The perfect tote bag can be many things: a farmer’s market staple, the ultimate work carry-all, and a sleek, transition piece to take you from work to happy hour. And between juggling daily essentials—lipstick, iPhone, iPad, keys, wallet, and so on—a bag can easily take a beating.
Creating a stylish tote that can stand up to daily use was the inspiration behind Wish Pretty, a new line of tote bags that merge fashion with function. The 16 styles are handmade by Minneapolis designer Cullen Meehan, who moved here three years ago to work as a designer for Target. The majority of the bags feature a leather bottom (for extra durability) and canvas upper, finished with impeccable hand-stitchwork, hardy leather straps attached by metallic-gold rivets, and a gold-tone clasp closure. One tote composed completely of supple black leather is simplicity at its most chic, while another, cut from wood grain–printed vinyl, is sure to be a conversation starter. • wishprettyshop.etsy.com