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.

Thank you, I did look at that one as well!

Also looked at this, glad to know it does indeed stand up!

I’ve heard taps are incredibly overrated . Buy the bag.

It’s not the MOST comfortable bag to carry on your shoulder with a laptop.. I tend to use the hand handles for that.

I came to say search for jute bag, but someone has beaten me to it.

I’m not sure jute bag is quite what I’m after. I’d still like it to look a bit officy and have some internal pockets

I’ve just bought this one and I love it! Stands up beautifully, took a while to arrive though.

global.llbean.com/llb/shop/33381.html?CORECRD=true

Oh just saw your latest post, it has no pockets :(

Liberty (I got mine in the sale) or MK (gift from a grateful parent).

Or a classroom with a cupboard 😆

Longchamp le pliage?

still flops to a degree, but the handles are sturdier and don’t get tangled. You can get inserts off Amazon to keep it full structured

Also worth searching for bucket bag as that might bring up other options.

The only tote I have that stands up properly is Kate Spade, it looks great after 5+ years so may be worth the investment, or finding one second hand. Some good options in your price range on Vinted this one says it has a verification number: www.vinted.co.uk/items/6622943359-kate-spade-large-tote-bag-in-black

Someone else has suggested it but Dh bought me one of those mark jacobs tote bags (that I have no idea why he bought me as never in our 20+ years together have I ever shown an interest in anything with obnoxious branding emblazoned on it 😂😂). Anyway it’s very handy as a work bag, fits my laptop, notepad, headphones and other bits I need, it’s very structured and rigid and wouldn’t fall over unless you kicked it. It has a zip at the top so even when I stick it in the car and it falls over when I’m driving nothing spills out of it. It’s a very handy work bag for sure.
there are countless dupes available that are in the same rigid boxy style.

A totally floppy bag, in my mind…

I have one and it’s not really, not when it’s full! But I’ve only used one now for a good 10 years so it might be me!

Personally love Monty bags, I have one of the medium and one small, great for chucking loads of stuff in, taking with me when I take the kids swimming, shopping, going to the beach, anything really!

I have this (sorry it's currently out of stock, but it's new season so hopefully will come back in again soon)- cheap as chips but neutral so goes with everything and nice and rigid without being restrictive - I can get my laptop, iPad, etc. all in - also impossible to ruin with anything leaking or similar: https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/accessories/bags/brown-woven-wicker-tote-bag/p/892665116

Also it's a little rip off of this! https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/p/chloe-large-woody-basket-bag-000000000007626954?gad_campaignid=20510475088&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADm-wgPp2DoAGizhsNQN2v0JY2VZQ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkILEBhDeARIsAL--pjwJoJ6eZb6-vII0R-5k16NWdsPC5lDURg4eCLhzBMNGmkbd3gEFYTYaAoAtEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_campaign=EN%2BUK%2BPMaxShoppingDDS%2BOnlineLow/Weak%2BAny%2BFashion%2BTier+1&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google

I know which I would rather spend money on!

OP, I’ve also just had a thought

take a look at the lawful London handbags online. I have one of their sienna bags that’s basically brand new. Ordered a few years ago and I hate it because it’s too structured 🤣 if you like it, id be willing to whack it on vinted for £65 and dm you the link!

Dune do loads. I’ve had my one years so can’t find the link but check it out

https://www.dunelondon.com/womens-bags/?start=0&sz=72

https://www.ospreylondon.com/en-gb/the-voyage-nylon-tote-in-pebble?color=6316&currency=gbp&stay=1&country=gb&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22676937109&gbraid=0AAAAADooKUjgLqM4Ll6R4gSrbC1Gm7wSa

https://www.guess.eu/en-gb/guess/women/sale/bags/noelle-4g-logo-shopper-brown/HWQL7879250-BRO.html?gad_campaignid=19851785697&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADnkZfKM1Ch-gKhmFkbuZFcmAfwjx&gclsrc=aw.ds

I really like guess bags they can be structured, alternatively river island bags too

I have this and it stands up under my desk

www.radley.co.uk/knightsbridge-road-large-ziptop-tote-ohd11201-ss25#110497

Longchamp pliage with a felt insert

If we are allowed to go over budget, I have this and work in a school.

https://www.johnlewis.com/jasper-conran-bryn-leather-tote-bag/p110136398

Cheap and cheerful option here, I have a jansport tote, nice and bright and stands up well (it might lean a little when only a few things in)it was 15 in tkmaxx a few weeks ago.
This one but ignore the international site! thetravelclub.ph/products/restore-tote-shoulder-bag-1000410153

I have a Roka tote for work
https://rokalondon.com/products/trafalgar-teal-medium

Zatchels I think they do totes, or Cambridge satchel company

Edited - yes this looks like it fits the bill. Comes in loads of colours https://www.zatchels.com/collections/shopper-tote-bags/products/handmade-leather-shopper-burnt-orange