Winter is here all of a sudden and the big coats are coming back out, which can only mean one thing: us tote bag wearers are suffering from ‘bag strap keeps slipping off shoulder’ syndrome. It’s a yearly struggle and somehow we never learn, so today I’m here to convince you to join the dark side and put the flimsy canvas totes down and lock in for winter.
Straying not too far from classic tote bags, we can start slowly by getting a new one with a bigger strap and made of a more solid material. If you search ‘slouch’ or ‘sling bags’ you will see what I mean. Similarly, you could look into larger crossbody bags that are much more comfortable and steadier to carry, especially when the big coat is necessary. Look, if it gets icy as the temperature drops, the last thing you need is a heavy bag on one shoulder throwing you off balance and making you slip straight onto the ground. I’m looking out for you and your dignity here.
We need to be prepared for rain over the coming months, and canvas, cotton, and polyester bags just aren’t going to cut it. We have to protect our books and laptops in these trying times as we tackle Forum Hill in mid december, let’s make it as easy for ourselves as possible. I recommend scouring vintage shops for anything big enough and real leather. Sometimes you can find gems, and they’re sustainable, durable, and cool! I was discussing with a friend about how we would love to meet the people who owned some of our favourite charity shop finds, they must have been the coolest people. As long as you’re not buying faux leather or new real leather, then it’s a perfect way to level up your bag game for winter!
We can bring backpacks back guys. We are no longer year sevens with all our books and pe kits in our bags, we can make them stylish. Look in charity or vintage shops for ones that suit your style and have a bit of character, sling it over one shoulder, and you’re sorted. I also think Kanken’s are back, and personally I am so down. Year eight me had never felt such as joy as the day it arrived in the post, and I’d like to feel that again. Maybe I’ll start another niche memes account to go with it…
I know a big benefit of a tote bag is how personalisable they are. You can cover them in badges, stitch and sew onto them, paint and draw on them, basically anything you want to make them show off you’re identity. I’ve got a few with art from different movies on, a couple that I painted with my favourite bands logos, and I always make sure to get one from any bookshops I go to that sell them! That’s my favourite part, and probably a big reason as to why I held onto them for so long, however, when I finally made the switch I found ways to personalise my new bags too. Key chains are a good way to, you can attach keyrings with beads or little teddies or little photo frames, anything you like really. You could also crochet or knit little hanging decorations to tie to the buckles or strap. Little things like that to keep that bit of you on show!
Of course, you do not have to stop wearing tote bags. They’re great for many things daily, and when spring and summer come back around they’ll definitely be back to full use, we just need to consider other options for now. Who knows, when you open your mind you may be enlightened to a whole new world, you may never turn back!