The bag of dreams – and the far cheaper alternative that is more suited to my bank account…
Confession: I think my Instagram ‘For You’ page has me sussed – obsessed with France, stylish French women and all things French, really.
So much so that over the past couple of months, I have kept seeing hundreds of images of this very particular bag that seems to be all the rage with chic French mums – and honestly, who wouldn’t be inspired by them, they are just so full of that particular ‘je nais se quois’ that they all seem to possess.
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The bag in question is this gorgeous, multicoloured tote made from stitched bandannas by French brand Call It By Your Name.
The Cabas tote is oversized, quilted and in washed bandana prints, finished with playful embroidery motifs like hearts, mushrooms and rainbow lettering you can customise when you order.
Many seems to get their name or initial or even the names of their kids embroidered onto their bags, and honestly, I am obsessed.
I mean, as all mums know, our handbags need to be big enough to cart anything from our own bits like phone, charger and makeup, to a change of clothes, toys, snacks and pretty much everything but the kitchen sink, something I think would be no problems with this particular tote.
I also love how how the Call It By Your Name tote is roomy enough for a laptop, gym gear, make-up bag, weekend essentials and whatever else we all need to carry around all day. Also, these bags are designed with four handles so they can be carried over the shoulder or by hand.
However, starting at €290 and quickly going up in price when you customise it to your taste, these bags don’t come cheap – unfortunately.
Which is why I was only delighted to come across this new bag on the Zara website – which has a very similar vibe.
The slightly more affordable Zara version
The Patchwork Print Quilted Bag is also made from cotton and of a similar size to the French designer one above, but at just €35, is a lot more affordable, I think we can all agree.
The shoulder straps make sure it is comfortable to carry around, and I love how it is also roomy enough for all the things I need to cart with us for a day out – especially now in summer.
I mean, this bag would be ideal for a day at the beach too, I reckon.
I also like that it has a zip closure, which is great if you are using it as a carry-on for travelling, and the pom-pom appliqué is adorable too.
And look, I am not saying I am not still yearning for the designer version, but in order to keep more of my holiday budget for my actual holiday, I think it will be Zara all the way.
