Outdoor Sports
Tote Bag
The American Classic Tote Bag
Tote bags work for every woman. From the busy mom who needs everything from diapers to soccer stuff to the professional who needs a full portfolio, tote bags are true multitaskers who can handle it all. The tote bag trend was started in 1944. The Boat Bag from LL Bean was a simple canvas bag. It quickly became a trend, merging into a piece of luggage as leather totes stole the stage. With the rise of practicality in the 1950s, tote bags became the purse of choice for many women. In the 1960s, the tote bag was upgraded to designer status as Bonnie Cashin (a popular Coach designer) created feminine accessories out of the basic practical bag. Her Cashin Carry bag brought the tote into the modern world of designer handbags. Kate Spade took the tote even further in the 1990s, creating a simple, yet elegant purse.
A large part of the charm of tote bags is their basic, simple pattern. Debbie Vasen puts it this way, “Imagine your local paper grocery bag transformed into a fabric bound accessory, and that is the fundamental design of a tote bag.” Whether with interior pockets or without, a zipper closure, magnet, or tie at the top, a tote bag is the best fundamental bag a girl could own. Tote bags are usually made of casual fabrics such as leather, basket weave, denim, plastic, or canvas. The large, flat exterior of the tote model is perfect for manufacturers to highlight intricate patterns or screen prints. Another advantage of the tote bag is the ability to slip a smaller purse or clutch inside to remove for a quick jaunt out. This is especially nice if you are not used to carrying a larger bag. Tote bags offer the unique option of trying out the larger and heavier bag size without the commitment of taking it everywhere.
The versatility of the tote bag is amazing. Not only for use a purse, tote bags make perfect book bags, gym carryalls, weekend getaway bags, reusable grocery bags, diaper bags, beach bags, sport bags, etc. For the crafty person, tote bags are an easy pattern to create for any need. Tote bags are an easy match for every season. From basket weave summer bags, to the more sophisticated leather for fall, to a bright canvas print for spring, tote bags are truly the best basic purse.
Hiding any disorganized mess, tote bags are really more than just a great multitasking handbag. According to Ms. Vasen they are “a symbol of the complexity of roles women play… a true American Classic”.
About the Author
For more information about tote and other handbags, please visit www.isidoradesigns.com
Tote Bag Tutorial
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flip and tumble 5-Pack Reusable Produce Bags $9.15 This set of 5 reusable produce bags has everything you need to reign in those awesome artichokes, tangy tangerines, perfect peaches, and more. You’ll find a ton of uses for them outside the market as well. They make the perfect little stashing place for travel toiletries, shoes, or other little odds and ends. With their generous size and convenient design, the reusable produce bags from flip & tum… |
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EasyLunchboxes 3-compartment Bento Lunch Box Containers (Set of 4) BPA-Free. Easy-Open Lids (Not Leakproof) $12.88 Save time, money, paper, and plastic when you use EasyLunchboxes. No more wasteful baggies or mismatched plastic containers. Now you can pack lunches fast for work or school. Even make homemade “Lunchables®!” Created by a mom of three, these bento-style, 3-compartment containers are designed to be carried upright in the EasyLunchboxes cooler bag (choose from 7 vibrant colors). Container lids stay… |
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Rubbermaid 4D06 Configurations 23-Inch Foldable Laundry Hamper, Natural $12.99 Configurations Canvas Laundry Hamper, Canvas Material With Stain Resistant Lining, Collapsible For Easy Storage, 14″ x 14″ x 23″H…. |
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Waste-Less Bags Variety Pack (Pack of 6) $19.29 Waste-Less Bags are so strong, they can hold 25 lbs of items. Although the bags are large (up to twice the size of a typical plastic shopping bag), they can be rolled up to a compact shape (smaller than the palm of your hand.) Since you can easily store these bags in your pocketbook, you will never forget your reusable bags in the car or at home…. |
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Art of Appreciation Gift Baskets Handymans Toolbox Gift Bag of Gourmet Food Treats $49.99 Celebrate the man that can DO EVERYTHING! We fill this paperboard tool box gift tote to overflowing with gourmet goodies and treats to satisfy all his crunchy cravings. Featuring Savory Beef Salami, Brie Cheese Spread, Chocolate Raspberry Cake, Too Good Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies, Roasted Peanuts, Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits, Premium Coffee, Butter Toffee Caramel Corn, Black Peppercorn Crackers… |
