Rothy’s made a big splash this week with their latest product line – sustainable handbags & accessories made from recycled plastic. Their styles are fairly tried & true classics, such as a simple envelope Pouch ($95) and a large work-appropriate Tote ($275). Though I don’t currently need a new work bag, I decided to pop by the SF store to try out the Handbag ($350).
Style
Out of all the styles, the top-handled Handbag is my favorite. It reminds me of a much simpler, cleaner Celine Luggage Tote without the hefty price tag. I love the poppy red color, and like that it can be used casually during the weekend as easily as during the workweek.
When wearing more delicate tops made out of cashmere or silk, I don’t like wearing bags on my shoulder. It’s nice to have the option of hand carrying with the top handles to avoid stretching or wrinkling fabrics.
Material
While the material feels similar to their shoes, the bags and accessories definitely have a heavier weave, which makes them feel sturdier. Despite this, they are equally machine washable and come with a large wash bag. Even with a laptop and other items inside, the bag felt pretty comfortable and durable – I’m curious how this will hold up over time, but I didn’t see any obvious stress points to be concerned about.
Because the sides are pliable, you can see the bumps from items inside if they are against the sides. This doesn’t bother me (and is the case for most soft leather and Longchamp totes), but is something to consider if you like more structured looks.
Durability
I like that both the tote and the handbag have rubber strips on the bottom that act as protective feet. Inside the bag, there is a stiff “floor” that helps the bag maintain shape when carrying items like laptops, etc. I was worried the bag would droop, but as you can see in the photo above it looks fine with my Macbook Pro inside.
Size
Most importantly, the Handbag fits a newer 13” Macbook Pro or Macbook! Though the bag is unzipped in the photo below, I was able to zip it closed with no problem. This makes it acceptable as a workbag if you have a small-ish sized computer. There was plenty of space inside to place a mid or mini catchall (or one of each!).
Comfort
The handles and straps are very comfortable, which is not surprising given the material. Although it’s heavier than expected at 2 – 2.5lb, it doesn’t feel heavy when worn, given the even weight distribution of the straps.
Overall, I’d say this is a solid bag at first glance. If I weren’t still using my Everlane Form bag, I would consider getting it. The Handbag certainly is not cheap at $350 – but similarly to Rothy’s shoes, it’s a comparable price and trade-off for sustainable materials.
If you’re a first time purchaser and looking for a $20 off referral code – head on over to this post!
Partnership Disclosure: This blog post was not sponsored by any of the brands listed above. As always, all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, in which I earn a commission on purchases.
