Tote bag that stands up by itself….

[Fairislesweater]

Hi all, I would like a new tote for work (school, have got six weeks to source). What I want is one that stands up by itself because having one that flops under my desk is something that annoys me (probably more than it should tbh but here we are!) Have tried googling structured totes but a lot are popping up that I know are soft and have been displayed with card inserts etc. Amy recommendations? Budget up to about £80 but maybe a little more for something timeless that’ll last. Style wise I quite like classic, happy with leather or fabric.

Speaking as someone who’s just had to disentangle the straps of my bag from the wheels of my office chair after it flopped next to my desk, I am following with interest.

Another one follwing. I need to be able to look down and find things easily.

Ha. Seems I’m not alone. I just don’t know what I should be googling. My colleague has one from Kate spade but they are £££

I think this is why we all use supermarket bags for life.

I have some beach bags and even cool bags which work well eg https://amzn.eu/d/iwjCqNp

Appreciate this isn't what you're looking for OP but might help others.

Following also!

https://www.carriercompany.co.uk/collections/bags

True, they would probably work!

@menopausalfart (a name I can relate to), thanks - have you got one of these? Can’t see how rigid they are from the pics

John lewis leather tote?
I bought a red leather one there some years ago and it stood solid for quite a few years before softening. It's my go to.

@Fairislesweater My DM has the sturdy bag and ticks the boxes for what you're looking for.

@menopausalfart thanks, sounds good - will have a look!

I use this for work - stands up! ( that would also drive me nuts lol)

https://www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/women/bags/north-south-bayswater-tote-night-sky-heavy-grain

Google ‘coterie leather’. Hand made sturdy leather tote bags.

Thank you it’s lovely but a teeny bit out of my price range 😂

I’m really sorry for not reading your first post properly OP!

Ha that’s ok - I knew when I saw it was mulberry it would be too expensive - did that stop me from clicking? Of course not <wonders why I’m skint>

A Marc Jacobs tote bag would be ideal for you as they are structured boxy bags, would be more than your budget but you could look on Vinted or buy one of the dupes that they seem to sell in the boutique type shops in big towns.
or something like this if the budget can stretch ……

uk.coach.com/products/cargo-tote-bag-26/CP164-LHBLK.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21864236855&gbraid=0AAAAADxhAYJmstbdSXg_Qi7gO_ZDacDgo&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6LTp8e3SjgMVkZVQBh0yziR4EAQYASABEgKKjvD_BwE

Look for a structured tote...something like this:
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su460216/ag6997#ag6997

I have a Michael Kors Maddie that is structured enough to stand up. Sizewize it fits a laptop. I love it! You could try Vinted..?

Bargain https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/ie/jute-shopping-bag?color=41621

OP have you looked on Vinted? I got a beautiful dark brown Russell & Bromley one on there which stands up.
In fact I have a very similar one on my watch list which I was tempted not to share as I sort of still want to buy it but I really shouldn't as I already have a similar one. It's Bang on £80 and looks in great nick - https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/6463023390-russell-and-bromley-bag

Thought about Vinted, but a bit worried about fakes. Not that it matters too much to me but if I’m buying a dupe I’d rather know!

This would fit your budget as there is 10% off for first purchase

https://www.lakelandleather.co.uk/product/beetham-leather-tote-bag-in-black-1600?variant=11&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12654667619&gbraid=0AAAAADjKmI-LEofljuwx1Mq0KIfDoQrzi&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkILEBhDeARIsAL--pjw4UgieFK78MYsvwkhyj5b8sXTf443Q5VNTHRYE78yu0_gOXRlFhUYaAnseEALw_wcB

I have this
https://orlakiely.com/products/carryall-basic-tote-solid-stem-neon-pink
it’s not ‘classic’ but it stands on its own and has lasted YEARS.

i also clicked and now @MellowPinkDeeryou have forced me to fall in love with the black cherry option for that bag. I blame you completely if I blow my budget for refitting the downstairs loo on a lovely winter bag. (Who needs taps that work in a bathroom anyway?!)