funnyblog: EWP Handbag Guide: Totally Totes (& Shoppers)

Thursday, March 18, 2010

EWP Handbag Guide: Totally Totes (& Shoppers)

Once upon a time, an EWP wrote a handbag guide (find it here) and promised to give options for each type of handbag. Then life got in the way, along with other topics she wanted to blog about first. But she never forgot about those handbags or that promise.

Which brings us to today. Today's all totes and shoppers. To recap:

When you need to bring along many of your belongings, totes bags and shoppers are the large bags for you. Tote bags and shoppers have a bigger capacity than other handbags. Most tote bags and shoppers have a heavy-duty design. Totes bags and shoppers are available in several types of materials, often in canvas twill and leather. Totes and shoppers usually have a functional square or rectangular shape and an open top. Make sure to look out for zippered-top totes if you worry about pickpockets. Some tote bags are wide open and ready for whatever you want to put in, while other totes have handy storage compartments for key, cell phones, water bottles and anything else you may need. Tote bags always have some sort of handle, and often the handles are long enough to use as a shoulder strap.Tote bags have one other special quality: The bigger the purse you carry, the smaller you look -- instant weight loss from your accessories!

Where you'll be taking your tote bag or shopper:
On an airplane as a carry-on
To the beach with all of your gear
To work when you need to bring along a full day's supplies, including a change of shoes for walking to the office and/or your lunch
Out shopping so you won't have to use any plastic bags

Do: take advantage of the utilitarian design of tote bags and shoppers and use one of these purses when you're wearing casual clothing, like jeans and a sweater.
Do: choose a tote bag that can be taken to the office by selecting one in a neutral color, possibly out of leather, so it won't take away from your career look.
Don't: use a tote bag for a dressy evening, like a wedding, even if your tote bag is a designer handbag.