I have been through a lot of tote bags trying to find one that worked well enough to make me want to remember to bring it to the grocery store. Along the way I developed a newfound appreciation for the unbelievably simple and perfect design of the old fashioned brown paper grocery bag and, after some trial and error, smashed fruit and spilled olives, I can articulate an exacting list of design details I demand, including the following: the stitching has to be strong enough to carry a heavy assortment of groceries; the bottom has to open out flat so items can stack; the straps have to be long enough to comfortably fit on my shoulder (this is the improvement on the classic grocery bag). While I love the nylon ones that zip up into their own little envelope, I find it so much easier to use cotton ones I can throw in the washer & dryer regularly. Enter Pawling Print Studio's recycled cotton grocery totes, pictured above, possibly the perfect grocery tote bag.

 

When it first arrived I was afraid the cotton was too stiff to tuck into my everyday bag but it has washed up beautifully and folds super small. Every time I use it I marvel (out loud, like a total dork, sorry grocery store clerks!) at how much fits in this bag. I’m partial to the simple, geometric designs that make me feel as though I've come across someone’s doodles made during a long phone call.

 

[Images from Pawling Print Studio]