Is the Marc Jacobs Tote Bag Still Worth It?

I first got my black canvas now medium The Tote Bag in January of 2022. It was getting some hype online, and once I switched all of my items into it, I could see why. The bag was lightweight, but was able to hold everything you may possibly need and then some. I loved it for about a year straight, and ended up purchasing a few more canvas colors.

Three years later, the bag still remains popular. It has come out in more textures — from Sherpa to denim as well as the original leather and canvas version. It has added a smaller one as well, as well as an adorable nano size as well. Further, they come in many different colors, making it so easy to fit into your daily wardrobe and add a little touch of color if you so choose.

The bag has definitely surpassed a trend and become a staple — much like my Longchamp bags. What I enjoy about the Totebags is the fact that you can combine two very practical types of bags into one: a tote that holds everything with the security of a crossbody.

However, the years have not been so kind to my original tote bag. In the review, I talked about how spacious the bag was and how it easy it was to throw everything in my bag and just be on the go. I took it to the City for a day trip. It was my ride or die for about a year after the original review. But then, the color of the canvas began to slowly fade. It got dirty very easy, the black becoming a dust/lint magnet. Once that happened, the bag got buried into the back of my closet.

That being said, I recently decided to update my bag and get the leather version of this bag. I’ve seen them all over my ‘for you’ page, and I knew that I could not swallow picking up another tote bag just for it to fade.

Enter the leather versions.

I recently got the Argan Oil and the Black in the small of the leather, and so far, I am really impressed with them. For a leather bag, it’s going to be about $395 for the small, and $450 for the medium. My original tote bag was a medium these days, but I’ve carry less than I had back in my original post.

I love small size, because for me, it fits everything I need: my Kindle, my Mini Pochette, my Coach Mini Skinny ID case, Coach Lanyard, Coach Zip Small Wallet, various lip products, hand sanitizer, Teleties Hair Clips, and hand lotion.

I’ve been following some reviews of this bag in the leather and have been talking to a few people who own it that I follow on Instagram. They have said that the leather bag has held up extraordinarily well, and has become their ride or die bag as well. I am hoping this well soon become a beloved fixture of mine.

So what is the answer to the million dollar question?

Yes, I still think this bag is worth it. It is practical and it works for someone to travel with, a student, work, or even just someone who wants a bag that goes with everything and fits everything. However, I do think that if you do want this bag to last longer than a few seasons, then I recommend saving a little extra and grabbing the leather or jacquard versions so you don’t make the same mistake that I do.