https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:40:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote/page/2#post-1511784 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 10:30:59 +0000 approprio 1511784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do this all the time. It's a great solution for compartmentalising the contents of your tote. I go for cosmetic purses and pencil cases because they tend to be lightweight and voluminous with a few internal pockets of their own.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote/page/2#post-1511752 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 07:21:30 +0000 CocoLion 1511752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And I thought I was unique in doing the clutch-tote dance. &nbsp;Here are my latest sets, unfortunately they're sold out. &nbsp;The Zara tote even has a detachable clutch inside but it's made from really flimsy fabric so the piece is unusable on its own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote/page/2#post-1511744 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 06:57:30 +0000 ramya 1511744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is what I need to do when I lug around a diaper bag thanks Diana for asking this </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote/page/2#post-1511740 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 05:11:25 +0000 Maneera 1511740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana, just showing you one of my Zara clutches. It's cheap and handy, Incase you want to first try the feasibility of a bag inside a bag before buying something pricey. </p> <p>The strap detaches and you can either leave it behind at home or keep in your tote (just Incase you need it). The wristlet is not removable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote/page/2#post-1511481 Fri, 26 Jun 2015 15:09:14 +0000 cjh 1511481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jumping on the train late, but I have a little Baggallini bag, and here is something similar. </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zappos.com/baggallini-petite-crossbody-black-sand">http://www.zappos.com/baggalli.....black-sand</a></p> <p>They are ripstop nylon, but cute and come in tons of different sizes and configurations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote/page/2#post-1511330 Fri, 26 Jun 2015 06:30:39 +0000 danskogirl 1511330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana: You might want to look at the Fossil Sydney Zip-Top if you're going to Nordie's. While it does have a long (adjustable) cross-body strap, the strap is detachable. So you could detach it when it's in your tote, and put the strap in the bottom of your tote to prevent it from tangling up with your other stuff. Also, if you already have a wristlet strap, then you can easily attach it to the bag, making it into a wristlet.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have the Sydney Zip-Top and it's great for travel (packs flat, lightweight, can convert easily from crossbody bag to clutch/wristlet). It's big enough to hold my smartphone, small wallet, keys, mini flat umbrella and my bulky sunglasses case. (Though by that point the bag looks rather bulky.) I love that the bag has a main, large interior space, and also another outside zip pocket.</p> <p>Some drawbacks are that the main zipper has somewhat sharp teeth (something to consider if you'll be going in and out of that bag frequently -- it's rough on the hands), the small zipper pull of the smaller outside pocket can sometimes be hard to get ahold of, and the loop holding the main zipper pull looks a little cheap-keychain-ish.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here it is at Nordie's and Amazon:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fossil-sydney-crossbody-bag/3667487">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fo.....ag/3667487</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Fossil-Sydney-Top-Zip-Cross/dp/B00HYBQUSY">http://www.amazon.com/Fossil-S.....B00HYBQUSY</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1511243 Fri, 26 Jun 2015 03:19:09 +0000 Greyscale 1511243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so happy with the little soft leather crossbody I got on sale this year. I don't carry a tote - I wear a big backpack for my laptop - so sometimes I put the little purse in the backpack, and sometimes I just wear both. Before, I had a larger vintage Coach purse and it was just too much to carry. I realize it's not what you're looking for, but it's in my Finds now in case anyone is looking for the perfect minimalist / unadorned crossbody. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1511164 Fri, 26 Jun 2015 01:11:02 +0000 catgirl 1511164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's a different one! I like my colors better but some may prefer this. </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QKOO4VG/ref=s9_simh_gw_p309_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_s=desktop-1&amp;pf_rd_r=0XSC30V831QWFB33V61B&amp;pf_rd_t=36701&amp;pf_rd_p=2105317182&amp;pf_rd_i=desktop" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QKOO4VG/ref=s9_simh_gw_p309_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&#038;pf_r" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....&#038;pf_r</a>...</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1511162 Fri, 26 Jun 2015 01:10:00 +0000 catgirl 1511162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's at Amazon - the other day it was down to $135 so i would stalk if I were you!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/MILLY-Tropical-Orchid-Clutch-Multi/dp/B00QTMKDDW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1435280952&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=milly+floral+clutch" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/MILLY-Tropical-Orchid-Clutch-Multi/dp/B00QTMKDDW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=14" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/MILLY-Tr.....038;qid=14</a>...</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1511111 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 22:50:48 +0000 Diana 1511111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ummlila, exactly. So many flat pouches. So cute but so impractical. You are braver than I with the sunglasses though- I would be afraid that they'd get crushed by my laptop. