Our favorite totes that fit every price point--and every essential.
Motherhood comes with a bit of baggage, but that’s not to say that it can’t be cute. We’d even be bold enough to take it one step further: motherhood can be cute, and functional. We’ve literally built our brand on it. Yes, there will be sacrifices. Sushi will not be a part of your life for the full nine months of pregnancy. You have almost certainly had your last night out (past 10 pm). And once you’re past the infant phase, you’re almost guaranteed to also be past the piece of your weekend designated for Netflix binge-watching.
But alas, there are a few things you can hold onto, like your favorite bags. Whether you’re taking these from pre-baby to post-baby, or you’re just in the market for a new bag, these are our favorite carryalls for every budget.
BAGS UNDER $100
1. L.L. BEAN HUNTER’S TOTE , $35
This workhorse tote isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s everyday, every way friendly. This bad boy will take you from work to the park and even to the beach without blinking an eye. And with it’s Thermoplastic, water-resistant interior, it’s practically made to hold your baby gear--inevitable spills and all. The medium size holds a ToteSavvy perfectly and will complement the rest of your L.L. Bean tote collection too.
2. BAGGU PUFFY TOTE , $68
We’re fans of Baggu because of their multi-use product line that’s budget-conscious and ready, willing and able to do our dirty work. This puffy tote is not only super cute, but the perfect size to fit life’s everyday accessories.
3. MADEWELL CANVAS TRANSPORT TOTE, $68
J.Crew’s beloved sister brand named this their signature tote, and it’s easy to see why. This bag is as easygoing as a mother of five, but as put-together as your most single friend. Roomy, casual-cute, and totally budget-friendly, it’s the everyday essential that never disappoints.
BAGS UNDER $200
4. MATT & NAT ABBI TOTE, $140
This luxe shopper tote is another workhorse that’s ready to do all your heavy lifting. And with a top zipper that keeps everything in one place--even when it falls off the roof of the car because you forgot about it while loading the kids in their car seats--you know that everything you packed will still be there when you pick it up.
5. NISOLO LORI TOTE, $168
Colorblocking takes this everyday tote from basic to statement. Plus, its oversized silhouette leaves plenty of room for diapers, wipes, bottles, snacks… and so much more.
6. J.CREW DEVON BONDED LEATHER TOTE, $178
Totally timeless, this bag by J.Crew is not only the perfect size, but the perfect fit for everyday--and every thing. Plus, with the option to monogram, you’ll still feel like it’s yours--even on the days when everything you’ve packed inside it isn’t.
7. CUYANA STRUCTURED LEATHER TOTE $195
Chic, structured, and classic, the Cuyana leather tote is the perfect complement to your look and your lifestyle.
8. LEATHEROLOGY LARGE ZIPPERED DOWNTOWN TOTE $195
High-quality leather and supremely durable straps make this amply-sized tote the answer to everyday essentials--and a thousand bribe-worthy sweets and snacks, too.
LUXURY BAGS
9. MZ WALLACE SOHO TRAVEL TOTE, $285
Known for their well-crafted and ultra-durable totes, MZ Wallace crafts timeless pieces that are ready to take you everywhere. And prepped and ready for anything, it’ll flow just as easily from carpool to takeoff, redefining what we mean by “take you everywhere.”
10. MARK & GRAHAM DAKOTA HIDE HANDBAG, $498
The step on the wild side that motherhood needs, this handcrafted tote takes you from school drop-off to happy hour with the girls without a second thought.
11. PROENZA SCHOULER LARGE TOTE $995
Proenza Schouler is one of those designers that spits out fool-proof style every season. Which makes the reasons we love this particular tote virtually endless. But its sleek metallic colorway is the showstopper that sometimes, as mothers, our outfit needs. Because we know our hair hasn’t been washed in a week, but damn does our bag look fine.
