So, one of the things about riding the bus is that I need to carry a certain number of things with me every day. First and foremost, for the event of rain, I carry an umbrella and a folds-into-a-pocket raincoat with me every time I ride the bus. The rest of my Every Day Carry is a book, a composition book, a couple of pens or sharpies, cell phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, way more lip products than I’ll ever need, a lunchbag, a stainless steel water bottle, a thermos, and a cardigan or a pashmina because my office is generally freezing. Bottom line is: I carry a lot of stuff every single day.
Currently, I’m using a ginormo tote that is a black burlap-y material, with leather straps that are reinforced with

grommet things. It has a zip closure, which is nice in the event of rain so my books don’t get ruined. It’s about 18 inches wide, 12 inches tall, and 5 inches deep. And it’s ruining my clothes. Apparently the weird burlap-y material rubs against my cardigans and jersey dresses and causes them to pill like crazy. And I can’t have that happening.
So, I need help picking a new tote. If possible, I’d like my money to go to an acutal human instead of someone like the Gap (though I like this tote), so, after browsing like 100 pages of totes on Etsy, I found a great seller: banyanhippo. Only problem is I like SEVERAL of the bags. Want to help me choose? Just leave me a comment and tell me which one you like. Or if you have seen other great ginormo totes somewhere recently, tell me about it!
Option 1:
Option 2:

Option 3:

Option 4:

Edit: did some more looking and found a couple more that I like.
Option 5:

Option 6, for fans of Option 1:

So, what say ye, internets?
I like option 2. It makes me happy.
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I think the first one is the dressiest, if that matters. I prefer the fabric of the second one though.
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If you don’t pick the first one, I will drive to Charleston and poke you in the eye!
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Oh no, not the eyes! Also, it took me a few minutes to figure out the “2nd fave roommate” thing. I was wondering who #1 would be. Then I realized Jon probably counts as a roommate!
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You used to tell me, “Obviously I can’t say you’re my favorite roommate ever but you’re a close second!” :-)
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Also, maybe I’ll just pick a different bag so you’ll HAVE to drive to Charleston. I’ll just wear goggles or something!
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I really, reaaaaaally like the first bag. Bag #2 is also really cute.
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i’d pick whichever one is NOT a color i usually wear. less clashiness will occur. like if you wear a ton of blue, get a greener one so you don’t end up with multiple close-together shades of blue. or get a darker blue than you usually wear. :)
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I like the blue. Orlande has a really good point, though, so keep that thought in mind.
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Etsy = yes.
I like #5! I recently bought a bag (on Etsy) with a longer strap and it works great for riding the bus – it stays closer to the body than a purse or tote.
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#1 still gets my vote, but I also like #5 a lot. You can bet I will be visiting this etsy seller soon.
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I should note that the bottom two bags are from a different seller, but if you click the pics you can get to her store!
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I vote #2! But #1 is also pretty awesome.
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