https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:43:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1501254 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 14:50:11 +0000 Marlene 1501254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm starting to feel like there are TWO different shopping bags I need to have. &nbsp;First is the little nylon one that I can keep in my handbag for random shopping that happens when I just out doing my errands. &nbsp;The second is when I make a big shopping trip that is PLANNED....Like right now, I have 2 items that I want to return. &nbsp;So they are sitting in my returns zone until I make a PLAN to go to the mall to reverse-shop. &nbsp;I would like a flat bottom style....the bags that can stand up by themselves...for this purpose since I can neatly fold the items and place them in the bottom of the bag in layers with their receipts. &nbsp;This style doesn't need to be small to fit in my handbag and I could easily slip my wallet and such into a side pocket and even leave the handbag at home! &nbsp;I wonder if this plan would resolve my challenge.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1501121 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:35:09 +0000 Mander 1501121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have an assortment of very basic canvas tote bags which are patterned, but not with a logo. One is leopard spots, one is red with white polka dots, one has an American flag print, etc. If I'm going out shopping and I remember to grab one they are very handy.</p> <p>I also have a faux Longchamp Le Pliage style bag that I often carry if I'm going out shopping. I'll just take the bare minimum of "purse" items (e.g. sunglasses, lip balm, wallet) so that my bag is mostly empty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1501064 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 05:28:14 +0000 danskogirl 1501064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use a black-and-white polka dot bag from ChicoBag -- similar to those on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.chicobag.com/category/contemporary-collection">this page</a>. It can be stuffed into an attached small pouch when not being used, and then just tossed into my purse.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1501059 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 04:35:12 +0000 Kari 1501059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the bags that fit into a tiny self-contained sack too. Very easy to toss into my purse. I always forget to being the big reusable bags with me into stores, and Seattle now charges you a small fee if you don't have a reusable bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1500938 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 01:01:15 +0000 aakshi 1500938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for the EnviroSac. I travel a lot. I always have one or two in my carry on. It comes very handy if u purchase something from duty free or for carrying jackets or to keep your valuables just in case the airlines want to check in the carry on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1500892 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 22:52:05 +0000 Marlene 1500892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie - those Tom Bihn bags area amazing! &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1500852 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 21:15:32 +0000 Anonymous 1500852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm late to the thread, but thought I'd let you know about the Tom Bihn shop bag.<br />It's ultra-durable, but not super packable. I've used mine for countless excursions. It's easy to clean. It was so expensive (to me), that I've not lost it in the past 4 years that I've had it :-)</p> <p>It's made in Seattle to boot!</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tombihn.com/PROD/TB0608.html">http://www.tombihn.com/PROD/TB0608.html</a></p> <p>ETA: Oh, there's a logo on it, but it's kinda small.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1500803 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:15:40 +0000 Marlene 1500803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So based on all these helpful hints, I think I may need to do some trial runs before I commit to a bag. &nbsp;I do have loads of ugly logo-infested versions of all these various shapes and sizes at home already. &nbsp;What I should do is just try the various shapes/sizes and see what works for me. &nbsp;Then I can go out and purchase an attractive (logo-free and neutral colored) one in the style that works for me after I have done my research. &nbsp;</p> <p>When I was at the mall yesterday, I specifically scouted out the other shoppers to see what they were using and everyone just had their arms loaded down with paper store-provided bags...exactly opposite of what I am trying to accomplish!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1500779 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 18:14:45 +0000 Greyscale 1500779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was using a baggu *as* a purse! I upgraded to baggu's little leather cross-body purse for actual purse use, which is an improvement, but I still use the nylon baggus all the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1500720 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:02:30 +0000 Diana 1500720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, ha, I should mention that i rarely ever actually pack my Baggus and Envirosax back into their pouches.&nbsp; Most of the time I just wad them up and stuff them in my purse.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1500655 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:47:23 +0000 Janet 1500655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene makes some good points. I have a Baggu bag that I don't use as often as the Envirosax because a) you have to stuff the empty bag in a separate little pouch that is not attached, so it's easy to lose, b) the handles are shorter so they don't fit over my shoulder easily, and c) the fabric is stiffer and somehow more slippery so it slides off my shoulder even if I try to carry it that way. When one of my Envirosax starts to show too much wear (I've had them 3-4 years and still going strong), I'll probably get another one of those instead of a Baggu. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1500508 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 04:02:55 +0000 Ariadne 1500508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Baggu! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1500496 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 03:28:45 +0000 Echo 1500496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use the nylon bags that fold into tiny packets. I toss them into my regular handbag and then can take one out and unfold it when I need a shopping bag, and they work for clothing or for groceries. I don't prefer to carry a large shopper bag as a purse, so it is easier for me to carry a regular handbag with the nylon totes stowed away inside until I need them. I don't remember what brand mine are, but they came in sets of 4 or 5. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags/page/2#post-1500494 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 03:22:38 +0000 Jaime 1500494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have two similar to the envirosax that I have had for years. They can be laundered, weigh nothing and hold an impressive lot of stuff.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500490 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 03:13:46 +0000 tulle 1500490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know whether you shop at Free People, but they put purchases in cheerfully printed, lightweight cotton shoulder bags.&nbsp; My daughter is a FP fan, so I've accumulated lots of these bags.&nbsp; They fold up easily into a handbag and seem to carry an amazing amount of stuff. Very handy--and free. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500460 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 02:07:12 +0000 Greyscale 1500460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I either re-use a sturdy bag from a previous shopping trip, or I'm carrying a backpack. I hadn't thought of bringing my canvas grocery bags, though I do prefer the structure of the heavy paper bags from nice stores.