Tote bags are perhaps the most versatile bags out there, which is why most women have at least one in their closet - be it fashionable or functional.

What is it about totes that makes them so useful? A tote is basically a medium to large square double-handled bag with one main compartment. Unlike other types of bags like backpacks and satchels, totes generally have very little in the way of organization, but that’s the beauty of their design. By not having multiple interior pockets and dividers, you can carry just about anything in this bag without worrying about it fitting into individual compartments. Plus, many tote bags are not designed with any particular use in mind which means you can buy one and use it for multiple things. For example, you can buy a tote bag to use mainly for work but also occasionally for travel.

There are probably hundreds of uses for tote bags, but here are some of the most popular:

Uses For Tote Bags

• Reusable shopping bag - an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags
• School bag - a stylish alternative to the school backpack
• Gym bag - gym totes are sporty yet stylish
• Knitting/Crafts - carry your supplies from place to place.
• Beach Bag/Pool Bag - stash your flip flops, sunscreen, a good book, and a towel in a tote and head for the water
• At the Mall - don’t carry tons of individual shopping bags. Consolidate and save your arms.
• Carry-On Bag - carry on items when you’re checking your luggage.
• Book bag - great for trips to the library
• Trade shows/conventions - put your company logo on a tote and carry it to your next trade show or convention. Or give them away to prospective customers. See eBags’ Corporate Sales site for trade show totes.
• Laptop bag - put your laptop in a sleeve and carry in your tote or use a laptop tote bag with a built in sleeve.
• Mailing Packages - carry packages to the post office in your tote
• Picnics - Don’t have a picnic basket? Pack your picnic in a large tote bag.
• Diaper bag - diaper totes are versatile and stylish baby bags

When purchasing a tote bag, consider what you will be using the bag for. If you’re looking for something fashionable for when you’re out shopping, a designer tote may be your best bet. However, if you want a tote bag for work that doubles as a travel bag or beach bag, look for something that is large and durable.

How do use your tote? Comment on this post and let us know your own uses for tote bags.

Attention all Hello Kitty fans. New Hello Kitty handbags from Loungefly have just arrived. 5 new totes featuring the ever-cute, bow-topped feline are available to order. Plus 2 Loungefly Hello Kitty travel bags (a Hello Kitty suitcase and a duffel) for you traveling Hello Kitty collectors.

Of course you can still find Loungefly’s other Hello Kitty bags and wallets on eBags. One of my favorites is the Hello Kitty Nerd Wallet. Certainly a unique way to proclaim your love for people of “The Big Bang Theory” persuasion.

Did you know that Loungefly also offers other themed bags? Look for Nightmare Before Christmas bags, Disney themed totes and wallets, bags featuring Tootsie Roll products, and even a Smurfette tote bag.

Shop the Loungefly Hello Kitty collection and other bags before they sell out.

So you are thinking about going green. You use the real dishes in your company kitchen rather than the paper plates, cups, and plastic-ware that is all soon bound for the landfills. You have a second receptacle specifically for your recyclables. You have changed the lights in your house to low-energy bulbs. You donate your gently used items to your local charity or goodwill, and you even have a reusable lunch tote rather than the throw-away brown bags that you have used since your mother packed your lunches. What about at your local grocery stores or farmers markets? Do you pick paper or plastic? When was the last time you picked neither in exchange for using your own re-usable grocery totes? If you haven’t, it’s time to make that area of your weekly life green as well.

Need some help finding a few reliable brands and bags that will be sure to last and sure to hold the heavier items on your list? You have seen eco-friendly totes for awhile now, but have you found one that suits you best? The following are bags that I would recommend to anyone from beginner to novice. Some are available in sets, some are individual.

baggallini Zip-Out Shopping Tote.Bagg
Beneterre Clam: Set of Two
Beneterre Splash Set
Eagle Creek Packable Shopper Tote
eBags eTote - 3 pc Set
Soapbox Bags GoGo Green Shopping Bag Kit
TOKYObay Carry Eco Polka Dots Recycled -3 pak

It’s that time of year again. Time to fall back an hour. So this Sunday, don’t forget to set all your clocks back including your car, watch, microwave, and handbag. Handbag? Yep, you read it right. There are actually handbags with working clocks in them, and if you carry one, you’ll need to adjust it this weekend as well.

Who makes these clock bags? Ashley M. My personal favorite is the Plaid Clock Bag, but you can also find these clock totes featuring leopard print, zebra print, black patent material, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis. They’re the stylish way to tell the time. And best of all - batteries ARE included. Bet you haven’t heard that phrase in a while.

It was a time of big hair and bright colors. A time when you felt naked if you left your house without 2 or more Swatch watches and you wouldn’t think of missing an episode of Knight Rider or Punky Brewster. When cassettes were what you listened to and Atari was state of the art. It was the eighties.

