I use the tote bag pictured here, from Madewell, for work and to travel back and forth from the city out to Long Island, where I grew up. My sister bought it for me for my birthday last year and I was in love from the moment I got my hands on it.
It’s softly rugged, understated and classy. It goes with everything - although it’s pretty big, so as I mentioned in this post, it’s not ideal for a night out, but for a picnic in a park, a trek upstate or a weekend in the Hamptons, it’s just perfection. (Plus, you can get it personalized with your initials - which makes it exclusively yours and ups the cool factor even more.)
While this tote isn’t cheap—$168 as is or $178 monogrammed—it’s an investment piece, a timeless style that will last a long time. It’s worth spending a little more when the bag looks this good, ages well and adds a bit of a boho look to whatever you’re wearing.
Want a similar tote in other colors? Try these. And if you’re looking for a vegan version of this bag, Urban Outfitters has a great one here (and it’s reversible - so cool!).
This post was inspired by the Madewell #totewell contest. If you already have this tote bag - or another Madewell bag - you can post an Instagram picture with your bag and be in the running for a $1000 Madewell gift card. Uh, yeah, something to get on asap!
Xoxo, H
Photos by Tom Schelling.