Great Summer Totebags

Friday, June 04, 2010

SHOPPING by Cheryl Phillips, GoLocalProv Contributor

Farmers markets across the state are now open for the summer season. What's better than picking up locally grown strawberries, green beans, tomatoes, herbs or perhaps a dozen farm fresh eggs? Finding a snazzy tote to carry your purchases in. We scoured the state for some stylish bags that are perfect for all of your trips to the farmers markets this summer.

Visit the The Curatorium on 197 Wickenden Street in Providence for tote bags that make a statement. Of all of the fun yet practical bags in the store, one bag that you must take home is the Bungalow bag, right. It's a hefty 19x15x10 and is woven plastic over printed fabric. The vivid orange and pink design draws you in and the price? A reasonable $32 to carry your market buys. 453-4080, www.thecuratorium.com

Kreatelier offers the classic Reisenthel’s Carrybag, left, in a slew of prints and colors. This very trendy market tote measures 19x11x10 and is made from tear-proof polyester and sturdy aluminum. There's a zipper pocket inside to hold your money, a rigid bottom for carrying heavier purchases... and it folds for storage. The tote is $40 and Kreatelier is located on 804 Hope St, Providence, 432-7995, http://kreatelier.com

Bags by Iris in East Greenwich carries a whole line of popular Vera Bradley bags. For some stylish farmers market shopping, try the Miller Bag, below right, in a variety of prints. The bag is a roomy 24x13x8, so you can use it to head to the beach, too. The bag has six roomy interior pockets, one outside pocket, and a sturdy base for stability. Retails for $84. 111 Main St, 885-3557.

The Green Envy Eco-Boutique in Newport has a bag you'll never forget to take with you. The SmartCycle Shopping Bag, below, slips right into your pocket and pops up into an instant, roomy tote for all of your buys. Made locally by the SmartCycle company, these handy bags have a life cycle of more than 15 years. They are a eco-friendly bargain at $5.99 each. Green Envy, 223 Goddard Rd, Newport, 619-1993, www.greenenvyshop.com

MIO Bags, oversized farmers market bags custom made locally from oilcloth, are waterproof and fade resistant. Not to mention very stylish with so many fabrics to choose from (owner Beth Iovino has 900 bolts of oilcloth in her shop!). MIO's Farmer's Market Tote is 15x11x6 with a 6x5 pocket on the outside and a 6x11 divided pocket on the inside and a hideaway shoulder strap. $55 for a custom made tote, $45 for some gorgeous ready-made bags. Best part? Beth Iovino sells them right at many of the farmers markets in RI. You can also order online.

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Comments:

Sue Oppenheimer

3:20pm on Saturday, June 05, 2010

I have one of the Reisenthel bags in the back of my car at all times, thanks to my girlfriends who got it from Kreatelier for my birthday. I use it to capture hats, gloves, coupons and all the other detritus that accumulates in the back seat. Maybe I'll start using it for its intended purpose next time I go to the farmer's market!

LeeAnn Chen

5:19pm on Saturday, June 05, 2010

Very aesthetically pleasing.

Lynn McCarthy

11:32pm on Sunday, June 06, 2010

If you like Anne Taintor's humor then head over to Pleasant Surprise on Thayer St. They have some cute shoppping sized bags that are very amusing. My favorite is "The secret Ingredient is resentment"!