Tote bags are very common and are used for a variety of reasons, anything from heavy duty tasks to fashion accessories. Even though they are practical and functional they are fashionable and can accommodate more than a standard handbag.

Most commonly tote bags are broken down by function or task, like travel, family, day, or shopping.  Here are a few types:

• Beach Tote (That's my Charlotte Tote)-usually canvas, plastic, nylon, straw or mesh. Straw and plastic are most common because they resist moisture and heat. My beach tote is lined with a moisture barrier. Beach totes are usually open bags with no closure. They are used for beach/pool towels, beach toys, and pool items.
• Mini Totes (That's my Pocket Tote or Joe E. Tote)- still spacious but small enough to be elegant. These can be canvas or leather or whatever material you like. The whole point is to minimize carrying size while maximizing the space. Handles can be long or short.
• Leather/Luxury Totes (a la Michael Kors)- fully grain leather, corrected grain and suede, sometimes even exotic animal leathers. These are more expensive, fashionable, carried by high fashion lovers. They are used for fashion and for travel.     
• Sports Totes- nylon or canvas, sturdy and resistant, duffle bags, open tote bags, backpacks

My bags are mostly canvas tote bags.  There are a wide variety of printed canvas' used in the home decorator industry and they are sturdy and practical.  I line most of my tote bags with a natural canvas. Canvas bags usually have a flat bottom for stability. Most rectangular but a variety of sizes. Straps are long or short.

Tote bags are really defined by their purpose and can be large or small, canvas or leather, sporty or fashionable.

Have you been spotted around town wearing your very own Pink Koala Design creation? Take a photo and submit it to include on our blog and Facebook page. Each month one person will win a $55 Pink Koala Design gift certificate!

One winner will be chosen from a random drawing each month of all entries received. The winner will win one Pink Koala Design gift certificate valued at $55 to design their own bag or accessory.  Email your photo, name and location to info@pinkkoala.com with "photo contest" in the subject line. Photos become the property of Pink Koala Design and will appear on www.facebook.com/pinkkoaladesign and pinkkoala.com/blog. Drawings will be held April 7, May 7, and June 7. This contest will run several times throughout the year.

    A woman after my own heart. Bold beatiful colors and bold beautiful designs. Tracey Reese made her move to  New York City in 1982 after graduating from Detroit's Cass Technical High School. She attended the Parson's School of Design and graduated in 1984. For a time she apprenticed under designer Martine Sitbon while working for a small firm, Alequin. After a few years, Tracey decided to start her own line. She was 23. This first attempt failed to generate enough revenue (a common issue for black designers) and it closed it after two years. Reese went back to workin for other designers and after 10 years she relaunched her own collection.

Tracy Reese perhaps ranks as fashion's most successful black female designer.New York Magazine called Reese's style "unabashedly girly." She has a namesake label and has garnered recognition in many areas, from clothing and shoes to nail polish and hosiery. From a small girl, Tracey always knew what she wanted. "From a young age I knew I wanted to create beautiful things," Tracy told the Atlanta Post. "I was influenced by the femininity of women like my grandmother. After growing up in Detroit, I moved to New York to attend Parsons School of Design. Once I received my degree, I decided to move to Paris where I apprenticed under designer Martine Sitbon while working for the small contemporary firm, Arlequin. A few years later, I returned to New York and started working for Perry Ellis as the design director for Women's Portfolio."

Even after a bumpy first start, with a lot of hard work Reese has built an extremely successful comapny and sales topped $12 million in 2003. Still, she is engrossed in every detail of her clothes, right down to the stitching. "While I have a wonderful team to assist, I continue to build my brand with my own hands," she said.

Still Reese remains humble and  has not let the fact the First Lady is one of her biggest fans. "While seeing my dress on First Lady Michelle Obama was one of the proudest moments of my career, I still design for the everyday woman," she said. "I design because I want women to feel good in what they wear and to help solve their wardrobe problems. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a woman walking confidently in one of my frocks. It is also nice for the everyday woman to see the First Lady wearing something that they can also obtain."

