Tote Handbag 2012 Fashion Trends

Handbag in photo is by British designer Stella McCartney. Stella is well known for her fashion flair ... She incorporates sharp tailoring, while keeping the design classical, sexy, yet keeping it feminine.

Canvas is the hot trend in totes for this spring/summer.

Let's consider fabrics that tote bags are made. Fabrics used in making totes actually vary greatly, however, most totes tend to be rather informal in design. A well constructed tote can be made of canvas, leather, plastic, straw, just to cover a few material's used in the making of tote bags. In regard to size, totes are large, with sides that expand to make the bag roomy, a handbag that can accommodate tons of stuff. In fact, a particular advantage of a totes structure is the large expandable sides, which most totes have built into the design. This enabling the owner of the bag, to carry a multitude of items,and have room to spare if needed.

Tote bags are perfect for travel, especially the stash-and-go to types. The tote can serve a variety of functions, as mentioned for travel, shopping or a fun day at the beach. Not to mention a diaper bag for the busy mom or briefcase for the busy business woman.

A standard tote bag design as a rule will include one large pocket inside, occasionally with dividers or small inset pockets for storing ones credit cards. The closure typically will be a snap or zipper, you can also find tote bags with a magnet closure. The magnet closure is great , because it closes quickly, and tightly. The handle on totes can be short and simple, or an over the shoulder length strap, which is a nice option, it frees up one's hands, and distributes the weight of the bag over the shoulder. The Ease of the handle on a tote is very important, and designers have made sure to provide multiple options, in not only the length of tote bags. However, options on construction and material used to construct versatile, and comfortable handles.

Where, and when did the tote evolve? The first signature tote bags were designed and sold by "LL Bean". The first being the"Boat Bag" which was produced and sold back in 1944. The boat bag was constructed of canvas, and quickly caught on with you guessed it , the "boater crowd".

The simplicity of the tote bag quickly caught the attentions of a variety of designers, and ultimately the attention of women all around the world. From the totes simple beginnings, it soon merged into the luggage market, as the leather tote travel bag. Totes make wonderful stylish carry on bags for women traveling by plane. it provides a woman the opportunity to carry on all her important stuff, and keep it all close by. Items a woman would not want to be without, just in case her checked luggage is lost... A tote provides security , "I will have my makeup at my finale distention". In the 1950s tote's became commonly used by women as their primary handbag. This may be due to practicality, rather than style alone.

It was not long after that handbag designers took notice of the tote bag trend, and the need for new and stylish tote bags. One of the most popular early designers of the tote bag was , "Bonnie Cashin". Bonnie, a popular designer in the 1960s worked for Coach, she created her own "Cashin Carry" tote bags, that were a big trend. Later, in the 1990s, "Kate Spade" started a line of basic luggage-style tote, Spades was one of the first designers to turn out totes that were truly feminine. This new more feminine design, made the tote all the more desirable to women. The Imitations of these two women's design quickly began to surface, and it did not take long for many handbag designers to jump on board, and flood the market with their own tote bag creations.

The tote in this photo is from "NewPort News", and can be purchased online. Price $44.00