I had been searching for a good tote bag for the last few months-something really lightweight, large enough to hold stuff like a newspaper, a book, some purchases if I was shopping- but not as large as the one I use for groceries. Just something I could use while out and about around the city running errands or shopping. Then I came across this interesting article in a recent New York Times Sunday Styles about how cotton tote bags are replacing designer purses as the newest “It” bag. As the article points out, with a cotton tote bag you can make a statement about something you’re interested in-whether it’s a philanthropic cause like Lauren Bush’s FEED bags, or a MOMA bag like SJP sports above. Like a lightbulb going off, I realized a simple cotton tote was just the thing I was looking for! These bags are just so casual and un-pretentious, plus they’re strong and they hold a ton, making them the perfect urban accessory.

When I saw this cool Penguin one I just grabbed it up on an impulse. I love Penguin classics and I just like the simplicity of this:

And when my sister went to Scotland last year, she picked up this cool Marks and Spencer organic cotton Twiggy tote for my Mom:

Unfortunately, my Mom is not likely to give that one up anytime soon!

And look, the head of the most fashionable design house in the world was even seen rocking one with a very important message:

How funny is that? Nice to know he doesn’t take himself TOO seriously!

What do you guys think of cotton totes?

Sources: 1, 2&3 by Jackie for York Avenue, 4

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