St Louis uses

[Shopaholic007]

I know that the St Louis tote was designed as a beach bag, therefore it is not meant to carry a massive amount. I am considering getting the pm size as a city tote/errand bag. I live in the midwest so live through all seasons (sometimes feels like it goes straight from winter to summer, no spring) and I have read that the bag can crack/ get brittle in the extreme cold weather. I most likely will not use it in the winter, more so for summer.

I was wondering what everyone else here uses the St Louis for, since I am sure not everyone is using it exclusively as a beach bag. The reason I want to get it is because of the print and color availability. The prices are really off-putting however, $1660 for a tote. If I had more disposable income and less financial burdens I wouldn't think too much of it.

I like the Artois more because it has a zip and reinforced sides but that is so much more (I like $2100). I have to pay 10.5% tax so it all adds up. Right now I use my long champ pillage large tote for travel and errands. Its practical, cheap but it does show wear and tear on the corners of the nylon.

 

[Purselover724]

I have both sizes. I LOVE the pm for daily errands. It’s not huge, so it can’t hold a ton so you can’t really overfill it, but it still holds a good amount. For me it’s the perfect size errand bag. I don’t use it often on cold days because the handles don’t really work well with a thick coat- the drop size is less than the gm size.

 

[Swanky]

I carry the Anjou in ice storms and heat waves, it's the same as the SL except leather lined, no cracking.

The SL is for light use, not to tote laptops; a wallet, make up bag and other light items are ideal.

 

[jayjay77]

I use my SL PM exactly as you describe as a city, running errands bag -- trips to drugstore, bakery, wine store, library. I live in NYC and don't have a car so I'm constantly picking things up around the city on the weekends or WFH days. I usually keep a reusable grocery bag inside in case I need to pick up heavier or bulkier items. I got the SL PM back in November and have been using it all winter but its been a very mild winter.

I also have an Artois MM and love it too! I use the Artois if its raining or if I need to carry more. Both are great so good luck with your choice!

 

[CrackBerryCream]

Despite everyone saying not to use a St Louis for heavy things: I used my white PM for work for 2 summers, including carrying a Macbook Air every other day. Sometimes a few groceries too. The corners have very little wear, the sealing on the handles did crack, but it's the 2012 version that knowingly has that issue (plus I don't mind the cracking as it's only an optical thing). Then I also have a GM that I use for travels. Including carrying a filled Birkin 40 or 35 inside while travelling to and from airport. However, it is mostly sitting on a suitcase and being rolled around, so not much strain on the handles. The GM does show corner wear, including tiny holes after a few years of regular use. If they become bigger I might get leather corners.

From my experience I wouldn't hesitate to use either St Louis as a work tote or even fill it up with groceries. I also used it as a beach or pool bag.

 

[step2005]

My Louis PM is a 2-3 years old and still looks new. Love the slouchy casual look! I run normal errands in the city with it (book, water bottle, kids toys, snacks, yoga clothes) and traveled with it no problem. Because it’s bright blue I mostly wear it spring summer but rarely at the beach