Etsy 4 for Friday – Sort-of a messenger bag

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I’m on a bag hunt readers! I’ve been trying to be good to my body and the earth by walking to most of my daily errands. I even purchased a little cart so there are no excuses for not purchasing necessary big or heavy items. I also added a few public transportation routes to my routine – Los Angeles is finally catching up to the rest of the world in that department.

Which leads to my bag dilemma. My cute clutches and shoulder bags lack the room required for all of my necessities and my regular work tote (a double handled, large leather Coach bag) is a complete beast. Way too heavy to trudge around town – and who wants to carry heavy, black leather in May? Not I – plus it gives me an excuse to shop at Etsy!

This week our 4 for Friday features my final choices for my new summer tote. On my checklist of needs? A long, wide shoulder strap so the bag can be worn cross body style, sturdy cotton or canvas material with no leather or suede parts, and a roomy, slouchy bag, preferably not completely black, that can store my stuff with style.

Basically? I want a messenger bag that doesn’t look like a messenger bag. Take a look at these four fab bags and then join me in the comments. I can’t decide on a final bag and I would love to hear everyone’s pick for which should be my bag for summer 2010! (clockwise from top left)

• Let’s start with the Butterfly Valley Bag Turquoise Cherry Blossom. ($44)
The pros: That amazing color and print! Made with an eco-friendly French cotton fabric, this bag is huge with lots of pockets and has a nice, adjustable shoulder strap.
The cons: My only worry is that the color/print may limit the time period I use the bag. Still, even if I carry it only during the spring and summer, how much fun will it be to pull this out when the sun starts shining?

• I’m completely in love with the shape of the Slouch Duffel Bag in plum. ($60)
The pros: It has the exact round, curvy, slouchy feel I’m craving and I love the pleating and details on the sides. The color can extend beyond summer and work all year AND it would work with almost my entire wardrobe. It has an adjustable shoulder strap for a variety of ways to wear the bag. Plus, I’m digging the black and yellow print interior (check the listing for other pics).
The cons: The color is pretty but doesn’t scream summer. And only a single interior pocket.

• I love the mix of styles in the Hobo Slouch, Cross Body, Damask Purse. ($60)
The pros: The Hobo bag is here to stay and I adore the modern, slouchy take on the shape mixed with a classical, black and white Damask print. This bag is extra large with three interior pockets (iPhone sized-perfect for me) and is lined with a sturdy canvas. Oh and a magnetic closure – love those!
The cons: While not a solid white and made with cleanable materials, I worry that the white will soon turn gray, or worse, stained by any number of foods, drinks, and pens. The strap is long enough to wear across the body, but it is not adjustable.

• I tried to resist, but I adore this black denim Pleated Hobo Handbag ($69.95)
The pros: Another slouchy hobo shape – this one constructed with ever softening, but always sturdy black bull denim. The brushed denim gives a soft, suede like look to the bag, and that appeals to me. Plus, this is another big ol’ bag with six interior pockets and a key fob!
The cons: Ahh – not another all black bag! But this one is just too perfect for me, so it makes the final four.

All right readers, help me out! Which fab bag should I choose?