LAST WORD ON TOTES

There's a groundswell of interest in totes these days. People are using totes to carry groceries, your exercise clothing, your books and as of late we've learned that in some parts of the country where the sun shines bright and the temperature is right, totes are used for picnics. They are a great size for a thin blanket, a bottle of wine, cheese, crackers, small knife, a few napkins and a container of lunch meat. Yes, the tote over the years has had a back row seat, but as of late, the tote has moved up to the driver's seat and we're heading for a fashion whirlwind of beautiful totes that can start as low as $2.99 and then the sky is the limit. So, if you're planning a picnic in Central Park and like to travel in style, try this durable beautiful fabric tote. And when you've emptied the contents, gastronomically speaking, just let this beautiful tote swing in your hands or on your shoulder as a fashion handbag/shoulderbag. Let's raise a glass to the Tote! Cheers.

A TOTE BY ANY OTHER NAME

We received your posts and you're right. A tote has more functions than to carry groceries or after-work gear. We got it, and began our research to find some other uses for the popular totes. First, it's environmentally friendly. There are no plastic bags left in rivers to choke the marine life. That's a good thing. And, if you choose a canvas tote over a paper bag, the trees are breathing a wind of relief. But there are a myriad of reasons for using totes. So we have learned from our scientific study that a lot of people use totes to transport books. Imagine that! A durable canvas bag that in some cases bears the signature of your favorite bookstore or concert or organization. We decided rather than endorse a personality or gathering or association, we'd just make a nice durable tote that we'll call the "best little midsize book, grocery,sneaker, workout gear, bottled water tote every made". Yes, I think that just about does it!

BYOB v BYOT

If you've gone to the grocery store, you've undoubtedly noticed a change. It's not the smell of milk or the sharpness of cheese, it's in the bag. That's right, the bag. Some grocery store chains are no longer fitting your groceries in plastic bags, but encouraging you to either use your own tote or buy theirs. Whole Foods, Inc conducted a trial run using their reusable grocery bags and so far, so good. Of course the plastic industry is not happy about all this, and they even argue that the brown bags are not so hot, since they eat up a lot of trees. Still, I think bringing your own tote (BYOT) is a fashion forward statement for grocery stores. It won't be long before more upscale grocery stores begin offering designer totes (starting at $300) and customers will size each other up by the tote they carry. It will be all out war! Frustrated customers who note their tote being carried by someone else. The green eyed monster in the refrigerated customer watching as the newest tote includes a refrigerated pocket. When does it all end? For us, the main question is how large is your tote? The bigger the tote, the bigger the bill. And think about it, after you've bought a designer tote you can only afford to walk the Express Lane, right?

ONE TOTE OVER THE LINE...

Do you own a tote? We thought we would try to make one, and this little gem is the finished product. We kind of like it, and hope you do to. What do you put in a tote? I use them mostly for those days when I have more than the usual stuff for a handbag. Sure, there's the cell, wallet, cosmetic bag, brush, toothbrush and keys. But with a tote, I can add the sneakers for walking after work, the t-shirt and exercise pants for working out after work. I now have a couple a pair of eyeglasses, for indoors and sunglasses. I've added a bottle of water, a pair of sox and a folded newspaper (NYT). So actually the tote should be renamed the "survival bag". Small enough to be portable and big enough to carry enough of your life to survive.

Bathmat Bagabonn

I was floored when I read about bathtub injuries, and felt a little guilty that we redefined the use of this cute little blue formerly-known as a bathmat (photo to your right) and turned it into a funky bag. We sold out the small inventory we stockpiled, so we're now busy making more and can I just objectively say they are "cute". Now about those injuries in the tub. First off, be careful. Take your time, but know that there are plenty of products on the market that can lead to a safer experience in the bathtub, including tubs that are now made with strips to avoid slipping. The little strips that you can add yourself have been criticized for collecting mildew (ewww! yuck). Bottomline is, be careful and remember you want to get clean when you're behind the shower curtain, not injured.

Shag Bagabonn

If you were fortunate to be around in the sixties when shag carpeting was stylish and just down right groovy, you'll be happy to know it's resurfacing (no pun intended) in its popularity. The cost for shag carpeting varies as much as the lengths of the loops. It's been said that fashion is cyclical and to some extent I agree, but there are some fashions that I don't want to see again. One of those "hope it never returns" styles are the bell bottom pants. I have less of an issue with flare legged pants, but for some reason bell bottoms seemed to be more of a health hazard (caution: can cause tripping) than a fashion statement. One fashion I can't wait for it's turn on the wheel of style is the collar-up. You know what I mean? Member' when we use to flip our collars up? It just seemed to add a bit of style. You just kind of felt as cool as, the Fonz.

Wedding Bagabonn

This is our special little wedding shoulderbag. Isn't it dainty and feminine and just ideal for that special lady on her very special day? You don't want to even think about what it took to make this bag, but let's just say the word "dizzy" comes to mind. Now about weddings. About 2.1 million weddings took place in the United States between December of 2005 and 2006 and not counting the honeymoon, those weddings carried a combined pricetag of $86 billion dollars. Even though that's a pretty big number for people getting hitched, it's a decline from the previous year by more than 60,000. What does that mean? I'm not sure how to analyze the figure. It could mean a number of things, for starters that fewer people are finding the benefit in marriage or it could mean that more people are waiting to make sure that this sacred institution remains a well respected one. By the way, if you're interested, over 9,000,000 weddings were performed in China in a single year (2005) with the average cost per nuptial cosing $19,000. I'm not sure, but I think by American standards, that's a bargain.