I’ve Carried Alex Mill’s Canvas Tote for Years—It’s Still the Best

3 min read

For every statement-making designer piece in my closet, you can bet there’s a grounded basic to counter it. It’s all about the balance, you know? And if I’ve learned anything in my years of working in fashion, studying the wardrobes of Hollywood’s It list, and, of course, French girls, it’s that your basics are your workhorses—and I’m here to report that I’ve found the next one for you: Alex Mill’s Perfect Tote.

Everyone needs a quality canvas tote bag. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy leaned on the iconic L.L. Bean Boat and Tote as one of her go-to carryalls—an undeniably great choice, if I do say so myself. That said, I—someone who, admittedly, carries way too much—have a non-negotiable for any bag that’s practically holding everything but the kitchen sink: interior organization. That’s where the Alex Mill tote shines.

I’ve been carrying Alex Mill’s Perfect Weekend Tote (with the added touch of my initials) for the better part of two years, first using it as my work bag and more recently as a personal item for my flights. Let me tell you now: It gets better with each wear. I’m not the only one who loves this bag, either—Gwyneth Paltrow, Kaia Gerber, and Emma Chamberlain have all been spotted sporting their own personalized totes, and they’re only three of a very large number of undeniably chic tastemakers who have taken to them as well.

If I’m being completely honest, this bag—made with ultra-durable canvas cotton—has exceeded my expectations for what a canvas tote can do. I like to keep the buttons on mine snapped into place to maintain a boxier shape, and with the option of using the shoulder straps or the top handles, I’m already in a better place to carry a day’s worth of items. And then there’s what’s on the inside, like the interior compartment (complete with a zip pocket), that works perfectly as a laptop sleeve.

Of course, the size is nothing to scoff at. At 13 inches tall, 17 inches wide, and 9.5 inches deep, this tote has the capacity to fit almost anything you can imagine inside—and I would know. recently used this as my main carry-on bag on a flight. With my suitcase checked, that left me with my laptop, Kindle, smaller electronics, makeup bag, water bottle, headphones, glasses, a smaller crossbody, and a sweater.

If the Weekend size is a little too much to handle, the brand has the Perfect Everyday Tote, which is a more standard tote bag size. Additionally, Alex Mill also offers the Perfect Daily Tote and the Mini if you prefer even smaller sizes. One of my favorite parts about these bags is that they also come in a number of undoubtedly chic colors, like Navy, Forest Green, Red, and Yellow, if you’re the type of person who loves a pop. For summer, the brand launched the bags in stripes, too. And if you prefer something other than your initials or a monogram, you can do one of the brand’s Icon totes.

If you’re looking for a new “everything” tote, scroll on to shop the Alex Mill Perfect Totes, below.

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