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1511103 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 22:42:10 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1511103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a coach pouch that goes in my larger bags. I mostly use it to make bag changing easier. I like mine because it's like a mini Dopp kit. Coach also. I don't like flat pouches because they don't accommodate sunglasses and asthma inhalers well. </p> <p>Also, I hate those giant sunglasses cases. I've been carrying my glasses around in the interior ultra suede bags and leaving the big case at home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1511096 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 22:34:31 +0000 Melaine 1511096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, almost always. I have done a wristlet in the past, but with the kids even that is usually not hands free enough so I tend to do a small crossbody. I can only assume everyone here hates Vera Bradley, but that is what I carry inside of my larger purse or school bag if we are on a homeschool trip. But it is great to have a small bag that you can just grab and go. Sometimes I keep a nice, bigger purse in my car and just stuff in the wristlet and whatever else I need once I am in the car. Saves time, or feels like it does. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1511094 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 22:20:50 +0000 AviaMariah 1511094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a wristlet that I throw into my work tote or diaper bag depending on where I'm going. &nbsp;It's big enough to carry everything important except my sunglasses. &nbsp;I'd really like something a little bigger for that reason but there seems to be a gap between what I have and clutches that are too large. &nbsp;So I'm always on the hunt! &nbsp;This Patrisha Nash wrist-let is what I'm currently using. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1511078 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 21:43:48 +0000 Diana 1511078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the recommendations! Una, I wish your floral clutch was still available!&nbsp; </p> <p>I will definitely check out Etsy too.</p> <p>Carter, I had thought about the Longchamp pouch but was wondering if it would be too matchy. ;)&nbsp; Good to know it is roomy.&nbsp; I don't love the current Le Pliage colors;&nbsp; I am still holding out hope for a teal. ;)</p> <p>Suz and Mander, when I travel I usually chuck my medium sized nylon crossbody inside the tote, not so much for the plane but just because that is the bag I primarily use when I get to my destination.&nbsp; It's too bulky to do that every day though.&nbsp; </p> <p>I am thinking I need to go to the store and check out some options in person.&nbsp; Maybe I'll pick up a cheap one to try out first.&nbsp; I'm having a hard time visualizing sizes online, and I'm not really sure how big it needs to be or whether the larger ones will be too bulky inside the tote.&nbsp; </p> <p>Here are some random options I found while browsing on the Nordies' site today.&nbsp; I wish they would list the item weight like Amazon does.&nbsp; The DVF and Rag&amp;Bone are too much money though (I wouldn't mind paying that much if I knew that I would use this all the time, but for now it's more of an experiment....) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1511072 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 21:28:58 +0000 Mander 1511072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could perhaps check out Etsy for wristlets or clutches, too. If you see something you like but it doesn't have a wrist strap you might be able to have the maker add one for you.</p> <p>I often do this when I'm travelling, especially on long-haul flights. My collection includes a couple of soft, floppy clutches (more like pencil cases, really) with wrist straps that work well for this purpose. I have even been known to use actual pencil cases or makeup bags to organize a suitcase and then ended up using those bags as "emergency" clutches when going for an unplanned evening out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510998 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 18:09:39 +0000 Anonymous 1510998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very utilitarian item from a Seattle-based company:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tombihn.com/organizer-pouches/TB0919.html">http://www.tombihn.com/organiz.....B0919.html</a></p> <p>There's also this company. She makes really nice waxed canvas bags:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.moopshop.com/products/the-paperback-mini">http://www.moopshop.com/produc.....rback-mini</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510991 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:56:04 +0000 dakotacheryl 1510991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tumi-Luggage-Voyaguer-Compartment-Wristlet/dp/B006LALFI4/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1435254490&#038;sr=1-1&#038;keywords=wristlet&#038;refinements=p_89%3ATumi" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Tumi-Lug....._89%3ATumi</a></p> <p>I'm on my iPad and don't know how to add this as a find.</p> <p>I've been using this wristlet when I fly for years now. Holds my iPhone credit cards. Lipgloss, etc and wears like iron...can't recommend highly enough!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510986 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:41:08 +0000 catgirl 1510986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been using my Milly floral clutch inside my Brahmin tote for just this purpose! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510980 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:24:32 +0000 Robin 1510980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I've done this. I like my small Vera Bradley cross-body bag for this. <br />The one I have is similar to this:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vera-Bradley-Mini-Hipster-Crossbody/dp/B00A83AXOC" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Vera-Bra.....B00A83AXOC</a><br />Might be too small for your sunglasses case, though.