In this newsletter: an update on my latest projects, a retreat I’m attending soon, and a feature with my favorite 20 totes.
Hi there,
Back in March I announced to our paid subscribers that I was removing the paywall for the time being, mostly because the paid subscription promised access to in-person salons and curated experiences, which I wouldn’t have much time to do after my surgery in January and ongoing family commitments. Plus, I’ve been taking care of my advisory clients, who have grown in numbers over the last 6 moths.
I thought I’d give you a quick update. Since then, I’ve added a few special projects that I’m diligently working on. I am launching an exciting Wellness and Beauty Conference in Brazil on June 23rd, and after that I will be in the Hamptons enjoying my family and working on those projects, which I hope to share more about them soon.
But before I get to them, I’m excited that I’m going to a 1 day retreat in Montauk, hosted by Welcomehaus, whose Founders span 3 generations of incredible women: Jan Planit, Lauren Aiyana, and Carla-Rae Prober. This will be the first time I go to a retreat ever - I actually can’t believe I haven’t made time for one all of this time. I’m excited to take some time for myself and enjoy a beach front setting in Montauk. If you’d like to join me, there may be a few spots left, check here. More on them soon!
From now on you may or may not hear from me on a weekly basis, but I promise to send a newsletter whenever I can, and always on Thursdays. Many of them will be quick, others will be profiles of interesting people I’m connecting with that I think are worth sharing with you.
In today’s newsletter, I’m going to share the tote bags that 'I’ve been shopping for. I know we all got plenty of canvas totes from when we shop at stores, but I’m talking about real totes. I seem to have a fetish for them, and though I may not buy them all, I will never have enough of them, ever. I’m constantly loading my car with a hundred things. Today I had a large tote on the passenger seat with my handbag, water bottle and another small mesh tote (a cute gift with purchase from Bergdorf Goodman) filled with snacks for me and my children. And on my way home, I got food and shopping bags, and I regretted not adding another huge bag in my car… My bags need bags, so I will share what I’ve ben looking at.
PS: I’m excited with my advisory work, and I’ve been thrilled to meet one on one with great Founders. If you or someone you know is looking for strategic guidance on retail positioning, merchandising or content strategy, I’m selectively taking on advisory clients. You can book a discovery call HERE. My Linkedin is HERE for additional credentials.
Thanks so much, enjoy!
Patricia
The Garden Tote
Maybe a decade ago I bought a Japanese garden tote at Dover Street market, and a friend of mine made fun of me, asking me if I had some tools I needed to carry. Years later, it became a trend and now everyone has a garden inspired tote, so I feel vindicated 😊 I have a black tote, but I’m going to buy this one in ivory (1).
The Construction Tote in bubble gum looks great too, and I it’s a little larger. And one of my favorites is this customizable tote* (3): you can add snaps, short straps, key clips, extra internal pockets (I wish more totes would come with them!) , suitcase strap, laptop pocket, external pockets crossbody straps, extra handles, monograming and additional color for the bottom - this is the most customization I’ve seen so far. I like their story too.
California Happy
The brand Pacifico Tote Co.* was founded in 2013 by filmmaker Roman Coppola (Sofia Coppola’s older brother) and designer Duffy Culligan after they took a boat trip from Santa Barbara to Catalina, and started asking why the best totes had to be so serious. It’s a good question! The color combinations are pure joy (and so are their T-shirts).
(4) The Ojai in blush, kelly green and yellow (5) The Mammoth in Natural, black and pink (6) The Big Sur in kelly green, and (7) The Catalina in Bottle green, butter and flamingo pink.
The OG and The Cute Spin Off
(8) Can’t beat the L.L.Bean* tote. I have all sizes, and just got the extra large (to hold more bags and snack…), and thinking about getting a mini too. But J Crew’s* version of it (9) is also very cute. It’s also customizable, and it comes in red, and in a smaller size.
Bright Fun Things
A while ago I got a phone case with my initials on it from this company, and I love their customized totes too. I think I’ll get the fun striped tote for my daughter and may get the natural color for me in the medium size, just lik the photos.
New Neutrals
These totes are by my friend Michael Hagen’s company Wyeth*. Easy, neutral but never boring. (12) in brown and natural and (13) and in blue and tan.
British Polish
(14) These are super chic and customizable, and the waterproof lining and zipper make it beach ready.
The Twofer
Who doesn’t love to get 2 for the price of 1? A beautiful reversible tote, these (15) come in the prettiest shade of pink reversing to a chocolate brown.
Always Chic
Phoebe Philo’s optic white bag with an outside pocket (16), J&M Davidson* Leopard Tote (17), and The Row canvas tote in brown and beige (18) are pricey but will never go out of style.
Pink Satin Dreams
This clean, modern yet frothy and feminine tote comes in a rainbow of colors, but this pink is the most irresistible. Who wouldn’t want a pink satin tote?
Honorable Mention
I’ve featured the Alex Mill* customizable totes before, but not in a special tote newsletter, so I will show it again, this time in Gwyneth Paltrow’s arms.
I could go on forever. But this is it for now. Sending love,
Patricia