags Going From Office To Dinner

When you spend the day at the office but plan to have coffee, drinks, or dinner with friends after work you want a bag that holds all your essentials and yet can easily travel with you. As a big Coach fan, it's where I would always look first for fine leather or canvas bags at affordable, sane prices: See Coach, Coach Outlet and the Coach page on Amazon.

I'll feature 5 recommendations for bags that are compact and come in several colors or textures plus share one huge benefit that makes each one travel-friendly. All have straps, either a shoulder or crossbody strap for hands-free portability!

The following are 5 Coach From Desk to Dinner Bags:

The above 4 also have side compartments and pockets to organize all your necessities so you can reach in to grab items without a search or emptying your bag. It makes it simple to travel light. Still, there's a 5th bag I'm obsessed with right now for the woman who can't travel quite as light. Perhaps you need a tote to take papers, water, a computer, or an umbrella home after leaving work: 

Maggie Tote Bag

The Maggie Tote, our 5th bag, is bigger, professional, dressy, and ultra gorgeous! What a stunning and versatile bag ... as are all 5 Coach bags. Dressy in the right color! Of course, patterns or canvas tend to be a bit more casual. You can pick your color, according to lifestyle and how you wish to use your bag.

Golly, I really love the tote! Want, need, want, Ahhhhhhh😱Coach temptation strikes again!!👜🦖

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3 Quiet Luxury Bags

I'm happy to have finished my teens and 20s before the logo designer bag craze began. My parents bought me well-made leather shoes that held up and later on I followed their example with handbags. Moreover, we didn't collect them, just bought them as needed. After spending a fortune, some luxury-obsessed fashionistas are waking up and feeling the sting of debt for the surface status and not necessarily the quality of the luxury bags they collect ... and luxe brands including Hermès, Dior, and Chanel are noticing shrinking profits (in 2023 - 2024) -- some critics say due to their arrogance and greed in mistreating loyal customers. A shame as we love the aesthetics of the high fashion labels.

Today I'm featuring 3 luxury quality leather bags that are pricey yet attainable and made by companies that don't play the designer bag games with consumers, namely a) by creating scarcity and artificial demand; b) while offering poor snarly customer service; c) by charging $1000s more than the worth of the bags, i.e., for a logo; and d) sometimes selling customers inferior quality while hiking up prices several times a year.

Today's 3 featured brands offer customers fairness and quality for their business!

Full disclosure: I love the leather and craftsmanship of the featured bags below👇, however, I'm not a handbag maven, myself, and don't own them. I'm happy with COACH. But if ever I see an unbelievable deal, I'll know to snatch up the following bags and you will too!:

1) Strathberry - I'm featuring the tote (👆top image) and East/West (👈left image), but as with the other 2 accessory makers, there are many bag styles for customers. All Strathberry bags take up to 20 days to handcraft by artisans in Spain. The style is simple elegant lines oftentimes completed by Strathberry's signature bar closure.

2) Pourchet - A French brand that began making bags in 1903. The classic bags in its collection are made of durable smooth calf leather with impeccable craftsmanship and timeless straight lines. The Trianon is perhaps the retailer's most popular bag. It's minis a few Alexander Hamilton's under $400 which is far less than competitor French luxury bags.

3) Le Tanneur - is another French leather goods merchant that has been stitching full-grain leather bags since 1898. The Emile bag above reminds me of Saint Laurent's best-selling Envelope bag for roughly half the price!

If you're a bag maven who is tired of being gauged and underappreciated by the flashy logo brands (whose practices seem to care more about taking your money than giving you quality, service, or the respect you deserve for your purchase) perhaps consider Strathberry, Pourchet, or Le Tanneur. Each makes gorgeous, exceptionally crafted bags (indeed not cheap), yet for thousands less!

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Walmart Has Genuine Leather Bags Cheap

Real leather bag by Forestyashe at Walmart - Available in 7 colors on clearance $11 - $15

Walmart may not be the first retailer that comes to mind for finding a smart trendy bag, but you'd be surprised at the stylish deals and steals available on its website. For sure, I am! The styles, hues, and materials are many. I've picked 6 of the genuine leather options that are a fraction of their usual retail prices. There are more! The bags come in up to 7 colors.

