This is one celebrity style that won't break the bank! Mandy Moore opted for the medium Lands' End tote in olive green — and it's monogrammed, of course. (Getty)(Getty)
Summer is practically here, so that means it's time to pack your bag with sunscreen, a swimsuit, a water bottle and your current page-turner. That way, you're ready to make the most of the season and say yes to last-minute plans. But if you're bored with your old straw tote, I'm right there with you. While I do love straw accessories for summer, they're fragile and tend to look worse for wear after a while. So this summer, take a cue from Mandy Moore and swap your fraying straw bag for a rugged Lands' End 5-Pocket Canvas Tote.
Got a lot to carry? This larger size is great for groceries, crafts, baby supplies and books. Pro tip: Get it with longer straps so it's easier to carry on your shoulder — buyers say you'll want the extra oomph when you load up this roomy bag.
The 41-year-old This Is Us star was recently spotted with this classic carryall, and it's now at the top of my wishlist. Canvas totes have been around for ages, yet they still feel fresh and quintessentially summer.
Lands' End's totes come in four sizes and 20 colors ranging from neutral (silver, camel, black) to vibrant (magenta, papaya, mango). Made of 100% cotton canvas, they can hold up to 250 pounds, so you don't have to worry about overloading 'em even on the busiest beach days. But the best part may be the wallet-friendly price: These classics are just $30 to $60 (even less if you can snag them on sale).
Colors aren't the only thing that makes these bags customizable. You can choose from regular or long handles and an open or zippered top. (Longer handles don't cost extra, but adding a zip top will run you an additional $5.) Plus, you can add a monogram, embroidery or both for $10-$20.
Use your tote as a pool or beach bag, or bring it to the grocery store or farmers' market — it can hold everything you need and goes with practically any outfit. And while it's ideal for summer, you certainly don't need to put it away come Labor Day weekend. Katie Holmes, also a fan of the style, showed us last fall that it's useful all year long.
Unsurprisingly, Lands' End's versatile tote has racked up hundreds of glowing reviews and more than 1,800 five-star ratings. One tote-ally happy shopper raved: "The BEST tote. I finally replaced my old one after five years. Great construction and perfect size. Always get compliments on it too."
"I got it customized with an embroidered Adirondack chair on it to remind me to relax," another shared. "Mostly, I use it to carry my knitting projects, but I also plan to take it on a trip this summer. [The medium is] very roomy, lightweight and good-looking. It would make a great gift if you know the person's favorite colors."
Agreed a third fan: "My go-to gift for new parents, these bags never disappoint! They're high quality and practical for being on the go with young kids. There are ample pockets to keep things organized, and the zipper top makes them easy for travel. The personalization element always adds a special touch."
One wise buyer had this note of caution: "I absolutely love these bags, however, spot cleaning can't take off all disasters. After a couple of years using these for groceries or traveling, they got dirty and couldn't be cleaned properly. So I washed them on gentle wash. I hung to dry. They became hard as a rock. I still use them, but they are not pliable." (Lands' End recommends spot cleaning only.)
A final customer warned about buying a bigger size than you might need: "I have to confess it's a bit bigger than I thought, so look at the dimensions before you buy. It will be perfect for all my beach paraphernalia in the summer, but it's a bit big for everyday use. It's actually big enough for a weekend away."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
