Right around the holidays, the New York Times published a piece titled “A Message On Every Arm,” all about how tote bags are the new it bags and status symbols amongst those in the fashionable know. It was a super cute fashion and style piece complete with a slide show featuring the most covetable totes, but I found myself side-eyeing the whole thing. Here’s why. All of the tote bags they featured either were from exclusive fashion/culture/art events, or were made by high end designers of fancy brands.
As a tote bag aficionado, I must protest. There are fancy totes only available to a few, that will be instantly recognizable to those in the know, but that’s about it. And then there are really fly totes made by artists, that will make even more of a style statement than the inside baseball totes touted by the Times.
From left to right -- bags by Swarthy Daisy, Quelly Rue Designs, and Amanda Diva
Like these.
Tote bags are small, light, easy to carry, and essential for everyday living. I usually have at least one folded up in my purse, just in case. I take tote bags out with me in the city, and especially on vacation. They’re just so handy! Headed to the beach or pool? Don’t forget to bring a tote bag! Going to a fancy fashion event? Definitely try to bring a tote for your heels when you wanna take them off, and to stash your gift bag in on the way home. Save the environment when you shop! Take your own bag!
Allow me to share some Afrobella approved tote bags, and I hope you like them as much as I do!
Actress, musician, artist, renaissance woman and former Afrobella of the Month Amanda Diva is now known as Amanda Seales, and is performing a one woman show called Death of the Diva. Click to learn more via her website. While she isn’t acting, Amanda is creating art! And super fly tote bags, available at DivaWorksofArt.com.
(Photo by Chuck Olu-Alabi)
Here I am rocking her hand painted Soul Fro bag, which retails for $30. Clearly Max is a fan! So cute, right?
Want to look literary without saying a word? Rock one of these beautiful tote bags by Out Of Print Clothing. $18 and they reference your favorite classic work of writing, including The Great Gatsby, Animal Farm, A Clockwork Orange or Pride and Prejudice. Chic and clever!
I adore the afrocentric, funky totes by Quelly Rue Designs! I have the Afro Woman tote, which is $36 — see it at the top of the post? But how cute is her J Monae tote bag? Love that!!
I too put my toe into the tote bag game — via my Zazzle store, I sell tees AND totes! The Afrobella Orange Accent bag is $26.
Are you a (tote) bag lady, like me? Where’d you get your favorite?
These are cool! These bags are great for the beach, Saturday errands and just looking cool. The cat looks good too! 🙂
I am a new tote bags fan..love them.. I need to get my hands o yours..?
I noticed the cat too, it’s look like anther decorative item, so cute
Love all especially Afrobella!
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We will definitely be sharing these bags on our site!
These are cute. I love them. I will definitely have to get at least one of these bags
You’ve have got to check out Sylvia Rundles bags. She is in ATL and her business is called Gbaby.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.483604157503.251281.589257503&type=3
I love totes and these are very nice and creative! I’m currently using one I received from Sally’s for purchasing over $40.00 worth of products. It’s o-kay but I’ve been eyeballing a Michael Kors tote for some time now.
i love them!!! CUUTE
I think I was ahead of the “fashion” curve and didn’t know it, LOL. I’ve always toted a tote. My favorite one, until it started looking kinda busted, was a cream and red one which said “A book makes great company.”
I love these tote bags. The prints are fabulous.
Love the look of the bags. These could be great items for some of our clients for giveaways.
Never have been a bag person, but if it’s absolutely necessary, it’s always a tote. I have many!!!
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