The Best Affordable Work Totes Inspired by Paris Street Style
Mar 22, 2018
The dreaded time has come for me to retire the duffel bags collecting dust in my closet. They’ve been by my side since my early college days and accompanied me during multiple trips to New York City at the beginning of my relationship. Now? Uh, they’re hanging on by a thread hence their haphazard storage location. Don't even get me started on my tote bags 🫠.
As much as it pains me to think about parting ways with them, I know it’s time for me to give myself a major travel upgrade. It’s not like we have to sacrifice style over function anymore so I’m giving myself permission to embrace new things. Interested in seeing which duffel bags I've been eyeing? Keep scrolling to see the 9 picks that are my shopping radar!
Shop Stylish Duffel Bags Here!
CALPAK Travel Stevyn Rolling Duffel (Cheetah)
My S.O. has family in Virginia and NYC so it's inevitable that we'll be traveling with a busy toddler this year. While searching for duffel bags, I came across this rolling design by CALPAK. The cheetah print caught my eye first, but the wheels and separate shoe compartment feature pulled me in. Someone clearly understood that some of us aren't that great at packing our shoes and clothes in one big space.
BÉIS The Commuter Duffel (Beige)
I'm not doing much commuting these days (thank goodness), but this still seems like one of the best weekender duffel bags I've come across. I love bags that have multiple exterior pockets and this design by BÉIS isn't short on that. It's also super roomy inside which means I can pack at least 2-3 outfits, bras, underwear, and even my compact water bottle without wondering if I've overpacked.
Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag (Magnifique Floral)
I'm not above cute floral weekender duffel bags at all. I'm actually drawn to them now that I'm a little older so I guess this means my grandma was on to something with her love for floral things. Anyway, the exterior pockets on this bag are zippered so that'll keep your miscellaneous essentials safe and secure. I already know you'll probably pack extra red lipstickor face wash to get around TSA's strict rules because I will too!
Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Extra-Large Weekender Bag
This bag is speaking to the part of me that's ultra-feminine. I love my earth tone colors like hunter green and taupe, but pink will always cradle my heart with its stylish appeal. This weekender bag may not have all the spacious features as the other duffel bags I've mentioned, but sometimes I'm willing to break the rules by choosing style over function.
Lulu's Oversized Beige Weekender Bag
Not everyone wants a patterned or colorful bag so I've been eyeing this weekender duffle bag for the moments I don't want to draw to much attention to myself in the airport. It only has interior storage options which makes it perfect for those quick "Please spend the night" moments 👀.
CALPAK Stevyn Duffel Bag with Shoe Compartment (Daisy)
This design is so nice, I had to add it twice except this one doesn't have wheels! I like to think of this as the sister or friend who doesn't have kids of CALPAK's rolling duffel bag. The handle straps make it easy to carry your essentials inside and you still get the cool shoe compartment feature!
Minted Botanical Cascade Fillmore Duffel Bag
I didn't know Minted sold duffel bags so I was ecstatic when I found this cute design that somehow reminds me of growing up in Florida. Truthfully, this bag was inspired by the famous San Francisco landmark so that also checks out. It has side-panel pockets that keep your smaller accessories in place and it has a interior pocket that can safely house your wallet.
Also, there's no need to check this bag in because it can fit securely in the overhead space.
Under Armour Favorite Duffel Bag
If your next adventure involves a camping trip where you'll be doing a ton of hiking, you need a sturdy duffel bag. Under Armour's designed this one to comfortably secure your belongings and allow you to transport them without feeling weighed down.
If you just want to take this to the gym, we won't judge you. In this day and age, having options isn't always a bad thing!
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Lead image via CALPAK
Are you stressed right now? Maybe not so stressed that you curl up in a ball, or run around screaming, but most of us have at least some stress in our lives. And often that’s a good thing; the right amount of stress motivates us and gets us up in the morning. But if stress gets too much, we start to suffer, become demotivated, and eventually collapse as our nervous system falls apart.