</p> <p>I wouldn't buy one myself, but I do think it's cute that Bloomingdale's sells reusable versions of their iconic shopping bags:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/bloomingdales-medium-brown-bag-patent-tote?ID=117033">http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....?ID=117033</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500443 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 01:11:59 +0000 Anonymous 1500443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have some of the Envirosax bags too and pretty much always have one in my purse. They're really durable -- I've had mine for maybe 5 years and washed them a bunch and they're still holding up well.&nbsp;Gaylene makes a really good point too about how the attached snap thingy can be easier to deal with than a separate pouch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500435 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 00:54:28 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1500435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've used my Envirosax for a few years and love them, but I also have a couple of these remarkably inexpensive ones from World Market that might suit a hand carry better: <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/blue+riviera+tile+tote.do?&amp;refType=&amp;from=Search" rel="nofollow">example</a>. They come in a lot of fun patterns. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500414 Wed, 03 Jun 2015 00:02:44 +0000 karymk 1500414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I collect high end shopping bags! I never feel bad about reusing a designer bag to return something to Banana Republic in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500388 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 23:21:29 +0000 K. Period. 1500388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes yes yes! I have a ton of these <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flipandtumble.com/">Flip &amp; Tumble bags</a>, which you can also order on Amazon. They even give you a volume discount if you buy from them. &nbsp;Okay, maybe not a ton, but at least four. &nbsp; I have had mine for over 5 years and only now are two of them starting to show wear, and I use them all the time. &nbsp;They are awesome!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500383 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 23:11:40 +0000 Anonymous 1500383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My shopping tote for clothing is a wonderful large navy fabric tote brought from London with the Harrolds name on it. I have bought similar bags for friends when traveling as souvenirs. Mine lives in my closet and any returns go in it with receipt ready for the next trip to the mall.<br /> I also always carry an EnviroSac in my bag too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500363 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 22:47:18 +0000 Robin 1500363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favourite source for practically everything reusable is <a href="http://www.reuseit.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.reuseit.com</a></p> <p>I'm guessing you could find sizes and designs that work well for your clothes shopping.</p> <p>Your reply </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500341 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 21:40:54 +0000 Marlene 1500341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene - I never put bags on my shoulders because of shoulder issues. &nbsp;I generally use a cross body purse for my wallet etc. &nbsp;I would keep my shopping bag in my hand so it would need a short handle to keep it from hitting the ground. &nbsp;But I see your point in how it would hang if you put it over your shoulder. &nbsp;Since I am putting so much effort into thinking about this bag, i need to consider all the options! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500336 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 21:36:07 +0000 jska222 1500336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the nylon totes that can be thrown in my purse. &nbsp;The Banana republic ones are great and look nice. &nbsp;I also donate any store paper shopping bags to dress for sucess to use for their clients </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500329 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 21:26:35 +0000 Gaylene 1500329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marlene, just a couple of tips that you might find useful: </p> <p>If you think you'd ever want to wear the bag on your shoulder, pay attention to the position of the handles. The design of some of these bags puts the bag's length at right angles to your body once you put the straps over your shoulder. That makes a full bag really awkward to carry since the bag juts out from your body.</p> <p>Check the length of the straps. Some of the bags have longer straps to make it easier to put the bag on your shoulder, but a too-long strap can cause a full bag with a bit of weight to drag on the ground if you carry the bag in your hand with your arm straight. </p> <p>Finally, decide if you like the idea of a separate piece to compress the bag. The EnviroSac comes with an attached strap with a snap that holds the rolled up bag together. Other systems use a small pouch (separate or attached) and velcro closures. I'm not a fan of velcro because it seems to pick up lint from my handbag and sometimes grabs on to things when I pull it out of my bag. I also find it tedious to stuff and unstuff into a small pouch. i like to grab my bag, give it a shake to unroll it, and get packing--most often I don't even bother to unsnap the strap of my EnviroSac because it just hangs from the bottom of an opened bag. </p> <p>These are small details, but I find they really make a difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500320 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 20:52:51 +0000 Marlene 1500320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do have several of those light nylon bags already and they have logos on them. &nbsp;I am going to look through all the links and see if there is one that is more neutral/generic that may fill the bill. &nbsp;Thanks everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500252 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 18:42:12 +0000 Anonymous 1500252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually have one from Shutterfly that I had made with my dog's photo and name on it. That way I also know it is mine! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500250 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 18:35:10 +0000 Kirstjen 1500250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love my nylon shopping bags from Loqi. &nbsp;I bought 2 in Amsterdam, and they both make me smile whenever I use them. &nbsp;I've even had a guy at the farmer's market take a picture of one of them - the "Sexy" one.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.loqistore.com/collections/bag-collections">http://www.loqistore.com/colle.....ollections</a></p> <p>They are not expensive, and they are about as big as a shopping bag - wide enough for clothing on hangers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500228 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:56:29 +0000 Laurinda 1500228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A Lands' End canvas tote works well. And I especially enjoy bringing one shopping at Land's End ;-). </p> <p>ETA: I wouldn't buy one <b><i>just</i></b> for shopping, but they come in handy for all kinds of schlepping. Mine are from the sale/not-quite-perfect rack; I have a selection with other people's names and monograms just for fun.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-question-about-shopping-bags#post-1500225 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:52:51 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1500225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seconding the Chico bags. I've had some for probably ten years now. They fold up into their own little bag; I keep one in my purse and one in my car. I also have my stash of bigger grocery sized bags in the car if I need them, but the Chico bags can go in my purse or hook to a belt loop for those times when you're only buying a few things and don't want to haul a big bag around feeling conspicuous. </p>