Fab flat totes
May 22nd, 2008It’s extremely important to sport a healthy handbag. One way of ensuring this is to carry a simple flat tote that’s no deeper than one to four inches. You’ll keep the dramatic and fashionable effect of the oversized-tote-look, but without the weight (if you’re disciplined about keeping the contents of your handbag to a minimum). Hardware, bells and whistles, slouchy styles and wide handbags tend to be bulky and heavy, especially if they’re leather.
If you stick to a slim, streamlined tote that’s no bigger than the size of your upper body, you might be pleasantly surprised at how much easier it is to stride comfortably as you go about your day. This style of tote was all over the streets of San of Francisco when I visited earlier this year. Urbanites like to keep it practical, funky and stylish. My type of handbag.
When a handbag is simple, let the colour and fabrication do the talking. Patent or cracked patent leather or faux leather adds depth to this look and are my favourite options.
May 22nd, 2008 at 5:34 am
These are just what I’m looking for, but at a much lower price. I typically buy my handbags as throwaway fashion. It’s a bit of an odd strategy, but it works for me.
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:28 am
I have actually bought three(!) of these for this summer: cream, yellow and red; but in lesser quality and very inexpensive - each below $20. I am currently not carrying anything else. They work so well that I’ll probably get few more for fall/winter in season-appropriate colors.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:54 am
This is great info(especially the post on healthy handbags)! My parents gave me a merlot-colored work tote when I gradutated from college, and it has been fantastic for carrying papers and files without causing strain or wrecked papers. If there are no organizing features in my bags, I don’t end up using them, and now I realize why! Tons of junk in my bags is uncomfortable! Is there a way to keep all those small ‘essentials’ from becoming a mess in the bottom of a bag if it doesn’t have interior pockets?
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:07 am
tanja: where did you get your bags?
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 am
Twp were from Filene’s Basement/TJMaxx, the yellow one was from Express.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Hey, Angie, thanks for making me feel fashionable… I bought one of these back in January! And mine was very inexpensive too, $11 on winter clearance at JCP!
And, I love it, it’s so easy on the shoulder. The fact that it doesn’t stand up can be problematic, but most of the time it’s fine. I love the slim profile and it’s easy to find stuff because it’s so spacious.
August 31st, 2008 at 8:23 pm
I use those flat totes on weekdays. Perfect to carry a magazine in and that bottle of water I always take along. On the weekends and nights I go out I like to wear my fashion handbags.