As someone who’s always on the go and obsessed with high-quality bags, I’ve used every travel-friendly bag under the sun. But, designer bags feel too expensive to throw in a container at TSA or on the floor at brunch, and not all affordable bags can keep up with the hassle of everyday use. That’s why I needed something that could keep up with my busy lifestyle.
Eventually, I found the POPUPS Everyday Tote and the Marc Jacobs Commuter Leather Tote. While both are great options for different occasions, one has definitely become my go-to bag for all my travels and beyond. Keep reading to find out which one won my wanderlust heart.
If you want a versatile, customizable bag… POPUPS
One of my favorite features of the POPUPS Everyday Tote is its versatility. The size and capacity are considerable, but the bag remains lightweight! This is great for someone like myself who struggles to find a bag that can carry a lot without adding additional weight.
Another fav are the customization options. POPUPs bags are available in virtually every color under the sun with super-cute printed options that go with my always-rotating styles. The tan color is gorgeous for everyday, and it truly compliments all my outfits!
You can also personalize it with your name (or anything else) by choosing a font and color, and you can use the side buttons to adjust the size and shape of your bag (you can’t do that with Marc Jacobs!). It’s my perfect go-to bag for when I’m at brunch, dinner, work, or even the beach or the gym. On the other hand, I feel like I can’t bring my Marc Jacobs bag to the beach or the gym because I’m too afraid to damage the leather.
If you want a tote bag that can keep up with you… POPUPS
One thing that sets the POPUPS Everyday Tote bag apart is its durability. When looking for the ultimate travel and everyday bag, I wanted something that could keep up with airports, Uber rides, restaurants, and the whole shebang. Made from high-quality, water-resistant, and breathable neoprene fabric, the Everyday Tote can withstand everyday use and lots of wear and tear. The Marc Jacobs tote, while certainly stylish, is made from leather that’s not resistant to rain and the hassle of traveling.
The perforated neoprene material makes POPUPS so easy to clean and maintain. I love that I can simply put it into the washer or spot-clean it when necessary. Yes, you read that right — the washer! I never have to worry about ruining it.
If you want more for your buck… POPUPS
The POPUPS Everyday Tote is more affordable than the Marc Jacobs leather tote bag. While the Marc Jacobs bag is undoubtedly a luxurious option, the POPUPS Everyday Tote offers similar features and functionality at a fraction of the cost, making it a more practical choice for frequent travelers or anyone looking for high-quality, budget-friendly tote bag options. Plus, you can bundle and save by creating your own set of bags! I bundled and got the Everyday Tote and Flap Chain bag — I couldn’t be happier.
If you want a bag with compartments… It’s a tie!
One of the good things about both bags is the amount of compartments they have for all your stuff. The Marc Jacobs tote bag comes with two zippered compartments, and the POPUPS tote bag has side pockets that move and adapt with the bag to give you all the space and compartments you need for your things.
If you want more space…go with POPUPS
One of the first things I noticed about POPUPS’ Everyday Tote was its spaciousness. It has plenty of room for all my essentials, including my laptop, water bottle, makeup bag, hoodie, and more. I love that the bag has a little detachable pouch, perfect for organizing smaller items like my headphones, keys, and passport. The Marc Jacobs tote, on the other hand, while stylish, has a much smaller interior.
My Favorite Tote: POPUPS Everyday Tote
While the POPUPS Everyday Tote and the Marc Jacobs Commuter Leather Tote have their strengths, the POPUPS Everyday Tote's spaciousness, durability, versatility, and affordability make it the perfect travel companion for me. Whether I’m getting ready for a weekend getaway or just hanging with friends, my Everyday Tote goes with me to keep everything organized, protected, easily accessible, and fashionable! Plus, they’re a small business and woman-owned which is a win in my books!