The 80’s are making a comeback - or at least various 80’s trends are. Bright colors are in again. Some music is reminiscent of 80’s pop and some songs are even covers of 80’s songs (have you heard Seether’s “Careless Whisper” or Fall Out Boy’s “Beat It”?). Plus, admit it, you still wish you were a Goonie, don’t you? So I thought it only appropriate that I feature some 80’s bags today. Not literally bags from the 1980’s, but these Loungefly bags that feature 80’s icons from Hello Kitty to Kermit the Frog.

Loungefly Smurfette With Rainbow Tote

Loungefly Hello Kitty Boombox Speaker Tote

Loungefly Kermit Keep It Green Tote

Loungefly Hello Kitty Nerd Tote

Loungefly Animal Drum Tote

Loungefly Blow Pop Tote

Meet Jane Marvel..one of my favorites. If you haven’t checked out her bags yet you must do so; let me help by showing you a few of my favorites. The great thing about these bags is that they are beautiful, functional and affordable. You can mix and match prints if you’d like, or you can collect different styles in the same print.

FOR YOUR TRAVELS..

               20″ Rolling Suitcase $265.00                 Duffel Overnight $128.00

FOR TOTING AROUND TOWN…

                All Day Long $90.00                              Shopping Bag Wide $70.00

FOR YOUR ESSENTIALS…

              Clutch $62.00                                         Baby Hobo $60.00

I understand that not everybody can afford that hundred or maybe even thousand dollar bag that they are eyeing…that’s why I’m here. To help you find something that you can afford and that you love! Yes, this does exist. I promise you. I’ve picked out some great bags at different price points that hopefully will catch your eye. Have a specific question or comment for me? Just comment on this blog and I’ll get back to you asap.

UNDER $50

This is the Lesportsac Ellie. As Lesportsac says “so easy and functional,” it’s definitely a must have. Crossbodys are only going to continue to get hotter as we enter Fall. This is a great no-nonsense bag with style, and at $48.00 who could pass this up? I may even get one for myself

UNDER $100

Ok, so now we’re at the $85 range. You are looking at the Big Buddha Jimi. This shillouette is great for anyone on the go who always has a bottomless pit for a handbag. You’ll have the space that you need and the functionality that makes organizing your necesseties easy. The best part about this bag is the optional shoulder strap that comes with it. Wear it as a tote or as a crossbody! L-O-V-E-I-T

UNDER $200

Here were are at Michael Kors(and under $200 I might add). This is the Hudson Downtown Large Work Tote.  What a great bag to carry around with you on a busy day; stuff things in it. Run by the store and throw it in here rather than getting a plastic bag. So many different uses are possible with this tote bag. It’s just a great all around tote, no matter if you want to use it as a handbag or something else.

Hopefully I’ve shown you some things that you’ve liked; or maybe even just given you a little inspiration to find that next great bag. Happy Shopping!

Tote bags make great gifts. Everyone loves a tote - especially jazzy tote bags stuffed with goodies.

• Imprinted tote bags with business names or logos are always popular with consumers and conference attendees.
• Tote bags stuffed with pampering products are perfect bridesmaid gifts.
• Make house guests feel at home with a welcome mesh tote bag or handmade tote bag packed with information on sights to see, maps, midnight snacks and flavored waters.
• Surprise a gardening friend with a vinyl tote bag filled with spring bulbs and small gardening tools.
• Delight a new mom with a pretty pink tote bag or baby blue tote bag filled with newborn essentials.
• Tuck a new MP3 player or other small electronics and games into a cool tote bag for a teen’s birthday.

Tote bag gifts are limited only by your imagination and creativity.

Totes are terrific. When it comes to handbags, the versatile tote bag ranks near the top as a fashion accessory. Totes find their way into the boardroom, bars, ballrooms, boardwalks and beaches.

• Take a tote for business. Trade in a boring briefcase for a trendy business tote bag. Pop your laptop in a padded laptop sleeve and into a stylish tote bag.
• Take a tote to school. Sturdy denim tote bags with padded handles/shoulder straps keep books and papers organized. Personalized tote bags or a special monogrammed tote bag is perfect for sleepovers with friends or overnight at grandma’s house.
• Forget grungy guy-style gym bags. Make a statement with trendy leather tote bags at the gym. There’s plenty of room for a change of clothes, towel, toiletries, make-up, sports snacks and power drinks … and a little shopping on the way home.
• Pack your sunscreen, beach towel, beverages and a great summer novel in a beach tote bag and savor a day in the sun. Toss in cozy wrap, thermos of hot chocolate and a winter love story in your tote bag and curl up by fireplace at the ski resort.
• Moms and tots love a day out with a roomy diaper quilted tote bag that carries baby necessities in style.
• Large wheeled tote bags keep craft materials organized and make it easy to take craft lessons and craft projects on the road.

Get the idea? There’s a versatile tote for any occasion.

Beach Totes	Leather Totes
Designer Totes	Travel Totes