I was looking for a stylish day bag for spring, and found the Mulberry Somerset Tote. The name alone makes this bag appealing – Mulberry is headquartered in Somerset, England, one of my favorite places, and many of its bags are still made there. But this bag’s beauty is not in name alone, it’s also present in the classic shape, the beautifully soft leather, the quality craftmanship, and thoughtful details.
The Somerset Tote is also a very practical bag, perfect to take to work every day. Measuring roughly 11″ x 15″ x 6″, it’s big enough that you can throw in your umbrella and a sandwich in addition to the usual stuff. The buttoned tabs at the top allow the bag to expand when needed. But the soft, silky pebbled leather means that the bag slouches nicely when it’s not full, so it takes up less room.
The only thing I’d change about this bag is the handles. I love hand-carried satchels, so I’d rather have slightly shorter handles — I think they would be a little nicer aesthetically. However, the longer strap drop does allow for carrying this bag on the shoulder, which is convenient if you need your hands free.
Unlike some of the other Mulberry bags, this one is fully lined in a lovely off-white cotton. There’s a zip pocket on the inside and one the outside, and the top of the bag closes with a magnetic snap.
What I love most about the Somerset Tote are the little thoughtful details – the mulberry-tree medallion on the front is echoed on the front zipper pull and even on the buttons for the side straps. The antique brass hardware gives this bag the look of an old and dear friend, but the sophisticated shape makes it just as sweet in the big city as it would be roaming the beautiful countryside of Somerset. If you would like to take Ms. Somerset on your own adventure, or even just to work and back, you can find her online at Mulberry.com.
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