I needed a bag that would stand the test of time with everyday use. I have plenty of bags, but they have worn thin or just didn't fulfill all my needs: they were either so big I would lose things, or not big enough to put a book in, or a knitting project, which I am a firm believer in always having on me should you end up having to wait with nothing to do. I was looking for a metallic leather one, and the one I was eyeing up was $150. I thought about the last time metallic was fashionable. I bought a metallic winter coat and ended up feeling like I was wearing a garbage can by the middle of my third season owning it. So I decided then to look for something classic since metallic is likely again a passing trend, sadly. I have a pair of frye boots that costed me the equivalent of a full months rent, and I hardly wear them, but I hope to someday. The quality of those boots are impeccable and the style is classic, so I figured the same had to ring true with their bags. I couldn't decide between the banana or burnt red, and it made it especially difficult since I couldn't see the bags in person. I opted for the banana and still am not confident that I made the right decision. I guess I'll never know until I see the burnt red in person. The banana goes with everything and is sort of more subdued than the pictures depict. I guess that's okay. The bag fits everything I need into it but I still lose things in it. I guess I just have to learn to be more organized. Also, as the other reviews mention, the strap is too long. I plan on poking another hole. I also worry the strap will stretch if I hold too much weight in this bag. We'll see. I' ve never spent this much on a bag. I hope the price will live up to its reputation. Ask me again in five years. I'm also still looking at other bags. I guess I might be looking for excuses not to write my thesis.