8 Reasons We’re Smitten With Reusable Tote Bags

My deliciously trendsetting tootsie rolls, you know we at Wicker Darling are just a bit obsessed with figural wicker handbags. Which is why you might be a bit surprised to see a post about reusable tote bags - but bear with me.

You see, if you know anything about how to care for wicker baskets and bags, then you are aware they are...not the most fond of water. And I thought maybe, just maybe, a sort of wicker bag raincoat was in order.

Now, an actual tiny raincoat would be lovely, but our wicker friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and what suits Charlotte Bronte-Saurus would look downright silly on Bubbles the Fish.

As such, a traditional jacket was out.

But a reusable tote bag was very, very much in.

So much so, that when we designed them we were smitten.

We have not one, not two, but THREE reusable tote bag designs that we are just so excited to share with you. Because a reusable tote is the perfect accessory for your already perfect accessories - and this is why.

8 reasons to love Wicker Darling reusable tote bags

Oh how much do we love our absolutely over-sized, dual-purpose, unashamedly cute reusable tote bags?

Let us count the ways.

1. They are water-resistant

While I would never encourage you to take your tote bag-covered rattan handbag into the ocean on your next snorkeling tour, I can say with quite a bit of confidence that these reusable tote bags will keep your purse dry.

I’m confident because I have stood in the shower with this bag over my head in the name of science and saving handbags. (Don’t say I never do anything for you.)

Since shower heads and water faucets are no match for this material, I don’t think a little rain should be an issue at all.

This means you no longer need to factor in the weather when deciding whether or not to take your wicker handbag for a spin around town.

And let’s be honest, we can’t always predict the weather anyway.

It could be blue skies as far as the eye can see with not a cloud in sight - seemingly safe for strutting out with your wicker dandypuss. And somehow, far from home, rain would FIND YOU.

Well now, you will NOT be caught unawares.

If you are accosted by an unexpected burst of sky spittle from here on out, simply whip out your reusable tote bag and shield your wicker purse from such rainy nonsense.

2. They double as reusable shopping totes

While flouncing around the park with your wicker handbag is a lovely pastime, I’m fairly certain it’s not ALL you do. And sometimes, the things you enjoy doing require a bit more space than your wicker handbag provides.

Say, if what you enjoy doing is gorging yourself on a few pounds of chocolate. That sort of thing.

In this case, I want you to have the space for all the chocolate you could possibly desire. And so, I’ve been EXTRA THOUGHTFUL about making your reusable tote bag something you can put more than a wicker purse in.

You can use your tote for grocery shopping, going to the mall, as a beautiful, non-traditional book bag (so long as they aren’t a bunch of heavy hardbacks), or for anything that won’t fit into your wicker friend.

Because while our wicker darlings do hold your phone, keys, hand sani, and emergency makeup kit - some days essentials include a fresh bouquet of flowers or a beach ball.

With your reusable tote bag, you will have all the space you need for such daily activities.

3. They fit even our chonkiest bags

We wanted our reusable tote bags to work universally across the board for our handmade handbags - and they do!

I’ve tried them all, and I do mean ALL, and I promise they fit. Walter Melon, check. Hippolyta, check. Oscar the Cat, check.

That’s because these tote bags are very generously sized. They are 40cm from top to bottom (this does not include the handles which add an additional 20cm) and 47cm from side to side.

Now, we do have two chart-topping bags that might just peek out of your tote a smidge. These include Charlotte Bronte-saurus, whose show-stopping neck makes her head stick out just a bit, and Moby Wick the whale purse, whose cute little tail barely skims the surface.

Despite these, your tote bag should be plenty sufficient to keep any of our designs dry on a rainy day.

4. They are ultra compact

So, while I know I’ve just gone on about how wonderfully spacious these reusable tote bags are, they are also extremely tiny.

Yes. They CAN be both at the same time.

That’s because these convenient totes can fold into their own pocket.

Let me explain.

