10 Local Shops Where You Can Cop Understated Tote Bags
You'll tote-ally love these carriers.
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(SPOT.ph) Whoever thought of the phrase “You can never have too much of...” was definitely, 100%, thinking of tote bags. They’re practical, functional, and sustainable, not to mention #aesthetic—so yes, we totally get why you buy these versatile and timeless carriers. Whether it’s for grocery and errand runs or casual hangouts with the besties; museum and cafe dates; for work and school; or other travels, here is a list of local shops that offer understated tote bags that you can carry for all seasons.
Also read: The Most Recognizable Totes Any Bag Fiend Has on Their Wish List
Check out these local shops you can cop tote bags from:
Badass Tote Girl
Tote bags are loved by many. Some love these versatile carriers deep enough that they start a whole brand dedicated to them. Case in point: Badass Tote Girl, started in 2018. And nothing says understated better than their wide selection of everyday totes—starting with the aptly named Basic Tote (P750). The basic and functional tote, just like the rest of their offerings, is locally-made and handcrafted in Antipolo. The Basic Tote can carry more than just your essentials, complete with two exterior pockets and long straps that you can sling over your shoulder.
Straightforward
Straightforward is top of mind when it comes to local shops that have minimalist wardrobe essentials, and their totes are no exception. The local brand is filled with timeless and versatile buy-one-take-one carriers in all shapes and sizes, all made from their Straightforward Daily Vegan Leather staple. Consider the DVL Portrait Tote Bag (P999, available on Lazada), which you’ll almost always see hanging on someone's shoulders IRL.
Aniya Clothing
If you like your tote bags witty and relatable, not to mention affordable, local shop Aniya Clothing is just full of them. Let these carriers express your innermost thoughts, feelings, and humor like this Ayoko Na 'Di Ko Na Kaya (P150, available on Lazada) canvas tote bag or the Ang Saya-Saya Magtrabaho (Repeat 100 times) piece for the same price. Their tote bags, aside from carrying all your daily necessities, will surely elicit a chuckle or two from those fortunate enough to see them.
Artwork
Local shop Artwork has its fair share of relatable and snarky cotton canvas carriers like the Ang Init tote bag (P299) or the Things That Keep Me Going tote bag (P399, available on Lazada). All of the carriers have velcro and a pocket inside, too! Artwork has no shortage of items like wallets and pouches, shirts, hats, and caps, as well as stationery in their shops. Trust this local brand when it comes to fun prints and personality.
Stuff Happens
Keep it casual—wear a no-frills tote bag on your shoulders from Stuff Happens. Their Stuff Tote (P699) is the perfect canvas carrier for all your, well, stuff. The carrier keeps it simple and yes, very straightforward (much like the rest of this local shop's offerings) with the word "stuff" on one side plus a list of things you can keep inside the said bag on the other.
Totes & Beyond
Totes & Beyond has got them tote bags to suit your needs and preferences. From the material—cotton, polyester, canvas, to nylon material—down to the sizes, colors, and styles, which have versions of one another depending on the material. One of our absolute faves is the Puffer Book Tote Midi (P2,480) which is a version of their Poly Book Tote, with its roomy interior that can fit up to 15.6-inch laptops, and water-resistant exterior, perfect for the commute under Manila's unpredictable weather.
Totes & Beyond has a showroom at Shangri-La Plaza that you can visit if you want to see the items firsthand. They're located at a kiosk inside Styled Store, 2/3 Midlevel, East Wing Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City (near Lacoste).
Coral Couture by Jamie Go
You already know tote bags, as simple as they are, add that kind of chic vibe to your OOTDs. Well, take that and amplify your everyday style with Coral Couture by Jamie Go's sophisticated Canvas Tote Bags (P590 to P690). This specific lineup of bags has those cool tone hues that scream freshness with a hint of elegance. These carriers have spacious interiors and two outer compartments for better access to other essentials.
Anakainoo Club
Anaikainoo Club’s lineup of Neverfull totes is for folks who just have to lug their whole house with them almost everywhere. Yup, this local shop has bigger-than-life carriers you can stuff your essentials and more in. The branding, and by extension, their merchandise, gives off that casual athleisure vibe. Their Neverfull Tote Bags retail at P749.
Mari Ma-Art-e
If you belong to a fandom—it's a certain personality like queen Taylor Swift or your favorite oppas like Park Seo Joon, Kim Seon Ho; K-pop groups like BTS, EXO, BLACKPINK, TWICE, or NewJeans; or television shows and beloved K-Dramas like Our Beloved Summer, Stranger Things, Friends, Grey’s Anatomy or movies like Star Wars, Harry Potter, among others—and you want a canvas tote bag that expresses your support and love for them in an effective way, then head over to Mari Ma-Art-e.
Charlotte Folk
Love laidback and comfortable totes? Feel free to browse through local streetwear brand Charlotte Folk’s wide range of quality pieces—tote bags included. They have big totes with the same cool aesthetic you can easily add to your (growing) collection of tote bags. Say, their 1996 Tote Bag for P790.
Links are updated regularly and as much as possible, but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.