Luxury Handbag Review: Prada Canvas Tote

Shop This Prada Canvas Tote

I never thought this little canvas bag would receive so many compliments in real life and on my Instagram. I’m talking about the Prada Giardiniera or also known as the Prada canvas tote. I purchased this bag in Summer 2018, and it truly revived my love for the brand.

After owning this bag for almost 2 years – travelling internationally, using it from day to night, and throughout the seasons – I am finally ready to share my thoughts.

Many don’t feel comfortable with the hefty price tag for a bag that isn’t leather, and I completely understand. However, over the years my opinion has changed. I purchase what I think is a good investment for my wardrobe, and not what others will think was worth it.

CPW or cost per wear is my main consideration!

If you would like to know more about my thought process behind purchasing luxury bags and how I make my final decision (FYI – my criteria is rigorous) let me know and I would be happy to write a blog post about it.

Keep reading to find out more about the pros, cons, and what fits inside my Prada canvas tote.

HANDBAG REVIEW: PRADA CANVAS TOTE

BlOG POST // HANDBAG REVEAL: PRADA GIARDINIERA CANVAS TOTE

HANDBAG PROS:

PRICE POINT

If you’re looking for a great entry designer handbag or wanting to splurge but not spend thousands the Prada canvas tote is a perfect choice. Since it’s made of hemp fabric and not leather the price point will always be lower. The small tote (the one that I have) currently costs $1,150, which for a luxury handbag is on the more affordable side.

I know some are worried about spending that much money on a bag that isn’t leather, but the versatility of this bag will far outweigh the cost per wear – trust me!

VERSATILITY 

I’ve said this time and time again, but I will not purchase a bag that I can’t use for multiple purposes. I want to know that a bag fits with my lifestyle and doesn’t just sit on a shelf waiting for that perfect event that comes once a year to wear it.

This Prada canvas tote is incredibly versatile and my favorite bag to travel with because it not only works well as a carry-on tote but once I reach my destination I can use it as an everyday bag or take it to the beach/pool.

Plus, it has a removable strap giving it more options if you wanted to take it to dinner to use as a top handle bag. Due to the fabric I wouldn’t consider this a formal evening bag, but it works for most other dinners.

HARDWEARING 

You would think cloth would be a less durable material than leather, but the Prada canvas tote has held up just the same as many of my leather luxury bags. I have travelled internationally with this bag, put it under seats, stuffed it to the brim for overnight trips, and she still looks brand new.

I always like to note in these handbag reviews that I am careful with my bags so I’m sure that has something to do with how well my bags look after years of continual use. However, don’t feel you have to baby this bag as she is incredibly durable.

SURPRISINGLY NOT SEASONAL

You would think because of the canvas material that this bag would be purely for the spring and summer, but I use it year-round. I think it helps that I chose the Prada canvas tote in black so it looks less like a casual warm-weather handbag.

I’ve paired this bag white a white summer dress and sandals in the summer and a leather skirt, knee-high boots, and oversized knit in the winter.

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HANDBAG CONS:

LIMITED SIZING OPTIONS

There are only 2 sizes of the tote, but I wish there was one in between.

I went for the smaller option as I wanted to not just reserve this bag for travel, but also use it as an everyday bag. To me, I preferred the versatility of the smaller size. The large size does not come with the removable strap and is really meant for travel only. I would consider it much too large for everyday use.

If you’re looking for a luxury travel tote or gym bag then the larger size is for you. If you want the option to use it as a handbag then go for the smaller size as I did.

OPEN COMPARTMENT

If you’re someone who likes zippers or protective closures on your bag then the Prada canvas tote is not for you. It has one large compartment with a small zipper pocket and a few pockets for a phone or lipstick.

Personally I like the ease of it being open for travel as I can easily get out what I need. I also use pouches inside my bag to keep everything organized so when I’m on the plane I can just pull out my most important pouches. The openness is not a concern for me.

Since there are button claps on the side you can make the bag bigger or smaller, which also helps somewhat with security. However, this is definitely something to consider as I feel like that is usually a make it or break it feature for people.

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WHAT FITS INSIDE?

I am always pretty minimal with what I carry on the daily as I only carry what I truly need. I don’t want a heavy bag weighing me down everyday. I’ll share what I carry everyday and then when I travel so you can see just how versatile the Prada canvas tote truly is.

EVERYDAY:

– Cardholder (can fit any sized wallet you have)

– Keys

– Beauty pouch (hand sanitizer, lip balm, lipstick, rollerball perfume, tampon, mini size facial spray)

– Sunglasses with the case

– iPhone 11 Pro Max

– Sometimes an extra pair of shoes

TRAVEL: can also be used as an overnight bag

– Passports

– Cardholder

– Toiletry essentials – this is everything I need if I got stuck somewhere for at least 2 days without needing to purchase anything (major travel tip)

– Face mask

– iPhone 11 Pro Max + charger

– Fuzzy socks

– Snacks

– Water bottle

– Pajamas pants

– Sunglasses with case

If you want to see my other luxury handbag reviews click here! If there any other handbags in my collection you would like me to review feel free to leave a comment down below!