I vividly remember my childhood babysitter calling me a bag lady. This was probably around the age of 4 and I don’t think she meant it in a good way, if there is one. I’m pretty sure she was referring to those old women that carry around plastic sacks full of crap. Whenever we would leave the house, I would want to pack a purse of my things before we left. Didn’t matter if we were going to the gas station, the grocery store, or the mall, I needed to have my things with me. I just wish I knew what I was adamant about bringing along. I obviously didn’t have keys, a wallet, a phone, or anything important. Oh, and by packing a “purse,” I mean plastic sacks… of crap. I think I did have a few cute bags (remember this post?), but I wasn’t picky with my knapsacks back then apparently.
It’s actually kind of bizarre as I think about all of this now because I’m still the exact same way. Well, minus the plastic grocery sack part. I’m quite picky with my totes nowadays. Maybe being a bag lady is genetic or maybe it’s a habit I’ve never grown out of. I can never be too prepared with stuff. Extra pair of shoes? Might need them. That notebook? Yeah, I might need to write something down. A magazine? I might find some downtime to read it. Those bottles of nail polish? Yes, I might go get a mani. 2 pairs of sunglasses? I mean, what if one breaks. 10 tubes of lipstick.? Never know what color you’ll need! 2 tubes of Chapstick, too, just in case. Hand sanitizer, gum, my iPhone, my wallet, my iPhone charger, my Mophie charger, my laptop, my laptop cord, my DSLR camera, my planner, an extra notebook, a collection of pens & markers (I like to use markers in my planner, sue me.), Starbucks napkins (always packin’ the Sbux brown naps), the list goes on and on and on and on. F*ck, guys, maybe I’m a hoarder. And in the words of Alan from The Hangover, “That’s how I’ve managed to stay single this whole time…” 😉
Ask any of my friends that they’ll tell you, I basically look like I’m traveling out of the country whenever I meet up after work. Granted, I have to take my computer to work every day, but still. I usually end up getting packages at work and have to take those home. And then I might have my gym stuff, too. And then probably 100 other things I don’t actually need. See laundry list above. Before the days of iPhones and digital cameras, remember how parents and grandparents would take out their wallets to show off pictures of their babies? (My dad still does this, fyi.) Well at the rate I’m going, I will probably be the one that takes actual picture frames out of my bag to brag about my kids dogs.
Meet MZ Wallace. I first learned about MZ-Dub (that’s not a thing, just made that up) back when I worked at Nordstrom. I remember hearing how their bags were so lightweight and great for travel. Then one day when I was waiting for my green juice at Juice Generation, I noticed a super chic gym bag in the Equinox boutique. “MZ Wallace, I’ve heard of them!” Fast forward to Soul Cycle opening up their Soho location and I started walking by the MZ Wallace store on Crosby every single time I was on the way to spin class. “I need to get myself one of these quilted totes.”
Naturally, I gasped out loud when I saw the new plaid print. So, SO good. I’ve literally been carrying this bag everywhere. To work everyday, to the gym, on the weekends when I’m out running errands, and as my carryon for traveling. And just this SINGLE bag, too! I’ve gone from ‘bag lady’ to ‘just-carrying-this-one-chic-bag’ lady. #GameChanger
In the spirit of gifting this holiday season, MZ Wallace is generously giving away TWO of these Plaid Metro Totes to Bows & Sequins readers. Just give us a tweet and tell us why you want to win. 🙂
Work: J.Crew Camel Blazer | Vineyard Vines Silk Talk | Old Navy Rockstar Skinnies | Zara Pumps (similar) | Michael Kors Watch | Kate Spade Bow Ring | MZ Wallace Plaid Metro Tote c/o
Weekend: Joe’s Jeans Red Suede Jacket (similar here & here) | Tommy Hilfiger Mustard Sweater | J Brand Jeans | Express Booties (40% off!) | Zara Scarf | MZ Wallace Plaid Metro Tote c/o
Workout: Sincerely Jules Off Duty Sweatshirt | LuluLemon Leggings | adidas Sneakers | Ray-Ban Aviators (borrowed from Hallie) | MZ Wallace Plaid Metro Tote c/o
Check out my feature on the MZ Wallace website!
