The almighty tote has been around for hundreds of years in some shape or form, tracing its roots as far back as the 17th century. A theory points the word’s origin to a West African language like Swahili, where “tuta” means the same thing as “tote:” to carry.
It wasn’t until the 1940s however, when the tote became a staple in the closets of women everywhere, thanks to L.L Bean’s Boat Bag. At some point in the last 30 years, the tote has transformed itself – with some haute help of course – into a fashion must have, outlasting other styles because of its functionality.
An everyday bag that practically goes with any outfit if chosen carefully, the tote dutifully carries ALL of the things and is the kind of accessory that doesn’t go out of style. Here are five totes to consider that are available to buy and sell online at StockX:
Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM in Monogram Canvas
The most popular among all the Neverfull sizes, the Louis Vuitton Monogram Neverfull MM is an ideal everyday bag. Crafted in signature Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas, it is capable of holding over 200 lbs. It features leather trimming, strap handles and opens up to a fabric interior with a zipper pocket. It also has a removable zippered clutch that can be carried separately or be used as an extra pocket. The Neverfull was introduced in 2007, making it one of Louis Vuitton’s most successful bags. Paired with the instantly recognizable Monogram Canvas, originally created by Louis Vuitton’s son Georges to foil counterfeiters, the Neverfull is a carefree bag that can be worn during the day or night.
Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM in Damier Ebene
Like the Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM in Damier Ebene can fit practically anything. Louis Vuitton’s Damier design, created even before the Monogram, was re-released 100 years later in 1998 to much success, leading to the creation of subsequent variations on the pattern. A perfect tote for the city, the bag features slim leather handles, a textile-lined inside pocket, a removable zipper clutch and brass hardware. The sides cinch to provide more structure should you need it.
Guccio Gucci opened his store in 1921. Since then, the Gucci brand has had its ups and downs without ever losing a grasp on style. Made in Italy, the Gucci Swing tote has double handles with an over 8-inch drop, embossed gold Gucci trademark, a hidden magnetic closure and an interior with natural cotton linen lining that includes several pockets, one big enough to fit an iPad. Though the collection was popular, the tote has recently been discontinued after Alessandro Michele, Gucci’s newest creative director came on board, but is available on buy on StockX.
A favorite of celebs like Eva Longoria and Lauren Conrad, the Chanel Grand Shopping Tote is perfect for those days when you need to carry a little more than you usually do, whether you’re bringing work home, using it at the beach or converting it into a diaper bag for another kind of precious cargo: your baby. Though it’s sold in a variety of different seasonal colors, it’s regularly available in black or beige long lasting quilted caviar leather with silver or gold hardware. Large enough to fit a 13-inch laptop, it also features one large interior zip pocket, a smaller interior zip pocket and a large exterior pocket. The gold chain linked shoulder strap is threaded with leather and the bag has a stitched Chanel “CC” logo at the front. Lined with fabric, the GST also has several compartments and pockets inside, helping you stay organized when you have a lot to carry, which is most likely all the time. Because of its roominess, the Chanel Grand Shopping Tote is also great for travel as a carry-on bag and can be coordinated with any outfit in a cinch. Much to the dismay of Chanel aficionados everywhere, the Grand Shopping Tote was discontinued in 2015, after being in production since the 1990s, which makes its value on the resale market that much stronger.
Way more subtle and versatile than a classic Birkin or Kelly, the Hermes Garden Party tote is a well built yet casual bag that leaves plenty of room for more than just essentials. Available in leather (as well as canvas and linen with leather), the Hermes Garden Party tote is made of Negonda leather, which is water proof. It has a zipped inside pocket, a Clou de Selle snap closure and is a favorite of celebs including Reese Witherspoon.
