How do you define your dream tote bag? (opinions needed)

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LÁNXN

LÁNXN

New Member
Oct 17, 2018
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#1
Hi everyone,

I am on a mission to make the best tote bag for my wife as an anniversary gift, but i don't see much value nor personalized in just buying one. I hope i can find some advices here for my brainstorming.

As thread title, how do you define a good tote bag? Or what do you wish brands would have done to the bags you owned (functions, constructions)? What matters to you most when buying a tote bag? I think it is given that it has to look beautiful and stylish. But what else? I can think of the weight, and the durability. Every bits of opinions would help me brainstorm a perfect tote, even the wildest suggestions.

I can share and document my steps if anyone is interested in reading :).

Thanks all in advance!
 
#2
Totes have a tendency to become a big black hole for me so I look for the following:
1. Lighter inside lining so it’s easy to see what’s inside
2. Functional slip pockets that are large enough for magnetic key cards that sit along the inside wall so I can wave the bag against the key reader without taking said card out.
3. I like having a slim slip pocket on the outside of the bag to store slim items like a phone for quick access... also these pockets should have a closing mechanism but not Velcro...it’s ugly, catches stuff and makes an ugly sound
4. I personally like a keychain clasp attached to the inside wall of the bag to easily pull out my keys but I take public transportation for work and this is not great for drivers. In case of drivers, a slip pocket that’s high up on the inside wall to store your keys so it’s not lost at the bottom of the bag
5. Big enough to store a 15’ laptop. Any bigger it starts to look like a diaper bag... again this is my preference and I usually use totes for work only

That’s all I can think of. Good luck!
 
#3
Definitely must be lightweight and roomy with a wide opening since it tends to be filled with lots of stuff. It’s got to be hard wearing too; doesn’t scratch or stain easily and handles can bear heavy weight especially when you chuck your laptop/tablet inside.

I prefer mine with zipper top closure so things don’t spill out when you throw it on the car seat/sofa and for security purposes.

It should have more than one option of carrying it ie. shoulder/top handles with a detachable strap for flexibility in carrying it.
 
#4
What a fun question!
It all depends.....on how she will use the bag.
I have spent decades commuting in NYC, so I've figured out the "magic formula" for a good tote. Lay aside any notion that it has to be a specific brand. Leather bags can hold up for a very long time, but a nylon with leather trim that is well made can also last a long time and save the back. I know people love the LV Neverfull, but it's just not as practical as you think for the money. (I don't even think they're made anymore."
I think I've found the perfect one--or nearly so. (I think the shoulder straps could be a bit wider.) (Dooney and Bourke Flynn)
What I love about my bag. It just touches the 16 inch mark at the top, but it tapers to about 12.75-13 inches at the bottom. (It's the design of the bag) It fits the contours of the body nicely.
Outside pockets for easy access to keys, phone, sunglasses and Metrocard. They're also pretty secure so that nimble fingers can't access the contents.
Strap drop is roomy enough for winter coat/and or thick layers
It expands to about 6 inches and this depth means there's room for my 13 inch MacBook Pro and cord, plus other things I may need. (I don't carry my MCP there, but I could if I wanted.
A key hook for house keys.
Large interior zip pocket
Two technology pockets. Maybe for charger? Hand sanitizer?
All of this secured with very strong magnetic closures and I don't let my bag lie around. Some women prefer one that isn't zippered, because it's easy to pull stuff out.
My bag is black saffiano leather. It wasn't my first choice, but I picked mine up preloved on the Bay for a fraction of its cost. I'm always on the lookout for one in smooth or pebbled leather.
At 5'3.5 inches, I'm not the tallest person out there nor am I waif thin, and I make this size work for me. You might also want to consider height and the size of frame. Taller/bigger women can wear big bags and they don't look like a diaper bag.
Happy hunting! :)

I'd like to know how you make out!
 
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