I Can’t Stop Customizing L.L. Bean Tote Bags

There’s a reason theL.L. Bean Boat Toteis a classic: It’s durable, handsome, and affordable — and gives off just the right amount ofPreppy Handbookflair. I love the original boat tote, with its white duck-canvas sides and sun-bleached handles, maybe sporting a jauntymonogram. But I’ve found that L.L. Bean’scustom feature, which allows you to mix and match colors, is one of the most soothing time-wasters on the web. And time and time again, I keep coming back to the same combination: a monochromatic color scheme, in which body, strap, zip flap, bottom, and pocket are all one of the same four basic colors.

When monochromatic, the boat tote is suddenlyelevated; going from Greenwich Academy lacrosse practice to Sunday afternoon at Dover Street Market. I have these in several shades and sizes, although there are a few variables I always opt for: long handles for wearing over the shoulder, a zip top for security, and an exterior pocket forpens. In all-black, a large tote works as an understated weekender; an extra-large will get you through a week. In regatta blue, it’s like the tote version of Bill Cunningham’s iconic work jacket. (I have one friend who uses it as adiaper bag.) Medium in dark green — my everyday bag — works as a slightly unexpected neutral and easily holds alaptopand several books. And, just like all the L.L. Bean totes, you can throw it in the wash and it will last forever, the colors mellowing with time — even if your weathering process takes place more on the 1 train than the aft deck, or whatever.

This, Strategist deputy editor Jason Chen’s favorite, is the Goldilocksian ideal of a tote. He writes of the Makr: “Instead of lengthening to accommodate more stuff, the Makr goes wide — enough not only to carry a pair of shorts and sneakers, but also a Kindle, a pair of jeans and three shirts for a long weekend (first for my college reunion and then a getaway to New Hampshire). Its fold-over style creates a makeshift closure system that still keeps everything within easy access, and the two interior pockets is all I need for pens and knickknacks (any more and I just end up stowing things I forget about).” Read more about ithere.

Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchentold usthat she loves her Transport tote from Madewell: “I do not have very exciting or expensive tastes inhandbags; I just need a bag with a handle drop length, so I can shove it over my shoulder while wearing a puffy jacket that holds a laptop, water bottle, and all the toys my kids swear they want to play with that I get stuck carrying home. So basically, I need a black garbage bag. I’m on my second or third Madewell Transport Tote, but this most recent one, in pink (sorry, “antique rose”) — but, like, the perfect pink — is definitely helping offset the winter doldrums.”