I’m not sure about you but shit has started to get a little crowded over here in my neck of the woods. When I say crowded, I mean in the sense of too much stuff to carry.

I’m on this new planner and journal kick, so I’m carrying those around with me most everywhere I go. I try to always have my camera with me just in case of a fun photo op. My phone, wallet, keys and sunglasses get a little too bulky for my pockets. Thankfully it’s fall so I have more pockets available, but having them bulge out and have to be removed from my pockets every time I sit down gets a little annoying!! Phew, glad I got the chance to vent that frustration.

My annoyance was subdued recently, when I found out how much I friggin’ LOVE tote bags. Totes had always seemed kind of girly to me. Tons of my girlfriends in college used them as their school bag, typically embroidered with their sorority letters and their initials or something crazy. I didn’t realize that there were so many dude-friendly options out there. This bag is from J. Stark and it’s perfect for me because it’s not huge, the heavyweight twill fabric is sturdy and reliable and the design is simplistic but functional. A tote will hold your laptop, groceries, gym supplies, a change of clothes or whatever else you’ll need for a day full of life.

Here are some of my other favorites: