An upcoming trip to Vietnam in August has prompted me to virtual-shop for a really nice tote bag that would carry my travel essentials in style. After visiting a number of online stores, I have come up with several candidates for my Ultimate Travel Tote.
Topping my list are two totes from British designer Stella McCartney for American brand Le Sportsac. Following the footsteps of her predecessors Diane von Furstenberg, Jonathan Adler, tokidoki and Gwen Stefani, Stella has teamed up with the handbag giant to produce affordable handbags that do not sacrifice style for functionality.
Last year, she launched her second Le Sportsac line with her Fall ’08 collection. The muted autumn colors of stone, moss and sky (among others) give the collection an air of quiet sophistication.
My favorite is this Classic Carryall tote made from 100% Recycled Eco Polyester Body Fabric and 100% Eco Mesh. It is equipped with exterior side pockets for easy accessibility of one’s essentials, two interior bottle pockets for water or baby bottles, an interior removable pocket, perfect for cosmetics, and an interior recessed zipper pocket. But apart from all these practicalities, I especially love the design because it reminds me of the military jacket worn by Jimi Hendrix.
From her Spring ’09 Collection, I love this bag she calls East/West Tote, particularly in Sunset. It’s made of 100% Polyester Body Fabric and 100% Eco Mesh. The best thing about this tote is that it expands to three more inches at the bottom to make room for more stuff that you can manage to cram in.
Next on my list are two bags from another favorite brand, Kipling. Consistently producing high-quality bags since its inception in 1987, the Belgian brand has come up with two totes that are utilitarian but definitely not lacking in fashion sense.
First up is the Adara Tote in Cheetah print. Made of water resistant 420 Denier Nylon, the Adara Tote has adjustable shoulder straps with a maximum drop length of 25”, perfect when you want to carry it as a sling bag. Its main compartment has an interior wall zipped pocket, a cell phone pouch, 2 pen sleeves and an interior key clasp to keep contents organized.
Next, I was thinking of getting this Ellie Eco-Friendly Fold-up Tote. Kipling swears it weighs less than a pound and will practically fit in your pocket when folded. This is ideal for out-of-the-country trips since it takes up so little space in your bag but when unfolded, can serve as a spacious hand-carry bag.
Saving the best for last, I cautiously navigated the online store of Kate Spade, knowing that I will definitely find something that I’ll like. My love affair with Kate Spade started about four years ago with my first purchase—a pink squarish leather bag with the signature Noel dot design. I have since added a few Katies to my (growing) collection.
The Union Square Clementine is Kate Spade’s new take on the classic tote. It is made of durable nylon in several vibrant colors. It has exterior slide pockets, interior zip pocket and double slide pockets for easy organization. The custom woven Noel jacquard lining plus the embossed signature on trim leather license plate complete the package. My choice is this fresh green shade… both easy to spot and easy on the eye.
The Tamarind Cove Beach Shay is a collection made of canvas done in bright tropical colors and topped with braided metallic calfskin handles. The best thing about this tote is that you can wear it two ways: unfolded unto the classic tote shape…
…or with sides clipped together for a more structured look.
I also love the custom bal harbour print lining.
Finally, for the financially challenged (like myself), Kate has come up with the affordable limited edition collection of unstructured shoulder totes made of heavy cotton canvas. The whimsical collection features bold prints, perfect for the playful spirit in all of us. My favorites are Corte Madera, Fort Lauderdale and Paradise.
Ahhh… so many choices! Good thing August is still four months away. I will keep you posted.