The Zinnia Tote Bag by Bleu de Chauffe is a statement bag with loads of storage space that keeps on giving. The heavy duty waxed cotton tote bag is large enough to carry the kitchen sink and more. I chose this, so I knew what I was getting myself into. I was already envisioning myself taking this on day trips, work, and man-about-town wanderings. You can store quite a lot in it, so be prepared to take more than you anticipated. There’s no point carrying only a book and water bottle. The Zinnia needs, no, wants to be over half full so that it has volume and stands when placed on the ground.
I chose the waxed cotton version – there’s also a suede option that looks beautiful, but for me, I need a more robust waxed cotton to suit the demands of my work and usage. The first couple of weeks use it got a baptism of fire, joining me on two photoshoots carrying an array of shoes, water, clothing, accessories and styling products.
It held up really well and proved how much can be stuffed inside it. I really like the ability to adjust the handles, with a belt like buckle and over a dozen holes to adjust to your liking. I loosened it to allow myself to carry on my shoulder easily – other times, I’ve tightened it for a smaller handle that’s great for carrying lighter loads around town. In hindsight I’ll probably get the optional shoulder strap, as carrying a heavy load was not that comfortable and I think the shoulder strap will offer a nice option to change it up.
A smart feature is that the Zinnia Tote Bag features a few popper fasteners within the top opening of the bag so you can close to secure your belongings. This bag, however, isn’t suitable for carrying a laptop or camera. With its large storage compartment a laptop will just slide about, while also being a little too easy for thieves to nab. Just my opinion, but you do you with your tech. You can read my in-depth review of the Bleu de Chauffe with Business Musette here – a ‘business’ shoulder bag that has a laptop sleeve and can double up as a camera bag as is better suited for personal tech and gadgets.
I’ve had lots of compliments within the short time already using the Bleu de Chauffe Zinnia Tote Bag. I can see myself continuing to use this stylish tote bag in a number of scenarios, including picnics, nights out where I need to carry some layering options, Sunday strolls around the farmers market (as you never know what you might end up getting), and shopping trips when I don’t want to carry lots of branded bags.
Below are some photos of the Bleu de Chauffe used in some photoshoots I styled and art directed.
The Zinnia Tote Bag is currently available on private sales / private order.