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Thanks A Million! Thank You Gift Basket – Gift Tote $49.99 Say THANK YOU! with this fun, unique, and delicious paper and board gift tote that will truly get your message of thanks across to your lucky gift recipient! Open up your gift bag to reveal everything in dollar bill green to nibble, nosh and share including Thank You Chocolate Decadence Cookies, Thanks a Million Premium Coffee, Almond Biscotti, Thanks A Million Butter Mint Candy, Chocolate Truffle… |
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Rare & Unreleased Funk From Norfolk, Virginia 1971 – 1973 [Vinyl] $17.00 The Roadrunner Deluxe Folding Shopping Grocery Carts from Trendy Carts. Makes the perfect reusable grocery bag. Did you know that a million plastic bags are used every minute worldwide, and in America alone, 12 million barrels of oil and 14 million trees go into producing paper and plastic bags every year? Do you part to help the enviroment by using reusable grocery bags. If you have ever labor… |
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Seasoned $13.41 If you have ever labored to carry heavy bags or packages, you will love these deluxe folding carts. This wheeled folding shopping cart comes with a durable, removable all-weather bag to tote books, groceries, laundry, beach supplies, camping, for use at airports, at flea markets and more. Rolling your bag and its contents from place to place is easy. You can also remove the bag and use the fra… |
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Father Son Holy Ghost + Tote Bag $27.19 Limited Asian deluxe edition includes two bonus tracks plus tote bag. 2011 sophomore album from the critically acclaimed Indie band. More spontaneous and stripped-down than either their self-made debut or their lush EP, Father, Son, Holy Ghost is a gorgeous, largely minor-key record, enlivened by flashes of innocent pop and given depth by its wealth of influences and willingness to face sadness…. |
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Toro 29210 43-Gallon Gardening Spring Bucket $19.99 The Toro 43-gallon spring bucket is great for fallen leaves, grass clippings, weeds, plant material and more. It is made from mildew resistant and UV treated mesh-supported plastic canvas, and it has an extra strong sleeved spring for secure upright standing. The four cushioned handles make lifting and emptying the bucket easier and more comfortable. To open or collapse the Spring Bucket you simpl… |
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EarthSAKS Reusable Bags (Set of 4) $25.99 These ultra-compact reusable bags can be used for shopping, school, the beach and a multitude of other uses. These EathSAKS hold the contents of two to three plastic grocery bags and up to 40 pounds. |
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Cabana Girl Mini Tote Bag $44.99 Mini sized Cabana Girl tote bag is a fun and sassy tote to grab for travelingHandbag goes perfect with a pair of jeansBag is made of linen front panel with coach leather side panels and bottom |
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Sports Plus Pattern 20-inch Rolling Shopper Tote $25.99 This rolling shopper tote from is constructed of supreme polyester for long-lasting style. Recessed metal ball bearing in-line skate wheels allow for easy movement. |
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Etienne Aigner Hyde Park Frame Tote Bag $84.99 Goldtone hardware highlights this zip-top tote bag from Etienne Aigner. Leather construction and double top, rolled handles complete this spacious handbag. |
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Art Bin Super Satchel Cube $48.42 Art Bin Super Satchel Cube is designed to offer lots of storage optionsCube can hold a variety of combinations of the Super Satchel boxes (not included)Cube comes with pegs and pre-drilled holes to allow stacking |
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Crop In Style XXL Rolling Tote $100.22 This is an excellent tote for those who want to organize crafts and take everything with them. |
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Presa ‘Addison’ Large Leather Tote Bag $99.99 Turn heads with this chic Presa handbag. This large satchel features luxurious shrunken leather construction. |
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Amerileather Casual Leather Handbag $40.03 Quality craftsmanship highlights every aspect of this bagHandbag is the perfect complement to your sporty and casual stylesFully lined bag features two roomy main compartments |
