Our sense of aesthetics evolves over time, whether we acknowledge it or not. Just compare your photos from now to those from 2-3 years ago. The differences might be subtle or significant, but your style isn’t 100% the same, right? That’s my segue into my journey with tote bags. I used to dislike - no, I actually hated - those types of handbags. 😅
The reason was pretty typical: tote bags reminded me of women’s handbags. The thin canvas material made me think they were only good for carrying groceries...
But gradually, my perspective shifted as I started using promotional items from brands, and eventually, I found myself buying tote bags!
Maison Kitsuné Fabric Tote
This was likely the first well-made, sturdy tote bag I considered using daily. Before this, totes were just a reusable alternative to plastic bags for me.
This canvas was significantly thicker than the flimsy totes I usually encountered. However, it still wasn’t enough to change my negative view completely...
WANT Les Essentiels O’Hare Tote Bag
I began seeing tote bags differently when I received the O’Hare tote in nylon from WANT Les Essentiels around 2016-2017. As a leather enthusiast, I wasn’t initially impressed upon unboxing it.
But the Italian nylon material was surprisingly magical, giving the tote a drape as nice as a tailored suit. The nylon was thin yet incredibly durable. It wasn't until late last year that I managed to make a small scratch on the bottom during an unfortunate tumble on a concrete slope. 😂
The bag came with a detachable strap, perfect for someone skeptical about tote bags like me. When needed, the O’Hare could easily transform into a convenient crossbody bag.
With each use, I grew to love this bag. WANT Les Essentiels designs their products with a modern mindset, making them increasingly convenient over time. Before you know it, you're completely enamored. For me, the O’Hare was a crucial bag that dispelled my biased views about handbags in general and tote bags in particular.
Article & Goods Modern Tote
After receiving the nylon tote from WANT Les Essentiels, I purposely sought out a full leather tote to try. I chose the Modern Tote from Article & Goods due to its dark brown color, pebbled leather texture, and minimalist, sleek design.
The bag comfortably fits my 13-inch laptop and a few small items, measuring less than 8cm wide. With its thick leather and sturdy stitching, I could confidently say that tote bags were far from flimsy as I once thought.
Perhaps it was time to explore other designs...
Bleu de Chauffe Bazar tote bag
If you still think tote bags are feminine after this, I give up. The Bazar Tote Bag is 100% handcrafted from Jeep canvas, treated for a rugged look. The thick handles, made from veg-tanned leather, can be adjusted to your desired length.
A 13-inch laptop fits with room to spare (it can accommodate up to a 17-inch laptop), so it can be a bit loose. This can be remedied by stuffing in more items, as this is truly a "three-hand span" tote for your everyday essentials or anything that catches your fancy.
I adore items that transform over time, like raw denim and leather goods, so using this bag was a pleasure. It develops unique characteristics that only the user would appreciate, such as the handles softening over time and the canvas gradually getting dirtier. The current bag is very different from when I first got it.
Our Legacy Sub leather tote bag
I've always been captivated by the minimalist design philosophy of Scandinavians, especially the Swedes. It’s no surprise that the cold Scandinavian region gave birth to the concept of minimalist fashion.
Our Legacy embodies this philosophy: modern, slightly edgy but still safe, with materials always being the focal point - in this case, taut crocodile-textured leather. It’s funny because I used to prefer smooth and pebbled leather. This evolution shows how our aesthetic sense changes over time...
This is a non-traditional tote bag, measuring 31cm x 23cm x 6cm - just enough for small items. It doesn’t look great with the short handles, so I always use the long strap and wear it as a crossbody.
Adam’s Peach navy suede tote bag
Meticulous and neat are the words I’d use to describe this Korean bag brand. The horizontal, minimalist tote from Adam’s Peach showcases the beauty of suede leather.
Every detail - from the prominent white stitching and leather trim to the smooth leather bottom - is incredibly refined and sharp. This level of craftsmanship proves that Adam’s Peach isn’t careless, which is why many of their products are gaining international attention. Now it’s made its way to Vietnam and joined my personal tote bag collection. 🤣
If you ask me what my next bag will be, I can’t say for sure. But one thing's certain: once you become addicted to tote bags, it's like being stuck in quicksand - the more you struggle, the deeper you sink... Cheers!
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