Question for Seattlelites & others in bag free cities.... - YouLookFab Forum

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Question for Seattlelites & others in bag free cities....

Classically Casual

Veteran

I've long been trained to bring my canvas bags to the grocery store, but somehow the disappearance of bags from other types of shops snuck up on me. Have any of you fashionable ladies devised a good solution? Have you switched to carrying a tote bag rather than a conventional purse? Do you bring a collapse able mesh bag just in case?
So far I've just been carrying things bare in my hands, but that's not a good long term strategy Thanks!

Shopping

14 replies

Latest reply was from Mo

Anonymous

Obviously, I'm no Seattleite, but I DO live where plastic bags are now banned from most stores. A chic tote or, even better, a French market basket (panier du marché) in natural straw (think of a squished-in Moses basket) with good long leather handles, to hang casually from your shoulder à la Bardot is what you need. Great to keep in the car, and it doubles up as a fab beach-bag. They usually have a washable or wipeable draw-string lining, which provides the essential pockets, as well as keeping contents safe, Mine actually has a leather strap which acts as an adjustable fastener. Much more elegant and versatile than a canvas bag, I think, and far more sturdy and easy to carry. Best of all? They only cost around 20 euros on several French websites, so if you were interested, but couldn't source one locally, that'd be an option. Message me if I can help.

JR

Veteran

I have a largish purse with large outside pockets (like the full length of the purse). One of them has folded bags in it, a couple of cotton ones, and a few plastic ones. That's for the times I forgot to bring the full complement of grocery shopping bags. We actually are allowed bags here, but they charge for them at grocery stores. Even at other stores I prefer to use my own when they're big enough, just because I've always hated the idea of disposable, one-use things as a rule, and try to avoid it.

The other outside pocket carries various small odds and ends that will not make me cry if a pickpocket gets at them: gum, Kleenex, that kind of thing.

Classically Casual

Veteran

La Francaise & JR thank you both for your thoughtful answers. I'm quite intrigued with something along the lines of the French tote. And it could just live in the car between outings. This gives me a brand new online shopping topic to pursue....

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I just carry the items sans bag. Actually, here in FL a few months back the Beall's store would not let me leave without a plastic bag. I told them I did not want it, but they insisted. Something about showing I actually paid for it or something silly like that. I think it was that cashier, and not a company policy, but I didn't like it either way.

Anonymous

Mo: I suspect you're right. Isn't a receipt proof of purchase for heaven's sake??

Classically Casual: I just found this English website which you might find helpful:
http://www.justfrench.co.uk/sh.....g-Bags.php . Good luck!

K. Period.

Veteran

I carry a bunch of Flip and Tumble bags in lots of fun colors in my bag so that I have them handy. They are amazing! They come in cute colors and patterns and collapse down to the size of a small bun. http://www.flipandtumble.com/

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I bring a bunch of cloth bags in my purse with me - right now; I'm in love with my Great Gatsby tote!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.....g/22826474

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Amy

(website)

Veteran

So far, I've just been lucky that I carry huge purses. I carried avocados home in my purse the other day. It would probably be a good idea to stuff a small cloth sack in my purse for trips like that.

cciele

Veteran

In my purse, I carry a full-size shopping bag that folds into a tiny pouch. It's light and doesn't take up much space at all!

http://www.reuseit.com/store/r.....ve_id=2393

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I have something similar to cciele (the first re-useable bag that Nordies sold).

Gaylene

Veteran

I'm a fan of Envirosacs. I usually have at least one tossed into my handbag. They are easy to roll up, wash like a dream, and are extremely strong. And they also come in cute patterns and colors.
http://www.envirosax.com/graphic-series.html

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Deborah

Veteran

I also have a couple of Envirosacs and try to remember to always carry one one in my handbag. They are colorful and fun so do lt look to bad.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Bags are available here but I usually bring my own. I do like to carry an enormous bag as a purse anyway, so I often just stuff things in that, but I do also generally carry one of a variety of reusable bags. They are cheap and widely available in a variety of colors and types here but I particularly like the lightweight nylon kinds that stuff into their own pockets. Very small and they weigh practically nothing.

I also keep a bag full of heavy-duty "bag for life" type shopping bags, which are ubiquitous here in the UK and seem to breed of their own accord, near the front door so I can grab one on my way out of the house.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I also have one of those stuff into a pouch reusable bags and love it. With the attached carabiner I can just hook it onto my purse or car keys so I won't forget it. http://www.amazon.com/ChicoBag.....=Chico+bag