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CNN
31-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
The 26 best tote bags for hauling your essentials, recommended by stylists and editors
In a perfect world, we'd leave home with just the basics: a phone, a wallet and keys. But the reality is, there's usually much more to haul around than our hands or pockets can carry. Equal parts fashion and function, tote bags are the perennial solution for carrying everything you need for the day, and anything else you might pick up along the way. Fortunately, totes bags never go out of style, but finding the perfect one — the one that can carry all your must-haves without adding bulk — is easier said than done. To help you find a bag up to the task, we reached out to stylists and tapped our very own product-schlepping editors for their favorite tote bags that are spacious enough to hold it all. Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote Underscored updates writer Ellen McAlpine says she's long been obsessed with her Longchamp Le Pliage Tote. 'It's durable, easy to clean, holds everything for my daily work commute but can also be packed for a weekend away,' McAlpine says. 'I've had one for nearly 10 years and the leather is still intact.' Clare V. Le Box Tote Sportif For a tote with a sportier edge, Allison Berlin, stylist and founder of Style Made Simple, likes this Clare V bag, which is made from durable nylon ripstop fabric. With 11 inches of height, width and depth, it's a more modest size than other oversized totes on this list, but it's still plenty spacious enough to hold your phone, keys, wallet and other odds and ends. Grab it in one of three color options: black, mocha or army green. Boat and Tote Zip-Top Bag One of the very best canvas totes you can buy, bags are about as classic as they come. Made in Maine, these heavyweight canvas totes also have reinforced handles and double stitched seams to ensure they last for years. You can choose from four sizes, 12 color options and even optional personalization to make the bag your own. Montana West Hobo Bag After this bag went viral last year as an affordable alternative for Coach's slouchy Brooklyn Shoulder Bag, associate editor Rachel Dennis tested it for herself. A bag made for practical folks, Dennis appreciated the sturdy construction of this faux-leather bag, plus its comfy straps and zippered center pouch that keeps everything from getting jumbled. Read our review Quince Italian Leather Small Handwoven Tote Editor-loved Quince is a great place to shop for quality basics at a fraction of the cost. Both Berlin and founder of Style Yourself Chic, Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, called out this simple leather tote from the brand, which has a touch more richness and pizzazz than other basic bags thanks to the textured woven design. Baggu Horizontal Zip Duck Bag A longstanding devotee of the Baggu Duck Bag, editorial director Chelsea Stone has seen many iterations of this tote. 'My love for these spacious carryalls (of which I own several) has only grown over the years thanks to improvements, like the zipper, and Baggu's penchant for releasing new, fun patterns,' Stone says. 'What I find most useful is the adjustable strap, so you can wear the bag over your shoulder as a tote or lengthen it to make it a crossbody bag.' Lovevook Laptop Tote Bag We know firsthand that you can get a functional and stylish handbag from Amazon, including this under-$50 Lovevook bag that can store your laptop, notebooks and more with ease. Made of water- and scratch-resistant materials, this tote comes in over 35 colors, so whether you want to make a fashion statement with a bold red or green or opt for a neutral beige or black, there's an option for everyone. Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote 'The butter soft leather of this lightweight carryall looks and feels so luxurious,' personal stylist Joy Asibey-Gabriel says. 'It comes in two versions but this one with the hidden zipper is my favorite.' Rothy's The Lightweight Tote Just like Rothy's iconic shoes, its sturdy tote bags are also washable. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus loves that between toting this roomy bag to the beach or the office, all it takes is a quick machine wash to make it look brand new again. Dagne Dover Signature Tote Dagne Dover makes some of our favorite bags that can carry everything from work files to diapers. Chenoweth likes this coated canvas tote, which is a departure from the brand's well-known neoprene material, and features a padded laptop sleeve, plus organization compartments for keeping your office gear and after office gear in order. It also comes in two size options: one for a 13-inch laptop and one for a 15-inch device. Large Hand-Knotted Packable Tote Bag Perfect for your next warm weather or beach getaway, Berlin likes that this tote lays flat for easy packing in your luggage. Plus, the interior pocket is handy for keeping your keys, sunglasses and sunscreen secure and easily in reach. Naghedi St. Barths Medium Tote As a mom of three, personal stylist Alex Lamb says she loves this Naghedi tote bag. 'I have the medium size and it fits my newborn's essentials plus any snacks and items for my big kids,' Lamb says. Telfar Medium Shopping Bag Reviews editor Tobey Grumet Segal says it's hard to resist buying more than one Telfar bag, and personally now owns this medium-sized bag in three different colors. 'The best part is, when you rock a Telfar, you become part of a community,' Grumet Segal says. 