T&C Tried & True: Ralph Lauren Embossed Large Bellport Tote
I used to be that person that could carry around a mini bag for the entire day, well into the evening hours and have everything I needed tucked inside. But about a year and half ago, I moved out of my ultra-convenient downtown New York City apartment where I could get anywhere quickly (well, most of the time) to Brooklyn. No longer could I do my morning workouts at Equinox and then dash home to get ready in my own space before heading out to days filled with meetings, appointments, and of course, the office. Sometimes I could even squeeze in a quick change in the evening before heading back out for dinner. Once happily nestled in Brooklyn, my outfits and necessities for the day required a bit more strategy—and I took to planning my morning (and my outfit) the evening before. Gone were the days of standing in front of my closet in a robe, sipping a matcha latte trying on various blouses, skirts and dresses to determine what represented my mood best and what was on the calendar for the day. Rolling out of bed at 5:30am in order to make a 6:30am yoga class on Bond Street became the new normal, and with that so did the necessity of carrying a change of clothes, shoes, makeup and toiletries, a water bottle and, occasionally, my laptop. Talk about a toning routine for my arms and shoulders.
I have plenty of canvas totes that I have amassed over the years and they certainly do come in handy often. But these carryalls couldn't ever be the finishing touch to my outfit. It's hard to feel completely put together while carrying them. I put a lot of focus and energy on all the other elements of my ensemble, so why should the bag I carry get a pass? That’s when the Bellport tote from Polo Ralph Lauren came into my life. The answer to my sartorial dreams: It was as if one of my handbags grew and suddenly was able to fit everything I needed for a whole day.
The embossed leather makes the piece look five times more expensive than it is and people who admire the bag are always pleasantly surprised to know it is from Polo. Structured with a flat bottom, when I set it down it stands on it’s own, unlike softer totes that tend to flop over when not slung over your shoulder. There’s also a strap in the middle that you can secure to adjust the shape slightly, which I find to be useful when on the subway or in other crowded areas. Needless to say, The Bellport became my new everyday bag and did not offend in the evenings either. Great for the daily commute, and even better as a chic airport carry-on, or a quick weekend away bag. I even carry it around if it’s not filled to the brim.
While working from home over the last year, I haven’t really had the need to carry many things around in a large tote, so my precious go-to has been mostly tucked away in the closet patiently waiting its re-entry into society. As we discuss returning to the office in the fall, I know that I'll have it back in heavy rotation, though! Besides, with the balance of working at home and at the office, I’ll need a great bag to carry my laptop back and forth. Good thing I have one.
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