When your tote bag is extended to its full glory, there is an interior pocket where you can keep keys or lippie or other important things you want separated from the body of your tote. And this is the pocket where you can oh so delicately take your tote and SHOVE IT.

But in all seriousness, it’s quite simple to fold up your tote into this little pocket and pack it away. When folded down, the tote bag fits neatly into the palm of your hand. Which means it will also fit in your coat pocket, your car glove compartment, or your wicker animal bag for easy access.

You dream it - you can stick the tote in it. (Within reason of course.)

5. They are delightfully durable

We took extra care when designing our tote bags, because we care about high-quality, lasting products. We wanted totes that would go the extra mile for our fans.

So your compact yet extra-large reusable tote bag is here to stay. It’s a bag you can truly love for longer - just like your wicker handbag.

The fabric is made by a BSCI and SEDEX audited/certified manufacturer, and is not only durable, but is alo quick-drying and resistant to water, mildew, and fading.

That’s because these ultra cute and convenient bags are made from ripstop polyester.

Ripstop is the stuff used in hot air balloons, paragliding canopies and parachutes. I figure if it can support a whole human, it should be able to support your groceries just fine.

This does not mean I at all endorse using your tote bag as a parachute. That would be an unprecedented disaster. This bag is meant for items the size of your wicker bag or 8 blocks of spontaneously purchased chocolate.

Try to keep your feet firmly on the ground when using it. PLEASE.

6. You get three styles to choose from

My vintage vixens, while you all have a penchant for retro figural handbags, each of your styles is incredibly unique. As such, I wanted to offer some options for you when it comes to your tote bag.

I chose three different colours and prints so you can pick what speaks to you most when stepping out for the day.

But beyond this, I felt that three was a very practical number of reusable tote bags to possess.

Having a set of three tote bags means you can keep one at home, in the car, and at work. Or you can keep them in three of your most-loved wicker purses so you don’t have to remember to switch them out every time you grab a handbag.

Wherever you decide to store your totes, you know you will always be prepared for a shopping spree or spontaneous rainshower.

7. They’re too cute to handle

At Wicker Darling, we love authentic, artisanal creations. (As if our hand painted purses weren’t an absolute giveaway.) That’s why we commissioned the artwork for our reusable tote bags to be done by the extra-fabulous Laura of Obscurio & Co.

And we think she has really outdone herself with her designs.

Our set of three totes comes with a light pink, dark pink, and bright orange option.

The light pink purse features a repeating pattern of our lovely flamingo logo and the company name in red. This way, if your purse is hidden from the rain (and from view) there will be no doubt where your fabulous wicker friend is from!

The dark pink purse shows off my love of a great many things, from Melbourne itself, to some coffee beverages (necessary), tropical birds, and other equally ridiculous things. Assuming you already enjoy my style, you will love it.

And last but not least is the orange tote bag design, which features the iconic skyline of Melbourne, Australia.

Each of these designs is simply adorable, and you can mix and match them with your handbags, outfits and moods.

8. They ship for FREE!

Just like our wicker animal bags, our reusable tote bags ship for FREE. And I don’t just mean in Australia, I mean everywhere!

We want to make our luxury handbags accessible to everyone (you know, in a limited-edition sort of way) and that includes making shipping a cinch.

No matter what country you are ordering from, we can ship these tote bags (and any bags you would like to put in these tote bags) to you free of charge.

I would also like to draw attention to the fact that our tote bags are in stock. We will do our best at Wicker Darling to ensure they stay that way, so your wicker handbag is never without an adorable raincoat.

Who knows, we might even design some limited-edition or season styles down the line, but for now, you can sleep easy knowing that these three OG tote bag designs are ready and waiting for your purchase year-round!

Get your chocolate-slinging wicker raincoat today!

Our reusable tote bags are in stock and ready for your order on the Wicker Darling website. They are oh so pretty, oh so practical and just a tad bit ridiculous - which is the way we like to keep things around here.

If you’re planning to purchase this month’s pre-order, perhaps you can add some wicker raincoats to your cart? After all, come rain or shine, we want your wicker menagerie to last you a lifetime.