You guys know I love tote bags. Like, LOVE. I’ve really stopped using purses altogether in recent years, with the exception of a lady bag or clutch here or there. I am team tote all the way! Last year, I tried out a Barrington Gifts tote for the first time, and have been loving them ever since. Barrington Gifts makes super adorable monogram leather goods and bags you can completely customize from the pattern, monogram and colors. Last year when I first shared my St. Anne tote the number #1 request was always a peek inside! I use my St. Anne as a daily purse and work bag, and recently got the St. Charles Yacht tote for summer and wanted to share why this it’s the perfect versatile tote for anyone on the go, and how I pack and use my favorite large tote!
The St. Charles is really ideal for any day trips to the lake, beach or park, and is also great for overnights, weekends, and as a carry-on. I imagine it would make an awesome diaper bag, too because you can kind of toss everything in and it stays orderly from the six large compartments! The internal compartments make it really ideal for any packing scenario, big or small. When I pack my St. Charles tote, I take full advantage of the pockets and also use some fun storage bags inside as well. This weekend I used my tote when we stayed at my in-laws’ for the puppies, and I actually knew where everything was in my bag because of the compartments. I am obsessed with Barrington’s new oversized monogram. It is such a modern take on a classic concept and I am 100% here for it.
I wanted to walk you through how I pack my St. Charles for both a day and overnight scenario to show how much you can actually fit in this tote and why it’s so practical. I am showing a glance at everything in there at once, then the different layers of the tote! Nuts how it all fits!
DAY TRIP
- Blanket or towel (the St. Charles can store up to 6 beach towels!)
- Change of Clothes
- Water bottle
- Books and Magazines
- Ipad
- Needlepoint case!
- Hat & flip flops
- Pouch with cosmetics
- Clutch in case I need to run someplace without my tote
- In the compartments I store: wallet, sunnies, sunscreen, headbands, hairbrush, mask, hand sanitizer, and phone
OVERNIGHT/WEEKEND here’s what I pack that fits seamlessly:
- Two outfits for the weekend
- Pajamas
- Laptop
- Shoes & Hat
- Water Bottle
- Book
- Cosmetics Case
- Jewelry Case
- Mini purse/clutch
- In the compartments I store: chargers, wallet, sunnies, hairbrush, lotion, dry shampoo, mask, pens and a notepad (you never know when you’ll need it!
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All great recommendations. I especially love that St. Charles Barrington tote!! Your monogram is the perfect, colorful finishing touch…along with that cute hat!!! Thank you for sharing so many perfect options.