This is one of the most beautiful purses I've ever seen, and I love the way the texture of the outer Squishee Straw braid looks and feels. I can't imagine using this gorgeous purse as a beach tote, but then again I don't live near a beach, so that won't be a problem.The purse is a good size, 11" tall, tapering to a base width of 6.5", and it has two carrying handles that are adjustable; you unscrew the things holding onto the straps from the inside out and move it up or down a hole or two, then screw the things back on. The bag also has four sturdy little feet.I got mine in Brown Mix, and it's a gorgeous mix of brown tones with leather straps and a canvas clip-in or clip-out pouch to store your valuables. The purse has a metal clasp, and there's plenty of room inside even with the pouch in it.I love the minimalist design of this purse, and the craftsmanship is exquisite, just what you should expect in a purse at this price. This bag is meant to last for years, and it's machine washable. It's comfortable to carry, and the pouch inside holds all my valuables. There's plenty of room on either side of the pouch for things I think I need to carry with me but probably don't.Excellent product, one I'm very proud to own, a beautiful Eric Javits Eureka Squishee Straw tote bag that can serve as a beach tote or a tote for anything else. The bag has a detachable canvas pouch in the middle for your valuables (my valuables consist of my keys), and there's plenty of room left over on both sides of the pouch for storing anything else I think I need but probably don't. The handbag straps are adjustable, and the braided Squishee Straw exterior is beyond beautiful. The purse is un-lined so the beauty and precision of the outer fabric is visible. This is an amazing, outstanding, multi-use tote bag that can do just about anything you want it to do, and it's machine washable, so it should last for years and years. Can you tell I love mine?