Dream Totes

Above: Bottega Veneta promo photo for it's Intrecciato line of woven leather goods, with the German born model, Eugen Bauder

Mr. Peacock has had crush on this men's woven leather tote-bag, by Bottega Veneta. Mind you, the size and style of the tote would be fantastic, however...

I’m usually schlepping an overloaded tote bag on the subway to meet clients and it gets a complete workout. I think I would feel like I was babysitting a small child if I used this chic Intrecciato Tote, and need to keep an eye on it wherever I went. I prefer something more utilitarian that’s durable, but still has a nice silhouette...but in the meantime, I can dream about this Bottega Veneta tote bag.

This Filson tote is a brilliant bag—it’s durable, functional and smart looking. You can buy one with or without a zipper top. Order one here or here.

I would use either of these bags this spring and all the way through summer.
Above left: I love the navy canvas, with brown leather trim, on this bag. The detachable web striped handle adds a preppy touch and the leather bottom adds durability. You can buy one here.
Above right: This blue nylon bag with black leather trim has just enough of a color blast, without being overbearing or too feminine. The bag has a detachable strap, so you can use it as either a tote bag or satchel. More information here.

Above left: This whimsical "Superhero Coal Bag," has quirky line illustrations of superhero gear printed on tarp cloth canvas. Don’t worry, it’s reversible, so if you’re feeling in a solid traditional mood, you can flip it to its solid black side.
Above right: Mr. Peacock has always been fond of L.L. Bean tote bags, especially the styles with zipper tops—you can’t beat them for the price and durability. When you're traveling, you just zip it closed and toss it in the overhead bin. You can buy this olive drab Hunter'sTote Bag here, with either an embroidered deer, trout, turkey, or wood duck.
I love leather totes, especially after you "break them in" and they get a rich patina. These two bags aren't cheap, however, they would last for years.
Above left: Mr. Peacock loves typography, and these embossed numbers on this beautiful leather tote are irresistible. I also like the adjustable buckle-style handle. You can buy one here.
Above right: This clean structured, moss colored tote, by Phillip Lim, comes with a detachable canvas shoulder strap. Click here for more information.

Although, I admitted I prefer a utilitarian tote bag, these two luxury tote bags are tempting.
Above left: This Saint Louis tote, by Goyard, comes with a matching portable small wallet—perfect for glasses or an iPod. It's made for a ladies, however, in a dark color palette, this simple structured tote bag could also be appropriate for a gentleman. Click here for more information.
Above right: This large flat leather tote, by Rick Owens, is very chic—with its zippered pockets and embossed ridge-like details on the front and back panels. If you really want to splurge, you can buy one here.

This past autumn, Mr. Peacock was using a fine wale cotton corduroy tote. This bag was given to me ages ago and I sewed on a blue jay patch I found at the flea market. It has been a very durable bag...and it’s washable too.

Designer Man, Richard Haines, uses a tote...while Matt Fox, from the Fine and Dandy Shop, prefers a vintage briefcase. What do you use—a tote bag, messenger bag, or briefcase?