This is definitely a nice tote, but the pic is somewhat misleading. It is more rectangular and longer than it looks.  Check the measurements.  Also you might want to Google search images of it to get a truer idea of how it looks. It's a big tote.  The sides may expand to about 5" but they tend to stay more flat and seem more like 3". As you can see the handles/straps are NOT padded, they are however reinforced at the top. This will keep them from creasing and may be intended to help keep them from slipping off your shoulder vs a regular nylon strap. Also the material has a slight crinkle sound to it. Although I knew the measurements, the picture really threw me off.  That being said, it's still nice and well made and a beautiful fun purple.