Reader Question - Need a Summer Tote Bag

Hi Kimberly, I love your blog. Your ability to mix and match and accessorize is really inspiring. So I hope that you'll be able to help me. I'm lucky enough to be going to France this summer, and I want to have a fun, summery tote bag for the trip. I'm looking for something that's not too beachy, big, flimsy or utilitarian. I also want to wear it on my shoulder, and I'd prefer it to be a fun color or pattern (no black). And of course I'd prefer it to be under $50. My last request is maybe less feasible - I like to try something before I buy it, so if possible, I'm looking for something available in a physical store, not just online. Can you help? I've found these cute examples (here, here, and here) , but they're online only or too expensive.

Best,
Samara

Samara, what a wonderful summer trip! Well, it sounds like you know exactly what you want which can be half the battle. As you can see below I selected some totes that hopefully fit the bill for you and from brick and mortar stores like Target, DSW, Aeropastale, Gap, Old Navy, Aldo, Bloomingdale's, Lord & Taylor and Dillard's -which hopefully you have at least a few of those geographically around you.

Click through for more details and prices. Have fun!

More Gap...

UPDATE: Reader Molly sent an important comment about traveling in France, that I wanted to share with Samra and other readers that may be vacationing there. Thanks, Molly, for sharing!

I can't leave a comment, cause I don't have a log in for those sites listed. But I wanted to leave an important comment about the tote for the vacation in France....It needs to have a zipper or a way to fully close it, pick pockets are terrible in France. (Personal experience talking here, they didn't get anything, because I secured everything in a zipper pocket.)Also, the straps need to be thick and sturdy. And the bottom should be hard to cut through. (It seems silly, but it's true).