Top 5 Tote Bags

The Celine Tote bag

We’ve all heard all about how single-use plastic bags are a big problem for the oceans. And we surely wouldn’t think of a clear plastic bag as a luxury item. Or would you? When it is designed to endure by none other than Celine’s former Creative Director, Phoebe Philo, it takes on a whole other dimension. The now-iconic PVC Celine bag proves that sometimes it’s cool to be invisible — and takes minimalist style to new heights. Made of durable and transparent PVC, the tote is a real conversation starter. ‘Celine Paris’ is prominently written in black, along with warning labels in four languages, cleverly lending it a hint of dark humour. Needless to say, we’re big fans.

But if you’re looking for a more classical style rather than tongue-in-cheek, Celine also offers an array of other tote bag models to choose from. The minimalist designed Celine Cabas is a classic tote made from a durable leather that holds its shape. It also comes in embroidered textile for a lighter feel. Depending on which model you choose, the calfskin can be grained or ungrained and is finished with a draw cord. The Cabas is an understated bag that can really upgrade your everyday look.  All you have to do is throw in your laptop and head to the office in style.

Another option if you’re looking for a handbag that’s easy to pair with anything is the Celine Luggage Bag. Of course, there is a nano option for an ultra-trendy look, but if you need more capacity, you can go a size or two up. There are so many gorgeous hues available in this bag, and since it has been around for about a decade, chances are you can find a pre-loved version in whatever colour you prefer. Whether you love calfskin or crocodile, textile or floral jacquard, there is a Luggage Bag in the style you crave. Celine bags are a huge favourite among the Vestiaire community and there are always beautiful pre-loved styles to snatch on the app.

Telfar Tote bag

Let’s talk about one of the most talked about designer bags on the market today. The Shopping Bag by Telfar has been coveted by Solange Knowles, Dua Lipa, and just about every style icon that matters. The brand is enjoying a meteoric rise. At the helm of the eponymous company is Telfar Clemens, a trail-blazing genderfluid Liberian-American designer, whose vision is to create fashion that is inclusive. His pet project from the beginning was the Shopping Bag. It has a simple, sleek, unisex design with a cool embossed logo. Two handles and a cross-body strap make wearing it versatile. The Shopping Bag comes in three sizes with the largest big enough for a weekend getaway, while the smallest is an adorable response to the micro bag trend. In line with Telfar’s progressive values, these bags are 100% vegan which is one of the most impactful moves you can make in sustainability.  It is a surprisingly affordable choice but nowadays it’s nearly impossible to get your hands on one of these as the bags sell out almost instantaneously. That’s why second-hand shopping at Vestiaire is going to be your best bet for a chance at a Telfar tote. For the socially conscious fashionista, this is going to be the bag to keep an eye out for in 2021. The Shopping Bag is more than a mere fashion accessory — it’s truly a cause.

Dior Book Tote Bag

Even the magnificent House of Dior can appreciate the utility and enduring nature of a great tote bag. The Dior Book tote bag is one of the chicest cotton bags on the market today. Fun and functional, it was a celeb favourite from practically the minute it was introduced by Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2018. The Book Tote comes in a broad range of different romantic prints and colours, with updated looks — from logomania to colourful patterns — released with each new season. Although the bag’s structure is simple, the print you choose allows your personal style to shine through. The Book Tote is of impeccable quality and said to require over a million stitches to create, so, needless to say, this is a bag that’s built to last a long time. If you’re looking for longevity or an investment bag, this is a top pick because Dior fans continue to swoon over every new pattern. Shopping for a pre-loved Dior Book Tote through Vestiaire makes your bag a sustainable choice as well. Its boxy, structured shape is perfect for shopping and travel — even if right now isn’t the most conducive to jet-setting. But you can find your Book Tote on Vestiaire today, fill it with your favourite poolside reads, and take your time to plan your next holiday.

Louis Vuitton tote bag

We can’t talk about tote bags and ignore Louis Vuitton. This elegant fashion house has an entire collection of chic tote bags to choose from in a vast array of styles. The Neverfull is the classic favourite and as such promises a very good return in resale. If you like the Neverfull but feel like you need a zipper choose the All In. The slightly thicker straps are a benefit if carrying heavy loads as well. The Onthego Bag makes a splashy statement with an oversized monogram pattern in coated canvas. For a tote design that has stood the test of time, the elegant and slim Plat Handbag is most commonly in a monogrammed canvas. 

If you prefer to fly under the radar and avoid the LV monogram, the Goyard Tote is a lovely design alternative, similar to the Neverfull, but made of linen and hemp which are some of the more sustainable fabric options. Linen is made from flax which requires very little water, and the entire plant can be used so it doesn’t create waste. Hemp is another sustainable plant fibre that is water-saving and free from pesticides. When it comes to buying pre-loved on Vestiaire, opting for bags made from sustainable fibres is an extra Earth-friendly choice.

Loewe basket Tote

The Loewe Basket Tote is a distinctive designer bucket bag that became an instantaneous Instagram sensation in the summer of 2020 (aka the summer of social distance) and has been putting influencers in a frenzy ever since.  Since each of the carryall baskets are handwoven, they are all subtly different and totally unique. This basket is exquisitely made, handcrafted by artisans using traditional techniques out of natural materials including raffia palm leaf. Raffia fibre is strong, pliable and — best of all — 100% biodegradable. We love it when leading fashion designers combine the artisanal and the sustainable to create a piece that is simultaneously fresh and timeless. The Spanish luxury house’s design evokes a carefree, boho look that the sartorially minded will surely be reaching for as the warmer months draw near. And the great news is that the Loewe Basket Tote is known to be up for re-sale on Vestiaire from time to time, so you can shop for this coveted bag in a sustainable way.  Even if we may not make it to Ibiza this year, we can still have picnics at the park, right? And when we do, we’ll be bringing our Loewe Basket Tote.