Polène Cyme Mini vs Kate Spade New York Duo Mini Shoulder Bag

The Polène Cyme Mini is the more distinctive bag: a sculpted leather tote that changes shape, hand-made in Spain, and owners praise the leather and the two-way design. The Kate Spade Duo Mini is the simpler, safer pick: a zipped suede shoulder bag with a fixed strap and a small pouch, easier to live with day to day. Pick the Cyme Mini if you want a statement piece and don't mind a magnetic closure and open sides. Pick the Duo Mini if you want secure closure, a hands-free strap and a lower-commitment suede look.

• Choose the Polène Cyme Mini if you want a sculptural leather bag that converts from an open basket to a closed floral shape and you carry it by hand or on the elbow.
• Choose the Kate Spade Duo Mini if you want a zipped, hands-free shoulder bag in suede that holds a large phone and comes with a matching pouch.