J.Crew Product Review: Tillary Tote

Tillary Tote
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Item 63158
Regular: $328.00

J.Crew describes this gorgeous bag as follows:

Thanks to our detail-obsessed design team, this tote doesn't skimp on style, quality or function. Traditional with a modern twist, it comes loaded with lots of extra pockets to keep things organized inside and out. Crafted in a superfine-grain leather that was specially developed to age beautifully, which means it'll hang in your closet—and on your arm—for years to come. Zip closure. Brass-finish hardware. Interior zip pocket, split-patch cell pocket. Cotton twill lining. Part of J.Crew Collection. Comes with dust bag. Import. 6" handle drop. 11 1/2"H x 11 3/4"W x 3 5/8"D. Catalog/jcrew.com only.

A big "thanks!" to Desert Flower (in this post), who shared her review of this must-have bag:

The Tillary tote arrived! First off, I worried from the website description that it might be smaller than I want. Website says 11 1/2"H x 11 3/4"W x 3 5/8"D. My measurements are approximately 12 1/2"H x 13"W (across the bottom) x 5 1/2"D. It's wider across the top where it flares out.

The blue sea color is gorgeous, just what I hoped for, a cross between dark blue and navy. The handles are well stitched, and look very much like the handles on the Celine luggage tote. The front zip pocket has a working zipper, however, I'd say it's decorative since there isn't much room. The zipper and stitching remind me of the Phillip Lim Pashli satchel I lusted after.

The leather is very nice quality. I can see this bag lasting a long time. The front and back are slightly pebbled, the flared sides are smoother. The cotton lining is nice, a taupe-grey color. One inside zip pocket, two open top pockets for cell phone, etc. There are four feet on the bottom, a nice touch. The handles just allow me to put it on my shoulder (although it's not meant to be a shoulder bag). They're rolled and will be comfortable on the arm.

The bag itself is somewhat heavy. Once I get stuff in it, it will be one of my heavier bags I think. It will easily hold all my day to day, plus my iPad, and when I travel I can throw in a bottle of water.

This is very comparable in quality to Coach bags I have, for which I've paid $300 to $500. I don't think this is overpriced although I realize $328 is not cheap. This will be a work horse in my wardrobe for years. I'm not waiting for sale. I have learned my lesson with a few J. Crew pieces I wished I just bought when they came out because I never found them once they went on sale.

In my opinion, this is a major win and one of the nicest pieces I've ever purchased from J. Crew. I'm adding to my wardrobe very judiciously these days, and being ruthless with returns. I'm sure this will be one of my best purchases of 2012.

"Thanks!" again to Desert Flower for her great in-depth review of this tote!

What are your thoughts on the Tillary Tote? Do you own this bag? Have you tried it on at a store? Do you like this style? If so, please share with us your review. :)