All photos taken by Hallie Wilson
Golly I LOVE your mustard sweater and your maroon heels!
Dear Lord do I need this bag. Been looking for a good combo work + gym bag for AGES – this fits the bill beautifully.
Love this bag! I was the same way when I was a kid! Always envied the women that can carry those cute, petite little bags. Can’t do it myself!
I would love to win this bag! It’s gorgeous!
My gym bag is in shambles, and I have been looking for a great bag that works for pretty much everything. I think this is it!
Winning this would make me the happiest girl! 🙂
In love with this bag! I adore quilted and blackwatch plaid, and I am always carrying around too much stuff (pretty sure I will end up with shoulder issues one day!) Match made in heaven!
Antonia xx
Ah, I LOVE that tote! Perfect for commuting- it will never get all dirty and stained on the subway! Great find.
Looks like the perfect gym tote!
Adore this bag! Especially the plaid print! This is the perfect bag to haul all my ‘essentials’ around the city!
xo
savedbyfashion.net
I need this bag because it’s so chic & will hold all of my crap-oops I meant stuff!
What a perfect tote! Love the plaid.
Oh, I love that bag! I, like you, am always filling my bag to the brim with needs for the day for both me and the kids! And I adore the plaid! I may have a plaid problem considering I just came home from the store with a new plaid shirt and plaid scarf! Great giveaway!
I love this bag and want it because I’m a bag lady too. I carry my life in my bag to work, school, and gym. I’m a hard working teacher who lugs grading home and a full time student with loads of stuff to carry. This bag would be perfect!
I tweeted too, but can’t figure out how to post the url. 🙂
That bag is FAB! Need a bigger carryall in my life:)
-Vanessa
I need this!! My longchamp has pretty much had it and this is way chicer in the plaid.
Love the bag! I always pack everything, but the kitchen sink in my bag!
Kristin
crumbsandcurls.blogspot.com
this bag is almost the exact same print as my catholic school uniform, I can’t help but love it! perfect for those days when i carry everything!
-Maddy
http://cassidylou.com
Love this fab plaid bag! So cute!
LOVE this bag!!! i am totally the same way with my laundry list of purse contents (for which i consistently get made fun of!) but seriously, i will totally be prepared in the case of a freak apocalypse. and you never know when you might need….. 🙂
I don’t want ot win this bag, I NEED to win this bag, ’cause I’m a bag lody,too!
Love this! I need this for carrying all the kid stuff everywhere I go! My daughter insists I have two extra outfits for her at all times:)
Great fall/winter staple!
I would love this bag to hold all my new “needs” for my newborn twins! Momma is a bag lady too and now needs one this big!
OMG I WANT THE BAG! It’s adorable and so chic!
LOVE the plaid! Such a cute bag. Nice and big too 🙂
This tote is amazing! Love it!
Love, love, LOVE!!! You know I’m such a bag lady, too, haha. My Lo & Sons is stuffed full every time I’m in the weekend on the city, oh and don’t forget I’m usually carrying a big tote & maybe a canvas bag, too #problems but I never know when I might NEED it!
LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Your giveaways are GREAT Jessica!
i am obsessed with these bags and need one.
This would match my uniform. If only I could afford it myself! I’m seriously so in love with it!
I would love this bag! I teach preschool & it would really help with all the stuff I have to bring to school!
LOVE this bag! You look so super cute! I would love to win one!
xoxo,
Danielle
http://www.envisionpretty.com
You sound just like me – I carry my WHOLE life in my bag! Often gets referred to as my suitcase!
Kayla
http://www.lovelucygirl.com
Love the tote! I work in minor league baseball and my summer basically revolves around the ballpark…early mornings and late nights. I have like 10 different clothes I have to bring to work– tarp, clean up, pre game, actual game…you name it. I usually bring a gym bag but this one would be event better!
Lovin’ this bag.
-Meg
http://www.dillandscout.etsy.com
I have been travelling a TON recently and this would be the perfect light-weight travel bag 🙂
Perfect with everything! Very nice!
Love the versatility of this bag would love to have this for my upcoming trip.
