A reader recently wrote to me saying that although she loved her L.L. Bean Boat and Totes, she was looking for a tote that was less casual and something that she would feel more comfortable bringing into the office. She wanted to know what I used for similar situations.So here are two that I have been using this Spring. Both totes are from Eliza B., both are made in Essex, Connecticut, and both are canvas; yet they have a different look and feel.
The first is The Brit Bag.
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| This Khaki tote has a leather bottom. |
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| Rolled leather on the straps; Navy and Nantucket Red striped Surcingle handles |
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| Lined with Khaki Ultrasuede |
This second tote is The Essex Tote.
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| Suede handles and bottom; Lined with navy velvet, which has come in very handy for protecting electronics |
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| I have used this bag for meetings in town, here with pink clogs. |
11 comments:
Very nice, and very timely--all last summer I carried my books, papers, and laptop in a canvas L.L. Bean tote with navy trim--not very fashionable, but it was certainly practical. This summer, I'm on the lookout for something a bit more professional, and I have the feeling one of these bags will be just the ticket. Thanks!
Those bags are great - especially the first one! Where are the clogs from? They're so cute!
Great post! I agree with the original reader question, I like something more refined for work. I have looked at the Eliza B. totes on-line several times, but unfortunately the handle on The Essex Tote has a 7.5 inch drop which is too short to throw over my shoulder when full, but the NEW Khaki tote appears to have longer handles? I go through 2-3 totes per school year, so I am open to anything under $100 with a classic look. Right now I am using a navy/cream monogrammed canvas from Lands End Signature and love it. I will definitely order a Khaki tote when they are available.
I have tried Vera Bradley, but they are too fragile for heavy books. Sally Spicer bags are very strong, but 100% polyester and not classic/prep at all. Leather totes tend to be very heavy. Any other suggestions would be great. Thanks Muffy!
Enjoy!
@Staircase Witch - These bags have solved that situation for me and have worked very well.
@HipWaldorf - Both bags are now on the Eliza B. site. I go back and forth on whether or not I prefer handles that are long enough to go over the shoulder versus a shorter handle that doesn't make the bag drag on the ground. Having one of each is kind of nice.
Muffy
Love the bags, they're fabulous. However, I have to know more about that delightful navy jacket you're wearing.
Oddly, it was just what I was looking for this past weeking. I was in a small fishing town crammed with maring and boat stores, but not a cute, boating jacket to be fouund. Obviously, I was not in the right town.
Muffy -
Must have my hands free for carrying my coffee mug at work! I save my nice hand held bags for home use. Thanks for the direct link to the Khaki bag!
Enjoy!
@HipWaldorf - Technically, the Essex Tote does go over the shoulder, but I prefer the affordances of longer straps if I am going to use it in that way.
Love the clogs.
dear muffy, I really like the brit bag and I was wondering about the color combination of straps. the closest one I found on Eliza B.'s website was Navy blue/pink. Is yours the Navy Blue/Pink version or a custom combination? Thank you!
-Kate
@Kate - Mine is the Navy/Nantucket Red. It does look different on their site than on mine. Mine looks in real life as it does in my pictures. It's a great combination.
" Search term that landed someone on my blog: "How to achieve preppy look for women without looking boring?". Good luck!"
I find your style to be anything but boring! . I love the way you combine hot pink, vibrant greens with navy and khaki. I'm hoping Hanna Andersson will have vibrant color clogs in their spring line.
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