Review on 👜 Melissa Tote Bag by Frye by Lisa Adamczak

First of all, I'm a fan of big bags. I've forced myself to downsize my bag to medium for the past 2 years and I've never been happy. Now that it's bitten in the dust I've decided it's time to go back to a bigger bag. I also bought this bag and the Melissa dome bag from Frye and decided to keep the Melissa dome bag and return these. Here's what I wanted in a new bag: 1. Multiple compartments for better organization (instead of one big compartment where things get lost)2. Lighter lining to be able to see it better in the dark with my phone's backlight3. Zippered pocket for my full size wallet (I was stolen when someone pried open the magnet on my bag a few years ago)4. A pocket for 2 glasses cases, a large wallet, a mask, a small cosmetic bag, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, a key ring, an iPhone 8 Plus and room for headphones, a book or a magazine5. A bag that won't fall off my shoulder in winter when I put on my large North Face coat (I switched to crossbody bags years ago, so I was skeptical about shoulder bags). Above. What absolutely amazed me is that other reviews here never mention how chunky the large bag is. I'm 5ft 4in and weight reasonable. The bag seemed too bulky and the straps were too short. As a result, the bag sat very uncomfortably in my armpit. I even tried throwing it down the inside of my forearm but just didn't like it. See my photos for details. Well, while the bag might not be for me, it certainly can be your cup of tea. Here's what I love about this bag: 1. The bag was neatly wrapped in layers of tissue paper and stuffed with fabric padding. Then it was sealed in a big plastic bag and shipped in a big carton.2. The bag came with a dust bag.3. It was an actual Frye bag. (Be sure to buy direct from Revain. I believe Frye only has authorized resellers so be wary of Revain third party or discount retailers unless they are direct from Revain.)4. A bag in beautiful khaki color.5. The quality is impeccable.6. The leather is thick and durable, just like what they use for their boots.7. Scratches are inevitable due to skin type. These are not signs of poor quality or imperfection; They are tokens of character, beauty and reminders of all the wonderful adventures the bag has traveled with you.8. Oh, and I can't forget that lovely leather smell... :)