Totes Totally!

A manifesto of my undying love for tote bags, and where to find the best ones according to, well, me.

While preparing this newsletter, I'm at the airport en route to Guatemala. This, of course, is irrelevant to this newsletter; I always wanted to say something like that. Makes me sound like I'm a very productive person who only finds time to write while she's at the airport because she was so busy the rest of the week doing stuff that important people do, lol!

Today I'm writing about something I feel genuinely passionate about, and that is tote bags. I love them. There was a time in my life when I was obsessed with baskets, and I still am; I'm always down for a basket, but lately, I've channeled my interest more toward tote bags. When it comes to tote bags, I do not discriminate; I love the niche, the designer, and the big brand as much as I love the simple one's sold as merch at popular restaurants, art supplies, and souvenir stores. I have tote bags from Joshua Tree National Park, The Freehand, Blick Art Materials, and Berkeley's in Charleston. And if I shop at your store, and instead of giving me a simple shopping bag, you put my things inside a tote, I will love your store forever.

One of my dreams is to design a collection of tote bags with quirky graphics. Would you buy one? I hope so.

Below are a few of my favorite tote brands. I wanted to add more images, but Substack gave me the length warning.

Best Casual: Alex Mill

I would go as far as to say that the Alex Mill tote is the best overall. If you are looking for something that looks good, fits a lot of stuff, and lasts a long time, this is it.

Best Minimal: WANT Les Essentiels

WANT Les Essentiels used to have the most beautiful store inside The Nomad in NYC. My friend Lia and I used to go there all the time. I don't own one of their totes, but I've seen them in person. They are beautiful, sturdy, and huge.

Best Stripe: Küle

Küle is known for their stripes, but they also make bags in other fun graphics, and in a variety of sizes. This one is on my wishlist.

Best Niche: Aimé Leon Dore

I have a love-hate relationship with ALD because the product I want is always sold out. I don't think there's anything quite extraordinary about ALD totes other than that they are freakin cool.

Best Quirky: Clare V.

All I have to say is that I want a Clare V. tote with an illustrated sardine on the front. And it comes with a small tote inside to carry small things. I love a woman that thinks about other women.

Alex Mill, Clare V., Atelier, WANT Les Essentiels, Küle, Aimé Leon Dore, Marni, Baggu, Fibra.

Best Artisanal: Fibra

Because I can't leave my friends and country outside this list. Nothing will last you longer than a traditional Guatemalan market bag. Especially if it's designed and made by Fibra. Fibra's mission is to create beautifully designed objects, empower the women who produce their designs, and upcycle as much plastic as they can from oceans, rivers, and landfills. That is an excellent reason to buy a made-in-Guatemala tote bag.

Best Raffia: Atelier Boutique

My friend Carolina curates the best selection of raffia totes for her unique boutique in South Miami. If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen me wear this tote a LOT! If you are a lover of raffia bags like I am, I highly recommend visiting Atelier, in person or online.

Best Value: Baggu

Baggu totes are pretty affordable, super cool, and they’re good bags. The Sandy Liang collab is giving me heart palpitations. Unfortunately it sold out like in seconds. I think they’re producing more, but it will take time.

Best Designer: MARNI

I’m not into big logo designer totes, but I do love MARNI. Always have, always will. Especially the MARNI Market collection. What’s not to love about them?

---

That’s all for today guys. Let me know in the comments below if you have a specific favorite tote bag brand/designer. I’d love to know, because I’d love to get to know you.

I love you!

MC