"Packing for a summer vacation is nothing short of an art form. It’s a delicate balance of landing on the right number of outfits, transferring your favorite beauty products into travel-sized containers, and making the impossible choice between your everyday bag or the bag that goes perfectly with that one dress and nothing else. In short? It’s a logistical nightmare disguised as a little thing we like to call “vacation prep.” Fortunately, a strategically planned piece or two can completely change the packing experience, and that’s exactly what happened when I added Madewell’s Handwoven Mini Tote to my arsenal.
The Madewell of today is a far cry from the Madewell of our yesteryears. No longer an exclusive denim haven, the brand has quietly (and impressively) evolved into a full-fledged accessories destination. Case in point: their latest summer drop, which proves that Madewell is no longer just about great jeans—it’s about building an entire look. Enter: The Handwoven Mini Tote, a compact carryall that’s been living on my arm since it arrived on my doorstep. I gave it its first real trial run on a sunny escape to Florida this past weekend, and am now wholly convinced that it’s the only bag you need for summer.
My review of Madewell’s Handwoven Mini Tote
With limited packing space and no room for an additional carry-on, this mini top-handle bag earned itself a solo spot in my weekend packing lineup. Amazingly, it worked with everything I packed for the three-day trip—from a casual tank-and-boxer-short combo to a gingham two-piece set. How? Unlike your typical summer bag made from raffia or straw, this one’s crafted with soft leather that strikes just the right balance—structured enough to feel refined, yet relaxed enough to wear casually. Styled as an evening bag, or as a daytime catch-all, it’s the kind of summer staple you don’t expect to need as much as you do—until you do. And now? I’m not sure I remember life without it.
I stuffed this bag inside my duffel for the flight, and it easily held my handful of random (but very necessary) pouches without losing its shape in transit. The next morning, it came with me on a coffee run, carrying only the basics: my wallet, phone, and lip-gloss. For an afternoon by the lake, it easily fits a small water bottle, my AirPods, and a kindle. The leather is soft enough to expand when needed, but quickly bounces back once emptied.
Since this bag is hardware-free, it’s essentially a blank canvas to exercise this year’s bag charm trend. I’ve already clipped on a few fruity members from Maison De Sabre’s summer collection, but I’ve got my eye on Madewell’s own charm lineup—the fish bag charm in particular. Sardine summer anyone?
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.