6 Stylish Tote Bags for Your Summer Sojourns

Credit: Flickr / Mayprodrigo

Summer totes are practical and perfect for all your day-to-day needs

There’s something about a tote bag’s easy shape and relaxed style that captures the essence of summer

Tote bags are the perfect summer accessory. Throw in a light sweater, a book, some sunscreen, your wallet, and you’re good for the whole day.

From farmers-market-casual to lunching-with-the-girls polished, here are six of our favourite totes to get you through the summer in style.

J.Crew Sea Bags® ($194)
Leave it to J.Crew to perfectly combine preppy and practical in this nautical-themed tote. Crafted in Portland, Maine, this bag is made from reclaimed sails. Each bag is made entirely by hand (so no two will ever be exactly alike) and crisscrossed with ultra-bright see-worthy stripes for a can’t-miss take on summertime style.

Durable, water-resistant and roomy (14″x14″), the tote also features a heavy-duty metal clip closure, a hand-spliced rope handle (10″ handle drop) and a zip-up interior pocket that’s just the right size for stowing all your essentials. The bag comes in orange and pink (shown), and lemon zest and ocean blue.

Available at J.Crew online and in-store at 1088 Robson Street, Vancouver.

Longchamps Le Pliage Large Folding Tote ($159)
This is a classic item, popular with the university and work crowds, and for good reason: it’s a workhorse with great style. Also works great as a weekender for getaways to the cabin.

This large long-handled nylon tote (31″x31″x19″) has tanned leather handles and accents. The zip-top features a leather-snap closure, which opens up to a roomy interior that includes one small pocket in the front. This tote is water-resistant thanks to the PVC lining and folds away for easy storage. It comes in black, taupe, chocolate, red, navy, beige graphite, white, orange (shown), khaki, pink, and turquoise.

Available at Betty Hemmings, 415 Hornby Street, Vancouver.  

Tiffany & Co. Palmer Basket ($1,500)
The Tiffany Palmer Basket is an open tote made of Italian wicker, and features a smooth calf trim in Tiffany Blue® and palladium-plated solid brass hardware. The leather lining is also in Tiffany Blue and includes two interior pockets and a zipper compartment to keep all your summertime essentials organized. There’s a fold-over front flap with a flip-lock closure and the double handles have a 7.5″ drop, making it a comfortable and stylish accessory over your shoulders.

This breezy, light wicker tote is a model of both functionality and fashion, and was created in Italy with time-honoured techniques by skilled artisans. It comes in Tiffany Blue (shown) and Tangerine.

Available at Tiffany & Co. online or in-store at 723 Burrard Street and at Oakridge Centre.

Reitmans Tribal-print Tote ($40)
This little number is right on trend this summer with its earthy tribal print and relaxed shape. It’s big enough (12″x14″) to get you through your day, from brunch to a movie to heading down to the beach.

Made from cotton with synthetic leather handles, the tote is fully lined and features a zipper compartment inside to help keep you organized.

Available at Reitmans stores across Canada.

Joe Fresh Striped Straw Tote ($29, on sale now $9.94)
This jaunty tote is made of straw with a matching solid-colored lining and an inside zipper pocket. The long faux-leather straps and extra-large size (16″x15″x12″) make this perfect for grabbing on your way to the beach or cabin when you need something pretty, practical and low-maintenance.

And at this steal of a price, you can afford to have a couple to keep things organized by the door, in your car and even one at the office. Comes in blue (shown) or yellow stripes.

Available at the Joe Fresh store in downtown Vancouver (540 Granville Street), and The Real Canadian Superstore locations across Canada.

Banana Republic Paige Colourblock Leather Tote ($160)
This all-leather tote from Banana Republic is a sleek solution for the minimalist. Its slim profile (15″x20″x4″ with 9″ strap drop) keeps everything tidy and adds a polished look to your ensemble. There’s an inner slip pocket as well as an exterior zip pocket perfect for keeping your phone within easy reach. It features shiny nickel hardware and a snap closure.
It comes in cognac (shown) or black.

Available at Banana Republic online or in stores across Canada.