I'm a tote freak, some might say a total freak. I love totes. What can I say? I can't afford to make a statement with a $5,000 bag so I make statements with unusual, cheap, and (gasp!) practical totes. My favorite go-to-totes used to be my "Sweetsaholic: I love Sweets" canvas tote by Cram Cream, and my plain canvas tote with a big red heart from Anthropologie. Both bags made a statement: visually and literally.

For a while I ditched my totes in lieu of a grown-up lush leather bag. I loved that leather bag but hated that I couldn't always fit my book, fizzy gummy colas, and flip flops (for when my feet refused to go on in heels). I also hated that once I spilled Knish-oil on it, I couldn't just pop it in the wash. Deciding I wasn't quite ready for a full-time grown-up bag, I got back on the tote trail.

My latest find is a red canvas tote with a large flower girl print by Orla Kiely. So cute. It has an inside pocket (not always a given with totes) and poppers at the top to adjust the volume. I found mine on eBay but they're not always cheaper there. If you haven't already heard of Orla Kiely, you should check out her line of bags, wallets, clothing, decor, etc. at orlakiely.com. Her bags are the business. Great prints, well made, durable, and fun. The site often offers discounts off last season's styles so check them out before you hit eBay, so you'll know if you're really getting a deal or not. Note: please don't bid against me on a green flower-girl tote. I really need one!

Ok, now for my favorite activity after buying a new bag: the transfer and organization of all purse items. I often tote my life (and that of my kids, neighbors, and random stray animals) around in my tote. Now I look good doing it!