I have been meaning to do this post for sometime now... If you had to choose between J.Crew's Downing Tote (item A4399; $168.00) or Madewell's Transport Tote (item 53228; $168.00), which one would you get?
As an owner of both bags, I understand how hard this choice can be! They are both beautiful totes that will carry everything you need to bring. Honestly, I think you cannot go wrong with either one.
Pro J.Crew: (1) I like how soft the leather is, (2) the bottom seam is pretty and helps keep the bag better propped up, and (3) the wristlet comes off like a cute accessory.
Pro Madewell: (1) I like how easy to maintain the leather is, thanks to the smoothness, (2) the inside zippered pocket is key!, (3) the leather feels like it will last forever, and (4) the simple style really appeals to me.
Overall: I have an ever-so-slight preference for the J.Crew version in English Saddle. Yet, I prefer Madewell versions in all other color schemes.
Which tote would you personally get? Which one would you recommend?
Quick Poll: Would you get the Downing Tote or the Transport Tote?
I would say the J.Crew tote. The extra details and lining towards the bottom makes it more versatile than the Madewell one. You can easily carry that for work and for leisure.
ReplyDeleteThe Madewell version is a lot more casual but I do love how the colors on the handles are different than the body's. Plus, Madewell is known for their leather goods - their quality is definitely unbeatable.
Julia || Closet de Jules
Recent Post: Workwear - Playful Yet Professional
Both are more casual styles, not structure, but I still prefer as many handbags as possible to have "feet" on the bottom. I own the perforated Downing and love it. If I got another, I'd probably pick a Transport and be sure to have it monogrammed.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably choose whichever one maintained its shape best standing up. I hate floppy totes. I am also not sure I want a leather tote. Would it get pretty dirty and be hard to clean? I like leather purses, but not sure I want all leather for a larger bag like this.
ReplyDeleteI went to get the Transport tote at the store...I actually ended up returning it, and went to J Crew to get the Downing tote in Navy. I liked the extra seam - gave it some style. Also - I got it with a percentage off, so that clinched it for it! I would have liked the inside zipper pocket, but I carry enough zippered pouches, so it's not a big deal.
ReplyDeleteI"ve used the Transport tote all summer long and I'm really happy with it. I have been very hard on it, lugging it to the gym, as a market tote, carry on/ travel bag, stuffing a lot of books in it and it has held up very well. The corners started to show wear after about two weeks but for my purposes I'm fine with the wear. The English saddle color is very rich and forgiving and I think that the sturdy leather will age "ruggedly appropriate" for a very casual day tote. It is big and I use a purse organizer for my essentials so I don't have to dig down into a cavernous pit to find my daily essentials. I recently bought the the mini Transport tote cross body on sale, again very casual, but holds a surprising amount, even for a big bag junkie like me.
ReplyDeleteOT: Free shipping on all orders today at J.Crew. Lots of new markdowns, too.
ReplyDeleteI have the Transport in Navy, and I'm happy with it overall. However, within two weeks of carrying it, the leather on the handles has started to separate. I bought it off a blogger and it was in near-perfect condition when I got it, and I don't think it was carried all that much before then. I'll probably have to take it to my cobbler to be repaired, and that is a little disappointing. The price was right, though!
ReplyDeleteI don't own one or the other. But reading everyone's comments will help me decide.
ReplyDeleteThe good thing with J.Crew is that there is always a 25% discount/promo...the only discount i can get with Madewell is if I go to the store to use my 15% student discount. So the bigger the discount, the more I like the bag. :)
I also agree with Cate about the bag holding its shape. And what Gigi mentioned about totes having feet at the bottom.
I have been deliberating for months and finally pulled the trigger on the transport tote in English Saddle and got it monogrammed since I'm getting married in 2 months! I definitely like the seam on the J Crew bag, but I think the zippered pocket was essential for my needs. I also felt a couple of the Downing totes in store and they were stiff as anything and that turned me off.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all these reviews! I recently bought the Madewell zip cross body transport tote in the saddle color and am debating on returning. I need a cross body but wanted that in addition to a tote, not instead. The handle drop is only about 4" so you can't wear it on your arm without squeezing your hand through past the rough zipper. I generally prefer Madewell for more casual rugged looks and JCREW for a little more polish. I did score this on the recent 30% off promo.
ReplyDeleteI bought the Cuyana Tote and love it. Similar Style, very soft leather. Used it all summer and it looks like new. Great for carrying all my stuff. They just came out with new colours for fall. Love them all!
ReplyDeletethat's a hard choice!!! i think the one that looks more polished and crisp. i do like the seam at the bottom part of the j crew bag.
ReplyDeleteI like both of them, but if I were to get one, I would probably go with the Transport Tote since it has the pocket on the inside.
ReplyDeleteOT: What I really need is a good cross-body bag, since that is what I use most of the time now. I have a couple of sportier ones, but would like to find a nice leather cross-body that isn't too large, heavy, or bulky. Any recommendations?
Transport all the way. I ordered the Downing in the dark brown, thinking I needed a darker option for work, but it has no inside pocket. And the little wristlet is not so functional - too small to fit an iPhone 5 so back it goes!
ReplyDeleteOne additional note - I've had my saddle Transport for 2 years and the strap just broke. I took it to Madewell and they're going to fix it and replace the zipper, which has been catching. Other than those two issues, the bag looks beautiful after 2 years of pretty heavy use.
I am curious, is the transport tote too big for everyday bag?
ReplyDelete