Gypsy Woven Boho Tote

Trot out your inner – or outer – hippie with a gypsy woven boho tote. Whether vintage or modern, or made by your own hands, it's a fun, comfortable and stylish bag to carry around town and country.

A gypsy woven print adds style to any bag.

The gypsy style celebrated in art and culture has a Renaissance look with a mishmash of bold colors. Fabrics are natural and often embroidered in contrasting colors or in gold or silver metallic threads. Patterns are geometric or floral and are put together in the manner of a patchwork quilt so as to be eclectic and eye-catching. The idea is to be loose, colorful and flowing. Which can work even with a bag. A gypsy woven boho tote is usually an unstructured fabric bag, often comprised of contrasting patterned squares, with a soft sling quality. However, bear in mind that this is a gypsy bag, and that means anything goes!

Much of the current interest in gypsy woven boho totes is derived from the Jessica Simpson line of clothing and accessories. Her Jimmy Boho Chic Tapestry Tote is less gypsy than classic Southwestern. It's a tapestry patterned bag with leather trim and ring accents, a detachable shoulder strap, short handles and a zip closure. It's currently found at several online stores including Journeys.

Although the bohemian, or boho, style is often favored by fashionistas, the price tags don't tend to fit the true definition of boho. If you want a bag that's truly boho, go for one that's not made by a major name designer. That isn't to say that buying one made in China quite captures the spirit either. If you really want to buy boho, look for something handmade or eco-friendly or both.

The selection varies at The World Closet, which specializes in gypsy boho goods. They get new, unique and exciting things in all the time. Their bags can be hemp or vegan but always enviro, with totes, hobo bags and even satchels on offer. Check them regularly for the gypsy bag that speaks to you.

eCrater is one of those sites that allows individual sellers to market their goods. One such seller, Lantainterworld, based in Thailand, offers a Hmong handmade woven boho tote in a gorgeous fabric with intricate detailing. At 19 inches long and 14 inches high, it's big enough to carry plenty of stuff and zips up for security. Slings over the shoulder perfectly.

Similarly, at Etsy, there is a Gypsy Soul Bag made of woven Guatemalan fabric with a silk lining made of vintage kimonos. The straps are long and the bag fastens with a handmade loop and wooden Mandala button. The seller also makes a slightly larger bag.

Although these are not necessarily woven bags, the sari totes available on The Find have a decidedly boho style. Sari totes are great because they are made of remnants from discarded saris, so you are supporting a cottage industry and the ethos of "reduce and reuse."

Although it is not a woven bag, a great gypsy tote is found at The Pumpkin Seed, a site for hip mothers. The Prague Gypsy Tote is made of flax linen with leather trim and hand embroidery. It can be tossed in the machine, scrunched up and stowed in another bag and hangs easily over a stroller handle. While its capacity makes it perfect for a diaper bag, it's also excellent as a tote about town.

Want to have a bag that reflects the true gypsy and boho ethos? Make your own! You can easily find a free pattern online and then use scraps or remnants to construct the bag that best reflects your gypsy style.

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