TOTE-ALLY
9 totes that elevate the schlep
Ciao!
I’m currently in Italy and thought I’d do a quick bag round up while I’m away…
Look, I know we all have tote bags full of tote bags, but a good fresh tote is worth having! Especially for summer when we are going on weekend trips, hauling to the beach, stocking up at the farmers market and wherever else life takes you! Yes, you need a ludicrously capacious bag for summer. Here are 9 totes that elevate the schlep!
This tote was the inspiration for this issue. I am currently using this perfect red Big Sur Pacific Tote Co as my ‘personal carry-on item’ while traveling in Europe. I’m obsessed!! It has a zipper, pockets and is so cheerful and is a perfect size - slightly larger than the medium LL Bean tote. And you can really fit a whole lot in there! Finally a great on-top-of-the-suitcase tote. This one is gonna be with me for the long haul.
LL Bean Boat and Tote is the classic!! Get something cute or cheeky embroidered or go au natural. Or start a collection with your name and initials a la Gilles above! I’m very into the large, natural color one, with long straps. It’s very chic and can’t beat that price ($40!) Also this tiny tote!! Omg. Perfect purse to bring to a beach bbq in the Hamptons.
I’m a huge fan of Father and Finn! Stu makes custom, hand painted totes that are so beautiful and unique. Contact him to make your dream tote! Stu used to work at Ralph Lauren and J Crew so he’s got that preppy chic look down. Be the belle of the beach and bring one of these stuffed with beautiful towels (see JDV #3). He even made me this amazzzzing bag as a congrats on starting this newsletter! What a guy.
Haulier is a really cool brand based in Sydney but feels more like an old school European heritage brand. These look realllllly luxe and beautiful and are meant to last a lifetime. Maybe it’s because I’ve been watching Ripley on Netflix, but this seems like something Dickey Greenleaf would carry. All of their colorways are fab but this butter yellow is the color of the moment! Plus it’s on sale :)
This bag from Metier is capital C CHIC! It’s made from woven raffia with a waterproof interior, so it’s fab yet practical. The most fabulous woman in a Nancy Meyers movie would wear this. And don’t we all want to be her? Can’t you just imagine her strolling around a charming New England town with a rollneck sweater and white jeans?
Kule makes incredible totes…and incredible everything else. Their Tatum Sweater is a must. I have 2 striped ones and now want this sand one…I’m a BIG Kule girl. This is the perfect bag for tennis freaks like me!! Fits a racquet, water bottle, snacks, balls etc! I also have one of their huge Smiley Totes which I fill with my entire life when going to Ojai for the weekend.
The Parisian brand Call it by Your Name makes such cute bags made out of bandanas! They come in every color under the sun. Their quilted cabas totes are really sweet and look very comfortable to carry thanks to the two different handle lengths and soft material. (Some sturdy canvas totes can rub on the elbows IYKYK!) This seems like a great option for cute moms. I would keep one in the car for farmer’s market runs. Grab one of their pouches while you’re at it.
These Dragon Diffusion bags are great but are always sold out! Alex Mill is stocking a few great ones this summer so I would jump on it! I have my eye on this open top one which totally works from city to beach. They’re also a perfect bag to pack in your suitcase as they lay flat! Super chic, they give an old Bottega vibe but for a fraction of the price.
Last but definitely not least is Little Liffner. I have this bag in two sizes… Giant (shown above) and mini! I really love these bags… I always reach for my mini one. It is the perfect day in LA bag. But we’re here to talk totes!! The big one and I do mean BIG is super luxe and fab. Use it for a weekend trip, but preferably one that you’re driving to. Because of the suede, it is rather heavy but is gorgeousss and in my opinion, great bang for your buck! ($625!) Also, looks like theres a few left of this DREAM bag!! Get it before I do.
Ok that’s all for now! Thank you for reading Amuse Bouche! If you have any questions, need recs, etc, you can find me in the chat or leave a comment! It means so much to have you here. I will probably take next week off, but will be back with my Rome guide and everything I packed for our trip ASAP! In the meantime, you can shop all my favorites here and follow along on Instagram @kissser. Now, I’ve got to get back to #hotcaravaggiosummer.
Ciao!
M
P.S. If you make a purchase using the links above, I may make a commission! Grazie!
A few more posts on Summer Fun…
yes yes!!! in my newsletter this week I talk about totes, but I have to say your selection is top!
What’s the shoulder drop like on your red tote? The website doesn’t seem to show these dimensions. Is it comfortable to wear on your shoulder with a jacket or coat on?