M&S has been my go-to for shopping luxe-looking garments and with more affordable price tags for quite some time. Now, I love a designer bag (even if it is window shopping them), but I also love bargain hunting. I’ve always got my eyes peeled for a designer-looking item without the premium price tag, and I think I may have found exactly that in M&S’ Faux Leather Shoulder Tote Bag. The M&S Faux Leather Shoulder Tote Bag costs £45 and looks very similar to the Saint Laurent Le 5 À 7 Bea tote, which fetches a staggering £2,654. It’s a no brainer in my books.
The Faux Leather Shoulder Tote Bag from M&S boasts the same wide open design, and features a winged edge similar to the Saint Laurent version, which means even more space in both handbags. The Faux Leather Shoulder Tote Bag measures 12cm in height, 43cm in width and 38cm in depth. It has a zip and magnetic top fastening, as well as durable thick straps, which sit perfectly over the shoulder. Plus, the straps are adjustable so you can fit it tight under the arm or let it hang looser on a longer strap.
While the M&S and Saint Laurent bags boast a similar shape, when I dig deeper and compare the dimensions, the M&S bag is deeper and wider, whereas the Saint Laurent is longer in length. The M&S bag also features adjustable shoulder straps, whereas the Saint Laurent design has fixed straps. Truth be told, I prefer the former because it prevents the straps from slipping off the shoulder when I am wearing a coat or jumper, which is a pet peeve of mine.
Both feature an internal zip pocket to store any valuables, which is key for an open top bag like the Saint Laurent number. M&S’ version offers that security with the zip top. One notable difference is the material and texture. The M&S bag has been crafted from faux leather with a polyurethane lining, whereas Saint Laurent uses ultra soft calf leather and suede lining. The finish is also different because of this. M&S’ tote is a smooth finish, but this may mean any dents or scratches could show on the exterior, whereas the Saint Laurent version is textured and can conceal any marks a little better, in my opinion.
Of course the main difference is the designer emblem on the hook of the fastening on the Saint Laurent bag, whereas the M&S bag is a simplistic design that doesn’t have any logos. Saint Laurent’s tote bag is a large handbag that measures 21cm in depth, 29cm in height and 38cm in width. Made from a soft textured leather to create a relaxed slouchy fit. It features thick straps, though these are not adjustable, an open top, and internal zip pocket for valuables. This bag also features a top strap to fasten over the main opening to secure it shut.
Both the M&S and Saint Laurent bags are super stylish and versatile enough to pair with any outfit and for any occasion. They are large enough to house your valuables, as well as iPad, kindle, a paperback book, even your laptop, among other essentials. But the tipping point for me is, of course, the price tag. While I am adding the M&S bag to my extensive accessories collection, so are other shoppers who have praised the staple for its durability and premium quality.
One happy M&S shopper gushed: ‘Nice style – looks similar to a much more expensive bag I had my eye on from a high end brand. Great size – just what I needed.’. Another added: ‘Bought as an everyday bag after seeing it on display in the local store. The bag is good and spacious for holding music folders etc and the shoulder straps are long enough to be comfortable. Good value for money.’. I have seen numerous content creators and celebrities wearing the Saint Laurent bag, so, considering the likeness between the M&S and designer alternative, I predict the high street version will sell out fast.
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