Stripes & Emerald (and Zara Office City Bag Review)

Emerald is Pantone's color of the year for 2013. I especially love it with navy stripes, a foolproof combination.

How do you wear emerald?

HM Striped Blazer (from 2012; similar here & here) | Ann Taylor Kissing Placket Silk Long Sleeve Shirt (from 2011) | Anna Dello Russo x H&M Emerald Necklace | J. Crew Classic Mini in Felted Wool | Ann Taylor Exotic Perfect Skinny Belt | Zara Coat with Gathered Shoulder and Metallic Button | Zara Office City Bag | Ann Taylor Exotic Embossed Leather Perfect Block Heels (a gift from friend S)

 I received a few questions about the Zara Office City Bag that I wore in an outfit post from earlier this week so have decided to write a few words on the topic. I have been wearing my Prada Saffiano Tote and Chanel Deerskin Tote frequently and finally came to the conclusion that I need to add another bag to the rotation to unburden the other two bags. I am rough (in handling) with my bags so I try to give them equal attention lest I overwork one of the bags and have to retire it permanently.

I have been eying this bag since last September but (at the time) didn't want to add another bag to my haphazard collection. I also had hesitations about it being constructed out of polyurethane.

from last September / my instagram

The version that I purchased in January feels larger than the one I tried on six months ago (the current version measures 12"x17"). The material also seems thinner compared to the bag from memory. Regardless, I still think it's a functional bag with a "classic" design that is priced reasonably, especially if you are a big bags lover.

My favorite features: crossbody straps and five compartments (three of which are zippered; the two that have snap button closures also have either a large zippered pouch or card slots/small zipper compartment).

With Zara, quality is often a concern. I purchased and returned three bags in all before ending up with a bag that doesn't have peeling straps or egregious incidents of loosened stitching. I would urge you to inspect your bag closely if you decide to buy it.

I also found two other totes that are similar in finish but are all-leather. If you have a bigger budget or  want something that will last more than a year, I think these are better choices.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Macbook Travel Tote | Coach Saffiano Medium City Tote