I reallllllly love this bag! It would be a perfect bag for school. You know I only carry around the basics during the day… chapstick, phone, charger, wallet and gas station comb…
I love this bag! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’m a school psychologist and carry a lot to and from work so a lightweight and super cute bag would be ideal!1
I’m currently carrying around 4 bags of varying size – it’s getting ridiculous! A cute, big bag like that could solve all my problems! 🙂
Love love love it!! The plaid is so cute!
Kristin
Nice bag, lady! 🙂
You look so cute in these photos, Jessica! And I LOVE the bag–quilted AND plaid? Count me in. Looks like something that would be handy to haul all my teaching stuff around the city. Ugh. Is it xmas break yet? 😉
<3
Kelly
kellyinthecity.com
Love the bag and the plaid is adorable !
omg, i’ve been eyeing the metro tote for so long. I love the plaid.
I’ve been looking around for a gym bag and I think I might have just found it! How cute are you in this photo! https://bowsandsequins.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Off-Duty-Sweatshirt.jpg LOVE IT! 🙂 Thanks for the great giveaway!! ^^
That tote reminds me of the uniform in wore in elementary school — I’ll never stop loving that tartan print!
This bag is so cute! I’ve been looking around for a city bag too for my metro days here in DC. -Amanda
I have a husband, work full time and have two kids. Do I need to say more? I need a tote to keep all my sh*t and their sh*t together. I think when I gave birth I lost some of my hipness. This plaid metro tote will solve all my problems and make me look hip;)
LOVE the plaid!!! This would make an amazing everyday bag for schlepping my stuff (as well as my 3 kids stuff) around 🙂 as of now, i am using 3 different bags…obsessed with MZW!
Love this bag and would love to carry around my gym clothes or all my son’s necessities!
Jodi
i know what you mean about always wanting to be ready! i always have a bag full of stuff!
I have been dying to have an MZ Wallace bag! I know I’d use this tote all the time!
Love this bag! It would be perfect for carrying my gym clothes or when I travel.
Awesome-fab bag! Perfect for on the go-from work-to meeting-to the gym- and everywhere in between! (Weekend getaway even-right?!) Plus it looks big enough to fit all my students work papers in so I wouldn’t need a separate purse and school bag for work. LOVE!
I would love to win this bag because I have been looking everywhere for a nice, pretty, roomy tote!
I love the patent tote! The plaid is adorable too though. : )
I desperately need a new bag – I just started work again after having a baby. My work bag is no longer big enough for all I need to carry but don’t want to lug my baby bag b/c I just drop her at daycare! I just need to put stuff somewhere!
Love this tote!
Love it! So functional, cute and sassy!
Love the bag! Perfect for the holiday season!
I hear ya!!! When I travel I have my bag as a second carry on! This is such a cute bag- and to be light weight would just make it that much sweeter to have!!!
LOVE the bag!
Beautiful bag! And it looks like it can hold all kinds of stuff I probably don’t need to be carrying around 🙂
Love the plaid! Can’t get enough this winter. Lurve your site!
I love the bag and am in desperate need of a new one. I follow several blogs and enjoy most all of them but yours is one that I look forward to reading each new post. Thanks for your continued inspiration.
I love the work outfit. The color combinations are fantastic. And your hair looks amazing!
So Cute!! and HUGE!
Great looking tote.
Would love to win. Thanks for the chance!
Oh my gosh! I love this bag and love the title of your post! I too am a bag lady! I am always carrying a handbag and at least one tote while commuting via public transportation. This bag looks like a lifesaver to me! Thanks to you and your blog I am now suffering from a major plaid addiction!
LOVE this bag!
Wow, I’ve actually never heard of this brand before, but I LOVE this bag! The plaid is understated, yet WOW!!!!
Need this bag so I can stop carrying three to school!
Love the plaid. Would be a perfect bag for carrying school work.
I have been in love with MZ Wallace since I spotted one at an airport 3 years ago! I would love this bag as an everything/baby bag as I am expecting my 4th as a huge surprise next year.
Living in Vail, CO, I have been carrying around my MZs for YEARS! Whenever someone would ask where I got it, I would always send them to NYC….finally, a new boutique opened in town that carries MZ Wallace, and I send everyone there!
I heart this bag! It’s perfect for work and I am in love with the plaid!!!
I spied this at Tuckernuck a while ago and have been considering picking one up. You’re review makes me think that I need to now!
