HollyDay Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 I need a tote. Somthing that will stand alone. Not too big...not a "going to the beach all day tote." Big enough to carry a large book and notebook....or a couple smaller books and maybe a shawl or wrap. I carry a purse, so I don't need something for wallet, cellphone, etc. Just a nice sturdy tote for a couple books and a few necessities. Suggestions?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 I like the large tote from LLBean. It's heavy canvas and stands up on its own. I use to hold a few library books, a small coupon wallet, sometimes a light sweater, water bottle, random stuff. It's spacious but not too big. My MIL is partial to the medium, but she carries around less stuff in her tote. She has a larger purse than I do, though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyhwkmama Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 Ogio tablet purse or tote? http://www.ogio.com/womens/womens-tote-bags/ http://www.ogio.com/womens/womens-purses/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmandaVT Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 The LL Bean Tote would work for you. My mom uses the medium sized one for taking her kindle, lunch, extra sweater, etc to work. It's a great size. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/33381?feat=677-GN3&page=boat-and-tote-open-top&csp=f Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 I'm generally an LL Bean fan but I think Lands End totes are superior. There's some difference in sizing, though. I'd go with whichever one has the size closest to what you need. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Material and budget? Reversible faux leather tote from Nordstrom: http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/street-level-reversible-faux-leather-tote-wristlet/3559375 Target has a similar one for around $30 but it's not as nice. The Nordstrom one seems softer and better quality. Vera Bradley has fabric totes in patterns and solids Fabric (one of oodles of styles): https://www.verabradley.com/us/product/Vera/Havana-Rose/15461-15461G01?Ntt=VB-PDP-SEARCH--PDP-VB Leather: https://www.verabradley.com/us/product/Ella-Tote/Sycamore-Black/14622-14622481?Ntt=VB-PDP-SALE-PDP-VB MZWallace: https://www.mzwallace.com/shop/metro-tote Kipling makes bags that hold up well and come in lots of colors. Several tote styles. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I'm generally an LL Bean fan but I think Lands End totes are superior. There's some difference in sizing, though. I'd go with whichever one has the size closest to what you need. Why do you like it better? My LL Bean tote is nice, but it's SO stiff (which is sometimes a great thing, really) and I'm wondering if it will ever soften up just a tad! lol Maybe I will get a Lands End one in a smaller size because I can't have enough tote bags. :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I have both LL Bean and Lands End totes. I like them both for different reasons. The LLB is stiffer, and the one I have doesn't zip. I think is is an extra-large, I use it for big grocery runs and Costco trips. The LE tote is less stiff, has a zipper and a small front pocket. I generally use it for a library bag. Check both places and check dimensions with a measuring tape to be sure you get the size you really want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
school17777 Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 (edited) A Scout bag might work for you. I have the pocket rocket bag, which I like the outside pockets to carry water bottles, sunscreen, etc. The day tripper might meet your needs though. They have fun patterns and are easy to wipe clean. http://www.scoutbags.com/bags/everyday-bags?limit=all Edited August 14, 2017 by school17777 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tasha Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I have the Lands End med. sized tote and it is nice, but I found I needed something with a few pockets and a zipper closure. So, I got a Duluth Canvas Travel Tote and really love it. http://women.duluthtrading.com/store/womens/womens-accessories/tote-bags/84703.aspx?processor=content Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 My favorite tote: https://www.disneystore.com/bags-bags-wallets-accessories-disney-sketch-medium-shopper-by-dooney-amp-bourke/mp/1355316/1000291/ I used Disney credit card points to get it for "free". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Why do you like it better? My LL Bean tote is nice, but it's SO stiff (which is sometimes a great thing, really) and I'm wondering if it will ever soften up just a tad! lol Maybe I will get a Lands End one in a smaller size because I can't have enough tote bags. :p The LE bags are stiff enough to stand up but not so stiff they're uncomfortable to carry. The medium and up sizes have an exterior pocket, several interior pockets and a key fob. I know those things won't matter to everyone and for some purposes a bag w/o pockets may even be preferable. But for me those things equate to the LE totes being a bit superior to the Bean totes. I wish LE would offer a small tote with a longer handle (which for me would make a great every day/running errands purse). 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyLife Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I second Vera Bradley. They are light weight and sturdy. I've even washed mine in the washing machine (remove the stiff bottom before washing). I have a couple of different sizes and patterns. One way to save money, if you don't care about the pattern, is to shop the patterns that are being discontinued. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I have an ll bean tote for library books and it is great, stiff and sturdy. However, the bag itself, even empty, is not lightweight. Not heavy, per se, but more than I would want for casual carrying around. Also, I didn't get the long handles and so it has to be carried in my hand, not over my shoulder. Hopefully others can learn from my mistakes! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MysteryJen Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I got a Vera Bradley tote for Christmas. I love it, right size, comfortable to carry and lots of pockets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 My favorites are Laurel Burch ones. They are sturdy, cute, and washable. They have top zippers, a shallow zippered inside pocket, and some of them have outside pockets on the ends, great for water bottles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2_girls_mommy Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 I love my Thirty One tall organizing totes. I have two, so I can wash one and switch to the other. They have small pockets on the front for pens and one that is perfect for my sticky notes pads. One zippered pocket on the inside. The bottom isn't super heavy/sturdy without the books in it, but it stands on its own with my books in it. I carry a binder/planner, magazines, planners, a few books, and a pencil bag or case whereever I go to work on stuff while kids are in their activities. I carry a separate purse too and dd3 has a backpack with stuff for her in the car that I can grab if I need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Rough and Tumble of Maine: https://roughandtumbledesign.com/collections/totes/products/bees-waxed-shopper?variant=16744857222 https://roughandtumbledesign.com/collections/totes/products/five-pocket-cape-tote Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Brooks Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Just a thought.........I have a tote I finished that is for sale in my Etsy shop. I rescued this partially started project that was languishing in a local charity shop. It came with a note, "Finish me." So I finished the project. It is just a tote with no pockets on the inside or outside. The fabric is beautiful. I don't know why the project was abandoned because it looks as if someone spent some time on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 (edited) Lands End medium. The large is HUGE (like for a full day at the beach.) You can get them with or without a zipper at the top. Edited August 14, 2017 by Laurie4b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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