This summer’s most-wanted: the preppy canvas tote
I’ve never been impressed by fancy ‘It’ bags, designer merchandise with labels and logos and loads of hardware. And this summer is no exception. With its sturdy fabric, vibrant colours and seaside stripes, I am here for the preppy canvas tote. This oh-so practical bag is perfect for picnics, weekend breaks and as a carry-on if you’re jet-setting. For super-sized stripy summer totes check out American label Kule – and you can’t beat LL.Bean’s classic Boat & Tote for quality at a reasonable price. At this time of year there are plenty of sale bargains to be had: Boden’s embroidered canvas tote is reduced and Polo Ralph Lauren has 50% off certain styles. If you’re looking to add a soupçon of French chic to an everyday ensemble, Rue de Verneuil is a Parisian company with a lovely range of posh summer bags (pictured above). See also Paravel and Haulier.
Canvas tote – Me+Em
As Jane Birkin showed us in the 1970s, a cool summer bag doesn’t have to be leather.
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Discussion (15 Comments)
Donna says:
I like them too!
https://www.meandem.com/statement-stripe-wide-leg-trouser-black-cream
Mrs Tonia says:
I too am a fan of these type of tote bags. Have a good collection going back years. So shopping the wardrobe for now. My most favoured ones were Herve Chapelier. When in Paris I would purchase from their boutique Place St Sulpice. Think it’s closed now. They do have online sales. These bags come in different colourways and sizes. They can be hand washed. They are a signature part of my look.
Yes! I have a (an?) Herve Chapelier! Thanks for the reminder, will fish it out. I didn’t know it was washable. Good to see they’re still thriving in Paris 🙂 https://www.hervechapelier.com/default/herve-chapelier-boutiques.html
Alysen says:
Synchronicity, Mrs Tonia!! My 1990s Herve Chapellier bum bag has found a new fan: my son, 23, keeps “borrowing” it. I may look for a replacement (mine’s shabby now), and he would prefer the cachet of vintage!
Jutta says:
Thanks for that, those tote bags are absolutely gorgeous, straight on my wishlist….; )
lizzie g says:
Marimekko Toimi in navy has served me well for work and travel. Marimekko print totes for a smile, like wearing a corsage.
Joyce Morris says:
And such a sensible size! I use one of those hand bag inserts, with loads of pockets and compartments, but they don’t always easily transfer to smaller bags. Not a problem with a tote.
Susannah says:
Whoa! I think I must be in the wrong place. Am I the only person who is shocked at the prices of the Herve Chapellier bags? If any of you are similarly shocked and don’t feel the need to spend your heating budget on a bag, head to the Selvedge Magazine site and check out their wonderful bags. Probably get 10 for the price of one of those H.C. ones. I’ve got a couple and always get someone asking me where I got it from.
Alyson, take a look and give them a shout out. You’ve got to love them.Very good point.
I’m shocked at not only the price of totes featured but the HC prices now. I used to buy mine for much much less. I keep them. I wash them. They are sturdy.
Totally agree about prices of clothing. Handbags now.
We need to reuse. Get second hand. And prioritise heating, keeping warm/cool. And being able to feed ourselves and our families first and foremost.
Sue says:
Rue de verneuil have such beautiful and simple bags. Would def recommend ( and their sales are v good) I prefer the small totes which are exactly the right size for everyday and you can fit one of those nylon liner things in the smaller size inside. I really hate it when everything gets in a hideous soup
I followed up Susannah suggestion of Selvedge magazine. Never heard of this before. Thanks for recommending.
Boadicea 
L bevan Leave a Reply
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I Am A Bag Lady! I’d give any of the bags shown a home, especially the Me&Em tote but also couldn’t take my eyes off the striped trousers on the model. No. 2 granddaughter would love them! Details, please, Alyson, so that I can earn Grandma points from a very fashion-conscious young lady.
Incidentally, given that I’ve kind of overlooked the main thrust of your piece and focussed on an incidental instead, does anyone remember way back in the last century (when I was a gel) an advertisement for something or other which was completely overlooked because all the ladies only wanted to know was where they could buy the lovely Victorian blouse the model was wearing? Me included. In the end, I think the company concerned all but abandoned its advert but graciously supplied details of the blouse. How nice!