Oliver Thomas Knotted Herringbone Tote is THE Bag of Summer

Handbags in summer can be tricky. You want something trendy, but if you’re a mom, you often need something spacious for daily trips. This bag has it all: form and function.

I Have Found My Forever Tote

In my experience, bags either come in two categories: cute or handy. I’ve got a number of shopping totes I use for when I have to pack up my kids, but I wouldn’t call any of them trendy. They’re functional. They do the job. Enter Oliver Thomas’ Knotting Herringbone tote— and I am forever changed.

Oliver Thomas Knotted Herringbone Tote

$149.00 from Oliver Thomas

This Tote Has It All—Literally

When I saw a picture of it online, I knew it was the sort of style I’d wear. It’s chic, but understated and can be dressed up or down. I loved the rattan-look for summer, and the neutral knotted handle was a nice addition.

Seeing this bag in person blew me away. It comes with so many bells and whistles! It comes with not one, but TWO straps. One is a resin chain that’s in a milky white and tan, and the other is a sporty white and tan adjustable strap. now, I typically like carrying this bag on my arm right under the knotted handle, but I love that I can add a strap and it essentially becomes a new bag.

Inside the bag is a really cute interior fabric featuring funny drawings of dogs – did not expect that but I was delighted – and it also comes with a “secret stash pouch and key fob” which is incredibly convenient for when you’re just rooting around your bag for some small item that could literally be anywhere. This is a feature I will certainly use. It also has a nice zip pocket for items that you don’t want to fall out if your bag tips over at the beach or in the car – perfect for money or credit cards. There’s also a slip pocket that’s easier access – great for phones. This bag is so functional it doesn’t even need to be cute.

BUT IT IS SO CUTE.

My kids were in a play this weekend, and I had to shlep a lot of their stuff around, but nobody knew I was a pack mule with this tote. It just looks like a trendy handbag! In fact, I was stopped several times by fellow theatre moms to ask about it. I gushed and gushed and I’m pretty sure a number of parents in town will be carrying Oliver Thomas bags in the near future.

All in all, this is an ideal bag for me. Consider me a convert for life because this experience proved that form AND function are more than possible — they’re inevitable with this gem of a tote.