This tote is awesome! I bought it because I really wanted a classier tote for certain occasions/trips and I preferred it to be genuine leather. I had also purchased another tote at the same time that was faux leather- I wanted to compare and keep my favorite. I kept this one- I like the larger size and that it's taller rather than wide- I won't feel like I'm ramming into everyone around me, lol. Also, it is soooo soft- the real leather is just nice. I love that it has a fully zipped up top opening- I will agree with others that it would be nice if that zipper were positioned up a smidgen higher so I could fully use the interior when zipped, but it's not a big deal. It still holds a ton- I specifically wanted something that would fit: a pair of size 9 sneakers, water bottle, long wallet, phone, glasses, small cosmetic pouch, book, snacks. This does, and I can still zip it up fully. I'll mention that I ended up cutting out the inside center pocket to be able to position things for my own needs- I put in a small size felt purse organizer meant for a backpack which helps to organize everything and also to keep it standing upright when I set it down if it's not totally full- otherwise as others have stated it does tend to collapse, lol. But that small organizer in it all by itself will keep it standing up. I also liked that the bottom of the bag isn't rigged- it still holds it's shape, but it's somewhere between firm and soft and will give a little bit- the other bag had something in the bottom that made it hard and rigid and stick out from my body, which made me feel like it was going to hit people walking by, lol. Also I felt it made the other one look weird when on my shoulder, whereas this one just hung straight down. The one major disappointment I have with this bag is it's lack of a cross body strap option- the other bag had that and I almost kept it just for that. I'm planning to take it to a shoe repair/leather shop to see if they can add a couple of D-rings inside each end so I can attach a long strap to wear when I want. But that's just my personal preference. I actually love this bag so much I'm planning to buy the brown "crazy horse" leather one sometime this summer, too. Then I'll have a summer one and a winter one! ;)