A Quick Peek at the new Belen Echandia Tote Me in Matte Tan Leather...a Review to Come

Guess what pure loveliness arrived yesterday?  My new Belen Echandia Tote Me in matte tan...delicious...leather.  Tan is always delicious and chic, but this season it is even more so.  Thus, I had to take big pictures, right?  :)

I will come back and post my official "review" after more use, but I had to share it with you now.  Yes, patience is not my strong suit.

And here she is...the Belen Echandia Tote Me!  Isn't she lovely?

A close up in case that wasn't good enough...

A close up of the detailing on the Tote Me.  Sorry - I realized my tags were turned after I got the picture uploaded. Just picture pretty pink crystals on the flip side. :)

A side shot...after 24 hours of use and petting, I have to say that the drop of the Tote Me is perfect for me.  It is just over ten inches, which allows the bag to drape beautifully when worn.  The base is a great depth - deep enough to fit what you need while still allowing it to hug the body.

The back side of the Tote Me...

Another great feature - she hangs beautifully off of your shoulder with one strap.  Thus, when you need to dig...and in my case not lose sight of two little ones, I can leave one strap on and reach in to get what I need.  The Tote Me tapers slightly from bottom to top too.  A subtle touch that again just adds to a wonderful drape and comfort.

I could not resist a close up of the tan leather - isn't she gorgeous?  On the side you can the little loop that allows a messenger strap to be added if desired.

And finally an interior picture. I can fit everything I need for daily use and still have room for extras for the kids.

Okay, I have returned by popular demand to post some modeling shots....

Here is a side shot of the Tote Me worn on the shoulder (Sorry, I did not get a messenger so cannot model that.).  The Tote Me measures 15"W x 14.4"H x roughly 5.1"D.  The depth can expand because of the design of the bag. 

A bit closer...for reference, I am 5'7" and a size 4/6.  

And finally a front shot...

4/26/10 ETA: I have used my Tote Me exclusively for the past 4 days and am so in love with it that I ordered another. Sigh...yes, I know.  My two all time favorite Belen Echandia bags for my tastes to this point have been the Rock Me in the full size and the Make Me Smile.  This ranks right up there with both of them and is neck and neck with my Rock Me...(insert shocked face here).  

I can carry as little or as much as I need, toss in a water bottle for me or the kids, and it remains SO lightweight.  The shoulder straps are incredibly soft; in case you were not able to tell, they are flat handles and when wearing it with a tank for two days, I had no digging in marks on my shoulder.  I love that Jackie Cawthra, Owner and Creative Director at Belen Echandia kept the hardware to a minimum on this bag because it keeps it true to the character of simple tote that is so light that your weight comes from what you carry alone.  

This weekend I had it all packed with my normal handbag goodies, tossed in jammies for my kids to change into at our friends house and a bottle of wine.  Major points scored for the Tote Me on that outing. :)

The Belen Echandia Tote Me retails for $550 and is part of Jackie Cawthra's spring and summer collection for 2010.  I would love to hear your thoughts...

Have a fantastic weekend -