Fortunately, there are ways in which we can build our resilience. Some of these are useful for everyone; getting support from your family and friends, nurturing a positive view of yourself, doing things that you enjoy and find relaxing, developing realistic goals and taking action to achieve them. But some will be unique to you, to your particular circumstances to your personality. If you know your personality type, you will have a head start on knowing what your stress triggers are (and so dealing with them), how you react to stress, and how to cope with that reaction. In other words, how to build resilience.
Personality Types And How They Deal With Stress
Image via Photo by Mikhail Nilov/Pexels
The personality type framework, as measured by the Myers-Briggs(MBTI) assessment, looks at four aspects of personality:
- Extraversion-Introversion — People with an Extraversion personality preference are energized by and focus their attention on what’s happening around them, their external world. They are likely to find spending too much time alone without enough external stimulation quite stressful. People with an Introversion preference are energized by and focus their attention on their inner world of thoughts and feelings. They can become stressed if they are forced to spend too much time with others, or when they have to cope with too many external distractions.
- Sensing-Intuition — is all about how we take in information. People with a Sensing preference prefer information that is realistic, practical, built on past or present real-life experiences, and often detailed. They can be stressed when things are ambiguous and unclear, without any clear direction. People with an Intuition preference are interested in the big picture, in how things connect, and in ideas rather than facts. They will find having to follow exact instructions stressful, and working with people who demand lots of detail.
- Thinking-Feeling —People with a Thinking preference want to make decisions using objective logic and will be stressed when decisions seem to be subjective, or when they are forced to concentrate on people rather than the task at hand. People with a Feeling preference want to make decisions that line up with their values and they will be stressed if they feel that those values are not being respected, and when there is conflict.
- Judging-Perceiving — People with a Judging preference want to live in an organized, planned way and will find dealing with disorganized people stressful, or having to rush things at the last minute. People with a Judging preference want to live in a more spontaneous, emergent way and will become stressed when they have to deal with inflexible people, or when they are forced to make decisions before they feel they really need to.
Image via Photo by Mike Jones/Pexels
Everyone will have a preference for Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), for Sensing (S) or for Intuition (N), for Thinking (T) or for Feeling (F), and for Judging (J) or for Perceiving (P). These four preferences combine together dynamically to give one of 16 types. For example, if someone has preferences for Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking and Judging, then their overall type would be ESTJ. If you know your type, you can identify your likely stressors (and so avoid or mitigate them), your typical behavior under everyday stress (so that you can recognize when you are stressed) and what to do to cope with that reaction, stop the stress cycle and so build resilience. Here’s the detail for each type.
Image via Photo by Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels
ESTP and ESFP
Stressors
- Lack of stimulation and excitement
- Theoretical, abstract tasks without any practical application right now
- Being physically confined, e.g. though illness or circumstance
Behavior under everyday stress
- Seeks out more and more external stimulation and excitement
- May behave in a thrill-seeking or dangerous way or over-indulge
- Lives solely in the present moment and will not make any decisions
How to stop the stress cycle
- Pause, stop what you are doing, or think through what you will do next before you do it
Image via Photo by Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
ESTJ and ENTJ
Stressors
- Inefficient people, systems, or organizations
- Lack of closure, not being able to make decisions, blockers
- Having to focus on people's feelings, rather than the task
Behavior under everyday stress
- Becomes overly directive, forceful, or even aggressive
- Makes snap decisions and imposes them on others
- Dismisses evidence/other opinions that don't fir your view
How to stop the stress cycle
- Stop making any decisions until you have taken some time out to explore all the available information.
