Outdoor Sports

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

Flip & Tumble Reusable Produce Bags, Set of 5 Flip & Tumble’s reusable produce bags are draw-string polyester bags which resist staining and shrinking better than natural fiber bags. Plus, the fine mesh produce bags allow you to use them for smaller bulk items. Breathable, durable polyester; See-through mesh produce bags for easy checkout; Smart alternative to plastic produce bags; Compact & lightweight with drawstring closure; Saves time at …

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with zippered nylon tote bag and an Extra 350 Micro Filters (700 Total) $31.95 The AeroPress is an entirely new way to make coffee, American style or Espresso style for use in lattes, cappucinos and other espresso based drinks. AeroPress brews simply delicious coffee, 1-4 cups per pressing. Ideal water temperature and faster brewing yields rich flavor with lower acidity and without bitterness. Other brewing processes use near boiling water and long exposure to coffee grounds…

EasyLunchboxes Insulated Lunch Box Cooler Bag, Black $7.95 Use with EasyLunchboxes compartmentalized food containers for an affordable and green lunch box solution. These coolers are specially designed to carry our best selling bento containers upright, so food stays put. Say goodbye to the scrambled meals you get using other, sideways carriers. With these, at lunchtime your creations will look as yummy as when you packed them! You’ll have plenty of room…

Believe [Special Edition] (CD+Tote Bag) $17.84 Internationally acclaimed vocal phenomenon Celtic Woman announce their sixth new project, BELIEVE, an enchanting studio album and companion live concert DVD available in stores on January 24. Celtic Woman is the all-female singing sensation featuring vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt performing classic Irish songs (“The Water Is Wide,” “Green G…

Neil Diamond Set of Hot August Night/NYC Live From Madison Square Garden including the Live DVD, audio CD and tote bag $24.99 [+] enlarge image/alternate views The COMPLETE set of Hot August Night/NYC Live From Madison Square Garden including the Live DVD, audio CD and tote bag for one great price! Two Neil’s are better than one. Watch the splendor that is Neil Diamond – live in concert and enjoy the perfectly mastered audio version of that live performance. PLUS the CD features 6 BONUS tracks from Neil’s most recent Wo…

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…

Fiskars 9424 Garden Bucket Caddy $9.82 Our Garden Bucket Caddy makes it easy to carry all of your essentials when you’re out in the garden. It fits snugly on a five-gallon bucket, freeing up the internal space for dirt, yard waste or supplies. Deep, large pockets provide ample space for tools, gloves, beverages and even a cell phone. Sturdy canvas construction is light, durable and easy to clean….

Rubbermaid 4D06 Configurations 23-Inch Foldable Laundry Hamper, Natural $11.11 Configurations Canvas Laundry Hamper, Canvas Material With Stain Resistant Lining, Collapsible For Easy Storage, 14″ x 14″ x 23″H….

Whitmor 6342-2779-BLUE Rolling Utility Cart $27.00 Wipe-clean, washable large size 6′ polyester mesh bag with top and front accessory pouch. Sturdy epoxy-coated folding metal frame with comfortable handle for easy transport. Snap-on wheels included. 14.50×14.50×38.25…

The Complete AquaJogger Water Workout $2.98 Aquatic Specialist and award winning instructor Juliana Larson will help you get the most of our of your workout with innovative, easy to learn water exercises for deep and shallow water. Training includes: deep water exercises, shallow water low and no impact workouts, kicking and wall exercises, abdominal moves, upper-body resistance training, and stretching….

Etienne Aigner Corner Office Leather Tote Bag $79.99 This stylish leather tote bag from Etienne Aigner features a twist-lock closure and double-top handles. A spacious interior and gold stud details complete this tote bag.

Mondani Lyn Double Handle Tote Bag $48.99 Silvertone hardware highlights the exterior of this faux-leather Lyn tote bag from Mondani. Double top handles and zip-top closure completes this large tote bag.

Nine West ‘Tote’em’ Large Tote Bag $42.99 A luxurious Patent Crocodile embossed PVC exterior construction and double flat handles decorate this lovely ‘Tote’em’ large tote bag. A magnetic-top closure and nylon lining spotlight this stylish bag from Nine West.

London Fog Pryce Colorblock Reversible Tote Bag $64.29 A reversible design brings unique style to this London Fog tote bag. A spacious design, an open top and snakeskin embossed handles complete the design of this lovely tote bag.

