I have now carried my Jo Totes bag non-stop everywhere I’ve gone for almost a month ~ grocery store, Wal-mart, fabric store, road trip, movie theater, book store, date night, Starbucks {snort}, etc . . . I feel like I’m now able to give you my full opinion on the bag, so for what it’s worth . . . here are my thoughts:
Things I love:
(1) It’s large.
I can fit everything in it: current reading material, wallet, phone, snack, daughter’s point-n-shoot camera, my camera body, extra lens, lipstick . . . you get the idea.
(2) You can arrange the inside compartments to your liking.
Since the padding is Velcro, you can adjust and adjust until the inside of the bag is exactly perfect for you. I’ve kept the compartments the same since I originally arranged it, but next week will have to do some tweaking. I’ll be adding a battery grip on my camera which will increase the space it takes up, which leads me to ask y’all a side question. How do you put your camera in your bag? Lens up, lens down or lens out-front?
(3) It’s so stinkin’ adorable!
Of course, y’all don’t need me to tell you that. I have received countless numbers of comments on this bag since carrying it around town and we all know how important it is to look cute. 
(4) The price tag.
You are receiving a quality bag at a phenomenal price!
Things to think about before purchasing:
(1) It’s large.
I realize this is one of the things I love about the bag, as well. I just want to emphasize that it is indeed large. The only time I found this bothered me was when I did not have it filled with enough stuff to justify carrying it and had the long strap attached to wear it like a messenger bag. I did not like the look of it. The emptiness of the bag caused the sides to kind of cave in and look . . . floppy? Sloppy? In retrospect, I should have just changed bags.
(2) It is not for all your camera gear.
It states this explicitly on the website and it’s true. It’s a wonderful bag that’s able to hold a great deal, including your camera body and an extra lens, but it’s not for all of your stuff. Even if I could squeeze all of my gear into this bag, I would be afraid to carry it. The shoulder straps don’t seem able to carry a load that heavy. Perhaps with the longer straps attached it would be okay, but the bag simply is not designed for that. It’s a tote/purse/camera bag and it works fabulously for what it was intended for.
I would like to thank Marsha for modeling her bag for this post. If you want to see more photos of the bag, click here.
* Jo Totes has no idea who I am and no idea I’m writing this review.
** So far, only one brave soul has entered to win a $25 store credit. Where are all my peeps?!
peep peep. need to click click soon soon.
Marsha´s last [type] ..Our 2010-2011 Curriculum
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I have no idea how to but the camera in the bag. I have a too small bag for my camera and it barely fits my 55-250 lens. It is usually body down so I can stuff the strap in the void space. I only have three lens, so I may be able to get all my gear in this bag. I love my backpack for my purse. But when I carry my camera, I hate carrying two bags. It would be nice to have it all in one bag. But I would not likely carry it all the time. Only when I need my camera with me, then I would stuff my wallet and phone in with it, and an extra lens, because while I am trying to keep my 50mm on, I’d like to have my zoom with me just in case. hmmm…still thinking. I like the retro look of this bag, but I may go safe and get the tote.
Susan´s last [type] ..Curriculum 2010-2011
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Susan Reply:
August 6th, 2010 at 1:30 am
ps…I want to see another picture with you and the bag so I can see how big it is.
Susan´s last [type] ..Curriculum 2010-2011
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I got a bag from Jo Totes too. My sisters got it for me for my birthday. I got a different style and LOVE it. Like you, I carry it everywhere. I have my zoom 55-250mm lens attached and i put it in camera body down and lens up. I’m able to fit 2 extra lenses, extra battery, wireless remote, extra card, my camera manual, lens pen and the shoulder strap. I don’t use the shoulder strap but want it with me just in case. Then I still have room for my wallet, brush, lipstick and a bottle of Advil. There are 2 big pockets on the outside where I keep my cell phone, business cards and some hand sanitizer. There’s another zipper pocket on the outside where I keep some pens and my keys. Oh, there’s also a zipper pocket on the inside where I can keep some small personal items. It’s not too heavy with all of it either. I keep a small purse that fits my cell phone, keys and wallet close to my Jo Totes so if I’m just running to the store I don’t have to carry my camera with me. I just move my essentials over to my small purse. Works out great! I have a picture that I should post. This is the one I have http://jototes.com/handbags/missy-blue.
CoCo´s last [type] ..Carter has left the building
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it is lovely. i love that you both have the SAME bag
amy in peru
amy in peru´s last [type] ..snapshot summary 31
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Thanks for a great review! I am currently waiting on the Rose-Plum bag [squeal of delight] and your review really helped me make the decision because yours is one of the few “real person used it” reviews I found! Thanks!
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In the market for a new bag and checked these out because of the price tag….would love an Epiphane bag, but for nearly $250 for shipping and the bag, these cute bags seem like a GREAT alternative. Thanks for the review!
Courtney K.´s last [type] ..What I Know for Sure…
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