Gone are the days of teensy-tiny purses, L.L. Bean Boat and Totes are in! These structured canvas totes you might have seen used on a family beach trip or by a coastal grandmother type are quickly becoming the bag of choice for Gen Z, but of course, with a twist. Instead of embroidering their initials or last name onto the tote, people are opting to adorn their bag with witty or ironic phrases.
Gracie Wiener (@graciewiener) is at the center of this trend, with several viral TikTok videos and an Instagram account dedicated to these totes. “Prenup,” “Pea Brain,” “Feral,” and other words and phrases have turned these stereotypical preppy bags into a facetious accessory.
If you’re looking to create your own amusing (yet functional) bag, here are some ideas for phrases to get embroidered on your own L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bag that are guaranteed to get you laughing.
- Take It Personally
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Someone call you a know-it-all? Annoying? High-strung? Take back the power by personalizing a tote with the insult. Just make sure it’s clean because L.L. Bean won’t embroider any profanity onto a tote.
- Yeah, It’s Luxury
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Now you don’t have to schmooze a sales associate to get a Birkin! Just kidding, but a tote emblazoned with Prada, Gucci, or any luxury brand of your choice can serve as an ironic placeholder for your dream bag.
- Hot Girl Walk, Big D*Ck Energy, & Other Acronyms
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Remember the days of backpacks and lunch bags embellished with your initials? You can create a tote reminiscent of your elementary school days using the “Initials” design. Embroider an ironic three-letter acronym on your tote and it will look just like your school backpack with your initials. A tote monogramed with “HGW” pairs well with a matching workout set and headphones or a “BDE” tote could speak to your confident energy without you having to say anything.
- What’s Your Sign?
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I’m a Cancer. No, but for real, what’s your sign? Whether you’re a fire sign, August Leo, or Scorpio Moon, your tote can showcase the parts of your birth chart that you most embody. Maybe you’ll meet your astrological soulmate through your bag!
- Fan Behavior
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A tour T-shirt isn’t the only way you can show your love for your favorite artist. Tell the world you’re a Swiftie or a Pharb by embroidering it on your tote. If you want to be more lowkey, you can choose your favorite album or song title, so those who get it, get it.
- Good Luck Charm
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Why wait to see your angel number when you can carry it with you? Put your angel number onto your tote so you can have it with you at all times and who knows, you might be the reason someone else spots their lucky number.
- Order It (And The Bag Too)
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If the Diet Coke girlies have made anything obvious, it’s that your favorite drink can be a personality trait. If you have an undying love of green juice or matcha lattes, your tote is the perfect place to openly profess your love for your drink order. For instance, try “Order Me A Diet Coke,” “Matcha Lover,” or “Iced Latte To Go.”
- (Political) Statement Piece
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Your statement tote can also make a political statement. You can also customize your message to show your support of abortion rights, sustainability, or to say “screw you” to your least favorite politician.