A look at Belen Echandia's Tote Me Midi and a Comparison to the Tote Me

My custom order Belen Echandia Tote Me Midi arrived last week.  No big shocker that she is pure loveliness just like her big sister in Tan matte leather.  The dark blue crash leather that this bag was made in was only offered if you ordered it ahead of time and it was worth the wait.  She is simply lovely!

Here is a picture of the Dark Blue Crash Tote Me Midi taken WITH a flash.  The color is amazing; the light can play off of it differently and add a new twist to an already gorgeous colored leather.

This picture is taken in natural light; this picture most accurately reflects its true color.  I designed this bag through the BE Couture process and added the front slip pocket to this Tote Me Midi.   Normally there are no exterior pockets on this handbag.

Ahh...such simple stated class.  I adore the pink crystal against the blue crash leather!

I am thrilled that I added the slip pocket!  I asked for them to make it go down all the way to the bottom of the bag so it fits my phone and gum or keys nicely.  Adding the pocket does not mess with the clean lines of the Tote Me style, which I was a bit worried about. This could present differently on a lighter colored leather though, but given how functional this is, I would add it on even a lighter colored leather bag.  

A side shot of the Tote Me Midi...

Here is her gorgeous RED interior! This is the first time I went with red and I really like it! I also added a bottle pocket and had it made large enough to fit my big Camelback water bottle. It slips in with one hand - perfect!

The red interior works perfectly with the blue crash leather.  When comparing it to the regular fuschia interior on Belen Echandia handbags, the fabric has a bit less "sheen" to it.  Being able to personalize your handbag with Belen Echandia just makes it all that more special.

The water bottle pocket is wonderful! I had them make it an inch bigger in height and circumference; it is not attached at the bottom so it can smoosh against the wall of the bag and you can use the space in other ways when not in use.  

Here is a modeling shot of the Belen Echandia Tote Me Midi worn.

Here is a shot of it worn on the shoulder and shows how far it opens when one strap left on the shoulder (thus helping you guage how easily you can dig into it with one hand when on the shoulder.

This is the full sized Tote Me...you can see that though they are very similar in size, the opening on the full sized Tote Me is much larger.  This is one feature I clearly favor on the full sized Tote Me. 

For those of you that have been wondering how the Tote Me and Tote Me Midi compare...these next shots are for you.  Here they are worn on my shoulder.  

Here is a picture with them hanging from the same place.  The left sides are matched up so you can see the subtle differences in size on the bottom and right sides. This picture was taken with flash...

A side shot comparing the Belen Echandia Tote Me and Tote Me Midi.

The dimensions of the Tote Me are  14.4" H x 15" W x roughly a 5-5.5" depth on the base.  The drop is 10.2 inches.

The dimensions of the Tote Me Midi are 13" H x 13.4 W x roughly a 5-5.5" depth on the base.  The drop is 10.2 inches.

As you can see, the Tote Me Midi comes down to a difference of 1.4 inches in height and 1.6 inches in width.  Additionally, as you saw from my photos, the Tote Me's opening is considerably larger.

I bet you can almost guess my conclusion...yep...you need both.  Seriously, you do.  What difference do I see in the uses of the Tote Me and Tote Me Midi?  The Tote Me Midi is perfect in how large it looks and what it carries for an every day tote where you don't want the flex of extra space.  The full sized Tote Me is absolutely perfect for when you want to carry a tote that looks great as an every day bag, but yet offers you the flex of stuffing in extras for whatever you or your family may need.  See?  You really do need both! 

Which BE style is your favorite?  And leather type?  And color leather?  What about the Tote Me style - do you prefer the midi or full sized?  

Disclosure: These thoughts are my own and nothing but my own.  I was not paid for this review in any way.  Why do it? Simple - if I can help someone out, then mission accomplished.