TOTE BAG WISHLIST
I was a late adopter to the tote bag – or any bag, really. I had a weird hangup about them being too feminine (I know, gross, I’ve changed okay). For years I sported a responsible and ergonomically designed backpack (like a goddamn nerd – jks if that’s your thing) until I had the courage to wear my first tote bag, and from that moment I on, I wanted to wear ALL the tote bags. It was totes amaze to say the least. Now it’s only fitting that I compile a wishlist of tote bags that will very soon be mine.
Labour union
M65 liner tote
I love this brand. I don’t know much about their practices and how sustainable they are (yet to do my research) so I am purely speaking on their design. I did buy a beautiful denim jacket from them a few months back which I had to sadly return as it just did not work with my body (sometimes it do be like that) but the garment itself appeared to be structurally sound and presented beautifully.
One item of theirs that I have not returned (nor should it really be on my wishlist) is their M65 Liner Tote. I’m a big fan of the M65 Army Surplus Liner Jackets (I snagged one off eBay a few months back) so as soon as i saw a tote bag version of it I knew I had to have it – sometimes I wear the jacket and bag together because I’m just so totally quirky and crazy you guize.
Buy them at Labour Union.
RALPH lauren
polo bear tote
Another item that should no longer be on my wishlist as I just bought it… sorry not sorry. I’m obsessed with the Ralph Lauren Polo Bear – I want it on a sweater, but it has to be a perfectly boxy, cropped, drop shouldered sweater which I’m yet to come across.
This variation of the polo bear (there are many) sports sneakers, jeans, varisty jacket and a backwards cap, and is beautifully embroidered onto a sturdy canvas tote bag with tan leather straps.
The Polo Bear blends cute and high fashion – one of my favourite combos.
Buy them at Farfetch.
SWANDRI
TOTE
As a Kiwi, it’s only fitting that I should have a Swandri tote. I had both a red and a blue Swandri jacket in high school (as sort of an ironic indie vibe). The only thing is, I can’t for the life of me find where there are stocked! So if you come across one of these bad boys on the world wide web then PLEASE HIT ME UP.
I did find one (well, so I thought) on eBay a while back, but my order was quickly cancelled and refunded upon order confirmation – understand this could have ended worse by me being scammed but it was still saddening to be left without the tote, sad face.
Buy them at I HAVE NO IDEA DO YOU?!
ÖLEND
ONA SOFT BAG
Next on this list is the Ona Soft Bag by Barcelona based brand, Ölend. Fun and practical with a laidback design, the Ona Soft Bag comes in various colourways, materials and sizes – my preference being the regular size in their sage colourway (watch this space). This bag is wonderfully casual without being boring. Perfect for the beach or the office… a great gateway tote for any newcomers.
Buy them at Ölend.
BOTTeGa VENETA
intrecciato NORTH-SOUTH tote
Bottega Veneta, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful fashion brands in the world. I am always in awe of their creations, and their ability to create some truly stunning compositions. Next tote on the wishlist is their Intrecciato North-South Tote Bag. A beautifully oversized leather tote bag featuring Bottega Veneta’s signature Intrecciato weave detailing. All I want for Christmas is you…
Buy them at Bottega Veneta.
Linden is enough
COGNAC suede maxi tote
This supersized, suede leather beauty by Scotland based brand, Linden is Enough, is beyond perfect. She is style, she is grace. Their beautifully designed Suede Maxi tote comes in various colourways – my preference being Cognac, as pictured.
Buy them at Linden is Enough.