The tote bag is the quintessential women’s everyday accessory. It’s roomy and boasts a ton of space to stash all of your “crap” (think laptop, beauty essentials, work documents and the like), and is versatile enough to use as both a purse for work and a casual shopping bag for the weekend.
There are plenty of tote options on the market, but many of them command a relatively high price tag. While it’s undisputable that they are of great quality, their nondescript designs are often not worth the amount of cash you’re plunking down for them. Furthermore, you are probably going to be “abusing” this bag due to rough and tumble daily usage, so it’s going to endure quite a fair bit of wear and tear.
To me, it makes more economical sense to go for a good quality mid-range tote and leave the designer bags for the more luxurious and embellished designs.
Here are some great options that I highly recommend. Happy shopping!
Everlane is known for its transparent, direct-to-consumer business model. It prides itself in revealing the true costs of the items and then showing you the markups.
According to its cost disclosures, this bag would probably have retailed between $1,100 and $1,300, placing them in the same league as many designer bags. However, by being sold online only, it has eliminated brick-and-mortar expenses and passed these savings onto you.
This tote features tonal ultrasuede lining, two roomy canvas pockets with snap closures, and polished chrome hardware at the straps and feet.
Not sure if a designer handbag is worth its high price tag? Read this story to see our take on it.
This New York-based bag label was created by California-born and Hong Kong-raised designer, Sarah Law. Ever since its inception in 2013, her bags — known for its clean and minimalist aesthetic— have found their way onto shoulders of stylish stars, from actors to the Insta-famous.
This high-quality natural leather unlined tote will develop a beautiful patina over time with exposure to sun and natural oils. The marks and colour variation are an inherent characteristic of the skin. The people at Kara believes that if you take care of your stuff, it will take care of you!
Looking to invest in a designer handbag? Ask yourselves these questions first before committing.
Founder Jessie Randall started the label with her husband back in 2004 because she couldn’t find the kind of shoes that felt like a natural extension of her own style – understated, elegant and effortless.
Thanks to that one pair of shoes, the label has expanded its product offerings to include bags of unique designs, high craftsmanship and quality.
This camel suede tote boasts an interested braided drawstring that’s trimmed with the label’s signature horse hair tassels. This spacious tote will be able to hold all your daily essentials and more.
Looking to invest in a designer handbag? Ask yourselves these questions first before committing.
Baggu is a design-driven label that produces simple and timeless quality bags and accessories.
Its main guiding principle is to provide environmentally friendly bags with high quality and value without sacrificing style or a sense of fun.
Best known for its Ripstop nylon tote that is now available in more than 30 colors and prints, it has expanded its offerings to include simple yet functional canvas and leather totes, purses, travel bags and accessories.
This tote is made from natural milled leather that features an interior pocket with brass zipper.
Want a forever bag? We tell you which are top 5 iconic designer bags that will never go out of style.
This label was started in Los Angeles back in 2002, and came into the spotlight when reality star and It-runway model Kendall Jenner started accessorising many of her outfits with their belts. Their designs have always been on-trend, sophisticated, with a rock n’ roll edge.
For ladies who fancy more of a statement-making tote, this one is perfect for you. The exotic snakeskin print with fringe detailing on both the front and back sides is bound to turn heads.
Not sure if a designer handbag is worth its high price tag? Read this story to see our take on it.
If you require a tote with more carrying options, this tote with a top handle and shoulder strap by French journalist turned designer Clare Vivier will be your best bet. She decided to create her own line of bags because she noticed a lack of functional yet stylish laptop cases during her journalistic days.
She’s definitely hit the jackpot with both style and quality with this handbag line. The tote, aptly named the Simple tote, perfectly embodies her signature minimalist aesthetic.
Made using grey suede, the soft grey tone is the perfect backdrop for her signature black & white joined stripes. You can further personalise this bag with its nifty monogram service.
Not sure if a designer handbag is worth its high price tag? Read this story to see our take on it.
Singapore pride! Arete Goods, pronounced ahr-i-tey, was started by two friends who were frustrated at being unable to find flats that were comfortable, simply designed and well made.
With access to great quality leather, they have also ventured into other products like leather totes, pouches and cardholders. All the leather goods from Arete Goods’ products are designed in Singapore, and sourced and made in Spain.
Made from durable Spanish cowhide and featuring suede lined interiors large enough to handle all your daily necessities, the Penta tote is an elegant take on the go-everywhere tote.
Want a forever bag? We tell you which are top 5 iconic designer bags that will never go out of style.