Image via Photo by Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels
ENTP and ENFP
Stressors
- People who say "it'll never work"
- Too much seemingly irrelevant detail
- Lack of variety; not being able to do anything new
Behavior under everyday stress
- Shares increasingly impractical ideas with more and more people
- Unable to take things seriously, becomes destructively 'playful'
- Will be tied down to decisions
How to stop the stress cycle
- Slow down. Take some time out to quietly decide on a course of action
Image via Anna Shvets/Pexels
ESFJ and ENFJ
Stressors
- Conflict with others and between others
- Lack of warmth, not having friendliness reciprocated
- Injustice in the world at large
Behavior under everyday stress
- Become effusive and over-friendly
- Becomes demanding in getting your own and others' needs met
- Interprets situations in terms of your values, ignoring any other evidence
How to stop the stress cycle
- Step back from the situation and the people involved and consider alternatives and the facts
Image via Yan Krukau/Pexels
INTP and ISTP
Stressors
- Having your carefully reasoned solutions dismissed or ignored
- Illogical decisions that have not been thought through
- Excessive displays of approval or emotion from others
Behavior under everyday stress
- Withdraws to solve problems by yourself
- Fixates on finding the one correct solution
- Ignores other people; makes decisions without informing them
How to stop the stress cycle
- Talk to others to explore information and ideas
Image via Mizuno K/Pexels
ISTJ and ISFJ
Stressors
- Having to act without detailed, practical information or plans
- Having the lessons of your experience dismissed by others
- Changing things that already work
Behavior under everyday stress
- Obsessively searches for that one important piece of information
- Withdraws from the outer world
- Cannot make a decision until all the information has been found
How to stop the stress cycle
- Talk to others to help you prioritize and make a decision
Image via Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels
ISFP and INFP
Stressors
- People who ignore, dismiss, or contravene your values
- Working in a job that is at odds with those values
- Inflexible and unthinking people or organizations
Behavior under everyday stress
- Withdraws into an inner dialogue
- Obsessively works through decisions that fir your values
- Ignores facts that do not fit with the picture you have painted
How to stop the stress cycle
- Talk to others to get their reassurance and help in considering the facts and alternatives
Image viaMART PRODUCTION/Pexels
INTJ and INFJ
Stressors
- Not having time to think through possibilities before answering
- Having your well-considered ideas dismissed or ignored
- Disorganized, opinionated people
Behavior under everyday stress
- Withdraws to build increasingly complex ideas in your head
- These models may become divorced from reality
- Unable to act under every possibility has been explored
How to stop the stress cycle
- Talk to others to help decide which of your many ideas should be pursued
When you feel stressed, it can get in the way of dealing effectively with life’s demands, and it can affect everything you do. Understanding your MBTI personality type will help you to build resilience.
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Lead image viaKarolina Grabowska/Pexels
Raffia is by no means new when it comes to warm weather accessories, but lately we're seeing fresh, fun new ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe. From statement shoes to straw hats, it's just a summertime staple — which is why we love straw bags so much this year.
This lovely little material is made from the straw of the raffia palm, which is then woven to make the many things we love! The raffia bag started as a trend in the 1950's thanks to OG style queen Jane Birkin. She always carried a mini basket bag made of straw or raffia, soon after becoming a must-have french accessory, and voila! The surge of raffia begins!
So, whether you're looking for a tote or crossbody, here are all of our favorite straw bags to shop right now!
Shop Straw Bags Here!
All Saints Lullah Bag
I love this All Saints bag in all of its bow-like handle glory. It has the perfect french "je ne sais quoi" needed to make an outfit perfect for summer. Plus, All Saints is known great, long lasting quality, so you'll be able to reuse this season after season.
Btb Be Mine Straw Tote
This unique heart-printed straw bag might just be my favorite on the list! It's got an extra ounce of personality that I love for the summer. It's also listed at an incredible price-point, so you don't have to worry about getting it damaged or sandy from too many trips to the beach.
Gap Straw Tote
This incredibly affordable straw tote from Gap is definitely a must have! With how large it is, you could really fit everything you need inside! Go ahead and throw in your beach blanket,lunch, umbrella, and some drinks inside because this bag can hold it all — and look cute doing it!
Target Mini Embellished Straw Bag
This mini embellished bag is a perfectly unique way to try out this trend! It's dainty, detailed, and only $25! You can't beat that price!!!
J.Crew Kayu Mini Rosie Tote
This pink mini basket is tres chic! It gives all the Parisian vibes with a sweet, pink bow wrapped around the handles with the gold charm to top it all off. This would look too cute paired with a matching pink dress or pink shoes! Take this one on your European vacation to completely look the Parisian part.
