Inspiration
Thoughts on a Yellow Tote Bag
Dear Kay,
Creatures of habit, aren’t we?
This week I cracked open one of my longest-standing habits and put my beloved 2017-vintage tote on a vacation.
Kay. Kay Kay Kay. It is WILD, I tell you, to organize the daily carry inside a new tote. I am a new woman, I tell you.
It’s like moving the furniture around only 1,000% easier. It’s the most fun I’ve had since the Great Sock Drawer Cleanout of 2021.
My new bag? The Stasher Tote, the one that we’ve got in the Holiday Shop.
Two aspects of this Stasher Tote to note here.
Aspect No. 1: The Color
When we chose colors of Joji and Co. leather to bring in for this Stasher Tote, I thought I would beeline for the brown one. Brown is the color that all tote bags were up until 1964. I believe in the earnest authenticity of a brown Stasher Tote.
However. When the yellow Stasher Tote arrived, it was like a box of sunbeams had landed in our warehouse.
I didn’t know if a color like that was a color I could pull off. I mean: it’s not brown.
The secret with the yellow Stasher Tote is that it is not actually yellow. It is a neutral. It goes with everything. I can’t quite believe it. Ashley, our resident color whisperer, told me this months ago, that vibrant color can work every day.
It’s a dash of mustard, a pat of butter, a buttercup.
Aspect No. 2: The Size
It’s big. But not crazybig.
Laptop? Check. File folders? Definitely. Bento bag with knitting? Yes, plus room to spare. The handles work on my shoulder, and the long strap gets me to a crossbody situation when that’s the need.
At any rate, within one hour of my debut with the yellow Stasher Tote, one of the most stylish people I know spontaneously came up to me and informed me that my bag was amazing.
Talk about validation! I haven’t put down this “amazing” Stasher Tote since then. I’m really enjoying the newness of it all. Sometimes new’s the thing, right?
And if I carry it for years, as is my habit with tote bags, I’m looking at pennies a day to have a sunbeam on my shoulder.
Love,
Ann
Ann, I too, grew up in the brown bag/tote/purse Era. My first non-neutral purse was strawberry red. It’s amazing how that little change in my daily wardrobe opened me up, as well. The new Jojo Locatelli bags are beautiful. Thank you for bringing these wonderful items to your store.
Love this bag. A little to expensive. Wish it had been in a pink shade. Not a peachy pink. Thoughts for next holiday season.
Hi, Marsha Jo! It’s true there’s not a pink Stasher this time around, but we do have the smaller – and also less expensive – Recoleta (also made by Joji) in a terrific shade called “Soft Pink.”
That’s the perfect color for you!!
The tote looks fabulous with that beautiful coat!
Wow, that price is not affordable.
Do what makes you happy! Beautiful bag. Thank you for uplifting us with your bag and your post.
I’m having yellow envy after buying the brown. It has already become my favorite travel tote. My Joji Recoleta bag, that I use as a purse, and my knitting project fit perfectly along with my iPad, featherweight cashmere shawl and assorted airplane snacks.
I agree, the bag of sunshine looks fabulous with that outfit!
I love this Stasher and have a bit of envy that you have the beautiful one in yellow. It is the ideal carry on for all things necessary on the plane- laptop, knitting, magazines, toiletries… Love the zipper top too!
PS – Although it seems pricey it will last a lifetime and know that when you buy her pieces you are not only supporting MDK but Joji and her commitment to supporting local women and elevating their craft making to a viable living wage on a global platform.
Important and well put Laure. Her bags are pricey, I agree, but very beautiful, totally unique and long lasting.
I agree (as an admitted Joji & co enthusiast), while certainly pricey, for the quality I actually don’t think they are expensive compared to similar bags I see in the US. I have a tote that I have used for years and is still going strong. I also love their support of local makers.
@Ann, you are ROCKING the yellow!
Chloé Saint-Laurent in Paris Murders carries a huge purse this same color! I searched for it, but it’s not available anywhere. This tote would be a good standin.
My first thought was of Chloè too! And Ann’s coat is very Chloé as well!
That bag is an absolute stunner. Totally agree the yellow works as a neutral, and would buy it today if I wasn’t done in from Christmas shopping!
Enjoy your lovely new bag! It’s a gorgeous colour. Yes, a sunbeam. May it last forever. I don’t think I could resist the temptation if all the candy were in reach.
Who can afford them? Unfortunately, only the wealthy.
Wealth does not apply only to money. It applies to family and good times and good ideas. Sometimes, I have one, and at other times another.
It is indeed gorgeous, and looks well made. But – $450.00? Never have been much of a name dropper. I’ll work on my stash, instead.
I think $450 for a large leather bag With A Zipper, two handles and a strap is reasonable in this day and age. But still pricey for my budget, and considering that I Lose Everything. But it’s gorgeous AND practical so I might start saving for next year. If I could afford it, I would get both colors. Chloe
But the bright yellow might make it harder to lose, don’t you think? I mean a black bag on a black restaurant floor would be easy to miss, but this stands out against all the background.
I’m speaking from experience here….bought the mustard yello Recoleta bag last year and the bright color has saved me time and again. As I’m leaving the coffee shop without it, someone always calls to me…”Hey, you forgot your gorgeous yellow bag!” And they always say gorgeous….i figure they have been eyeing it enviously the whole time I’ve been sipping my latte!
Me likey. Yum!
Love this! I’m having Tote Bag Envy! Though I do love my ABLE tote….. and don’t want to hurt its feelings.
Happy Holidays!