'No matter where I am, I can count on someone coming over and giving me a compliment — which is always a nice surprise. Plus, I can fit a laptop and all my personal items, so it's perfect for work as well as travel.' Loeffler Randall Medium Tote Combining straw and Italian leather, this Loeffler Randall bag is the perfect accessory for your casual and flowy spring dresses. Choose from one of two straw pairings to accent the espresso-colored leather; a light, natural brown or a deep, red-tinted chestnut. Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote A modern bucket bag that adds a touch of cool to any look, this minimalist Madewell tote loved by wardrobe consultant and stylist Taissha G. LaReau will age beautifully over time thanks to the full grain leather design. Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Leather Tote If a chic work tote is what you're after, both Lamb and LaReau like this luxurious yet understated leather tote from Mansur Gavriel. At nearly $800, this bag is definitely an investment, but its minimalist look and spacious design will make it a versatile option in your wardrobe. Chenoweth is also a fan of the brand's Large Zip Tote style, which is slightly smaller than the Everyday Tote. Baggu Small Cloud Carry-On If you travel a lot or want something super casual for daily use, online personal stylist Dacy Gillespie likes this Baggu tote, which fits under airplane seats and folds up neatly into a matching storage pouch when empty. Lands' End Five Pocket Zip Top Canvas Tote Bag 'The is the classic tote bag, but I'm going to dare to say that this Lands' End tote is an improvement over the original because it has lots of interior pockets and the option for a zip top,' Gillespie says. Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman also enjoys rocking this tote for running errands, picking up household necessities or hitting a workout class. Cuyana System 16-Inch Laptop Leather Tote LaReau says this leather tote from Cuyana is 'perfect for professionals looking for a refined yet functional bag.' You can even opt to purchase a matching laptop sleeve, flap bag or storage pouch for more customized organization options. Kule The Etna Tote A playful patterned bag that's suited for anywhere from the beach to the grocery store, this cotton tote has a zip-top closure to make sure all your goods remain well secured. Reiss Delphine Tote It doesn't get much more sleek than this black leather tote from Reiss. Simple gold accents embellish this structured bag, which can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, making it ideal to the person who likes to keep all their creature comforts nearby while still looking incredibly chic. Tom Bihn Monster Truck A multi-purpose and monster-sized bag, this Tom Bihn tote is designed for carrying grocery hauls. Testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy is a fan of the bag's large 38-liter capacity and its three-compartment design that helps to keep everything organized. 'I also love that it has a rigid bottom, which keeps things from jostling around, front and back pockets, and a glossy inner lining which helps with leaks,' Uy says. 'And the handles are large enough to comfortably sling over your shoulders even when the bag is full.' Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote LaReau says this Tumi tote is a travel-friendly option. Made with durable nylon, multiple compartments for staying organized and a trolley sleeve for easy airport navigation, it's spacious enough to pack in for a weekend getaway too. Clare V. Summer Simple Tote 'I adore bright pops of color and a cheeky slogan, and this tote delivers,' Asibey-Gabriel says. With a cherry red and turquoise color-block combo, this crocheted Clare V tote makes a statement while still being large enough to hold a 17-inch laptop if you need. You can also snag it in a black and white checkered combo too. Able Selam Tote On top of being ethically made in Ethiopia, Gillespie also likes that this Able bag is slim, while still having enough room for a laptop. Plus, the three roomy organizational pockets make sure nothing goes missing. Vee Collective Porter Basque Matt Black Bag Ideal for whatever life throws at you, this Vee Collective bag is made of water- and stain-resistant fabrics. 'This is a perfect tote for running around whether you're going to the gym, you have a new baby or you're traveling,' Lamb says, and also notes the plethora of compartments that help to keep everything tidy. As fashionable as they may be, tote bags are first and foremost about function. 'You want one that can take you on a trip as a carry-on, a catchall for your kids' or grandkids' items, something that you could take to the local farmers market or even use as an everyday bag when you wear a lot of different hats throughout the day,' LaRussa Chenoweth says. The first thing to consider is how much space you'll need in your tote. You want a bag large enough to comfortably hold what you need — be it a laptop, water bottle, journal, sneakers or something else. To help keep everything organized, Berlin says to look for bags with interior pockets or pouches included. Because totes are so spacious, you can either look for options that come with interior pockets, like Berlin mentions, or you can even add your own organization solutions. 'I also love the trick of placing my 'daily essentials' in a small zip-top bag that can easily be dropped into my tote or any everyday handbag,' LaRussa Chenoweth says. She adds that another good feature to keep an eye out for is a zip or magnetic closure at the bag's opening to prevent items from falling out. Our stylists also recommended checking the length of the bag's shoulder strap and, if you're shopping in person, trying it on before you buy. 