Kate Spade Manhattan Floral Tote
We love Kate Spade bags for their fun and floral prints, and this one is no different! I love the structure and texture to this tote — which are two factors I'm always looking for when shopping for bags. Outside of the straw, this bag also has leather lining it, so it sits up straight and doesn't slouch. A great raffia-leather hybrid!
J. Crew Small Raffia Bag
This bag is absolutely everything with the classic, vintage look that it gives off! And despite its quiet luxury look, it's under $100 — a great deal for such an on-trend item! It would look so good styled with a white midi dress and either some flats or gladiator sandals.
Bob Los Angeles Uri Raffia Bag
Any weddings coming up? This is the perfect accessory to take with you! It has a small, unique shape with the most adorable pearl handle. I would definitely pair this with a cute, summer dress and matching white heels to compliment the bag.
Longchamp Le Pliage Raffia Tote
I absolutely adore this Longchamp pick! It has the cutest, vintage-inspired print on the front that mixes so well with the vintage aspects of the raffia itself. And while the form is all that, I love that it has an additional strap for better function as well!
Coach Small Straw Tote
This looks like a true, authentic raffia basket bag that people carried in the '50s. It's simple, chic, and understated — perfect for dressing up or dressing down with some nice denim shorts. So if you want to look like you're coming straight out of a vintage post-card, then we highly suggest this one.
Target Handheld Straw Tote
This straw bag is an amazing target find under $50! I love Target for finding practical and approachable ways to current trending items like this one above. They manage to keep up with all the trends while still staying understated, casual, and chic as well. Pair this with a fun floral dress with some matching raffia sandals.
Madewell Transport Tote
Well raffia just got even more fun with this hot pink raffia tote from Madewell. They do spring and summer items so well, and we just adore this pink tote to add a fun pop of color to an outfit. I also love that it has nice lining inside to protect anything from slipping through, or being too see-through — pretty and practical!
J.Crew Portofino Clutch
I have been absolutely loving straw and raffia clutches lately! I have one very similar to this that I've been wearing nonstop. I like that it keeps me from having a huge bag on my shoulder and instead, I just put necessities inside like my camera, lipgloss, hand sanitizer, and things like that — just the basics for while I go out to dinner or grab a drink!
Target Mini Boxy Crossbody
When cute meets practical, this crossbody does it all! This bag from Target keeps you hands-free and on-trend, while also featuring a magnetic closure and interior pockets for added usability. Love!
Staud Medium Raffia Bag
Staud has such unique bags of different shapes and sizes. I've been a fan of their moon-shaped bag, so I'm thrilled to see that they managed to make it in raffia. This looks like a fun going out bag that could easily make your look seem dressed up but still summery. Mark my words, this bag will be everywhere soon!
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Header image via J.Crew
I'm not sure about you, but it's that time of year that I'm already planning multiple vacations in my head where I'm sitting somewhere by a beach in full-blown relaxation mode. And while I love to look ahead at my itinerary, my favorite part of vacation planning is definitely the outfits! I get so excited that I create a Pinterest board, packing list, vacation wishlist, and schedule the outfits all in advance on my notes app — it's serious business! With all that in mind, I thought I'd share with you some white vacation dresses that are to-die-for right now!
Writer's Note: A lot of these will be either linen, cotton, and silks, or satins because they're the most breathable materials and can really help in hotter temperatures! So I almost always stick to those fabrics because they allow for me to be in hotter temperatures and not feel like 100 degrees.
Shop White Vacation Dresses Here!
ASTR The Label Off-Shoulder Dress
Everyone needs the quintessential linen white dress for vacation, and this is IT! Everything about this is romantic and perfect for vacation with the off-shoulder, side slit, and midi style of the dress. You can dress is up with some heels, or dress it down with sandals for a day at the beach.
J.Crew Stretch Linen Dress
J.Crew's been killing the game lately with their innovative and fun styles, and this one is no different! I love the linen (again we want breathable fabric for summer) along with the fun gold detailing on the straps. This one is also on sale for 40% off right now, so definitely grab this one for you summer vacations!
