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December 28, 2007
I Need a lightweight bag
So I'm still loving and carrying around my beloved Kooba bag but the weight of the bag is starting to get to me. From my standing room only subway ride every morning, to going for a walk after work, or doing any type of shopping I end up with a sore back from toting around what feels like five bricks in a sack. I've even started to abandon some of my must carry items (emergency flashlight, spare deodorant, hard cover books) in order to lighten the weight. So I've decided my next bag purchase will be a nice lightweight tote that I can alternate with the Kooba and give my back a rest.
The fist lightweight bag that came to mind was the Longchamp Le Pliage that everyone and their mom carrys around. I actually purchased a smaller one in a lovely eggplant purple this past summer, but ended up returning it since it was too small. A larger size would be a great option for a lightweight bag since what is easier and more durable to carry around besides a nylon bag? I am afraid I will get sick of it quickly since they are so common in NYC and everywhere for that matter.
Next up I spied two cute totes from my main man MJ:
The supply tote in green canvas looks durable and lightweight and it looks like it would be easy to carry around town. I'm not so sure about the giant lettering along the side though, seems a little loud. Plus a canvas tote might be a litle snoozeville in a couple months.
Most recently I've been crushing on the MJ Distinguished Dot Tote in red. I love the bright pop of red which would look great against all my dark winter jackets. The zipper across the top would help me to close up my bag and not worry about pick pocketers or anything falling out. Plus I don't have any red bags so it would look different from all my other bags. The bright red dotes manage to be both simple and unusual at the same time.
Any other suggestions? Has anyone out there already found a great lightweight bag that is also LARGE that they can suggest?
Comments
Bonjour! Well, it isn't sexy, but it lasts forever and just LOOKS sturdy. The LL Bean canvas tote (can be monogrammed) has been a classic forever. I've seen lots of people out here in the west carrying them -- they can hold a lot of stuff and still look nicely structured. Plus, you get the super-generous LL Bean return policy and guarantee.
Salut,
Marjorie
Posted by: Marjorie at December 29, 2007 1:45 PM 
No help from me I'm afraid!!
I'm trying to NOT do a big bag thing this year, my back just can't handle that any more :(
Posted by: Fabulously Broke at December 29, 2007 1:50 PM
The dilemma that all of us face when selecting a handbag is to find an item that is both stylish and big enough for our lives. My suggestion is the Herve Chapeliere two-toned nylon tote bag--it's so popular for a reason.
I just read a fiesty tote-bag quotation in Anne Fogarty's 1959 classic, "Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife." Here goes:
"You can have [every] advantage at your fingertips by carrying a tote-bag--which I sincerely believe is the best thing that's happened to women since the vote. I think of my oversized pouch as a kind of conjurer's bag full of magical tricks that help me preserve my appearance and change it at will."
Cheers, Andi
Posted by: Andi at January 2, 2008 6:42 PM
I`d go with one of the LeSportsac tote bags if I were you, they have all different sizes and all sorts of great patterns as well as solid colors.
Good luck!
Allie
Posted by: Allie C at January 5, 2008 3:35 PM
I actually came HERE looking for ideas for a new tote! I actually like the Longchamp bag, if you can find a Planetes bag (thicker material, matching smooth leather) you won't see it everywhere. I also like the Herve bags but they're a bit casual. Have you considered Tumi? They make a nice line of nylon bags, a little edgy/modern but very well made.
Posted by: Julie at January 5, 2008 11:30 PM
Just buy the Longchamps bag. Even if many people have one. You could choose a special colour...I can tell you, you will love this bag. It's almost like the one mary poppins has ;)
And if you get sick of it, nevermind it's not that expensive...
Posted by: AnnaBanana at January 17, 2008 2:17 AM
I find it's not the bag that causes the weight it's what you put in it! I have 2 bags a smaller one and a larger one so I', not hauling around my whole house on my shoulders. Anthing canvas should be fairly light tho, stay away from leather
Posted by: Melissa at January 20, 2008 2:35 PM
When a bag gets to heavy i tend to leave it places because i just can't stop putting it down. Try getting a smaller bag because then you can only fit the actual necessities!
Posted by: Brittany at January 21, 2008 8:58 PM
Welcome back! I say Longchamp Le Pilage Medium. Lightweight, sturdy and foldable. Good for everyday use.
Posted by: bagaholicboy at January 22, 2008 11:09 AM
I love Longchamp bags. I use them all the time. I just bought this great pearl necklace from PremiumPearl.com that goes so great with all my bags. It really completes my look. Check out their website for some other great accessories!
Posted by: Laura at January 31, 2008 11:31 AM
No, not the Longchamp bag!! If I see one more of those in Boston, I will throw up. I like the spring totes from the gap, and they have the added benefit of being washable and inexpensive. Even though it's billed as a gym bag, some of the bags from Lululemon are really cute. Check out http://www.lululemon.com/products/accessories/gear/lulu_gym_bag
Posted by: Jaren at February 2, 2008 8:58 AM
There is a Bag Goddess!! Just found and bought the Longchamp Planetes Large Black Tote with Long Handles. I think I am in HEAVEN!! A stunning, lightweight and waterproof bag. YAHOOOOOOOZIE!!!
Posted by: Mama's Got A Brand New Bag .... at February 7, 2008 7:11 PM
I also love the heavy one i.e. Kooba bag as it is really lovely. Also see http://www.fashionproducts.com/fashion-accessories for more bags and purses.
Posted by: Ena Taylor at March 5, 2008 6:08 AM
If you like to buy handmade and are still looking for suggestions for a lightweight tote but in a larger size, here is a style you might like
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10695884
Posted by: Pamela at April 4, 2008 4:16 PM
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