Phillip Lim Rubick’s Purse | Chic Black Calf Leather Tote with V-Shaped Design

Posted on: Jan 23

Not as confusing as its moniker suggests, the Rubick's Purse from Phillip Lim is on snappy little number.

Black calfskin leather is timeless, but look a little closer and you'll find a tote that easily marries classic and contemporary design. V-shaped stitching adds interest without overwhelming the design. It's a modern look, and refreshingly, one that we see on both the front and back.

I'm less enthusiastic about the ruffled leather trim we see along the sides of the top zip and the zipper pulls. It brings a curious dose of femininity to this urban design, and one that I'm not really sure works. But I can't deny that it's different, and for that reason alone it's bound to find fans.

The Rubick's Purse is one functional tote, with dimensions that are almost as long as they are wide. That makes it ideal for bookworms with their chunky novels, or those girls who just never want to leave anything behind. The single zippered pocket is a little disappointing – we really do need more than that to keep a purse of this size organized – but at least it's reinforced with suede for durability. A lone pocket inside a tote is bound to get a workout.

This tote has its flaws, but at least I can't complain about the price. This Rubick's Purse is surprisingly affordable by designer standards at $550.