Fashion

Tory Burch Bag Review

I’ve never done a bag review before so hopefully this will be helpful, but I have had so many requests for bag reviews over the past couple of months. I figured I would test the waters by reviewing two Tory Burch totes that are kind of similar and that are both fairly new to her line. Living in Oklahoma (& also being from Arkansas) there are no Tory Burch stores, nor are there any Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, etc. so it is sometimes tough to order online and not know exactly what you are getting. That being said, I hope this is helpful and feel free to ask me any questions (I answer most quickly on Twitter – @emilyanngemma).
The bag I am reviewing today is the new Tory Burch ‘Perry’ tote. It just came out in the past couple of weeks. While in San Francisco last weekend, I snagged it because it was the perfect bag for roaming around the city & carrying my DSLR, flats, etc. Plus, I really love the cognac or ‘Bark’ color – this tan shade has always been a friend to my wardrobe simply because it matches so much.

The Perry tote is available in several colors but NORDSTROM has the best color selection: Black, Navy, Light Oak (which is gorgeous), Baby Blue & mine which is called ‘Bark’.
(Tassel zip pouch)(iPhone case)(Pink Aviators)*select fuschia/mirror
I wanted to illustrate just how large & roomy the interior of this bag is so I tried to think of as many heavy, normal things that a woman would legitimately put into her bag! My laptop is a 13″, but the Perry Tote does fit a 15″ perfectly as well. Also, when we were flying home from SF, I had my DSLR (camera), my laptop, + all of this stuff in this tote as well and it all fits no problem.

One thing I really like about this bag is that it is spacious, yet things don’t just get lose. On the other side of that, it also doesn’t have a zip or closure which some people don’t like. Personally, I don’t mind it in a tote – I like having the ability to reach in and grab something quickly, especially when I am on the go.
You can see in the ^^ photo, everything fits nicely & there is extra space.
I’m a freak and I really have a thing for pockets/compartments. I like to have a spot for things that I grab a lot – i.e. my phone, lipstick, gum, etc. I really like the interior of this bag.
Oddly enough, when I first used it I wondered if it is supposed to be reversible? Notice how cute the interior is – and it has the logo built in! I haven’t seen anything online about it being reversible though.
Finally, I wanted to have something to compare it to…

The pink bag is the Tory Burch ‘York’ tote (the pink was only available on ToryBurch.com but sold out very quickly and is no longer available.) Also, the York tote comes in 2 sizes – mine is the larger size. Size wise, the two bags are VERY similar. In the ^^ photo, the pink bag is sitting behind the tan bag – so you can see they are almost the same width, height, & depth. The difference is the material & shape really. The York is a saffiano leather whereas the Perry is a pebbled leather. The York just feels stronger & firm – it holds it’s shape really well – but it doesn’t expand as well as the Perry. One thing I love about the York is that it has a special zip compartment for a 15″ laptop – that’s one of the main reasons I bought it. It can hold as much as the Perry tote, but I wouldn’t push it. I would recommend the York for someone who travels w/notebooks, laptop, etc. – or use it as a diaper bag (back up diaper bag), possibly. It’s got plenty of space, lots of compartments, & is very durable so I think it would be good. Sorry I am going on FOREVER, but there’s so much I want to share! Ha. The York tote does have a magnetic closure on the top, which I know many women prefer, however, it is like a ‘black whole’ if you lose something! (aka I am always digging around for SOMETHING). My friend Savanah has the York in the ‘light oak’ which btw, the color is very pretty! One thing she doesn’t like is how things get stuck underneath the zipper compartment of the bag that holds the laptop. Other than that, she really likes it, too.

So, if I had to pick between one or the other – I would probably choose the Perry — but only because I will be using it more for on-the-go purposes where I throw in extra flats + my DSRL since it expands so well. But it is a close tie – they are both great handbags that are functional, yet still super cute!

And finally, I wanted to say something – many of you know I own a variety of handbags but I chose to review the Tory Burch handbags first simply because I’ve found that they are so durable and great quality – especially for the money. If you are saving up for a handbag, I would recommend Tory Burch simply because I know you’ll get your money’s worth!

Okay, I really hope this helps some of you making decisions! Please let me know if you have questions!

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25 thoughts on “Tory Burch Bag Review

  1. This is so incredibly helpful.. I've had my eye on the York specifically because I thought it would keep it's shape well and prevent things from getting lost inside- so this post may have changed my mind!

  2. I was looking at the Perry tote at Nordstrom yesterday and I did like how big it was, and also how soft it was. I have the Robinson tote in the bigger size that my hubs got me 4 years ago and while I love it, it is so stiff. Thank you for sharing your review on these bags, and I totally think that you could reverse that bag!! 🙂

  3. I have the York in the large size and while it is very functional, the straps don't hold up very well. I barely put anything in it and the straps have started to come loose 🙁

  4. Amazing review! Thank you so much!
    I also have the york buckle tote in tory navy and I was eyeing on a black perry tote as a work/school tote (law student here). I haven't had a chance to pack my york tote to the brim so I can't attest to their durability (as it was purchased as an interview tote) so when I read a few comments here and there about the york's straps falling off, it got me worried. I will be using a backpack on heavy-duty days but I'd love to alternate between totes and rucksacks on and off class! Would you say that the perry's shape (especially the bottom) holds up well with heavy contents (11inch mac air, 1-2 casebooks, daily planner, a dozen pens + highlighters, essential personal hygiene bag and possibly a water bottle)? Has your bag started to sag after some use?

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