Who doesn't use a tote bag? Tote bags are one of the most used types of bags no matter where you go and have been so for quite some time. That's because they can be used for a variety of purposes and that's probably why they are so popular. The tote bag is an American Classic. They are convenient and make carrying a lot of stuff easy. Most people don't know however, that tote bags have been around for centuries in one form or another. Let me explain!

What's the story with tote bags?

"Tote" means to carry and people of always "toted" bags, but the term tote wasn't used until the 20th century. Tote bags are simple large and open bags with a handle placed on the center top of each side. Typically tote bags are open at the top (which is the true style of a tote), although zippers, magnetic closures, and snaps are used for security purposes.  The bags handles are usually arched.

Heavy duty cloth was used because these bags needed to be sturdy because they were purely functional but now they can be made from a variety of materials like leather and suede but typical materials are usually canvas, nylon and jute. The jute bags are more typical of eastern countries and have been used there for centuries.

In 1944, the American Classic Tote bag was born with the introduction of the LL Bean Boat Bag. This bag was their signature bag made of basic canvas, designed for boaters. However, the classic lines and sturdiness of this bag caught the attention of many and this bag still remains hugely popular today( I own a few). Of course, back then the  bags were used more as luggage than for an everyday stylish bag.

It was during the 1950s that tote bags came into the everyday scene. This is when women began using the bags as their everyday handbags. Practicality and functionality were more important during those times and tote bags fit the bill for many women because they were clean, simple and extremely easy to care for. Because of this more women opted for these bags. However, tote bags still were not fashion items.

That all changed in 1960 when Bonnie Cashin released her own line of Cashin Carry Tote Bags. These bags took the practicality and functionality added a whole lot of style and made it a fashion must have.  Bonnie embellished these bags and made them classier to suit the lifestyles of those who want style with practicality. Later on, during the 90s, Kate Spade helped transform the tote bag used as a travel bag or piece of luggage into a fashion bag. Since then tote bags have become part of the fashion landscape. By now, tote bags were not only being used for their practicality but also for their style factor.

Today tote bags are used especially by women for any number of functions. These bags are mostly used for heavy duty tasks such as grocery shopping, shopping in general, and carrying picnic items which is why I carry such a wide catalog of tote bags such as day, shopping, travel, business, and family. They serve a function but they are also fashion accessories. Depending on the material you can dress your outfit up or down and they can be used to add a style statement whatever you happen to be wearing. Even men use tote bags for various reasons.

History shows us that tote bags have always been a functional part of our lives even before we called them "tote" bags. But one thing is for sure, they are an American classic.

Forget being a "Supermom", I'm just trying to be a "Good Enough Mom".  Whose that? Keep reading and you'll see. This is my second attempt to write this blog. The first one, I forgot to save. I found myself this morning standing in front of my hall closet exclaiming “I give up. I just give up”. I realized that I had forgotten my own coat and scarf after getting my son ready and in the car.  I was already running late.

After I got to my mom’s I just looked at her and said “I don’t how you did it.” Four kids, working full-time, work during the summer and single. Are we just not as strong? No matter how much I try to organize my life and home, I still only accomplish ¼ of the goals I set for myself during the day.

Maybe this is why we carry so many bags. We’re bag ladies literally and figuratively. We carry the baggage of the day just like we carry a duo or trio of actual bags. So what do we do about it? How do we get in the moment and accept that we are "good enough" and that we don't have to be "super". Well here are a few tips courtesy of the Working Mom Survival Guide.

• Not all the housework is going to get done, If you have to choose between ironing and playing with your kid, pick the latter.
• Never compare yourself to anybody else, not another working mom, single lady and certainly not a stay at home mom ( they might be spraying the brown spots in the grass green) because we don't know their real stories.
• Just accept that you can't and won't get it all done. I've accepted my 1/4.
• Learn from your mistakes.
• Laugh at yourself OFTEN!
• Love your children and help them learn from their mistakes.
• Be available to your kids.
• Focus on one task at a time so that you don't end up short changing yourself, your child, your job or anything or anyone else.
• Use your own best judgement when deciding what to focus on.
• Learn to say no.
• Keep your cool.
• Keep your perspective and worry less. See a situation for what it is and realize that many things are really out of our control.
• Be thankful for the good things you have.
• Give yourself permission to recharge (however you may decide to do that).
• Write it down. Your thoughts, the day's tasks, your dreams and goals.
• Find some inspiration.
• Reconnect with your aspirations. Stay in touch with yourself (you can do this with a journal).
• But most of all remember that this too shall pass. NO situation is permanent.

