Anya Hindmarch l Elrod Woven Leather Tote

I think I am beginning to get obsessed with Anya Hindmarch bags. I decided I must have one, and believe the Elrod woven leather tote is as good as an Anya Hindmarch bag will ever get. You know how I feel about the Beverly woven bag, but perhaps something a little less shiny yet equally exquisite in detail, like the Elrod, might be suitable for everyday use.

I'm usually not a huge fan of brown shades, but this deep, chocolate brown works well with the woven detail, and the silver hardware really pops against the leather. In fact, when done well with top quality leather, there's no other color that looks as lusciously good as chocolate brown (not to mention the association with, yes, chocolate), and no other color that would stand up to age and wear as well as chocolate brown. These are the thoughts that cross my mind when I'm considering the possibility of investing in a bag that costs as much as my rent. Evergreen value = important. As with other Anya Hindmarch bags, I love the shape of the Elrod as to how it has a structured bottom so that it can stand on its own, yet also an organically shaped top so that it will fold and mold to the shape of your body.

One key feature is the external zipped pocket that is on the side facing your body when the bag is hanging from your shoulder, which my mom and I decided is an absolute must for any bags touting its functionality. My mom's not a fussy person at all, but if she were to design a bag for herself, this external zipped pocket would be on all of her bags, so that she doesn't have to take a deep dive for changes or metro cards. My only complaint is that this external pocket sits on the same side as the internal zipped pocket. Having both pockets on one side often leads to uneven weight and bulk issues, with everything from pens to make-up crammed - though technically divided by the lining - into the same side of the bag. Other than the overcrowding of pocket issue, I am still loving the bag for the large silver hardware that connects the handle to the bag, as well as the round weight that hangs like a bell to serve as the bag's closure. The Elrod measures in at 15"H x 17.5"L x 6"D with a 7" handle drop, and is available for $1,250.

Image: Courtesy of ShopBop.