HKCLUF Crossbody Hobo Bag

GAEKEAO Small Crossbody Bag

Michael Kors Pebbled Leather Small Tote 

FALAN MULE Clutch and Wristlet 

KAMUGO Leather Handbag with Gold Hardware and Cache

Walmart has quite an online selection of bags of all types. Sometimes the bags are cheaper than what a replacement strap costs elsewhere. By the way, if you like the bag but want to buy a thicker leather strap (look on Etsy, Amazon, or the retailer of your look-alike bag) as you are left with the funds to do so! The Walmart Birkin dupe bag comes from 4 third-party sellers listed within Walmart's online store, including Judy, Kamugo, Bestspr, and Ymtq. Reportedly it's genuine leather.

The London Fog bookbag dupe is reviewed here.

Be sure to read the descriptions carefully so you catch the sizes and textures of the bags. Reading every customer review is super helpful in not ordering mistakes, but if you don't like your purchase, Walmart has an easy and inexpensive return policy.

A nice bag on a budget, one that won't fall apart soon. Who knew?

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London Fog's Dupe For Christian Dior's Tote Bag

Three years ago Dior launched its wildly popular tote bag (called a book bag in the UK). Fashionistas bought them. But if you don't want to shell out $3,350 for it, have I got a smart dupe for you. It's London Fog's Beach Canvas Tote, and it sells at Walmart for $15, reduced to an unbelievable $10.50. The price points of both fashionable canvas bags are insane ... but only one is fabulous!

London Fog makes a durable, functional bag with the same vibe. The writing is only on one side, so you can show it or not. London Fog makes first-rate raincoats and umbrellas so I'd trust the quality of its totes also. Stylin' for a lot less.

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Loewe's Popular Puzzle Bag

Photo: Fashionphile

The popular decade-old Puzzle bag was the debut bag of Loewe's new creative director in 2014, Jonathan Anderson, and what a brilliant brainchild it turned out to be, putting a purse from a forgotten heritage brand on top of every luxury fashionista's wish list. The puzzle bag's unique cuboid shape and cutting method create its recognizable geometric lines. It was first conceived as a man's duffle bag. After women began buying it, the puzzle bag was also parlayed over to the women's department.

The Puzzle bag became a hit, not only due to its artistic modern design but also because of its rich and durable calf leather and outstanding craftsmanship. Each bag is hand-stitched together. The bag is fairly practical too. Not only does it hold all your everyday essentials, but it's also super versatile to use: You can clutch carry it, grab its top handle, or wear it as a shoulder or crossbody bag. Plus the bag has no screaming logos. Industry people like to call the Puzzle bag quiet-luxury, an if you know, you know bag. It also folds flat.

The bag is available in 5 sizes: Nano (5.25 x 4" x 2"), Mini (6.75" x 4.5"), Small (9.5" x 6.25" x 4.25"), Medium (11.5" x 7.75" x 4.75") and Large (14" x 8.25" x 5.75"). 

Now there are 2 versions, the Original Puzzle bag and a redesigned version called the Puzzle Edge bag. Here's the difference: (1) The Original Puzzle bag is made of several pieces of leather that are separately hand-sewn together, and it takes longer to make while (2) the Puzzle Edge bag has fewer pieces of leather that are folded into the same iconic cuboid shape for quicker production. (1) The Original has visible black lines where the seams are sewn together (2) while the Edge with leather folds doesn't. (1) The Original bag has metal feet and (2) the Puzzle Edge omits them. I don't know about you, but I favor bags with metal feet to protect the bottom of the bag. Why remove them?

Photo: Fashionphile

Many observers fear the Puzzle Edge is replacing the Original Puzzle bag, but so far both editions are for sell on the company's website at about the same price.

So will the original puzzle bag eventually be phased out? Nobody knows, but it kind of looks like it. More customers seem to prefer the original over the newer puzzle edge.

The puzzle bag still maintains its early duffle bag likeness, and fashion editors think it will be around for a long, long time to become a classic, making it hold its value on the resale market.

So which bag are you? The original or the edge?

