Dagne Dover launched their Made For Summer collection on July 20th, 2020 and debuted four new styles: the Vida Tote (two sizes), the Skye Essentials Pouch, the Rae Roll-Top Bag, and the Tavi Cooler. (More info
here!) Here are my initial thoughts on the two items I was most excited about from this collection—the
Skye and the
Rae.
- 5.25” Diameter x 1” - 11”H
- Waterproof nylon material
- MSRP: $25.00
Evidenced by my first impressions post about the
Axel Lunch Boxes, I don't always use bags for their intended purposes. The Rae is designed to be used as a dry bag, but I wanted to use it as a shoulder bag to take on walks; something fun that could protect my phone during a sudden downpour.
To give the bag some support, I left the circular foam packing insert in the bottom and added a neoprene water bottle holder from another Dagne Dover tote. Unless you add a taller item to the bag (like a Slim Wallet), the top will slouch over and protect the contents when the bag is set down.
You can use just about any strap with the Rae as long as you add two attachment points; zip ties, thick hair ties, tiny carabiner clips, or even Dagne Dover key clips will do the trick. The two clips I used are from the Neoprene Heather Skye pouch and a Quartz key leash.
Using the Rae for its intended purpose as a dry bag is simple—just pinch the top corners of the bag closed, roll down, and clip.
I knew from the first promotional image that I would like this bag, and I was right! I can't wait to use it.
Verdict: buy it! It's fun, versatile, and $25.
. . . . . . .
- 6” L x .5” W x 7.5” H
- MSRP: $35.00
The Skye bridges the functionality and style gap between the Scout Pouches and the (discontinued) Elle clutches, and the interior air mesh phone slip pocket is a welcome addition! It also has two card slots, a key clip, a lipgloss loop, and a velcro slip pocket.
Skye Essentials Pouch in Neoprene — Heather Gray
I'd say neoprene is the way to go! I had a chance to use the neoprene Skye when I left the house for a doctor's appointment. I packed my Accordion Travel Wallet, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, my phone, and a nitrile glove (and I could have fit another slim item or two if needed). I used the short strap from an Original Clutch Wallet to turn it into a wristlet, although the stretchy key leash from most of DD's neoprene bag styles would work just as well.
Skye Essentials Pouch in Natural — 100% Organic Cotton
I was excited about the introduction of the 100% organic cotton material to the Dagne Dover line-up, but now that I have my hands on it...the cotton isn't for me. The color is great and the pouch is well-made, but it's lumpy compared to its neoprene counterpart and it attracts pet hair like a magnet. Based on my own experience and after seeing other customer's photos of their Vida totes covered in lint and pet hair (even after being treated with scotch guard), I can't recommend this material unless you plan to use it in an animal-free environment.
- Vida Tote Thoughts: I hoped to purchase a Small Vida tote eventually, but for the reasons mentioned above, it isn't meant to be. (I also wish the bag had the brand's signature logo—the design feels incomplete without it!) I hope DD will release the Vida in neoprene and/or leather in the future. It's a great design full of features I know I'd love if it were made of just about any other material.
What I like about the Skye: It fits an Accordion Travel Wallet and has a variety of internal pockets/organizational features (including a cell phone slip pocket).
Things I don't like about the Skye:
- The interior card clip pockets are made of a thin/flimsy material, and I wish they were thicker! (This is something I don't like about the Mara Phone Sling as well.)
- The velcro interior pocket closure—personally, I'd really prefer a magnetic closure (like the closure on the Micah's back slip pocket, but smaller and weaker).
Verdict: it's practical! If you're buying the cotton version, though, proceed with caution.
Did this post help you choose a Made for Summer item? Let me know what color you got! Leave me a comment here or on Instagram (@totesdagne). Please let me know if you have any questions or requests for additional comparison photos—I'll do my best to help. If you decide to make a first-time purchase through Dagne Dover, please consider clicking this link for $20 off your first $100+ purchase! (If you make a qualifying purchase, Dagne Dover will gift me $20 in spending credit as part of their new Dagne Rewards program!) The link will take you to Dagne Dover's home page, where a unique $20 off code should pop up after a few seconds.
If you're looking to buy used Dagne Dover items, please consider using my Poshmark, Mercari, Tradesy, and/or thredUP referral codes to receive sign-up bonuses for yourself AND to support me and my shopping habit. Your support is greatly appreciated!