Amerileather Brown Leather 3-piece Traveler Set $299.99 Make a statement when you travel with this handsome, fully lined, durable leather luggage set. This 3-piece set includes two vertical Pullmans and one boarding tote bag.

Himalayan Handmade Silk Tote Bag (India) $26.49 Add a touch of India to your wardrobe with this Himalayan handmade silk tote bag.

Coach Black Canvas Leather Stripe Tote $212.99 This zip-top tote bag by Coach features the signature logo print in black accented by leather trim. Double leather shoulder straps and a wide leather strip across the front finish the look of this chic and stylish tote bag.

Amerileather Spirit Tote Bag $69.99 This tote bag has been inspired by Native American sand-art. Metallic studs adorn the body of this tote bag.

London Fog Harris Structured Tote Bag $72.59 Timeless style and elegant workmanship is displayed in this London Fog tote bag. This wonderful handbag features a faux-suede lining, double top rolled handles and includes a removable wristlet.

Rockland Leopard 2-Piece Lightweight Carry-On Luggage Set $46.99 Jet set in style with this leopard-print Rockland two-piece luggage set. The carry-on luggage set includes an expandable 19-inch upright suitcase with retractable handle and a flight tote bag.

Amber Jute Circle Pattern Carry Tote Bag $28.49 A stylish circle pattern design and double flat handles accent this Amber tote bag. An open top entry, Velcro interior pocket and a jute fabric construction design complete the styling of this enchanting tote bag.

Victorinox 4.0 Werks Traveler Wheeled Carry-on Tote Bag $119.99 Travel in style and convenience with this Victorinox carry-on tote bag. Inline wheels and a telescoping handle make transporting this bag extremely easy.

Etienne Aigner ‘Tiffany 2′ Croco Tote Bag $88.09 An exuberant crocodile-inspired leather construction defines this stylish tote bag from Etienne Aigner. Attractive brasstone hardware, two rolled handle and three internal pockets complete this tote bag.

Amerileather Leather 2-piece Carry-on Luggage Set $199.99 Make a fashion statement when you travel with this handsome and durable all-matching leather two-piece luggage set. This set includes one vertical pullman and one boarding tote bag.

Olympia Sports Plus Poly Ballistic Multipurpose Active Gear $18.99 No adventure is complete without this Multipurpose Active Gear from Sports Plus. This handy bag acts as a waist pack, a casual shoulder bag and a hand-carried tote bag.

Travelon Plaid Stow-away Backpack / Tote $26.19 Give yourself more travel options with this stow-away backpack/tote from Travelon. This bag opens to a full-size backpack or tote bag.

Mondani Bayfield Patent Structured Tote Bag $40.89 A shiny patent construction combines with silvertone hardware to highlight this stylish tote bag from Mondani. Three zippered compartments offer plenty of space and double top handles provide a convenient carry for this lovely tote bag.

Amerileather ‘Bailey’ Lambskin Tote Bag $65.99 This Bailey handbag from Amerileather features a bright patchwork exterior design with silvertone hardware. Double handles and plenty of pocket space add versatility to this stylish tote bag.

Amerileather Cosmopolitan Leather Tote Bag $43.49 A front organization pocket completes the look of this Amerileather cosmopolitan tote bag. This tote is crafted from top-grain cowhide leather and is fully lined for added durability.

Travelon Stow-away Backpack/ Tote $28.99 Give yourself more travel options with this stow-away backpack/tote from Travelon. This bag opens to a full-size backpack or tote bag.

London Fog Olsen Tote Bag $52.99 Zipper details on the exterior expose a stylish contrasting design to highlight this London Fog tote bag. This spaciously designed tote features magnetic top closure and a faux-suede lining.

Aquarelle Jute Abstract Print Tote Bag $26.49 A stylish abstract print design and double flat handles accent this Aquarelle tote bag. An open top entry and a jute fabric construction design complete the styling of this endearing tote bag.

Lavender Rose Jute Floral Pattern Tote Bag $27.99 A stylish all-over floral pattern design and double rolled handles accent this Lavender Rose tote bag. An open top entry and a jute fabric construction design complete the styling of this enchanting tote bag.

Heartbeat Canvas Floral Pattern Tote Bag $27.99 A stylish floral pattern design and double flat handles accent this Heartbeat tote bag. An open top entry and a canvas fabric construction design complete the styling of this enchanting tote bag.

Damask Rose Jute Floral Pattern Tote $25.49 A stylish floral pattern design and double flat handles accent this Damask Rose tote bag. A magnetic-top entry and a jute fabric construction design complete the styling of this enchanting tote bag.