Toting Around

Messenger Tote Bag

I must say I love a good tote! I have always been a fan of wearing my bags around the wrist or slung across the chest. Being an island girl that enjoys to switch between island chic and high fashion styles, totes to me, can reflect both worlds easily. You also drop in what you want and go, especially when you are always ‘hustling and bustling’’.

With that said, I am proud to say that I have learnt to make my own tote bag! At the end of my Clothing and Textiles course, the last project was to design and construct a tote bag using two indigenous materials of Jamaica. I was inspired to use leather and a hard coconut shell as the two pieces to enhance my bag. These two pieces I found complimented my style perfectly and reflected my lifestyle as well.

When choosing a bag, durability, style and convenience are the main factors to consider. The durability of leather is its most notable benefit, and this is why I used leather pieces for the key areas of wear and tear, such as the straps, opening piece and the base. These areas also acted as accent pieces to portray the professional chic style that leather often gives. Leather in general will forever remain fashionable. It smells good, and is flexible like my lifestyle. The hard coconut shell was used as the button for the bag, and you know a true island girl loves her coconuts! The button contributes to the strength of the bag. There is no doubt that this button will last forever and what a different style it adds.

I am also a lover of black and white, hence the fabric of the bag.Black and white are always the colours for a high fashion look. However, to tote around a daily bright mood, a pop of color was needed on the inside and this mustard yellow was that perfect accent to complete the bag.

So that’s the break down for my first authentic messenger tote bag. A handbag is a lady’s friend, so of course when choosing one make sure it confidently represents you.

-Sincerely, A.