1. French Tote w/ Leather Strap
Brand: ikabags
Price: $129.00Shipping to US: $32.96
These totes are handmade in France and have been featured in many magazines including Martha Stewart, Better Home and Gardens, and the Huffington Post. I love the beautiful texture of the linen. Because each bag is made to order, you can choose your color of your tote, as well as the color of the interior. The interior has 6 useful pockets, which is uncommon for tote bags. It's a bit expensive for a non-leather bag, but it's well worth the price for the beautiful materials and the simple, classic style.
2. Canvas Tote w/ Monogram
Brand: Get a Grip! Bags
Price: $69.00
Shipping to US: $11.00
Cotton canvas handmade bags in a ton of colors including grey, yellow, green, pink, black, etc. These are really nice because you can get them monogrammed with your initials. There is one pocket on the inside, but there are is no clasp to the bag. If you were thinking about buying it though, it would be pretty easy to insert one in (a strong magnet or a snap-clasp maybe). It's relatively inexpensive price makes it a really good deal for a sturdy tote that will last quite a few years.
3. French Tote w/ Leather Bottom
Brand: ikabags
Price: $129.00
Shipping to US: $35.96
Another bag by ikabags. I actually like this one more - I think the leather bottom elevates this simple tote to more of a luxury item. I also like the simplicity of the clasp although I can't imagine it's more useful than a magnet-clasp. This one also has 6 pockets and a waterproof lining!
4. Heirloom Tote | also available here
Price: $300 on their official site, $285 on their etsy store (I have no idea why the prices are different)
Shipping to US: $17.50 on the official site, $20.00 on their etsy store
I actually just bought this tote during Rib and Hull's summer sale (you can sign up for their newsletter and get sale notifications) for $225 instead of $300. I've been lusting after this for literally 3 years and I finally snatched it up when the summer sale hit.
I love it. It's really light, especially for a leather bag and the quality is really nice. It fits a laptop perfectly but isn't so big that things get lost in it. The only thing is there isn't a zipper (although Rib and Hull has versions with zippers here) and the magnets that hold the top of the bag together aren't very strong. I usually don't/can't use them. Oh, and there is only one inner pocket, which might not be enough for many people.
This classic tote comes in a few other colors including black, oxblood, and sometimes a really unique bottle green.
Here's mine:
When I first received the bag, I was a bit disappointed because it was a bit shinier than I expected. I actually almost returned the bag because of it, but I started to use it and the shininess seemed okay to me. I know it'll be easier to clean, so eventually I got over it.
It fits everything I ever need, including enough room for my big lunch and my laptop! Definitely recommend this one.
Brand: Rennes Studio
Price: $300 (sometimes there are sales if you check their blog)
Shipping to US: $14
The linen lining on this one is really gorgeous. Super well-made bag with really soft leather (a contrast with the slightly stiffer Rib and Hull one). I definitely considered this one for a long long time. Rennes Studio's bags also have great flat straps which are so much more comfortable than rounded or folded straps.
They also have a gorgeous unlined bag for $290.
Price: $218
Shipping to US: $10
Love love nude leather. Matches everything. This tote is just really simple and has a fun detail on the straps to make it just the right amount of interesting. It's relatively low price makes it a good choice as well.I hope this is helpful to anyone looking for a classic, long-lasting tote bag! It's certainly not comprehensive, but hopefully this post will push people to find their own dream bag, or to shop more handmade goods!
