Tote Couture
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:30 AM
For years, I would eye longingly those classic tote bags when my L.L. Bean catalog came in the mail. I’d give long and serious thought to buying one, and for whatever reason I never did. I’d notice people who had the totes, note that the bag seemed useful and classic—and then promptly do nothing about getting one.
What put a stop to this behavior was my frustration with having a whole host of other bags that just didn’t quite do the trick. I could go through the list of all the bags I’ve tried, but you can see where this is going. Finally, I’d had enough. I went to llbean.com and I ordered a bag.
I love it.
I ordered the biggest bag they sell, settled on the shorter handles (here I will admit I spent way too much time thinking through this decision) and for a few extra dollars added our name. This is it—this is THE bag I will be using from here on out.
My new extra-large boat tote fits everything (by which I mean even my seven-year-old could ride in it if I had the brawn to lug him). At the beach last week, I easily piled in towels, our oversized beach blanket, sunscreen, books, hats and sports equipment. For the ride home, I used it as a hamper.
It is overly-huge, but not in a way the makes carrying it awkward. I suppose with a bag this big, there will be times when it might be too big for an outing, but with five children, I don’t think this will happen too often.
The $40 I spent is far, far less than the combined price of all those other bags I bought in search of something as roomy, sturdy and easy to manage as this bag. If you are in the market, get thee to LL Bean. I think you might be raving soon, too.
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