Is a tote a good idea? If so, recs?

Confession: I'm not really into handbags. I don't like switching around or spending a lot. That's just me; I do vicariously enjoy all you awesome Fabbers and your bags. If necessary to take things that won't fit in my purse, I'll carry that specifically: lunch bag, or canvas bag with sewing project, etc.

But 1-2 times a week I need to take extra things in to work. Usually half & half for tea, or a 2-liter coke, or a clean mug. Occasionally I will take an extra pair of shoes, if it's really really wet. To carry these, I use a plastic grocery sack. *cue gasps of horror* It's handy, it costs nothing, and it (usually) works. I only walk across the parking lot, so I'm hardly self-conscious about it. Still. Totally not fab. (And occasionally they do have structural issues.)

If I upgrade, I'd rather it be to a nice-looking tote and not a shopping bag.

* Must hold a 2-liter bottle. Long enough for 13" x 4", and sturdy enough to handle the weight. Plus my lunch box, which is a small neoprene like this one: http://www.amazon.com/eBoot-Sh.....en&am

* Not much bigger than that - no extra length flopping around.

* Inexpensive.

* Shorter straps. I will carry in my hand or on my arm.

* Preferably not brown or black.

* Waterproof and sealable from rain. I have a lot of canvas totes.

Thoughts?

8 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I confess that all my most loved, used, and fashionable bags come from Target...

RoseandJoan

How about Cath Kidston, they are practical, fairly inexpensive but may skew too twee?

http://m.cathkidston.com/totes.....ag-1018285

Ginger

Brilliant, Rachy! I've never shopped for totes and I simply have no idea where to start.

Jules, in blue that's not too twee for me. I like the style a lot, too. It's a bit more than I want to pay (I'm CHEAP in this area), but I would love to find something similar. Thanks for the idea!

Diana

So it's probably more than you want to spend, but in my opinion the Longchamp Le Pliage is pretty much perfect. Weighs next to nothing and takes up little room when empty, zips shut, waterproof, comfy to carry all day. I use it most days for work and also for travel.

There are a million knockoffs around, so you could probably find something similar for a lot less at Target, TJ Maxx, Macys, etc.

Diana, I remember your discussion! How long is it at full extension? Some of my canvas totes can bump against the ground when I carry them in my hand. TJ Maxx is a thought, too.

Anonymous

I don't have any recs for you Ginger, but just wanted to say that that I'm eating up the Cath Kidston website! I'm ISO a summery tote for outdoor activities and these are right up my alley! I'm ok with twee.

abc

If you're not totally sold on a tote why don't you try an inexpensive one first - a la Rachys recommendation. That way you can try it without a big money commitment then go from there.

The bag itself is about 12" tall and the strap drop is about 10-11" (it might hang slightly lower if the contents are heavy) on mine, which is the large size. If you click through on the find below, you can see that Nordies seems to think the strap drop is 8", but I'm pretty sure they measured with the strap rounded like in the photo. Mine measures 11" and may be slightly stretched out with wear, but I don't think it started much shorter. The smaller ones are shorter, obviously, but won't hold my 15" laptop. I rarely carry it in my hand (because I have weak wrists/elbows) but I can do so without the bag touching the ground. I'm just under 5'4" - IIRC you are taller so it should definitely not be a problem for you. A shorter strap drop IMO gets awkward if you are wearing a heavy coat.

Nordstrom

Longchamp 'Le Pliage Neo - Large' Tote

$190.00

View Info

Top Pick

Thank you so much, Diana! That is VERY helpful. That's a beautiful color, too.

abc, so smart! That's an excellent way to try out the concept and see if it works. Plus at Target I can do a dry run with miscellaneous groceries.

smittie, I had to get off there really fast or risk spending all of my shoe money. :p I hope you find something awesome!

JAileen

How about a Chico's bag? I usually leave one in my purse. It has a built in pouch to stuff it in. Then you have it for groceries later.

What is a Chico's bag?

Here's info about Chico's bags. I've bought them at Sur la Table and at Whole Foods. They're also available on Amazon. They are $5 or $6.

https://www.chicobag.com/category-original-18

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This would be an inexpensive option -

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ka.....tback=1351

unfrumped

If you have a TJMaxx, they always have a huge selection of totes with different features, many leather, faux leather, and some nylon, many colors (though lots of black) and price points. That can be a good place just to browse the features, size, compartments and can give you an idea of what you might target. (no pun).

Desmo April

(website)

It sounds like a Chico bag/reusable shopping bag is what you are looking for.

I live in an area that has banned plastic grocery bags so I have a ton of them. I use a peacock print collapsible one that I got at Cost Plus a few years ago when I need to bring stuff into work. Its more presentable than a plastic bag, can carry the 2-liter bottle and was under 10$.

rabbit

My go to for seeing a variety of inexpensive but relatively current bags at once in both leather and faux is Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Ross too with more at the lower price/quality end of the spectrum and less leather. Macy's tends to be more expensive for the equivalent bag with less variety -- although sometimes on clearance, with a savings pass they can work out. If you are looking to match anything in particular (like a shade of brown leather) you might want to wear that to the store.

Price range for bags at TJ Maxx/Marshalls are around 150-40$ for leather bags, for non-leather more in the 60-15$ range depending on size and brand.

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