Just received both the Tote bag AND the oversized Tote bag in the mail this afternoon. i was pleasantly surprised by the quality of BOTH bags. They remind me of the sorts of bags that you would find at an ARts and Crafts Fair crafted by a Leathersmith. Hand crafted with that ART flair to them.
I love that the stitching for both leather bags is on the outside. Reminding me, again, of an ARtsy sort of creative piece. VERY Unique and NOT your run of the mill leather tote bags.
If you want something that is extremely ORIGINAL with beautiful QUALITY and makes a statement, then these tote bags are for you.
i've purchase both totes to use in the future for traveling, and my guess IS that they will be fine. the texture and weight of the leather IS sturdy and substanial. As, this is NOT a soft, buttery kind of leather. This kind of leather stands UP on it's own, and has the determination and sophistication of ART leather. These bags, when seated on a table or seat or bench are not the kind of bags that slump over. They will keep their shape and stand at attention forevermore!!!! Meaning: durable and thick enough to hold magazines and books upright.
These bags will, definitely, require a good quality leather TREATMENT, before you even take the stuffing out of the bags to use for the first time. Because of the grade of leather, a good protector against scratches and stains will BE a requirement ------ if you want these to remain in top shape.
If you LOVE to be different and want to have something in your handbag and tote wardrobe that has the look and 'feel' of handmade - BY AN ARTISAN - then you should consider purchasing these WONDERFULLY, delightful, leather tote bags.
and, as always with the big "O" - you cannot beat the price. Thank you, Great Offer Stock, for keeping my home, closet, bedroom, great room, kitchen, well, just about a lot of immensely QUALITY things surrounding me daily. YOU ROCK!!!!!!