Review on Frye Melissa Firebird Shopper Brown by Stacy Edwards

This is a lovely tote bag - perfect for people like me who often carry a lot of things. I can easily take my daily essentials with me, as well as awkwardly shaped folders and books to work on when needed. I have many Frye bags of all shapes and sizes (I'm hopelessly addicted) and am always happy with the leather quality and finish, particularly the Melissa line - all my bags still look like new, even the ones I have for years. I've had my eye on this one since it first came out, and now that the price has come down significantly (from the original $398.99) I've decided to buy it with the money I received as a Christmas present have. This is the first time I've bought a bag with a large decorative design (or any design at all, although I love the fringes!) and I really like it. It looks a bit darker and thinner than the product description photos. The complexity of the design becomes clearer upon closer inspection. As expected, the leather is thick, heavy and feels very supple. This bag isn't as light as some of the brand's latest offerings, but it's not overly stiff either. The handles are securely attached to the bag with bronze rivets and also sewn. The height is sufficient for the bag to be easily carried over the shoulder even in a winter coat or simply as a handbag. There is a magnetic clasp in the middle that prevents the bag from opening too wide, but I should note that some women may not like a bag that doesn't have a full clasp for security reasons. The interior is lined with a beige fabric that looks and feels like a durable cotton blend, making it easy to see the bottom. There are no pockets on the outside of the bag. Inside there are two rather small patch pockets on one side and two large pockets on the other (one patch pocket and one with a zipper and a small leather logo patch). There's also an attached leather keychain, which I definitely appreciate. The abstract firebird features a double cut out leather Frye logo with an embossed dark orange and black (not light) snakeskin insert which continues into the surrounding design with additional cut outs in the leather, many with brown suede and a high level of contrast stitching . Highly detailed and absolutely stunning.