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Travel and summer are nearly upon us, and knowing we have a high quality tote that we can rely on to carry all that we need, yet look sharp year after year bring peace of mind in a swirl of unknowns.
Last year I found my go-to carry-on tote, as I talked about in previous Style posts, which took some time to find, but has been worth the search. Looking for a longer drop in the handle (needing 11″ instead of 9″), I finally found a vintage/consigned Longchamp canvas tote and have been using it ever since (similar here with even an even longer drop).
The key to any tote that we need for those occasions that are unique – travel, yet are with us when we need comfort and dependability is knowing, well, knowing you! What is most comfortable draped on your shoulder? What is the drop you need for ease of bring up and over your arm to your shoulder without getting caught? Do you want handles as well? What fabric and texture feels good against your exposed skin should you be using it with short, sleeveless or strapless outfits as you wander about on your summer holiday, and what type of interior do you need to hold the necessities? Of course, there are more questions, and only you will know what those are, but when you find what you need, it is worth investing because when you have a tote that has your back while you travel or peruse the markets or anything else in between, you can rest easy and give your full attention to the present moment savoring every minute of your leisure adventure.
Below are a more than 10 totes of all different styles and fabrics. All are investment pieces, but the prices range, so take your time and enjoy finding and pinpointing exactly what would suit you and your lifestyle best.
~Proenza Schouler White Label Totes – canvas and leather (three different options)~
~Demellier Brown New York Striped canvas shoulder bag~
~Muuñ Abby striped straw basket, navy~
~Loewe Neutral Shell leather-trim raffia tote~
~Rue de Verneuill Beige black Traveller XL cotton canvas tote~
~Staud Beige Mercato faux-raffia tote~
~Rue Verneuil Neutral Large Tweed-Canvas Tote~
~Isabel Marant Neutral Wardy woven tote bag~
~L/Uniform Beige No. 3 Canvas Tote~
~L/Uniform Beige No. 72 foldable canvas tote~
~Longchamp Le Plague Energy, XXL handles, three colors~
~Wandler Large Joanna tote bag~
EXPLORE MORE STYLE INSPIRATION Posts from TSLL
I know logos are controversial, but I love my giant Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote. For work, it can hold my laptop and files, so I don’t look like a bag lady when I go to court. It’s also held my son’s bike helmet on occasion – and regularly holds baguettes and bottles of wine : ) All of that, and it still looks almost brand new.
I’ve had my eye on the Celine or Loewe basket bags for months now. Maybe I’ll take the plunge this summer!
Not one for logos, I tend to use a canvas tote that has a zipper close top and one inside pocket. If I have too many pockets, I lose things! A 9-inch drop works well for me and I prefer one with a back handle that can slide over my rolling carrier. Since I mostly carry files and fabric samples a medium size works well. I have no idea what the brand might be. My Longchamp is older than Moses and it is an odd shade of pink. Pink? A gift, one can’t be choosy. It is a wipe-off type of canvas/nylon? I may need to shop!
Lucy hope you’re well. I am with you. I hate logos. Refuse to advertise for free. I choose designs which have a very subtle tag usually on the inside. It’s my secret. Longchamp seems to be.popular in the US as it is here. Bedt wishes. Kameela 😊
Hello Kameela! I have been Spring-busy, and having some health issues but still moving along. I am a bit of a quiet person and logos tend to “scream” at me. Not that I don’t appreciate that others enjoy and seek the style of the logos, they just do it much better than I do. Hope you are well, it’s hard to believe we are halfway through May. I am way behind. Take care, looking forward to your shares. I am living vicariously these days.
I purchased my first Longchamp Le Pliage this spring (in Paris, why oui!) I have yet to utilise it but it is coming with me on my flight to Italy in the summer and hopefully on a few days out when I need to carry more than a handbag will allow.
Lucy hope you are well now, hearing you’ve had some health issues.
Sarah