Halogen Halter Neck Linen Dress
The halter neck of this chic dress gives it a more modest and classic feel that I love. It's giving me serious Meghan Markle vibes, so you know it's good! Grab this one to fulfill all of your summer plans!
Abercrombie Slip Maxi Dress
I had to add this one in the mix because of its unique design that's giving me all the Italian summer on the Amalfi coast feels! The sweet fruit pattern is the perfect touch to brighten up a simple white dress. And for under $100, it's at such a great price-point!
Chelsea28 Tiered Maxi Dress
A tired dress is another staple to your vacation wardrobe. I love this boho chic one because it looks straight out of Mamma Mia on an island off the coast of Greece. An idyllic dress for all of your Euro-Summer-2024 plans!
Banana Republic Silk Maxi
You can never have too many silk dresses for vacation, and this cream, silk dress takes thecake! I love how vintage-inspired it is with the pleats at the top. I picture this stunning dress at a dinner paired with metallic heels like above and a matching mini bag. I just adore this piece!
ASTR Floral Lace Dress
Lace has entered the chat! And can you believe it's only $109?! I love this ASTR The Label dress for their super cute pieces at such an affordable price. This one screams vacation by the beach to me!
House of CB Emmelina Dress
House of CB is one of my favorite brands at the moment because their designs are so feminine and flattering for so many different body types and sizes. This dress is one that I personally have had on my wishlist for summer vacation for quite some time because of its elegant shape and cut. You're sure to look phenomenal in this classic piece!
Abercrombie Plunge Satin Dress
For every vacation, a simple silk dress is a must because of its breathability and versatility when it comes to styling. This dress is ideal for walks on the beach or for a nice dinner on the coast. Plus the low back is an amazing addition as well for a more sexy look. Abercrombie does it again, ladies!
J.Crew Bungalow Maxi Dress
Can you think of a better dress that works as both a beach coverup and adorable lunch dress? This linen maxi dress from J.Crew will take you from beach to dinner in the chicest way. I love the cuts at the bottom to not make it too billowy and the low V-neck looks super flattering as well. Adding this to my wishlist ASAP!
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Lead image via Banana Republic.
We all want to step out in style, and these sneaker trends are your one-way ticket to getting there. From sportier silhouettes to sleek, fashion-forward footwear, we’re seeing a specific handful of unique (and sometimes controversial)sneakers out on the streets that suit anyone and everyone! No matter what look you're going for, we’ve got a range of trending sneaker styles for 2024 that’ll compliment your very best ‘fits and your budget.
Sporty Sneakers
Adidas Samba OG Shoes
The first sneaker trend needs no introduction. You’ve seen ‘em on all the cool fashion girls (and beyond), enough to know that sporty sneakers are in.
Adidas sneakers are the prime example of the sporty sneaker trend. The most popular styles – Gazelles and Sambas – have history with soccer and handball, but they’re not quite being sported for sport anymore. They’re easy to wear with your most casual jeans or even paired with a flowy maxi skirt!
On the other side of the spectrum, gorp-core brands like Salomon have more technical-looking sneakers that still fit into the everyday.
The Samba OG shoes come in a variety of colors, but these white-on-black ones are the most approachable. A limited color palette makes way for endless matching possibilities, plus these are just so comfy!
The Adidas Samba OG Shoes are $100.
New Balance 1906 Utility Unisex Sneakers
Flaunting a sizable tread and a plush platform, these sneakers from New Balance are unquestionably sporty, but get a stylish edge from the muted green and brown details. Since they're designed for running, you can feel the utmost support from these shoes – even if you're not trying to beat your current mile time.
The New Balance 1906 Utility Unisex Sneakers are $160.
Salomon XT-6 Unisex Sportstyle Shoes
These sleek sneakers skip the laces, favoring an easy on-and-off drawstring for the perfect fit. While they're chunkier and more detailed than your average Adidas sneaker, the Salomon XT-6's give a unique, fashion-forward vibe with their iconic logo. Any sneakerhead will be fascinated by these sneaks.
