Cuyana Tote Review: My Experience With This High Quality Handbag

Price: $228.00 for the Classic Leather Zipper Tote + $95.00 for the Tote Organization Insert

The Classic Leather Zipper Tote is the perfect stylish and versatile accessory to take along with you through all of life’s adventures - whether you’re running errands around town or packing a couple of outfits for a weekend away - this bag has your back. Available in nine classic neutral colors, this tote is a polished finishing touch to any outfit.

Cuyana was launched in 2011 by co-founders Karla Gallardo, who is also the CEO, and Shilpa Shah, CXO. With their philosophy of ‘fewer, better’ for women’s fashion, Cuyana is a brand founded by women, for women; keeping the principles of functional products that are rich in meaning at the heart of the company’s vision. Cuyana believes that having fewer items that are of better quality is a way to give their consumers timeless pieces that hold up to daily use.

They choose quality and sustainability at every opportunity. This goes for sourcing and producing all of their products - clothing, jewelry, accessories, etc. (not just their leather handbags!).

I must say, the more I use this bag the more I love it! I switched to the Classic Leather Zipper tote from a (much) smaller leather backpack, so at first I was concerned that this bag would be too weighty for everyday use. However, this bag has proven me wrong! The shoulder straps are so comfortable and distribute the weight of this oversized tote perfectly.

Given the size of the bag, I appreciate that the tote insert was sold separately rather than sewn into the bag. This greatly opens up the options on how the tote can be used. The insert is fantastic to keep everyday items separated and easy to find. 

However, if it is removed from the tote, the bag easily becomes a weekender than can fit a couple of outfits + toiletries. Again, the intentionality of this brand is obvious, especially in their attention to detail. The only detail I personally would add to this bag would be the little metal stud feet, so that the leather does not touch whatever surface it's set on directly.

The organization insert keeps everything where it belongs, and even features a (brilliantly designed) drink holder with an elastic opening to keep your beverage secure. The straps are well-designed and keep the bag balanced on your shoulder, even when the bag is open and you’ve only got one strap on your arm.

Although the tote can get a bit weighty when it is filled up, the ability to large items securely with ease makes the Classic Zipper Tote a must-have. The pockets in the Organization Insert are quite deep, so deep in fact that it can be a challenge to find things if your items do not have their own designated space. However, this also means that you can keep larger items separated.

 Lastly, the durability of the Classic Tote is superb. In the time I’ve had the bag, I think I’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink in it...and it remains looking shiny and new! Quite impressive, actually. Overall, the experience of carrying this tote has been top notch.

Definitely yes. These products are well-made, with sturdy construction and quality materials that should last a long time, especially if well-cared for according to the instructions.

The Zipper Tote is assembled by hand in Argentina in a small family-owned workshop. Its product page shows it is LWG (Leather Working Group) Silver Certified, meaning the leather is responsibly tanned. The Organization Insert is made in a woman-owned factory in Turkey where artisans have been producing letter goods for centuries.

Guyana’s focus on quality materials, construction, and responsible manufacturing, and repairing rather than replacing definitely makes it easier to meet their goal of keeping their items in your closet and out of landfills.

If quality is what you're looking for, you're not going to find a better value than this tote. $228 is not unreasonable to own a bag with this versatility and a brand with this level of awareness.

I appreciate Cuyana’s approach to sustainability and responsible manufacturing. I also appreciate their honesty. The Organization Insert product description page notes that they used a polyurethane-based microsuede because of its durability, but that they are currently researching non-plastic options.

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Wipe a soft, dry (or soft damp) cloth across the bag gently every other day. More thorough leather cleanings need to be done, but only a couple of times per year. Cuyana offers spot cleaner and conditioner to help maintain their goods. Instructions for how to remove buildup can be found here.

Cuyana provides dusters for their handbags, which makes storing your bags upright in the closet a breeze. This will also help to maintain the shape of your bag over time. That being said, I personally do not anticipate my tote spending much time in the closet, because I’ll be too busy using it!

With so many choices available at the click of a button via online shopping, it can be overwhelming to even know where to start as a consumer. Cuyana helps narrow the playing field by thoughtfully sourcing and manufacturing their products, and is continually revisiting what it means to be a conscientious brand. 

This carries through in all of their products, including their Classic Leather Zipper Tote, which features EWG Silver certified leather. If you’re in search of your ‘fewer, better’ handbag that can withstand daily use, look no further than Cuyana.