'You want it to comfortably fit on your shoulder and under your arm for ease of carrying,' LaRussa Chenoweth says. 'If you are someone that likes to be hands free, see if you can find one with a shoulder strap and a crossbody strap.' The following FAQs have been answered by wardrobe consultant and stylist Taissha G. LaReau and cleaning expert Jolie Kerr. What are the best materials for tote bags? What are the best materials for tote bags? Tote bags come in a wide selection of materials. The best material for you will depend mainly on what you plan to use your bag for. For a work tote, many of the stylists we talked to recommended investing in a quality leather tote, both for aesthetics and long-term durability. 'Full grain leather is the gold standard for durability,' LaReau says. 'While coated canvas or nylon are lighter, more weather-resistant options.' Canvas totes are a popular choice for more casual style, since they're durable and have the added benefit of being easy to clean at home. Additionally, LeReau says that you'll want to look for bags that have reinforced double-stitched straps to help prevent wear and tear. She adds that a great tote should have interior organization features like separated compartments, zippered pockets and a laptop sleeve. What is the best way to wash a tote bag? What is the best way to wash a tote bag? Your tote bag may or may noy be washable depending on the material. For instance, you'll never want to douse a leather tote bag in water, but you can gently clean, condition and protect it with the help of some specialized products. Canvas tote bags can be machine washed, but should always be air dried. If your bag comes out wrinkled from the wash, cleaning expert Jolie Kerr says you can run an iron over it to help restore its appearance. To take it a step further, coat the bag in a spray starch to give it an even crisper look and help keep it from getting wrinkled while in use. Though unlikely, some non-canvas tote bag styles like those from Rothy's, may be machine washable, but you'll want to check the brand's care instructions before taking any action. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights: Joy Asibey-Gabriel, personal stylist based in Toronto Allison Berlin, stylist and founder of Style Made Simple Dacy Gillespie, online personal stylist Alex Lamb, personal stylist Taissha G. LaReau, wardrobe consultant and stylist Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, style coach and founder of Style Yourself Chic Here at Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every product we recommend is worthy of your money. In addition to hands-on testing products, we also consult top experts to understand what features, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We also seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy, consulted six professional stylists for their tote bag recommendations and sourced Underscored editors for their go-to totes.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Give a Gift and Help L.A. Wildfire Relief Efforts with These Brands
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." As of this writing, the fires in California are becoming contained, but the threat isn't over and the damage is overwhelming. With the devastation to local communities, immediate relief efforts are underway to get people the essentials they need for daily life, and organizations are planning for long-term aid efforts. Across the state and country, organizations, brands, and individuals are coming together to support a community that has a long road ahead of it. A number of brands are even offering to replace items that people have lost, such as small appliances and cribs while others are donating proceeds from their products to wildfire relief and support efforts. We rounded up 10 brands that are donating 100 percent of proceeds from specific products to a variety of organizations and charities coming together to help those affected by the fires. If you're looking for a cozy gift for a loved one or need something for yourself, you can consider choosing from this list, knowing you'll be meeting your needs as well as helping to meet others' needs as well. We also included some information about the organizations helping with relief efforts and where to donate. Your contribution to these organizations may even count as a tax-deductible donation. To aid in wildfire relief, Little Words Project is donating 100 percent of proceeds from its beaded Resilience bracelet to the Wildfire Recovery Fund by the California Community Foundation. The company is also donating 25 percent of net proceeds from its Love Club collection to the Wildfire Recovery Fund. This collection features Valentine's themed charms and sayings, as well as tote bags, stickers, and jewelry.$25.00 at Clothing and accessories from Clare V. have the laid-back vibe of California style with the sophisticated nature of Parisian fashion. The made in L.A 'Los Angeles Je T'Aime' Original Tee is 100percent cotton with a roomy, unisex fit. Clare V. will donate 100 percent of profits from sales of this shirt to The American Red Cross, which is currently aiding in providing relief for those affected by the recent fires.