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COACH In Lieu Of Jacquemus

I sound like a broken record, in saying I'm not a luxury bag maven. Instead, I'm loyal to COACH because you can't beat the leather, craftsmanship, or durability of its bags while spending far less money than what you'd pay for similar in-quality, luxury handbags. I hope the fantastic value of COACH continues into the future as Tapestry, COACH's parent company, recently bought Versace. How disappointing if we start seeing steep price hikes on COACH bags! So far, so good!

Certainly, I appreciate a well-made handbag, and can understand the appeal and temptation of procuring the top-tier luxury brands! Yet, even luxury bags that aren't as exclusive, well-made, or insanely overpriced as Hermès are expensive! Let me show you one example that sells for around $1,000 then I'll show you a COACH handbag to consider costing about 1/7 less in price. Wouldn't it be great to keep a tidy sum of your own money in your bank account?

The Jacquemus Le Grand Bambino Crossbody at $1,025 is a stunning classic handbag. If you bought it in a department store like Nordstrom, or Neiman Marcus at the right time, you could shave off roughly $130 from its full retail price. There is nothing wrong with this bag ... it's notable in leather, style, and craftsmanship.

And yet, if you're willing to compromise a tad on style to still end up with a smart, classic, and stellar leather handbag, consider the COACH Large Morgan Crossbody. At COACH's Outlet, the Morgan costs between $135 - $199 depending on color. It comes in black, white, light violet, light blue, dark green, red, and blocked canvas. While stock lasts, the Morgan is offered in either refined calf or crocodile-textured leathers. The workmanship of COACH is impeccable, plus guaranteed for life.

Obviously, the Morgan and Bombino aren't replicas of one another, but both bags have a similar shape, size, and classic vibe. Although I love the top handle and edginess of the Jacquemus, personally I wouldn't pay an extra $800 for it because the bags are enough alike in the ways that matter. You get the effect for far less moola. A true handbag aficionado would likely want the Bombino at any cost. Are you a bag enthusiast who'd part with an extra $800 if you had a similar cheaper option?

COACH is accessible to everyone with a job. I prefer sales to exclusiveness. COACH possesses everything I need: Classic style, fine leather, excellent craftsmanship, and durability at a fair price.

Of the two brands featured, which bag would you buy? Please explain.

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Coach Has Cute Novelty Bags

Bow or bone bag

I'm a huge fan of COACH bags for the brand's quality leather(s), craftsmanship, and price. You get a lot of bag for the money, especially when catching a sale. I don't tend to buy novelty bags but think they're super cute! So I'll feature several of the fun, unconventional COACH bags for the handbag mavens who read the blog. Perhaps you have functions to attend where you can sport a statement bag that is less practical with a touch of whimsy, as well as, have the closet space to store it.

Star bag

Duck bag

Heart bags in Nappa or Glovetan leathers 

A Lip bag in Glovetan leather

Much like an evening bag, you can only carry a few essentials - a cardholder or slim wallet, keys, comb, maybe lipstick, inside these bags ... not your go-everywhere necessities. These fun bags are about the same price as a roomy-sized everyday bag. Some customers have the budget and closet space for such bags, and if so, they need to look no further than COACH for the same stellar quality as you'll find in all COACH bags.

 

Do you have a favorite shape?

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Delvaux Tempète Is The Hermès Bag Alternative

Regardless of what critics say about how Hermès does business or what it charges for its Birkins and Kellys, everybody agrees the quality especially the craftsmanship of Hermès handbags is impeccable. You cannot buy a better-made bag, and the company has no shortage of luxury customers. Despite its cost, a Birken is the world's #1 best-selling luxury bag.

Repeatedly I've disclosed that I'm not a bag maven and would never spend more on a handbag than what I pay at Coach. I love my capsule of Coach bags. They fill my every need for status😛, style, and usefulness around town, but it doesn't mean I don't admire Hermès or other exclusive handbags. Is there anyone who doesn't love touching and examining leather goods, especially from the top-of-the-heap, stellar brands? New York City is a fun place to browse! You get to know fashion and labels whether you buy them or not.

Delvaux Tempèux is a handbag for consumers who want the peerless quality of Hermès without playing the games or paying the price of Hermès. Nowhere near cheap -- at $5,900 -- but far less than a Birken or Kelly and customers don't have to wait years to buy it, nor cultivate a relationship with a sales associate by making prior purchases just to get offered a Birkin handbag that is sometimes not in your color of choice. In fact, Hermès' way of doing business has given rise to a healthy resale market, where Birkens often cost much more than what owners paid for them new.

