I would personally avoid a chain strap if this will be your primary purse. They can be very comfortable. But they don't slide along your arm the same way if you need to sort of swing it onto your back/shoulder blade as you bend over or carry a kid. I would only do a chain strap as a secondary back or one in rotation with others.
I can't believe you haven't pulled the trigger, yet!!
I have a Tory (Marion tote) that has the strap that goes through the top opening. With kids,I often dig in my purse while it is still on my shoulder and it is a giant PITA with that strap. I also have the Amanda and it's a great bag, but probably not big enough for your needs.
If you like Tory, I would look at the Triple zip satchel or the Robinson line for a structured bag.
Agree that a chain may not be ideal for every day.
Note: Bloomingdale's is currently having a Friends & Family sale that may take the bite out of whatever you choose. Code is FRIENDS.
Ts&Cs:
FRIENDS & FAMILY OFFER: Take 20% off almost all regular and sale price purchases for women, men, kids and home with code. Take 10% off almost all regular and sale price electrics excluding Vitamix and Swash. Offer valid online September 29-October 5, 2014. Offer valid in store and at Bloomingdale's The Outlet Stores September 30-October 5, 2014. Offer valid at Bloomingdale's Bergen County September 30-October 6, 2014. Offer excludes: Women: Barbour, Burberry, Canada Goose, Designer Departments (Agnona, Akris Punto, Armani Collezioni, Barbara Bui, Blumarine, Burberry London, Burberry Prorsum, Calvin Klein, Carr, Chanel, Christian Cota, D & G, Donna Karan New York, Escada, Gio Guerreri, Giorgio Armani, Herve Leger, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jerome Dreyfuss, Kevork Kiledjian, Lela Rose, Libertine, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Moschino, Narcisco Rodriguez, Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti, Plein Sud, Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Black Label, Rick Owens Lilies, Sonia Rykiel, St John, Temperley London, Vera Wang, Yigal Azrouel, Zac Posen, Nonoo, Ports 1961), Herve Leger, Moncler, Oscar De La Renta (leased), Agent Provocateur, UGG® Australia. Women's Shoes: Burberry, Chanel, Charlotte Olympia, Chloe, Christian Dior, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, MCM, Miu Miu, Moschino, Prada, Robert Clergerie, Stuart Weitzman, Toms, UGG® Australia, Vince. Handbags: Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Chanel, Charlotte Olympia, Chloe, Dior, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, MCM, Moschino, Miu Miu, MZ Wallace, Prada, Stella McCartney. Accessories: Burberry seasonal accessories, Celine seasonal accessories, Chanel seasonal accessories, Alex and Ani, Alexis Bittar, Eddie Borgo, Pandora. Men: Burberry, Armani Collezioni, Canada Goose, Church`s, Eidos, Etro, Salvatore Ferragamo, Grenson, Gucci, Hancock, Havaianas, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Made to Measure, Men's Electronics, Men's Tech, Moncler, Montblanc, Polo Suits - Tailored, Polo Tailored Clothing, Prada, Ralph Lauren Black Label, Thomas Pink, Toms, UGG® Australia, Vilebrequin, YSL, Z Zegna, Zegna Sport, MCM. Kids: Bugaboo, Burberry, Canada Goose, HUNTER, Jacadi, Mini Jetson, Moncler, Toms, UGG® Australia, Under Armour, UPPAbaby, online only: BabyBjorn, Ergobaby, Maclaren, Stokke, Maxi-Cosi. Fine Jewelry: David Yurman, Lagos, TAG Heuer. Fashion Watches: Michele Watches, Shinola. Home: Carl Hansen & Son, Michael Aram Atelier Collection, Rimowa, Sam Flax, MCM, Swash, Tempur-Pedic, Vitamix. Offer excludes all cosmetics & fragrances, Space NK, gift cards. Not valid on Fragrances at Bloomingdale's The Outlet Stores. Home merchandise not available at Bloomingdale's The Outlet Stores. Only one Friends & Family promotional code may be used per order on bloomingdales.com. Offer and selection may vary in store. See a sales associate for details. Cannot be combined with any other certificate offer. Cannot be combined with other certificate offers, Reduced or Clearance discount at Bloomingdale's The Outlet Stores. Not transferable. Not valid on prior purchases or bill payments. Not valid at Bloomingdale's Dubai. All employees of Bloomingdale's and its affiliates are excluded.
Post by DirtySouth on Sept 30, 2014 13:35:41 GMT -5
I'm obsessed with the Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote. I have two and use it for both work and personal stuff. IMO, it's the perfect size for a diaper bag that can also be used for other purposes. It's really nice leather and only $295.