Much like myself, Kitty Black-Perkins grew up a little black girl in a small southern town dreaming of designing clothes.  She was taught to sew at an early age.  Her dreams were encouraged by her parents and her school teachers. Her dream of becoming a commercial artist took flight when her aunt in California invited her to visit for the summer after high school graduation. Black-Perkins relocated to Los Angeles and enrolled the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College where she earned a degree in fashion design in 1971. She earned her degree in fashion design from Los Angeles Trade Technical College in 1971. Her career experience as a fashion designer began with several fashion houses in Los Angeles designing everything from sportswear to couture.

In 1976, she was hired by Mattel were she eventually became Chief Designer of Fashions and Doll Concepts for Mattel's highly successful Barbie line. Over the years, Black-Perkins's hard work and fashion genius have contributed to Barbie's 300 million plus fashions and dolls, including two lines of African-American Barbie dolls. She gets her ideas from many different sources and says that being skilled in pattern making, sketching and sewing are key for anyone looking to enter this field.

Kitty Black-Perkins inspired and led the way for another African-American fashion designer at Mattel, Stacey McBride-Irby.  In 2009, she designed and launched So In Style line of ethnic Barbie dolls for Mattel. Even at 37, I still love Barbie dolls. They bring back many fond memories. I must confess that for a long time I wanted to work for Mattel designing Barbie's after I read about Ms. Black- Perkins. I just find it fascinating all the many different careers you can have in fashion and I wanted to share with you that as Barbie says "we girls can do anything!"

Even be fashion designers for the most famous doll in the world!

Ann Lowe was an African American fashion designer, born in rural Alabama in 1898 fair from Park or Madison Avenue. She was the great-granddaughter of a former slave and a plantation owner.  She got married when she was on 14. She grew put around the quality fabrics and magnificent Southern ball gowns. From very early on, she decided that she could only use the best fabrics and make the finest dresses for the best people.

When she was 19, she enrolled in design school in New York which as appalling to her instructors that believed that a black girl didn’t belong in a high-class fashion school and wasn’t smart enough to learn the things that they were teaching. Unable to find work in New York after graduation, Lowe relocated to Tampa, FL where she established a salon.

Lowe did very well in Tampa and in 1928 she took her savings and headed back to New York City. Ms. Lowe began her career working on commission for major stores and boutiques and eventually became a darling designer of the rich and famous, designing clothes for society families like the du Ponts and the Lodges, although no one would admit that an African American was designing their beautiful gowns. She designed the dress that Olivia de Haviland wore to accept the Best Actress Academy Award for her portrayal in “To Each His Own” but the label read Sonia Rosenberg.  Most notably, Ms. Lowe designed the ivory silk dress that Jacqueline Bouvier  wore to her wedding to John F. Kennedy in 1953 and all the bridesmaid dresses. Shortly before the wedding all the dresses were destroyed and Lowe and her helpers had to recreate every gown before the wedding. Despite that major accomplishment, she was virtually ignored in the press.

Lowe was a perfectionist at heart and this caused her business to suffer. Her business closed and she began working for Saks Fifth Avenue with her private clients.  Her name was known with the upper crust of New York City and she was even featured in a 1960 Saks advertisements.  Lowe lost an eye to glaucoma but that did not kill her passion.  She continued to design through the 1960s for Madeline Couture and briefly for her own line, Ann Lowe Originals. Ms. Lowe died in 1981, but her contributions to fashion and the doors she opened for future generations are remembered today.

Note My Customers,

Workmanship is what separates us from many popular tote bags on the market!  Hand-tailored and made in the USA.

Did you know...every bag is hand-cut and then sewn by a single seamstress (that would be me) from start to finish.  Basically, I'm the only person involved in the construction of your bag and each bag is very personal for me.  

