Introducing the New "it" Bag: 11 Totes You'll Want This Summer

Yes, summer totes are officially in session!Did anyone read the article from New York Times proclaiming tote bags as the next big "it" bag? I was fascinated by it (after I finished rolling my eyes asking myself, "Why?") and realized that in the past few months I've been noticing totes on the arms of cute girls and even fashionable guys around the city. So it must be true!

Totes are so effortless and, even better, proclaimed to be "cool." Easy to ball up inside a larger bag for spontaneous shopping trips, perfect for lugging picnics to the park, simple to toss in the wash when soiled, and mostly inexpensive to collect.

Here are 11 of my favorite summertime totes you should carry to the marketplace:



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Red sail cloth tote bagRed Sail Cloth Tote Bag
Made from 100% recycled sail cloth, this bag is durable and comes in a wider frame than most totes. The nautical feel and color combination is the perfect piece to complete your Fourth of July outfit. It's smooth sailing from here.
Buy this at Etsy, $30






Canvas duck bagCanvas Duck Bag
This tote is a variation on the original; it comes in a shoulder strap and a convenient small handle. The style is unisex so it would be a great stylish gift for your guy. It also comes in black.
Buy this at MoMA Store, $22











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Dream toteDream Tote
Field Guided is one of my favorite spots for unique, dreamy tote bags. Its prints are soft and often have a vintage touch to them. You would think this online shop is an art gallery judging by its beautiful photography!
Buy this at Field Guided, $20









Mustache printed canvasMustache Canvas Tote
I mustache you a question: are 'staches still in these days for men? Maybe, maybe not. But these cute little fur balls are meant on a tote -- all the fu-manchus, goatees and handlebars should be off the face and onto this bag, please!
Buy this at Etsy, $12










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1930s and 1940s era re-worked1930s Era Ticking Fabric & 1940s Era Work Apron Carryall
Must give you a warning: Forestbound price tags are hefty. These pieces are actually re-worked and they take from the '30s and '40s to make these beautiful bags. Toting around these bags make me wonder about their former lives. I have a few of their pieces and they are worth the buck for me.
Get this tote bag at Forestbound for $200






The Bees Knees, and other silly sayingsThe Bees Knees
Let's bring these silly sayings back, yes? Unlike plain text-heavy totes, these fun quotes come printed in unique fonts and faded out to give a washed and used look. They may not be the most colorful, but I guarantee they will turn heads!
Buy this at Alphabet Bags, $19













Stag on the bagStag Silhouettes
I love silhouettes of stags in form of, well, anything. This print reminds me of a stag cut-out necklace I have. It's a chic way to bring a little bit of the nature with you at all times even when you're out walking in the city. Think of the style as a cross between Abercrombie & Fitch meets Urban Outfitters.
Buy this at Alphabet Bags, $19











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Hello, Texans! Texas Tote Bag
Hey Texans, when do you ever NOT show some state pride? Exactly. Add this to your long list of Texas-love goods. A Texan will always be a Texan in or outside of the state.
Buy this at Etsy, $35














I heart this bagBan.do Heart Tote
I heart this bag so much -- sorry, terrible pun. But this really a simple way to add a little bit of love to any outfit (printed hearts have that effect). This one from Ban.do comes with a free "I [heart] Ban.do" pin with every purchase! Extra goodies are always good.
Buy this at Ban.do, $20













Related: 21 summer turbans and headwraps for bedhead hair



Anatomical skull -- eek!Anatomical Skull Tote
Eeek! Make your outfit come alive with this bad-girl skull tote. I see this print as little creepy and more intellectual, in a mad scientist kind of way. It also marks terms for parts of the skull -- I don't know about you, but this sounds like a good conversation starter.
Buy this at Etsy, $12
















Paper bag...and tote!Paper Bag Tote
Amazing. Carry your groceries in this paper bag...I mean, tote, without it breaking on you (that's happened to me plenty of times)! The material is washable and durable so think twice on that brown bag and pack your fruits and veggies in this one instead.
Buy this at MoMA Store, $10









- By Natalie Holbrook
Follow Natalie at Babble

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