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Amerileather Cosmopolitan Leather Tote Bag $48.99 Tour the town with this classic leather toteSecure tote will keep you organized so you can get it all doneAccessory has plenty of room and extra security |
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Mondani Cerene Smooth Satchel Bag $39.99 This lovely leather handbag from Mondani features an attractive stitch detailing and stylish buckle. Rolled handles and spacious pockets finish this handbag. |
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JJ Cole Technique Diaper Bag in Red $49.99 Keep track of your baby’s necessities in style with this canvas diaper bag from JJ Cole. This water-resistant bag features a clean exterior design, wide magnetic snap opening and eight organizer pockets. |
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Steve Madden Black Leopard Trim Tote Bag $69.99 This stylish handbag from Steve Madden features a fashionable leopard trim and goldtone hardware. A magnetic top closure, rolled handles and spacious pockets finish this trendy handbag. |
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Toteally Cool Pink/ Brown Craft Tool Tote $19.99 Carry all your tools with this Toteally Cool craft tote bagThis tool bag has pockets galore to keep you organizedBag comes with multiple sized pockets for tools of all sizes |
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London Fog Cambridge 19-inch Carry-on Weekender Duffel Bag $47.99 Color options: Black, khakiMaterials: Cotton canvasDimensions: 18 inches long x 8 inches wide x 13.5 inches high |
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Sizzix Black, Cream and Periwinkle Plaid Doctor’s Bag $46.99 This Doctor-style bag from Sizzix completely cures your storage blues for the Big Shot or BIGkick machine and more. This crafts tote has faux patent leather accents, two purse-style handles and a detachable shoulder strap. |
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Wenger Swiss Gear Zurich Carry-on Tote $29.99 Stylish and functional, no trip is complete without this carry-on bag from Wenger Swiss Army. This tote is constructed of durable polyester material to resist scuffing and tearing. |
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Yves Saint Laurent Black Leather Expandable Tote $1406.99 Corner zipper accents and a gathered top define this striking Yves Saint Laurent expandable tote bag. Constructed of supple black leather, this women’s handbag features silvertone hardware and an interior cosmetic pouch. |
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RIONI Signature Duffel Dome Traveler $169.99 Travel case features goldenrod fabric RIONI monogram print liningTote interior has two pocket pouches and a zipper pocketBag includes detachable shoulder sling |
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Valencia Belted Croco Shopper Bag $19.99 A strap detail with a silvertone faux turn lock decorates this lovely Valencia shopper bag. A faux-croc pattern and a spacious design highlights this stylish handbag. |
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Jessica Simpson ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ Purple Paisley Carry-On Tote Bag $44.99 A striking purple paisley pattern and patent trim highlights this versatile tote bag from Jessica Simpson. Silvertone hardware, double rolled handles and a coordinating laptop sleeve complete this stylish handbag. |
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Amerileather Double Handle Tote $69.99 Chic Amerileather double handle tote is perfect for everyday useRoomy tote bag offers ample room to store your essentialsWomen’s handbag is created with durable leather and stylish design |
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Etienne Aigner Emma Tote Bag $96.99 Modern and chic, this Emma tote bag from Etienne Aigner features a beautiful leather construction. Multiple pockets add functionality to this fashionable tote bag. |
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Amerileather ‘Lloyd’ Multicolor Leather Tote $63.99 This multicolored handbag features an array of color-popping designs that will reflect the kaleidoscope of your spirit. Crafted in top-grain lambskin, this leather tote bag offer luxurious organization. |
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Longchamp Le Pliage Foldable Nylon Tote Bag $119.99 Longchamp 1899 089 219 Foldable Le Pliage ToteConstruction: Nylon with leather flap and handlesEntry: Top zippered closure 12.25 inches high x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches deep |
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Hemline Sew Easy Serger Trolley Bag $0 Take your favorite hobby on vacation–this serger trolley bag is perfect for travelWide and roomy storage bag will accommodate your sewing machine and many thread cones and guidesSewing storage bag has easy-glide dual wheels |