I always notice women with small bags—when I stand next to them it’s all I think about. They exude organization, their life neatly tucked into a pencil case and secured with a shoe strap. I can’t help but wonder, where is their laptop? Do they live close by? Are they exempt from offices, from groceries? I envy their time management skills, their discerning ability to overlook possibility. For me, bag-filling temptation is around every corner—from magazines to Sungold tomatoes and the last of the summer squash.
Every woman’s bag approach is personal. And using one nice bag each day is economical and efficient. I’m an advocate for uniform style, but when it comes to bags I’m agnostic. I change bags on a weekly basis, sometimes more often than that. I choose the one that has the least amount of leftovers—stray mail, missing sunglasses, pieces of ribbon. There’s always sand in the bags. When that’s too much to deal with, I reach for an empty “household” tote that I soon designate as mine. Then the sand gets in and I move on to the next one.
Status and luxury are not bag considerations for me. I need something utilitarian that can get down and dirty and look great anywhere. This is where canvas bags come in. When traveling, I pack an extra one in my carry on. That way I can go directly to a cafe or farmer’s market when I land, and start my day without unpacking. I have two small vintage bags that I wear for more serious evening occasions where canvas is not okay: one for summer, one for winter. These small-bag events feel like an achievement in organization. They also call for finite decision making.
I should add that it’s completely fine to wear the same bag at every event, every year. In fact, I find it chic and reassuring.
Here are some everyday bags that prove their worth.
Threadline Unbleached Canvas Tote
This was a gift from Japan. It’s more handbag-sized and big enough to hold your laptop while looking streamlined. It’s made from heavy-duty Japanese canvas and yet is surprisingly light. I love the nautical clasps at the top, and pairing it with a suit. You can also buy it online if a trip to Japan isn’t on your agenda.
Chiarastella Cattana Canvas Tote
This is a rare bag. In Venice, my boyfriend chased down a stylish then-stranger to find out where she got this bag. Turns out it was Stella, owner of Chiarastella Cattana, and she designed it herself. We took the last one, noted as damaged, and I quickly made it mine. I’ve worn this bag consistently for a few years now. It’s sturdy, sophisticated, and fits way more than just a laptop. Everyone’s hoping that Stella remakes this bag.