Founded in 1829 by luggage maker Charles Delvaux, Delvaux is a Belgian fine leather goods company. 

Bar none, the Delvaux Tempèux is a gorgeous handbag made of full-grain calf leather and lining. With a sleek, functional design and gold metal hardware, it has a closure I personally like over Birken's and Kelly's more complicated closures. Unlike a Birken, this bag comes with a crossbody strap.

If you pine for a Hermès handbag without the wait or added expense, the Delvaux Tempèux is the perfect bag for you! Just like the Hermès Birken and Kelly, the leather and craftsmanship of the Delvaux Tempèux is flawless. You can get it in the standard sizes and the usual variety of colors and leathers just like Hermès handbags. Industry people like to call it an "if you know you know" bag. You can call it checking all the boxes without nonsense for a lot less moola.

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Full grain leathers - nappa and cow

Welcome to the world of Aspinal of London, where customers can buy top-notch luxury bags or small leather goods without the hype, games, serial price hikes, or ostentatious logos that are becoming disturbing among a few well-known luxury brands. Merchants who don't value their customers are not our friends. Aspinal of London is!

Aspinal offers high caliber leather(s), expert craftsmanship, and attention to detail with extras for your money; and their bags list for $1000s less than the showy logo brands. 

Furthermore, you are provided with excellent and friendly customer care. Just for signing up for emails, you get an instant 10% savings, and periodically there are sales with up to 70% off. Save your Alexander Hamiltons on fine leather goods. Frankly spending them for exclusiveness is a middle-class illusion according to marketers! Luxury houses design special lines not for public sale for their wealthy clients.

Aspinal's fine leather bags are ultra stylish, sturdy, tasteful, and timeless. Does the quilted black bag with gold hardware on the left remind you of a coveted bag that just announced another price increase (of 15.7%)? The Chanel medium double flap bag now sells for $11,850 (up from $10,200) without offering customers any improvements! In fact, numerous customers claim the quality of the double-flap bag has taken a nose-dive and is no longer worth its asking price.

 Not only is the classic Aspiral bag of superior quality, but it also has a few frills such as 4 golden feet to protect the leather. You get more for less money.

If you are looking for a substantial full-grain leather luxury bag, then look no further than Aspinal of London where you find excellence, a fair shake, and outstanding customer service when you walk in the door, as well as, after you purchase your bag. Take a consumer oath: From now on, support brands who work to be your friends!

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Although I examine and admire many luxury bags I don't own any such as Hermes, Chanel, or Louis Vuitton. I'm a lover and owner of 5 Coach bags.

 

As it turns out Tapestry, Coach's parent company, is buying Capri Holdings, the parent company of Versace and Jimmy Choo, brands that position themselves as luxury goods. On the other hand, Coach since 1941 has always marketed itself as a fine leather goods company, not a luxury brand despite the stellar craftsmanship of its fine leather goods, and I hope with the acquisition of its new luxury targeting holdings Coach never lowers its own standards or raises its prices. Time will tell. Some well-known luxury brands in spite of hefty price tags aren't made as well as Coach!

Among its inventory, Coach offers several totes of different sizes and leathers. The Rae Tote is my newest favorite. At 11.1"H x 13.1"W x 5.1"D it's the perfect size to carry all our essentials including a 13" laptop, and yet it's compact and more roomy than enormous. I'm also hugely fond of its glovetan leather, named after the leather used to make baseball gloves. It has 2 inside slip pockets to hold smaller items plus a removable leather zip pouch and crossbody straps. The inside lining is suede. The handles are made to fold on the interior or exterior of the tote and when folded cleverly form 2 perfect "C"s for Coach!

Nothing about the Rae Tote gives me pause except its $750 price tag. Priced well below luxury bags, customers get superb quality and craftsmanship for the money. Still yikes! I want this one more than truly need it, and knowing that a change is coming ... oh Coach lead me not into temptation!👺

Let's hope and pray Coach stays Coach, a fine leather goods merchant outside the luxury market, and its bags won't double, triple, quadruple, quintuple, sextuple ... decuple in price!🙏🙏🙏

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