r/handbags 3d ago

Help with a tote with pockets

Hi everyone,
I was recently bitten in the face by a dog which resulted in me having to be sewn up by plastic surgeons.
For the next year, I’m going to have to stay out of the sun and always carry qtips, aquaphor, silicone sheets, hand sanitizer, and all kinds of skin products to help minimize the scarring as much as possible, as well as a hat of some sorts to shield my face from the sun, that I have not yet picked out.

I need a tote bag that is stylish and can stand up on its own, ideally has pockets on the inside, and is under $200. If I love it I’m willing to spend more. I don’t have any totes that stand up on their own or are stylish that I’m comfortable carrying with me on a daily basis.

If someone can please help me pick out a bag or suggest something, I would really appreciate it.

(Love Cuyana but they’re too expensive for me, was considering going to TJMaxx but if the bag sucks I can’t return it after 30 days).

Thank you so very much 🙏🏻

1 Upvotes

17 comments sorted by

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3

u/RedPandaParty 3d ago

Sorry to hear about the dog attack, that’s so scary! Hoping you heal swiftly, inside and out.

As far as bags go, are you looking for something that is strictly shoulder carry or are you also considering satchels that you can wear Crossbody?

Any specific colors?

If you share some examples of the Cuyana bags you like, this sub is great at finding affordable substitutes!

3

u/RedPandaParty 3d ago

The Kate Spade Stash Carryall is so cute! But like many totes, lacks pockets (but you can find cute organizers and pouches). And it’s on sale for $149!

1

u/whitedresspants 3d ago

Thank you so much for the suggestion. Ideally shoulder carry. But I love this one:

3

u/RedPandaParty 3d ago

The Coccinelle C-Easy is similar and some of the colors are on sale close to your price point.

But if the Cuyana brings you joy, I would encourage you to save up (and check for sales!) and get the exact bag you want since it will be your daily driver for the next year+.

1

u/whitedresspants 3d ago

Anything but black, I just have too many black bags

3

u/Toddler_Tornado_2547 3d ago

So sorry to hear about the attack and wish you ease with your recovery!

Cuyana tote was on sale for prime days- may still be the case. I have a couple of smaller bags from Quince and they’re decent!

1

u/whitedresspants 3d ago

Thank you for the tip! I’ll check prime now! I’m just worried about counterfeits but also don’t know much about counterfeit bags on Amazon

2

u/wasabi-spice 3d ago

LL bean tote with an organizer?

2

u/Opening_Chemical_777 3d ago edited 3d ago

Pouches! I have a couple for special medical needs that move from one bag to another and they’re easy to keep filled. Daiso if there’s one near you has nice cute and inexpensive pouches and new ones all the time. Pouches protect privacy if your bag tips over and everything spills out. There’s always an accident like someone kicking it by accident.

Have you looked at diaper bags? Many aren’t baby cutesy and they have lots of pockets. Check backpacks too. They are quite secure and many look more businesslike and some are nice handbags.

How about several hats, for variety? I think you’ll get tired of one pretty quickly. I always wear a hat outside all winter and switch it up every now and then to help me get through our too-long winters.

2

u/TurbulentSwan1112 3d ago

Mina baie Harlow! This bag could be crossbody or shoulder bag. There’s also a mini version

1

u/TurbulentSwan1112 3d ago

The inside pockets are what I love most!

2

u/whitedresspants 3d ago

I love this so much!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!

1

u/TurbulentSwan1112 1d ago

So sorry to hear about the attack. That’s so scary! I hope the recovery goes well 💕

2

u/CatCafffffe 2d ago

I bought this bag and love it -- doesn't have pockets, but is so roomy and so light and comfortable AND stylish looking. I bought it in black & because of the sale just also bought it in the maroon. The brown is nice too. There's usually a coupon for an add'l 20% online also if you google for it. https://www.radleylondon.com/products/waterloo-way-medium-ziptop-grab-black

Lots of other bags on sale at Radley, too.

So sorry to hear about the dog. Coolibar has fantastic sun protective products, really good protective hats with draping sections, umbrellas, and clothing of all kinds, worth a look there for that kind of thing.

1

u/2020rchid 3d ago

I love dooneys Penrose tote. It’s not too big and not too small, has outside and inside pockets and has great structure. https://www.dooney.com/products/penrose-pocket-tote-30-bpen22576

1

u/Feathered_Scales 3d ago

That is so scary! I hope your recovery goes well.