There are few things in my wardrobe that get more wear than the fanny pack that's usually slung across my chest. Still, there are times when it's necessary for me to bust out a mom bag that's large enough to fit whatever the day is throwing at me - baby wipes, sunscreen, bags of goldfish, a bottle of bubbles, whatever it takes. While the cotton tote I usually grab for groceries has done the job more than once, I've decided that a better option is needed - one without loose strawberry stems and crumpled Trader Joe's receipts at the bottom. Enter the Clare V. Michel Crochet Cotton Tote ($165), a cotton bag that accommodates more than the bare necessities and makes everything from a sweatsuit to jeans and a T-shirt look intentional and cool.
What I Love About the Clare V. Michel Crochet Cotton Tote
While it's technically the same material as my grocery store tote, it's crafted from supersoft crochet cotton, which gives it the most amazing texture. Unlike some woven bags that can be a little rough and scratchy, this one feels great on bare shoulders if you're wearing a tank top or against bare arms. The striped pattern and bold cobalt blue and poppy red colors make an eye-catching statement, but my favorite detail might be the "Le Vibe" text across the side of the bag. Maybe it's the recent Paris-held olympics or my bon vivant aspirations, but I can't help but feel a little more chic with it draped on my shoulder. Am I en route to Saint-Tropez or soccer practice? Definitely the latter, but no one needs to know. It has a small gold charm with the Clare V. logo on the side for subtle bling and an interior leather logo tag.
What's Worth Noting About the Clare V. Michel Crochet Cotton Tote
While it's large enough to hold my MacBook Air and my kids' tablets, it's not the sort of tote I'd want to weigh down with a bunch of heavy things. Ultimately, it's best suited for fairly light items since it's a simple crochet bag, not to be mistaken with your leather commuter. That said, you can definitely get away with carrying a Kindle or even a laptop in a pinch, but it really shines as a carrier for your wallet, keys, sunglasses, and any other slightly larger items you couldn't cram into a typical crossbody, like a notebook - or in my case, a coloring book and box of crayons. It also doesn't have any interior pockets, which might turn some folks off. The Clare V. bag comes with a cute cotton pouch with the words "Merci Beau Coup" for you to store the bag in, which is a nice bonus.
Who is the Clare V. Michel Crochet Cotton Tote Best For?
If you're looking for a sporty-chic tote that exudes designer vibes and is more weekend than weekday, you'll love this. It's the type of bag people notice, so get ready for compliments. That said, if you're looking for a tote with all the bells and whistles like interior pockets, a zippered closure, or a key leash, keep looking.
Additional Details About the Clare V. Michel Crochet Cotton Tote
- Dimensions: 14.5-inch width x 14-inch height x 1-inch diameter with a 10-inch strap drop.
- Unlined and made from 100 percent cotton.
- Hispanic and Latinx owned/founded.
Where is the Clare V. Michel Crochet Cotton Tote Available?
The tote is available at Nordstrom, Clare V., and Anthropologie.
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Angela Elias is a contributing editor for PS Shopping. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.