$100.00 at Although Jacquie Aiche may specialize in jewelry, the brand is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from each Tribe Together Tote purchase to the California Fire Foundation. The tote features an image designed to symbolize love for Los Angeles and dedication to relief efforts. The company is also donating 100 percent of all online sales to the Pasadena Humane Society—which is helping provide shelter for animals that were displaced by the fires— through the end of January.$50.00 at To support The American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Fanatics is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from their LA Strong line to relief efforts. Whether you're a dedicated Dodgers fan or love LAFC, you can find your team of choice and pick from a variety of hoodies and t-shirts.$35.00 at That Gay Guy Candle Co. offers a wide range of eye-catching, cheeky labels and scents. All proceeds from the brand's 'I Love Los Angeles' candle sales will benefit The American Red Cross to support their efforts to provide safe shelter, essentials, and support. The candle comes in a variety of scents, including Clean Cotton, White Sage + Lavender, Apple Harvest, and more. It also donates 5 percent of monthly sales to organizations that assist the LGBTQ+ community.$25.00 at Jennifer Vallez is a small business that specializes in inspirational artwork. To support relief efforts, Jennifer designed a line of LA Fire Fundraiser products, including the LA Fire Fundraiser Mug, featuring an image of a firefighter hugging a member of the Los Angeles community. All proceeds from the sale of the mug and other items in this collection will go toward the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, American Red Cross, and the Best Friends Animal Society.$25.00 at Based in Southern California, The Shop Forward is a clothing and apparel brand that's currently donating all proceeds from two of its collections to support relief efforts. The California Collection features a variety of sweatshirts and t-shirts, including the 'I Love You California' Unisex Pullover Sweatshirt, that showcases the state and encourages love and strength. The Valentine's Day collection of sweatshirts and t-shirts have fun sayings and, of course, hearts. Donations will go to local organizations that are providing short and long-term recovery relief.$44.00 at 4x4ward offers a variety of camping-inspired stickers and pennants, as well as other apparel, gear, and racing memorabilia. This brand is currently donating and matching 100 percent of proceeds from their 4x4nia map stickers to help provide wildfire relief. This sticker shows a variety of cities and natural landmarks, and it's the perfect size for a water bottle or laptop.$6.00 at Among Sydney Evan's custom and fine jewelry offerings is the Gold & Diamond California State Necklace, made of 14k yellow gold in the shape of California and filled with sparkling diamonds. All proceeds from the sale of the necklace will benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.$1245.00 at Seek & Swoon offers sustainably made and domestically produced throws inspired by different travel destinations. All of the net proceeds from Seek & Swoon's limited-edition, California coast inspired Malibu Throw will go toward the California Community Foundation to aid in their efforts to help people who are most in need after the fires.$175.00 at If you don't want to purchase an item, but still want to donate to wildfire relief, ahead are some organizations that are offering immediate and ongoing assistance to wildfire victims. Many students and staff across the Los Angeles areas have lost their homes as result of the wildfires. The Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation has established an Emergency Relief Fund that will help families and employees with direct cash assistance, provide in-class resources, and offer assistance for mental health support among other services. Donate here The California Community Foundation supports a variety of funds that offer solutions for houseless people, veterans, the arts, and more. The foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund is dedicated to providing housing, mental health, and medical care for those affected by the wildfires. Donate here The California Fire Foundation offers benefits, resources, and educational assistance to the families of fallen firefighters, and supports current firefighters, and their families. The foundation also offers financial support to communities impacted by fires. Its Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund directly supports the victims of the wildfires by providing $250 gift cards to purchase basic necessities. Donate here Habitat for Humanity is known for making homeownership a possibility for low-income individuals and families. In the wake of the fires, ReBUILD LA® is a long-term emergency response campaign that's offering immediate assistance to victims of the fire. Its efforts include providing essential goods, replacing home furnishings, and rebuilding the homes that were lost. Donate here Baby2Baby provides diapers, clothing, and other basic necessities to families with children who are living in poverty. During disasters, this organization is quick to mobilize and bring supplies and support to families in need. In Los Angeles, Baby2Baby has provided diapers, formula, water, blankets, and clothing to families and evacuation centers to aid in immediate and ongoing relief due to the wildfires. Donate here You Might Also Like The Paris Hilton Housewares Collection Brings 'That's Hot' Energy to Your Kitchen 16 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Perfect for Rocking Out in Quiet Bliss Beyoncé Uses This $26 Amazon Product for Her Glossy Blonde Hair