This post made me laugh! Love it. I’m quite the bag lady myself 🙂 these totes are so adorable and fun. Great giveaway!
love this bag! Fingers crossed!
http://www.behindtheleopardglasses.com
this is great, would love to win!
Cute bag – love your styling! Hope I win! 😉
This bag is amazing. I go from work to grad school and everyday – and this is the perfect bag to carry everything i need!!
First, I seriously love your work and weekend outfits (and yes, I will be copying them soon!). I would like to win because I just started grad school (and am struggling through my first semester finals this week) and this bag looks perfect for carrying around all my books. It’s nice and roomy and the adorable print would bring some serious cheer to the library!
Love this bag!!!
I love this bag! I am a busy attorney and mom of 2 and this bag would hold everything from legal pads to soccer shoes.. It is absolutely the most versatile bag I’ve seen in a long time! <3
I SO need one of these bags! I pack for myself and 2 toddlers and you cannot even begin to imagine what I carry daily; it would make your list seem minimal. Even if I do not win, I am still going to purchase this tote. Seriously, how cute and chic would I look sightseeing around Europe with this bag packed with diapers, wipes, lip balm, change of clothes, juice, water, lipstick, sunglasses, tissues, toys, crayons, coloring books, magazines, hair brush and comb, fruit, pretzels…yeah, you get the idea.
I’m a HUGE MZ fan! I save all year and get one every year for my birthday. The small metro tote is next on my list!
I love the size of this bag!! I overstuffed my last bag and one of the straps broke ):
I would love to win this bag, the simple plaid pattern is beautiful. I would love to win this to I could replace my current bag that can’t handle what I need to lug everyday nor rain/snow.
The bigger the bag, the better! LOVE the plaid print too.
Love the print!
Love the MZ Wallace plaid tote! I love plaid so much I just bought two packs of plaid Christmasy cloth dinner napkins today at TJMaxx. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Hi, Jess! I completely can relate on the bag lady status, my sis is the same way and even carries multiples! Anyway, I would love to win this bag because, well, it looks amazing! I could fit my gym clothes, lunch, and macbook while still having room for all my extra lipsticks I never reapply 🙂 Hope you’re having a great holiday season!
I love the bag, can never have too much plaid or too much stuff.
that bag is great…love the quilted look and the colors! wouldn’t mind adding that to my closet!
happy holidays bows&sequins!
This bag is a #musthave. I too suffer from the Mary Poppins syndrome… Carry all but a coat rack. Great bag! 🙂
I love this giveaway!! The bag is gorgeous (The plaid is to die for)!
Ivy and Cedar
Kat
This would make for an adorable commuting bag!!!
Oh my gosh I never would have thought to add something like this to my closet, but I LOVE it! I was never much of a bag lady, but now that I have a work laptop I need bigger and better bags! Thanks so much for the giveaway.
Kaitlin
http://www.teaandsequins.com
I work part time as a social psychology lab manager and go to school part time for social work, so I am always on the go! I also volunteer at another psychology lab and make sure to go to the gym everyday so I am constantly being a “bag lady”. This bag is so cute and would definitely fit all of my everyday essentials!
What a cute and versatile bag! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com
In love with the plaid one, and I love your mustard and red together!
Love the plaid!
What a great bag! So versatile!
I love MZ Wallace. They make such great bags. I have a black one and always use it when I travel. I will def need to invest in a plaid one. So cute!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com/
Awesome styling as usual.
SOOOO obsessed with this bag! my mom has a silver one and it is all I want for Christmas!!! Fingers crossed!!!
Super cute! I had heard of MZ Wallace but never actually researched to see what the bags look like. Adorable 🙂
absolutely love it!
That’s the perfect EVERYTHING bag!!❤️
What a great everyday and travel bag!
Love this bag…and all the different colors it comes in on their site.
i LOVE your blog! I check it daily 🙂 I am too a bag lady. I know I have way too many handbags, totes etc… but a girl can just never have too many is my thought!
absolutely perfect colors…a must-have by all means!
I love that bag! I think it might be fate that I read this post today, because I was just looking around online for a plaid bag!
I love the plaid print. This would be a great bag to bring to the gym/ grocery shopping in the winter 🙂
i’m a sucker for anything plaid! super cute bag.
