Which Tote Bag?

[blueskyeve]

My DC (3 and 5) are now at the age where I no longer need a changing bag, but I still need a large bag. A bag big enough for carrying water bottles, snacks, general kid paraphernalia etc.

I'm thinking about investing in a tote bag. I'd love a Goyard (wanted one for a very long time), but would this be practical enough? I've also seen a lovely Mansur Gavriel tote, but again is it too 'nice' for a bag that would end up being filled with crap?

Should I just play it safe and go for a Le Pliage for now?

I’m coveting a tote bag from Rowdy bags, think I’ll go for the Boulder shade.
Ive never understood the love for Le Pliage. I’ve just googled the Goyard bag and it’s gorgeous but quite a ‘smart’ bag. I prefer a slouchier tote. How much is the Goyard?

Have you thought of a nice quality leather shopper? I had wanted a tote but found a shopper more practical. I have a few in different colours from Aspinal which are really nice quality and with loads of room.

www.aspinaloflondon.com/products/essential-tote-black-pebble

I’m a big fan of Le Pilage, it’s just so practical and hard wearing especially with kids. I have an organiser in mine and find it works better than just shoving everything into it and it all piling up or not being able to find things. I also have a Mulberry tote but much prefer the Le Pilage for its lightweight and ability to zip it all away

If you are still lugging around juice bottles, I'd go with a bag that's easily cleanable. All juice bottles leak! Or if you do buy a nicer bag at least get a waterproof bag organiser to fit inside, while your kids are still young enough to need sticky sweets and sun cream carried around.

I have a neoprene tote from an Australian brand State of Escape. It's super practical you can put it in the washing machine and it comes out looking new.

I love my Goyard Artois, I was considering the St Louis but prefer the extra structure you get with the Artois, however I’d go a bit less expensive for juice bottles and small child paraphernalia.

I use Le Pliage as my “small bag” on flights and they are easy to clean on the inside, but that lack of internal compartments leads to extended rummaging around for small items.

I really liked the look of some Liberty Marlborough totes last time I was in there, lots of different colour ways including a fantastic neon rainbow one. They also have a zip pocket unlike Le Pliage, I’m quite tempted. They’ll be a lot cheaper than Goyard.