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Katie Holmes carries this classic leather Madewell tote and it's a bestseller
The bag is sturdy, timeless and practical — it can even fit a 15-inch laptop.
Katie Holmes' casual street style is the best kind of celeb sophistication: attainable. Sure, she has the funds for expensive designer duds, but the star likes to keep things simple, mixing her expensive stuff with more affordable items. Case in point: The 45-year-old actress was recently spotted in NYC wearing a $620 midi dress by Ukranian designer Bevza under a simple striped button-down. On her shoulder? A leather tote from Madewell.
The bag has a wide, comfy strap that's adjustable, so you can wear it over your shoulder or across your body.
This do-it-all bag is $178 — not exactly cheap, but reasonable for a piece you may find yourself using every single day. The style is a bestseller, and the fact that it's real leather means it will probably last you for years to come. Considering the cost per wear, we think it's a great investment.
The tote comes in eight colors and has a magnetic closure, an interior pocket and an adjustable shoulder strap. It's big enough to hold a 15-inch laptop, and it's chic enough that you could carry it to work, the grocery store and out to dinner at your favorite restaurant, no bag switching required.
Holmes appeared to carry the Chocolate Raisin bag (a brown shade with dark purple undertones), a good all-season color. However, if you don't love the leather's slight sheen, Madewell also makes a suede version for the same price.
Madewell shoppers love that the Essential Bucket Tote is "elusive" — that is, free of labels, logos or any brand prints.
"I have been on the hunt for an elusive work bag that is 1) good for air travel, 2) stylish, 3) sturdy, 4) affordable. This is it. I am so excited," said one shopper.
"I am absolutely thrilled with my new bucket bag!" said another. "The design of this bag is really good. It effortlessly combines fashion and function. I also love the adjustable shoulder strap. I can wear it crossbody or shorten the strap for a shoulder bag, and it's always comfortable. The weight distribution is well-balanced, so it never feels too heavy even when fully loaded."
One fan that called the bag "very stylish" added that they wished the inside pocket was a bit deeper. "I do wish it had a large zipper inner pocket like found in [Madewell's] Transport totes. I'm personally not a fan of the shallower open pocket, but that's minor and doesn't detract from the style and look," they said.
You can never go wrong with a black dress, and the same rule applies to a black handbag.
If $178 is too spendy, don't worry — I found a similar style on Amazon for less than $50.
This faux leather bag has a similar bucket shape and an adjustable shoulder strap, but it's a bit shallower than Madewell's tote. It comes in black, khaki, brown and green.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
