The <a href="https://nordstrom.sjv.io/c/256585/1960196/23920?subId1=SC&sharedid=sc-free-people-balenciaga-bag&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nordstrom.com%2Fs%2Ffree-people-we-the-free-emerson-leather-tote%2F7723895%3F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">We The Free Emerson Tote Bag</a> is the epitome of the 2010s cool girl aesthetic. Its silhouette is reminiscent of the slouchy bohemian bags I saw hanging in the fashion closets during my magazine internship days, but with a sleeker-looking finish (and no cargo pockets—phew!). The bag is constructed from 100% leather with a lived-in finish and durable hardware, plus stud details for some edge, of course. <br><br>I <em>for sure </em>had a similar Free People bag in the early 2010s, so when I saw this style, my nostalgia couldn’t resist. I chose this full-size tote in the coal colorway, which is a faded black hue with pops of brown in the faux worn-in areas. While $248 isn’t cheap, it’s an excellent price point for a bag that honestly looks, feels, and even smells designer. The leather is durable with a lived-in vibe that I know will get better over time, and I love that it has so many pockets and hardware details without looking too cluttered. <br><br>The handles are also super durable and comfortable to hold, whether draped around my forearm or on my shoulder, and I love that it comes with a longer crossbody strap if you want to go hands-free (and really lean into 2016 styling). As someone who travels a lot and is always on-the-go, I appreciate that I can fit my laptop in the bag without it feeling like the straps are going to snap and that there is plenty of extra space for all of my essentials. The interior is constructed from a cotton material with a chic and very boho bandana print that makes the bag feel more casual, which I love since I plan to make this my everyday bag. <br><br>Is this bag an exact Balenciaga bag dupe? No, but it gets the job done with a similar aesthetic and construction quality, and for less than $250 versus $2,550.<br><br><strong>Material: </strong>Leather<br><strong>Size: </strong>14 x 16.5 x 7 inches<br><strong>Colorways: </strong>5