The last thing you want on a Monday morning is for your tote bag, carrying your laptop, lunch and other stuff you can cram into it, to break due to wear and tear.
Well, luckily, I haven’t experienced that horror, but only because I was able to wise up and quit using my Aldo tote I bought back in March to lug around my everyday work essentials.
It was a cheapie find at $55, but it didn’t last long with my MacBook Pro, wallet, makeup case and notepad shoved into it every day. The straps began to wear, and because I can’t afford to replace an expensive laptop, the cheapie bag had to go!
For now, I’m sporting my complimentary work tote bag (it’s a sturdy Land’s End bag, but isn’t something that easily transitions from office hours to happy hour) until I can decide upon a replacement tote bag.
Here’s a few I’ve rounded up that are nearly identical to my Aldo bag. What do you think? Any other suggestions?
{All photos courtesy the brands linked below}
Aldo “Nickoley”: This was my beloved tote that lasted all of a couple months before it began to show signs of extreme wear. If you like this bag, I’d suggest using it only as an oversize tote — no laptops allowed!
Brahmin “Libby” Color Block Tote: This tote is very similar to the Aldo one, but with a touch of leather and some great, glossy croc-embossed leather at the bottom. I probably wouldn’t have any trouble with wear and tear on the handles since they attach to the body via a shiny gold ring.
Urban Outfitters “Deena & Ozzy” Chain Tote: From gold chains to high-contrast buckles, this tote has a lot going on — and I kinda like it. I’m wary of buying another cheap bag, though, because I do demand a lot out of it for day-to-day use. Has anyone had any experience with this trendy tote?
Kate Spade New York “Grove Court Abela” Shoulder Bag: The most-expensive of my lineup, I’m drawn to this bag’s simplicity and peekaboo-polka dot interior lining. It’s made of genuine leather, so it’s definitely making those nearly $400 work for you, but I’m wondering again if those thin-ish straps can keep up with my daily bag lady needs.
Neiman Marcus Last Call Colorblock North-South Tote: This inexpensive tote is a step up from the Aldo and Urban bags in price, but I’m not sure if the quality competes. The bag looks nice and simple, but seems to lack the exterior zippered storage space that the other two boast.
