If You Buy One Basket Bag, Make It This Cute, Cheap, Retro One

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I’m not usually an obsessive shopper, but I’ve recently developed a bag problem. I can’t seem to stop purchasing cheap, roomy totes that can haul all my crap to the beach, work, gym, and beyond. In the last three months alone, I’ve acquired four new purses — each under $30 and lovely in their own way — that fit that description.

When I took an inventory the other day, I realized my four new bags have joined the ranks of two leather totes, three beach bags, two reusable grocery bags, and 20-some-odd free canvas bags that are all shoved inside one another, gathering dust on my shelf. It’s pretty clear that I don’t need any more bags. But just when I resolved to stop, I came across these ridiculously cute plastic basket bags for $24.

I spied them at Pas Mal, a boutique in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, that stocks brands like Wray, Lauren Manoogian, and Ozma. Everything in the store is beautiful, but it’s also pretty pricey, so I was shocked to see the Instagram-friendly bag priced at only $24. (While I haven’t seen these particular bags on the arms of any influencers, it’s worth noting that Pas Mal stocks all the social-media-famous statement purses, from Cult Gaia’s Ark bag to those white Catzorange bucket bags, both of which are significantly more expensive.)

Photo: Lisa Says Gah

I looked them up when I got home and discovered the baskets are by a British brand called Sun Jellies that also makes jelly sandals for women and kids. The company makes four styles of colorful plastic totes, and all of them are adorable. I especially like the “Retro Baskets” that come in two sizes (priced at $6.50 and $13) and seven colors, and the “Atomic Totes” ($23), which are only available in one size but come in seven colors, from pale pink to turquoise-y blue, black, white, and bright red.

I’m not going to buy any of them, even though I desperately want one, because my bag problem is getting a little out of hand. But I really, really think you should! How cute would these be carrying your stuff to the beach or your groceries home from the market? (Let me live vicariously through your purchases!) A coworker pointed out that Sun Jellies is also available at Lisa Says Gah, which is a great place to check out how to style the bag with different outfits.

You can buy the retro baskets from Lisa Says Gah or Pas Mal to get your bag a little quicker — they both offer one-to-three day shipping domestically and same-day delivery in New York — or you can purchase direct from Sun Jellies for a wider selection and slightly cheaper price. Just note you’ll have to pay about $9 for international shipping (though it’s free if you spend over £35, which is about $45 right now).