I love your bag. I think it goes well with everything.
I’m a bag lady in the worst way, and 9 times out of 10, the bags aren’t even cool.
When describing what you carry after work, I laughed out loud because that is always me! I have extra gym stuff, my carry-around makeup case, and always tupperware in a lululemon bag from bringing my lunch. This quilted print is amazing, and would certainly help someone toting extra goodies (*essentials*) around 🙂
LOVE that plaid quilted tote!!
Love the plaid print! This would be the perfect all-purpose bag for me. I would only need this ONE bag instead of carrying three others at a time to haul all my stuff haha
Such a great print, and I love that the bag is big but doesn’t look heavy!
Love the print on this bag. I have always wanted to try out a MZ bag.
The bag is great, so stylish! I’d love to have a bag like this!
I love quilted bags! And the subtle plaid is fabulous!
That bag is so adorable and perfect for the winter!
Plaid never goes out of style, I swear. I just picked up a plaid blazer from the 90s that I totally rocked at a Christmas party just recently.
I love this bag! The quilting and the plaid pattern make it so chic yet functional.
From one bag lady to another, I love the bag and your blog!
I’ve always loved MZ Wallace but this tartan printed one is literally to die for!!! (I tweeted as Jildor Shoe, by the way!)
I’m such a fan of you and your site! Keep up the fabulous fashion and have a Happy Holiday!
Hi! This is the cutest bag!! I would love to win because its a stylish bag that is perfect for traveling, and also for everyday use! You could wear it with basically anything and it would add a lot of flare to your outfit!
Thanks so much for doing this giveaway !
threesweetpeasblog.com
The plaid is so cute! I would love a new bag!
Traveling, blogging, running errands, work-gym-life, this bag would be a lifesaver! And also, since I may or may not have started my Christmas shopping yet, the 2nd one would be perfect to gift my sister!
xx
I love this bag! Would be perfect for travel and the gym! I am absolutely a bag lady too!
I’ve also been known to bring my entire life with me whenever I go anywhere. 30lb purse? Why not! 😉
The Mzwallace would be a great bag as I am the mother of a 10 month baby girl a student , full-time employee and teach college part-time. I need a bag that can hold all my contraptions and baby Sophia’s stuff also.
omg this bag is amazing and love the plaid – perfect to carry absolutely everything!
That’s a great bag! I really love the plaid print too!
Holy cow do I covet the heck out of this gorgeous bag. I bet it’s practically weightless too. I’d love to win this bag, I’m in desperate need of a new tote for school etc.
I’m also a bag lady and this bag would be so perfect to help alleviate som shoulder pain!
Love this bag. So cute
You are adorable and so is that bag. Love it!!
LOVE this bag!!
I used to be that one girl out of all of my friends with the smallest purse. They all had “Mary Poppins” bags… now, I am the one with everything and they have these tiny tiny purses.
Needless to say… this bag, is adorable and I am in love with the fact that it’s in plaid!
This bag is adorable!
I love that plaid tote bag!
Absolutely LOVE this bag!! Must have!!
SOOOO CUTE!!
Darling!!
I would love to win this plaid, fab bag. I would carry it all the time as the plaid colors seem to go with so much!
This would make an adorable diaper bag! I’m always looking for chic oversized bags to carry to give my diaper bag a break;)
I am a totally bag lady to, since I was a wee one and the gma dubbed me that type. How I will be amazed with this #gamechanger bag too!! Love the touch of plaid this bag gives to every outfit you have featured here! Crossing my bag lady fingers now. 🙂
~ Melanie B.
This is the perfect bag for a new city girl like me!
Great bag! I love the plaid!
Perfect tote for commuting to work!
What a versatile and beautiful bag!!!
Love all your looks with this wonderful tote!
love this!
Love the outfit n the bag!!! 🙂
I am like so obsessed with this bag?!
That bag is fabulous!
So glad tartan is making its way back!
Wow! Love love love this bag!
The plaid print is perfect! & looks so versatile. LOVE this bag!