One day when I have the space to bring new machines I'll be looking for other seamstresses. These people will have expert skills & sewing knowledge. But until then it's all done by me. I have 13 years of sewing experience (4 years educational background) and work to get better everyday. Just take a look at my finishing techniques for yourself.  It is what sets me apart from the others.  Lots of people are surprised that I make all the bags and accessories myself, believe me it surprises me too sometimes. I've been asked if my bags were mass-produced, and I take this as a compliment.  

You will know that your bag was created with a personal touch and with care for the person receiving the bag and for the bag as well. I have a passion for design and sewing and I hope that shows in every bag I make. I will always guarantee my workmanship. Normal wear and tear is expected with any product, but if you ever have any issue related to the original workmanship of my product, I will make it right.

I also get lots of comments about the fabrics that I choose and many are impressed with the quality and selection.  I search for the most engaging patterns and fabrics.  I love designing with fabric and many of my customers like the fact that we are a fresh & fashionable alternative to leather. Fabric is what draws me in and it's what makes or breaks a great tote bag. When I look for fabric, quality and durability are considered first and foremost.  I have a good idea what fabric contents wear well and which do not. After that I go on pure gut instinct. When a fabric grabs me, I know that it's the right one for my bags.  Color, textures, and patterns must all work together.  I purchase fabrics in relatively small quantities because it allows me to replenish them frequently and change them up quickly. This insures that your bag will always be a "limited edition" personalized hand-tailored creation, just for you from me.

Thanks, Katrina

All about tote bags...I've designed and manufactured aprons, oven mitts, bibs, burp cloths, pinafores, stockings and of course..bags of all shapes and sizes. I've honed my design skills and my design aesthetic and really narrowed in on what kind of bags I enjoy making the most. Tote bags. As a working mom, there's not a day that I don't see a women laden with at least three bags. One of them is ALWAYS a tote bag. Tote bags are versatile everything bags that have a simple informal structure and I love them. I use them for groceries, lunch, as a purse, for my son's toys whatever. Tote bags are multitasking and multifunctional.  They are also great vessels to hold all your essentials or your everyday life necessary messes, so I've also decided to focus on those little things that go inside a tote bag to help keep it organized. Totes bags are a true American classic and they are always in style.

Social Enterprise....When I was in design school I presented a business plan for a non-profit that would help socially disadvantaged youth with their pursuits in careers in fashion. It's always been something that I wanted to do after I'd established my design business. I've been exploring different avenues of funding and I realized that there is such a thing as a social enterprise and that I could combine my design business with my social needs effort to be one business. My sole mission is to build a successful company that will provide my customers with GREAT products and ultimately foster the growth of socially disadvantaged young adults interested in careers in fashion through mentorships, internships, and education which will help create a resurgence of the diminished apparel and accessories industry in the USA. As part of that, I will begin posting more blog features of people of color in fashion careers.

As soon as I get a bigger studio, I plan to bring on a few interns from the local high schools to learn and help out with Pink Koala Design.  Ultimately, I plan to offer classes, labs, and workshops for socially disadvantaged children from the ages of 9-18. I also plan to provide mentorships, internships, scholarships, grants, shadow opportunities, and professional seminars for youth from the ages of 18-23. These young people will have a place to sell their products they've made at craft shows and possibly put on fashion show to earn them some money. These same children will also be able to sell bags of their own design, on Pinkkoala.com and in a future brick and mortar location. For the 18-23 year olds, I'll have a college rep program where students that have gone through Pink Koala Design Pathway to Fashion Success or students that demonstrate a need, can be brand reps and earn money for supplies, books or tuition.  They will get valuable experience and be doing something that they can put on their resume. Lots of plans, I know.

Trunk Show/Handbag Party

This one I'm very nervous about and it really is a giant leap of faith. Where to hold it? Who will come out? Basically I want to introduce my customers and new customers to new bags, new styles and introduce the custom design aspect to my business. After that who knows. More handbags parties? Pink Koala Design reps? What do you think? Are Pink Koala Design handbag parties something that you'd like to see or host? Leave me a comment and let me know. We'll see.