BuyDay Friday: San Juan’s Coolest Totes

Necessity is the mother of invention, they say. So when Matilsha Marxuach couldn’t find a stylish reusable grocery bag, she made one herself. Now the capacious “Mercado A” tote is a bestseller at her Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, boutique, Concalma.

Matilsha’s utilitarian and unique collection comprises about 10 styles that start around $25, from small waist bags to capacious totes, in patterned and plain canvas. The designer shows 12 limited-edition collections a year, and each is sewn on-island by the members of a women’s collective. All the bags are machine-washable and most feature wide elastic straps that are comfy on the shoulder even if you’re hauling a heavy load.

Con calma roughly translates to being “at ease” and my simple yet substantial Mercado A kinda gives me that feeling when I tote it to and from my yoga class. OK, maybe it’s the savasana. But it sure is great to have a bag that holds all my stuff and looks cute, too.