</p> <p>I see from your profile that your style is ecclectic. I've seen a lot of small, artistic fabric bags on Etsy, so that could be the place to go to find the perfect size, shape and fabrication.Your reply </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510976 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:17:29 +0000 L'Abeille 1510976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started using a flat black clutch about 3 years ago and I haven't looked back. It fits in the tote I take for work, fits in the collection of reusable grocery bags when I go shopping, fits under my chair at choir, and easily tucks under my arm when I run in and out of shops etc.&nbsp;(Actually it surprised me how easy it is to carry, but then I no longer have children hanging off my arms when I go out, either.) It fits my wallet, phone, keys, and a little compact with lipstick and a few headache tablets etc.</p> <p>I have been trying to make the switch-out to a more summery purse (I am one who hates changing out my stuff), but I keep lapsing back to the clutch. Starting to consider finding a summer-weight and coloured one, but then my black works with my black stuff or my navy stuff, and I don't want to lose the versatility. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510969 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:57:40 +0000 carter 1510969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use the Longchamps pouch for this. Although I don't always carry my oversized sunglasses case, it would fit with my phone and card case. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510966 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:54:35 +0000 Suz 1510966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do it when I'm travelling, yes. Usually my clutch. (I only own one and it is slim but large enough for sunglasses, phone, card, money, keys -- and it also converts to a crossbody or wristlet.) Sometimes just a smaller wrisltet.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510965 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:53:37 +0000 Anonymous 1510965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>During the week, I carry either a tote or a briefcase. &nbsp;I have either a wristlet or a clutch in the bags for convenience. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510962 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:51:35 +0000 kkards 1510962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got tired of being a bag lady (I bring my lunch to work most days, I like to have my ipad with me, and in the winter was also juggling shoes) so I switched up to a tote and the bag in my finds... this is about the size of a clutch, but it has an adjustable shoulder strap. it's leather, but its really lightweight. (zappos says its 14OZ). it comes in other colors, and the same company makes other similar sized bags. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510960 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:37:44 +0000 rizamei 1510960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a giant ziparound wallet with a wristlet strap. I can zip my phone (also an iPhone 5s) into it if need be. It wouldn't fit a sunglasses case, though.</p> <p>I have found myself wanting a slightly smaller wallet lately, but I'm looking for the same general style - ziparound, with strap, room for a phone in a pinch! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510947 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:19:28 +0000 abc 1510947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The sunglasses go in the tote for me. I couldn't ever find a clutch small enough to fit the sunglasses cases bc I like big sunglasses which have huge cases! I am like Lisa either they're on my face or left in the tote. </p> <p>Glad this looks like an option for you. It really works well for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510945 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:18:34 +0000 Maneera 1510945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to help! Think Angie's red soft clutch....with wristlet. Soft suede really doesn't weigh much at all. When I use the clutch, it becomes my bag organizer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510942 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:10:03 +0000 Diana 1510942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maneera, that looks ideal!&nbsp; Thanks for the visual.&nbsp; I hadn't thought of soft suede either; I think that would be a good compromise between heavy leather and casual fabric.</p> <p>Sounds like I need to take a serious look at Coach.&nbsp; They've always excelled at small leather goods (including my wallet!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510939 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:04:27 +0000 Maneera 1510939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup, I do this too. Sometimes I use a bag organizer (when I'm traveling) but mostly I just throw in a soft clutch with a wristlet. I do have one from Coach and it also has a cross-body sling strap that stays inside one of the zippers until needed. That's made from canvas and is very lightweight. I also have soft suede ones and lightweight PU ones. These are perfect for bare essentials - phone, wallet, lipstick and keys. These do expand - so they will accommodate sunglasses with case. You get them in various sizes and you can fit your things inside to see what size would be apt for your needs. </p> <p>The images below will tell you the proportions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-carry-a-small-bag-inside-a-big-tote#post-1510936 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 16:01:02 +0000 Anonymous 1510936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do this especially when a stop at the gym with my big tote of gym stuff is on the agenda, plus a trip to the grocery store or any place where a wallet is needed. I use a clutch, but most have an optional strap or chain.<br /> Mine have to be big enough for a sunglasses case. Something in fabric would be ideal. </p>