grab your bag

‘Tis the season for traveling, and an oversized tote is a staple that everyone needs – less intense than a suitcase, more substantial than a canvas bag, and less colligate than a backpack.

The problem is finding a stylish and durable bag without breaking the bank. Let’s pause on the word durable. Keep in mind the kind of life you will give this item – using it to lug around your lap top and work papers or being stuff it into an overhead compartment. A cheap bag, while cheap, in my opinion is ultimately a waste of money because when tested it will fall probably when you need it most i.e. hustling through airport security.

A popular and classic tote bag I see all over Michigan Ave is the Michael Kors Jet Set Large Travel East West Tote which starts around $278 (want it? go get it). From there the prices climb skyward when you start looking at the creme de la creme brands.

While I don’t discourage dropping some coin on a timeless piece that will last a lifetime or more, I also just can’t seem to bring my thrifty self to spend the money.

Soo…I think that this is a perfect item to hunt. It’s a rare find (one size fits all and it never goes out of style), but not impossible.

One lucky day I came across a diamond in the rough at The Brown Elephant – a Chicago based chain of resale shops which funds the Howard Brown Health Center which exists to eliminate the disparities in heath care experiences by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote heath and wellness. A wonderful cause and a wonderful source for you Chicago thrifters! Especially if you are hunting for furniture or art.

She was a little beat up, but her damage was only surface level, and after some special treatment including a deep interior cleaning and a generous leather conditioning, she was shining like new, and in our humble opinion kicking MK’s booty.

The brand is a mystery – most likely because it was made during a time when we weren’t a brand obsessed (was there a time?)

Now this no name bucket of buttery leather is ready for it’s next lifetime of adventures. Check out our Tradesy closet to see if it’s still available.