I don’t really know how it started, but at some point I began getting tired of my reusable bags. I’ve got a decent collection of them, a couple of the recycled President’s Choice bags, one from the Metro grocery store, and a bunch with branding and logo on them–the kind you get for free a lot.
The problem is, they’re all pretty ugly, I don’t like walking around looking like an advertisement (at least pay me something, sheesh!) and none of them really rolled or folded up small enough to carry in my purse for those last-minute shopping trips. I also wanted to use them to cart things to and from the office everyday and didn’t really feel like announcing to the world that I shop at Cotton Ginny each time.
I was checking out my Google Reader one day and came across a great WiseBread post about stylish reusable bags. The article reviewed three brands: the Flip & Tumble, Baggu and RuMe. I thought it was a really excellent article, so I’m going to share it with you.
Personally, I think all the bags are pretty awesome. Each of them have some unique traits that make them really cool. At first I really liked the Baggu bags due to their awesome colours and prints. But the actual design of the bag wasn’t perfect for me– the handles didn’t look like they would fit over my shoulder very well, and I didn’t like that the little pouch you store them in is not attached to the bag itself–I would totally lose it!
Next I looked at the Flip & Tumble. I know Mama Bear had one of these and she loved it. I think the design is awesome; but again it would only serve me as a shoulder bag and not one that I could easily carry in my hands. Groceries are heavy and I like to switch up my carrying position as I go!
So finally, I came to the RuMe bag (Roomy–get it?). It was love at first sight. Not only are they available in several different sizes, but also some breathtaking patterns and colours! And of course, they fit my carrying criteria; I could hoist them with my shoulder, or carry them in my hand without having to perform some intricate band-twisting.
I love that they come in “collections”, you can buy a set of 3 coordinating bags in different sizes or buy them individually. I like a lot of them, but since I don’t really need 20-some-odd bags to carry around with me, I had to select just one set.
So I picked the Spring in New York Patterned collection! 🙂
This is what they actually look like all folded up (I still need to practice a bit so I can get them as flat as they come originally!) I included a lip balm for scale reference. The photo below is the one that I keep in my purse. Three bags is a bit much to haul all the time, but they’re ok if you’ve got a planned shopping trip!
Now, the sad part is that these are only available through one online retailer in Canada, and they were kind of pricey. At $34.95 plus $7.50 for shipping I ended up spending $47 total for 3 bags. However, there was a silver lining! In honour of Earth Day the merchant was throwing in another bag for free if you ordered before March 31, so I got the pink one to go with my patterned ones! Totally fab.
I actually had a good experience with this retailer, too. I think it’s worth mentioning! Even though the shipping cost was a little on the high side, I placed my order at 4pm on a Thursday, and they were delivered by noon on Friday! They sent me emails each time an action happened on my order so I always knew what the status was, and I even got an email from a real lady telling me I would be getting an extra bag for free. It is so refreshing to be treated like a valued, human customer!
Now that I’ve had the chance to use my bags a couple of times I can say that I am totally happy with my purchase! They are a great size, strong, roll up well and are SO stylish! Haha I feel so chic when I walk downtown with my RuMe bag… not only are they stylin’ but also eco-chic! I just know ALL the girls that see me are envious of my beautiful bags 😉 hehehe
If you’re interested in getting your own RuMe bag(s) so you can be as cool as me, they are available at GoneShopping.ca for Canadian customers (they’ll give you a free one if you order before March 31), and RuMeBags.com for everyone else.
Happy shopping!
4 responses to “RuMe Bags!”
ooo i like the blue one! very cute! i'll be one of the envious girls!yep, i dislike the name brand bags too, although i do have a cute one from a grocery store that i loved when i lived in victoria. its a trendy place with a cute design. but the other 20+ bags i have are ugly. (i was involved in a huge event years ago that gave away swag in reusable bags way before it was cool. they're kinda ugly now, but they work. plus its neat to see people still using them occasionally around town!)i bought a cheap billabong bag at winners a few months ago to use as a grocery bag. its not as big as i'd like, but its a lot cuter to carry around town.
Those look really fabulous. I like the NY in Fall time… I feel an urge to buy a set now based on your review LOL
Go for it, FB!
I love the fall set as well (mostly the purple one) but Spring suited my mood just a little bit more at the time!
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