I adore the mustard and cranberry combination – one of my favorites!!! I totally relate to being a bag lady! As a blogger and radio personality I have a laundry list of items on me at all times! Laptop, chargers, headphones, phone, notebooks, show binder, magazines, and randomly…a back scratcher I received as an early Christmas gift hahahaha! I’m in need of that gorgeous plaid tote to keep it all in one place! Thanks so much for sharing! Love reading Bows and Sequins daily – it’s a favorite!
I would love to win this bag! What a great carry all… And plaid no less!!
I’d love this bag since it’s a perfect carry all! For traveling for work from Boston to New York, it’s essential to have a pretty bag to match all client-facing outfits! Throw in my MacBook and running shoes/gym clothes and I’m ready for the day to day, too!
Love it!!!
I often submit my name for giveaways in some of my favorite blogs and never win. Just my luck! This bag would be coming to a warm and loving home and fit right in with it’s other soon to be bag friends! It’s so adorbable, fits my style perfectly and would love to own it! 🙂
Such a cute bag!!! Perfect for this time of year!
I love bags and I love giveaways!!!
I would love to win this bag, it’s perfect for work or on the weekends.
LOVE the tote and just love how you style all your pieces! You always look stunning! I look forwarding reading your new blog posts everyday!
Obsessed with everything about this bag – print, style, material, texture. I need it because my LV never full has broken a million times and I’m too tired to keep fixing it! (plus this one is way cuter)
I’ve been wanting a metro tote for sometime and haven’t pulled the trigger. I would love it in plaid!
i’ve been debating on what big bag to buy. this one makes me think of class and style. reminds me of the inside of a barbour coat. love it.
Love this tote! I just finished graduate school and have been looking for the perfect bag to use for work!
Love – so perfect for running around town!
Awesome bag! Fingers crossed!
I have twitter, but wanted to say thanks for hosting such an awesome giveaway!
I love the sweater!
As someone who carries their laptop and many files this bag would be perfect! I also live out of my bag and this is totally what I need!
Favorite tote for winter in the city!
I’ve always been a bag lady too! Extra pair of shoes everywhere I go since I can remember 😉 I would LOVE to have this bag 🙂
I want to win so when people inquire about my amazing bag, I can introduce them to both MZ Wallace and bowsandsequins.
I LOVE your work outfit!:) That bag is AMAZING!!:)
What a crazy bag – love the size and pattern! Fingers crossed….
LOVE the bag!
That bag is AMAZING! The plaid is a great twist on a basic black!
Would love to win this giveaway! It looks like an amazing bag!
Super cute & versatile bag!
Love love!!!
This bag matches your outfit PERFECTLY
xo
How lovely! Love the look of the bag!
I love all the outfits.
Oh my gosh, I am SO in LOVE with this bag!!!
Love that bag! I have a similar Marc Jacobs nylon tote but this bag is calling my name for traveling 🙂 Love love the plaid as well.
thanks for sharing,
jen
http://www.comfortably-chic.com
Love this bag! So classic 🙂
Just realized I forgot to tweet my reason for NEEDING this bag. I discovered MZ Wallace a few years ago when I was on a quest for a navy purse, which I found. Needless to say I have made a few more purchases since then. I am in desperate need for a new carry all bag, and this metro tote would be absolutely perfect for this girl that is simply mad about plaid!
Ah this would be the perfect tote for all of my work and gym essentials everyday!
LOVE everything about this post!
I can totally relate to your bag-lady issues! I end up breaking a sweat by the time I get to work from carrying everything. I’d love to be able to consolidate!
Plaid and oversized. Could this bag be any more awesome? Wait, it could…if it were on my arm!
Love the bag! Just what this busy college girl needs! I love my sorority bag, but I get bored carrying it around campus everyday, and same with my backpack. This would be the perfect accessory to carry around with me especially because it would be big enough for all of my stuff!
I need this bag because I carry everything I own in my bags and end up with two on each shoulder when I walk into the office each morning. With a roomy bag like this one, I could eliminate at least two of those!
LOVE this bag, so chic and stylish, and best of all it’s such a good size!!
Fab bag! I love having a cute bag that you can carry everything to pretty much any event…I love Longchamp bags which are my everyday go to handbags!
Love the Off Duty sweater too!
Katie x
http://www.missenchanting.co.uk/
I love the plaid metro large tote. I have been looking for a nice tote/bag. Where can I buy one.