Prada Saffiano Double Zip Tote Bag

If you’re a designer bag aficionado, this handbag requires little introduction. The Prade Saffiano tote is one of the staples of classic handbag fashion. Something that joins the class of LV Speedy or Chanel 2.55.

It truly is one of the classics which kind of surprises me as to why I haven’t done a review of this beauty yet. So today, I’m rectifying just that.

The Prada Saffiano Double Zip tote has always been my go-to when I want fashion and true functionality.  For starters, the structure and silhouette of the double zip tote is pretty solid. It’s something that, with proper care, won’t get misshapen.  So let me list out the specific ways why I love this bag:

The leather is tough

For the fashion lover on the go, quality leather is a must. While it is normal for bags to get scuffled or scratched, quality handbags last so much longer than most. I’m happy to report that despite over a decade of usage, the leather on my Prada Saffiano Double Zip is still pretty solid.

As you know Prada uses treated calf leather with a crossed hatched design. It’s durable and as I’ve found out through the years, fairly scratch resistant. While for others it may not feel as soft as other leathers but if you’re looking for durability, you won’t be disappointed with this design.

When you love fashion, you need to be more discerning about the quality of the leather you choose. Sadly, there are bags out there that have sensitive leather. While those have their purposes, if you’re looking for something you can use as an everyday bag–the Saffiano Double Zip is for you

I’m able to fit more than I initially thought

Space is always an issue with designer handbags. Often there might be too little space or even the opposite–too much of it! For a structured tote, I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to fit much of my everyday things into it.  My size is the medium one, in case you’re wondering. For the nitty-gritty the dimensions are 13 x 9.5 x 5.5 inches.

To give you a strong idea of what this baby can fit, I’m going to list out what’s currently in my bag. Let’s see: sunglasses, sunglasses case, a small pouch bag, my passport holder/passport, a small planner, a large planner, card holders, lip products (six), phones (3), makeup bag, pens, keys (5).

That’s the contents for a short weekend trip. Now imagine the everyday work load.

This bag is pretty work appropriate 

The struggle with fashion back then was a lot of bags were either too flashy or really didn’t get the job done in terms of space. I bought my Saffiano Double Zip tote specifically with work in mind.

What I really love about it is that I have the option to carry it on my shoulder since there’s an attachable strap. For lighter days, I carry it in the crook of my arm but the other option has been a lifesaver particularly if the iPads and small laptop is in the bag.

What I love about this design is that the colors it’s available in. So you’re able to still show a bit of personality with a color like Marble or Caramel but still be work environment appropriate.

Now, I don’t want to give this tote perfect points since there are still incidents of wear and tear. I’m going to list some things I don’t like about this bag.

The zipper can be…trying 

The inner zipper is rather difficult to open and close. It’s also be steadily tarnishing through the years. Even at the early years of its life, the zippers don’t really zip that smoothly.

The resale value isn’t much

Not that I’m planning on selling my baby, mind you. But if you are a person with resale in mind, this bag may not be for you. As of recent store prices, the Saffiano Double Zip will hit you for about $1950. So do think about that first before you go off and buy a bag you’re not planning on keeping long-term.

Beyond that, I’d like to say that the Prada Saffiano Double Zip Tote is still something I would buy if it came out as a new product in the market today. That’s how much I’ve come to appreciate it’s durability.