Tote-ally awesome totes under £1k? Sign me up! Sometimes, the London tube commute warrants more of a relaxed bag…. A packed central line with barely any standing room and a large Saint Laurent Sac du Jour vying for space: it’s the bag vs the burly man glaring at you. No, thanks. How about a busy Jubilee line at peak rush hour with a Givenchy Antigona waiting to be scratched? No, thank you, sir. Needless to say, the circle line on the way to Sunday brunch with a pristine Chanel is also an unlikely occurrence. The solution? Enter: the Totes!
TOTE-ALLY AWESOME
We’ve set the scene. BUT, (there’s always a but), how do we solve the problem:
- A large bag – ideal for work on the gym
- Less scratch-able – tight journeys on the tube are too risky with a smooth calfskin leather, so a sturdy, durable cloth is ideal
- Under £1k -ish – just in case a mishap does occur on the tube
- Fashionable and designer – girl’s still gotta look stylish
Seems like the Impossible Quartet (yes, I’ve augmented the Impossible Trinity). Well, I’ve got a handful of totes up my sleeve which may just check the boxes. No more battling for tube space and glaring at those who take a hit at your bag.
Tory Burch – Ella Tote
This has got to be the pick of the bunch. Brought to my attention by my friend Iffa, the Tory Burch tote can fit your laptop, notebook and water, and looks sleek for work. The price is unbeatable – at less than £300, I’m not sure you will find anything quite like it!
My favourite is the Ella tote bag – boxy, black and with a large TB logo that adds that edgy elegance. Although it doesn’t look it, it’s made from recycled nylon, meaning it is durable and hits a few sustainability boxes. Despite this, it is still strong and sturdy, as opposed o flimsy (which is usually what people think when “recycled” and “nylon” are used). At £215 for the small and £265 for the medium, it’s waiting to be swept off the shelves.
If you’re the “Givenchy-Antigona – Celine-Luggage”-vibe-kinda-girl like me, then this is the tote for you. The Ella also comes in a variety of extravagant prints – so if you’re looking to add a little bit of pizzazz to an outfit, Tory Burch has got you covered.
Marc Jacobs
If you prefer the slouchy, laissez-faire look, then “The Tote Bag” by Marc Jacobs, is the bag for you. It’s a great piece if you like to use duffel bags for the gym and are looking for a little spin on the classic gym look. The iconic “The Tote Bag” lettering will add a stylish spin to any spinning outfit.
What I like about this bag is that there is a zip at the top – so you can be sure your gym clothes, trainers and wallet are safe from London’s ever growing pick-pocketers.
The bag is also is available in a strong sturdy leather – a great companion on the Jubilee line to work. From black to deep brown to bright red, choose to stand out from the crowd or blend into the corporate scene. Priced at £560, it’s great value for a designer leather tote.
Chloe – Woody Tote
The Chloe Woody Tote has been gracing our instagram feeds for the past year or so, and it’s not hard to see why. This artisan bag is crafted with lower-impact linen, augmented with bright brown calfskin straps and lower-impact linen ribbons with the iconic “Chloe” embroidery. There’s also a slip pocket inside, which is a great place to put your keys, loose change and some gum.
The Woody Tote is available in a few different colour ways – from bright brown, creamy beige, light pink to duck egg blue, the tote still has a neutral vibe, but the slight pop of colour lets you add a touch of your personality. Priced at £790 for the medium and £890 for the large, the Chloe Woody Tote is on the higher end of this selection, but the premium is justified by the use of lower-impact linen and its iconic design.
Which tote bags are on your list? Which one will you be taking with you on your next sweaty central line trip to your workout?
Let me know! Lots of love, Jo xoxo
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