topic Re: Handbag styles in Shoes

Handbag styles

Texasmouse — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 02:24:48 GMT

This might seem like a stupid question to some but what's the difference between a tote and a shopper?

Re: Handbag styles

tough_kitty — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 02:34:50 GMT

I was wondering the same thing! Can't wait to find out

Re: Handbag styles

Teacups — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 06:24:05 GMT

No clue either!

Re: Handbag styles

stevieb — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 15:45:50 GMT

I suspect it's that some retail merchandiser somewhere along the way decided they might be able to move more merchandise by offering up different labels for what is essentially the same thing... I'd also like to know when a tote came to be associated with the shape of a bag rather than the size of the bag...? Totes, to me, were always just that, a larger bag in which one could 'tote' plenty of stuff. Now, it seems it's actually more about the shape than the size, as I've seen very small bags called a tote, even though you couldn't even fit anything in them!

Re: Handbag styles

beckyb1012 — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 15:49:39 GMT

Even tells which bag makes you look thinner!!

http://www.overstock.com/guides/handbags-buying-guide

Re: Handbag styles

Rottie_mama — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:11:03 GMT

In my mind, LOL, a tote does not have a zipper but a shopper does. That said, I expected Stevieb to know and if she doesn't then no one does.

Re: Handbag styles

tough_kitty — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:16:12 GMT

On 9/24/2014 Rottie_mama said:
In my mind, LOL, a tote does not have a zipper but a shopper does. That said, I expected Stevieb to know and if she doesn't then no one does.

LOL, I was thinking the same thing... WHAT??? Stevieb does NOT know?!?!?

Re: Handbag styles

tough_kitty — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:18:38 GMT

On 9/24/2014 beckyb1012 said:
Even tells which bag makes you look thinner!!

http://www.overstock.com/guides/handbags-buying-guide

Well, it looks like they are treated the same, then....

"Tote bags and shoppers: When you need to bring along many of your belongings, tote bags and shoppers are the best bags for you, as they often have a larger capacity than other handbags and a heavy-duty design. Tote bags and shoppers are available in several types of materials, often in canvas twill and leather, and usually have a square or rectangular shape. Some are open, while other totes have handy storage compartments for keys, cell phones, water bottles, and anything else you may need. Totes always have some sort of handle, and occasionally, the handles are long enough to use as a shoulder strap. Tote bags have one other special quality: The bigger the purse you carry, the smaller you look -- instant weight loss from your accessories!

<h3>Where You'll Take a Tote Bag</h3>

On an airplane as a carry-on
To the beach with all of your gear
To work when you need to bring along a full day's supplies, including gym clothes for after work
Out shopping so you won't have to use any plastic bags"

Re: Handbag styles

Trix — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:21:43 GMT

On 9/24/2014 Rottie_mama said:
In my mind, LOL, a tote does not have a zipper but a shopper does. That said, I expected Stevieb to know and if she doesn't then no one does.

The difference boils down to marketing words. Coach, Ralph Lauren, Tignanello make totes with zippers, and I know I've seen zippers on other brands as well. I own a Lauren, Sondra Roberts, and Maxx NY totes-- and each has a zip closure. I suppose one could say shoppers don't tend to be quite as square shaped as most totes as they often have a more a-line shape.

Re: Handbag styles

3star — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:31:47 GMT

Depends on the vendor, the words shopper and tote can be interchangeable. Usually,BUT not always, a shopper is north/south whereas a shopper is east/west and a shopper normally does not have a closing mechanism. I have shopper/totes that have zippers while others do not.

Re: Handbag styles

tough_kitty — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 17:07:55 GMT

On 9/24/2014 Trix said:
On 9/24/2014 Rottie_mama said:
In my mind, LOL, a tote does not have a zipper but a shopper does. That said, I expected Stevieb to know and if she doesn't then no one does.

The difference boils down to marketing words. Coach, Ralph Lauren, Tignanello make totes with zippers, and I know I've seen zippers on other brands as well. I own a Lauren, Sondra Roberts, and Maxx NY totes-- and each has a zip closure. I suppose one could say shoppers don't tend to be quite as square shaped as most totes as they often have a more a-line shape.

I thought it was the other way round? LOL

Re: Handbag styles

Texasmouse — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 01:35:26 GMT

So I guess I'm not the only one who's confused about the terms and whether or not they're interchangeable. Thanks for your contributions, ladies.

Re: Handbag styles

stevieb — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 14:44:00 GMT

I think they can be used interchangeably. I use the term 'tote' more times than not. The only time I would likely refer to a 'shopper' is when that's the name given by the manufacturer and I want to convey information about a specific bag by using it's name.

Re: Handbag styles

Lavenderjunkie — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 15:55:48 GMT

I don't think there is a solid definition in the industry. For some manufacturers a shopper has a zipper and a tote doesn't. But for other manufacturers that doesn't hold true. Also from my observation, shoppers are often more the size of large handbags while totes can range in size from large to very, very large.

In general, I think the terms are used to denote larger handbags that can hold a lot of stuff. Often easy access is a feature... either an open top, snap closure, or a zipper that folds down on the sides or opens completely (break-away zipper).

Re: Handbag styles

bells4me — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 16:07:47 GMT

To me a shopper is taller & not as wide with longer shoulder straps. At least all the shoppers I have purchased are like this.