Coquette

What's In My Bag: Tami's Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran Tote Bag

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran Tote Bag
$448 at Shopbop
(Also available in a light tan color)

Last fall, my good friend Tami from Fete a Fete was in search of a good everyday bag. I am of course a bag fanatic so I jumped at the chance to help her narrow down brands and styles. It came down at the end to two styles of Marc by Marc Jacobs bags and after testing them out in person at the department store, she was sold on the Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran Bag.

As a writer and blogger, Tami heads to lots of events that range from traveling to a spa or new local restaurant (jealous, right?). Tami is a stylish, no fuss kind of gal and wanted a bag that would work perfectly for everyday use as well as for events where she needed to fit in her large DSLR camera. This pebbled-textured leather bag is perfect because the double handles can fit over your shoulder and in the crook of your arm as well. The double handles also make it easy to access the contents inside.

There is a magnetic top closure with one inside zip pocket and two inside open pockets that are perfect for your cell phone and sunglasses. Dimensions are: 12"W X 11 1/2"W X 4"D There is also a longer detachable strap.

Contents:

Guerlain Rouge G Le Brilliant in Bella B63
Rouge Dior in 741 Allegro Pink
Nars concealer (custard shade)
Day Minder planner
Nine West wallet
Katsushika Hokusai flower print notebook by Galison New York
Moleskin purple mini-notebook
Canon Rebel T3i
Samsung cell phone
iPod Nano

Tami answers a few questions about her bag. I snapped this photo of Tami with her trusty tote while taking photos for her Kohl's spring trend on white.

What is the best thing about your bag?
For a medium-sized bag it's really sturdy and quite spacious. I can stash my camera, notebook, pens, wallet, makeup, sunglasses, phone, etc., and there's still room for extra small items. The generous tote opening makes it so easy to toss things in. I love how strong the handles are.

What is the worst thing about your bag?
The inner lining is slippery so occasionally stuff will slide out if I don't set it upright. Not a deal breaker but can be a bit annoying.

How do you feel when you wear this bag?
I feel very chic, but it doesn't feel precious (nor delicate). It's a basic everyday bag I can throw around and it won't scratch or fall apart. The leather feels so sturdy and soft! It's a great value.

Is it heavy with things inside?
It can get heavy if I put my camera inside. I use it as an everyday bag, but it's not secure enough for travel.

Hope you are liking this new series! Coming up next is a peek inside my neighbor Lilian's Hermes Birkin!

Previous What's In My Bag Posts:
Coach Classic Stewardess Bag

What's In My Bag: Coach Classic Stewardess Bag

Coach Classic Stewardess Bag
$358 at Coach.com or select Coach boutiques

I'm starting a new "What's In My Bag" series on the blog that's been a long time coming. I always love seeing what people have in their bags and I also love reading bag reviews when I'm researching a potential bag I want. This new series will merge the best of both and show not only how pretty a certain bag is but how functional it is too. I'll share my own bags as well as iconic bags of my friends. One of my requirements is that the bag isn't brand new but must be used for at least a few months so it's functionality can be properly understood. Please feel free to leave a comment or let me know if there is a bag you are interested in knowing more about!

Today I wanted to share my very special Coach Classic Stewardess Bag in British Tan. (The bag also comes in a darker brown called Mahogany and Black.) I can't rave enough about this bag because it's the perfect medium sized bag in the most gorgeous shade of tan that works perfectly year round. This classic style has been part of the Coach collection since 1977. This style is dear to my heart because my mom used to carry one back in the day and I have fond memories of closing the lock for her, which my daughter Chloe does for me now. (Hint: This bag makes a great Mother's Day or birthday gift!)

What I love about this bag is it's chic shape and that inside the compartments are wonderfully divided so everything has it's place. I wear this bag mostly during the week when my daughter is in school but it still can fit her snacks or other little things if I need them too. One of the best features is the small inner pocket where I keep my iPhone. I never have to rumble in my bag to find it and I love that it has it's own special place. I have worn this bag a lot for the last few months and convinced my friend Christina to nab one too.

Here's what I keep inside my Coach Classic Stewardess Bag:

Contents:

iPhone 4S
Julia Rothman mini-journal (from Chronicle Books)
Pink and Purple pens
Chanel compact in 30 Naturel
Dior Addict in 353 Blush
Clarins Crystal Lip Balm in 03 Crystal Coral (review)
Chanel Sunglasses (from 2008)
Marc Jacobs Zip Clutch Wallet
Louis Vuitton 4 Key Pouch in Damier Azur
Car key on Coach keychain
Tissues
Clean Well Hand Sanitizer
Halls cough drops

Here's what the bag looks like with everything in it. I keep most of the little things in the middle compartment such as my makeup, pens, notebook, tissues, etc. The larger compartment holds my sunglasses, wallet, and hand sanitizer. I haven't even really used the larger zip compartment in the back too! There is just lots of places for you to organize your things and the bag isn't heavy at all when you have your things in there.

I love the long strap that can be adjusted to your height. I usually wear the bag over my shoulder but depending on your body type, you can adjust the length to wear it crossbody.

The gold colored brass hardware looks great against the leather.

The classic turnlock is just classy. It is easy to open and close the bag and everything is secure in your bag. I've dropped the bag on the floor before and nothing has fallen out of the bag onto floor. You can easily toss this bag in your car when you drive and don't have to worry about things falling out as well.

Side view of the bag also showing the interior raw leather. The leather on this bag is so soft and I love the way it feels when I open it and put things inside. I like the tiny brass feet on the bottom that help keep it "above ground" wherever you set it down. I'm not one to really baby my bags and this bag just always looks good. One thing I make sure of is I don't take it out in the rain which I pay attention to in general for all of my nice bags. For such quality leather and classic design, the price of this bag is amazingly affordable. Because of the great leather, it's also a bag that will look fabulous as it ages over the years. Trust me, I know I'll see my daughter wear this as a teenager in 10 years but she may have to pry it out of my hands first!

During the whole photoshoot Lulu was barking and annoyed because she wasn't the center of attention so I had to appease her and take this photo. She's a crack up!

Here's the Coach Classic Stewardess Bag as seen on Whitney Port and Christina Hendricks. Find out more about the bag in my previous post on Coquette from last year

Note: Coach Stewardess Bag was provided by Coach.