By A'Dell
I'm in the market for a new tote to carry this summer. It needs to be pretty big, because I plan on cramming it with snacks, diapers, hats, sunscreen, and any other odd items I seem to pick up and carry around with me. (My wallet and phone go in there too.)
I have a beloved LL Bean Boat and Tote, but it's not as PRETTY as I'd like it to be for everyday usage. I'd like to not spend a lot, as this bag will probably get beat up with trips to the pool, playground, and shopping, but I don't want anything to fall apart on me mid-July, either.
Generously sized at 15" x 17", I could fit diapers, my wallet, and a pile of other things in here.
About 19" x 15", this one is still generously sized and I like the bright color. It's canvas, so it feels like it might show wear and tear a lot sooner than I might like.
Available in a coral, mint, or navy stripe, this one is too spendy for what it is (typical for J Crew) but I LIKE IT. The mint stripe is particularly unexpected and fun for summer.
Again, with the spendy price for a relatively simple bag. SIGH. This is biggish (19" x 9") and the nylon says, "I play nice with children," which is good when you have small people with dirty paws surrounding you. The solo picture makes it look small, but on the model it's pretty generously sized without being a garbage bag (as these hobos sometimes look).
I would complain again about how much this costs, but everything at Land's End goes on sale all the time so you could easily score this for 20% or 30% off. The handles look like it won't go over my shoulder though, which is pretty key for me.
It's so bright and pretty! Also comes in a navy stripe.
Canvas Bucket bag, on sale for $69
The most spendy pick of all, but currently priced at 50% off, this is a pretty nice bag with leather handles and trim. Eligible for the aforementioned promo codes Land's End sends out almost daily, so you might be able to score it for $50 or so.
A word to the wise on the one with the sequins: SO CUTE, but if you ever wear tank tops, I have learned from hard experience that sequins are no fun to have rubbing against your underside arm skin. (They're hard on tshirts, too.)
Posted by: katie | May 30, 2012 at 10:59 AM
I love the mint J. Crew one and the last Land's End one! I have a tote from last summer that is FINE, but I can't keep my eyes off of new ones.
Posted by: Mama Bub | May 30, 2012 at 12:24 PM
I'm with Mama Bub. I vote for the mint one -- a little spendy, but summer is exactly for wearing a fresh and fun thing like that tote. I would wear the HECK out of that thing, and if it is made well, it might last a few summers! I bet it would be worth it if you can spring for it.
Posted by: J | May 30, 2012 at 01:07 PM
I just got the JCrew bag in navy as a bridesmaid gift from my sister. It's awesome!
Posted by: PomJob | May 30, 2012 at 02:02 PM
I would go with the mint j crew bag but I would get it in navy. Either way it's a win win! Enjoy your summer!
Posted by: Maria A | May 30, 2012 at 10:10 PM
Be still my heart, fellow tote-lover! This post is like porn for me. I love them all, but the slouchy canvas one from Land's End has a great tallish shape. But I'm with you - the handles need to be longer . . .
Posted by: Mandorama | June 01, 2012 at 11:49 PM
Just saw this one: http://m.thelimited.com/mt/www.thelimited.com/detail/ikat-tote/1378181?cid=AFC-LINK-0000009
Love the yellow accent!
Posted by: Mandorama | June 04, 2012 at 09:01 AM