No Gatekeeping Here: This Is The Bag That Always Gets Me Compliments

Graziadaily

3 days ago

You probably have a decent rotation of bags in your closet. As a fashion writer, I certainly have a carefully curated edit. There's the striped cotton tote that's practically a necessity for supermarket runs, and my trusted large-enough-for-a-MacBook carryall for days in the office. On the weekend, you'll find me wandering around Primrose Hill, iced latte in hand, with my Uniqlo crossbody bag slung over my shoulder.
Lately, however, as my wardrobe has matured (read: fewer impulse buys, and more thoughtful pieces), I've found myself missing something in the accessories department; a bag that's effortlessly elegant without feeling too precious. The kind that feels equally at home in a client meeting as it does at a table in a trendy restaurant. In short, I was in the market for a shoulder bag that elevates any look, even when I'm running late and reaching for that trusty jeans-and-white-shirt combo yet again. Naturally, my chic colleagues at Grazia had a few brilliant suggestions, but there was just one that really caught my eye (and heart): the Toteme T-Lock bag.
©Instagram/@fashion_jackson
Stockholm-based brand, Toteme, has been something of a well-known secret in fashion circles over the past few years. Founded by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman, you've likely noticed the brand's minimalist basics on plenty of well-dressed women. Whether you've spotted its trendsetting scarf jacket every winter or pined after its chic heeled sandals, Toteme's pieces all have the same calling cards that make them easily identifiable; namely, the considered design, quality construction, and a refined aesthetic largely devoid of bold branding and logos. So, when the brand made its first foray into handbags back in 2022, expectations were reasonably high, and it didn't disappoint.
T-Lock Leather Shoulder Bag
Price: £1,100
The Toteme T-Lock bag sticks to the brand's quiet luxury design language thanks to an elegant leather exterior detailed with the signature understated hardware lock closure. Effortless in its sophistication, you'll find that despite the T-Lock's slouchy curved silhouette, it's surprisingly sturdy, adding a structured polish to any outfit. There's certainly no lack of understated designer bags in the market these days, so why exactly did I fall so hard for the T-Lock? Simple, it's perfect for almost every occasion.
As with most Toteme pieces, the T-Lock is designed with as much attention to practicality as its aesthetic appeal. Roomy enough to fit all my essentials without being overwhelming, the bag comes with a chic top handle for dressier occasions, while a detachable and adjustable longer strap is perfect for those days when I'm rushing around and need my hands free. All of which to say, I'm carrying my T-Lock literally everywhere I go: breakfast meetings with clients, dinners with friends, date nights at a speakeasy, even Sunday morning coffee runs.
While I've been partial to the classic black leather style, if you're after a smaller style, the T-Lock also comes as a compact clutch. Then there's the fact that Toteme has rendered the bag in a carousel of shades and finishes, including tan, white and butter yellow leather, tan and chocolate brown suede, ecru and khaki canvas, and even woven styles perfect for the summer.
Naturally, I've been in a committed relationship with my T-Lock for the last several months, but I'm hardly the bag's first fan. Several style icons, including Katie Holmes and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, have fallen for the T-Lock's charms in recent years. It's also a common sight on fashion editors and influencers at fashion week, and I've spotted one at nearly every front row in the past few seasons.
©Getty Images/Gotham/GC Images
Happily, despite the bag's obviously luxe aesthetic, the T-Lock is also much more accessible than many of its high-end peers, clocking in at £1,100 for the largest shoulder bag. What's more, according to resale site The RealReal, the bag retains 82% of its value over time, so it's also an excellent investment. However, given how chic and, honestly, practical the bag has proven itself, I highly doubt you'd consider parting with it.
With its inherent sophistication and wear-with-anything appeal, Toteme's T-Lock bag is the best fashion buy you can make for a grown-up addition to your wardrobe this year.
T-Lock Textured Leather Shoulder Bag
T-Lock Grained Leather Top Handle Bag
T-Lock Textured Leather Clutch
T-Lock Suede Shoulder Bag
T-Lock Suede Clutch
T-Lock Shearling Clutch
Main image credits: ©Instagram/@goldenconnexion @holliehobin
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet's most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.