The Salomon XT-6 sneakers are available in 15 other colors for $200.
Blue Sneakers
Nike Blazer Low '77 Sneaker
If you don’t quite know what sneaker trends to shop for in terms of shape and silhouette, going for a specific color can help guide you to the perfect pair. Blue sneakers are totally hot right now amongst the cool fashion gals, whether they rock 'em in royal hues or lighter blues, like the styles listed.
These slimmer sneakers are reminiscent of the famed Adidas ones, but the suede material makes them less sporty and more casual for everyday wear.
The Nike Blazer Low '77 Sneakers are $100 at Nordstrom.
Puma Palermo Leather Sneaker
Another low-profile blue shoe, these Pumas are a total 80's throwback. They flaunt classic details like the rubber role and paneled toe, plus the Puma logo you just can't miss. The lighter blue would go great with this season's trending colors, like butter yellow or even lilac.
The Puma Palermo Leather Sneakers are $90 at Nordstrom.
Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes
Think of these Adidas sneaks as your new everyday shoe, but more colorful. From the grocery store to the park, you'll be stepping in style with this contrasting style! The trio of stripes on each side of these shoes is super iconic, so your looks will immediately be on-trend, no matter what you're wearing.
The Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes also come in a number of other color combos, and go for $110.
Metallic Sneakers
New Balance 1906R Unisex Sneakers
In addition to all things blue, metallic sneakers have been hitting the pavement and turning heads everywhere. I’ve mostly spotted silver sneakers in the wild, but metallic sneakers are also shoppable in golds and other eye-catching shades.
If you don't want to rock a full-on shiny shoe quite yet, these New Balance sneakers are the perfect place to start. They're fitted with metallic detailing along the sides for a stunning effect. You'll love 'em even more for their added cushiness and support around the arch and ankles.
The New Balance 1906R Unisex Sneakers are $155.
ALOHAS tb. 490 Leather Sneakers
These ALOHAS shoes are a low-key dupe for the well-loved Adidas sneakers. The rubber sole, low-sitting profile, and layered paneling along the toe give the same effect, except these have an exceptional shine.
These sneakers go for $190 at Urban Outfitters. You can also shop them in four other fun colors.
Adidas Country OG Shoes
These best-selling shoes will (literally) outshine all of the other pairs hanging out in your wardrobe. They have that oh-so 70's feel in shape, but carry a modern twist in the silver shininess.
The Adidas Country OG Shoes are $120.
Ballet Sneakers
Skechers Relaxed Fit: Breathe-Easy Shoes
They're not ballet flats, but they’re not quite sneakers, either. Ballet sneakers are on the rise right now, with unique (and a bit divisive) styles like the New Balance 1906L and the Kiko Kostadinov x Heaven by Marc Jacobs x Gel-Lokros shoes hitting the high-end market.
Ballet sneakers are a great way to toe the line between comfy and cute, especially when your soles need some extra support since they’re often bulkier than your average flat.
I am obsessed with this sporty move that Skechers made on their Mary Jane-esque shoes. These ballet sneakers have a nice tread on the bottom and secure on top with a velcro strap. The black colorway is super easy to wear alone or with socks for a layered look!
These supportive Skechers Relaxed Fit: Breathe-Easy Shoes cost $63.
Heaven by Marc Jacobs x Kiko Kostadinov Vapor Cosmos
These strappy sneakers also approach Mary Jane territory with stretchy straps and buckles up top, though the bottoms are cushier and traditionally sneaker-like. This pair flaunts some coquette-ish details, from the scalloped trim to the star-shaped stitching on the toes.
This pair of Heaven by Marc Jacobs x Kiko Kostadinov Vapor Cosmos go for $222 on StockX.
Buffalo Binary Ballet Sneaker
These adorable pink ballet sneakers are ready to hit the pavement with a chunky sole. The upper half of the shoe is more delicate, with tiny pleats and a seamless buckle detail.
The Buffalo Binary Ballet Sneakers are $180 at Urban Outfitters.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.