I’m obsessed with swanky tote bags. As the mother of a toddler, I’m convinced the simple, no-frills silhouette of a tote will bridge the gap between the dreaded baby bag and an actual, real-live purse.

The subterranean depth of the tote is what’s most attractive to me. Nothing flies out of a tote, with or without a top zipper.  Of course this can work against a girl, too. Need a barrette? Get ready to go on a “Raiders of the Lost Ark” excavation expedition. But I’ll take deep over shallow any day. I’ve always been into digging.

And I know, I know. The “no-inner-pockets” thing is a drawback for some. But the only thing inner pockets ever did for me was remind me that I do not have the fortitude to keep inner pockets organized.

In my quest to find the perfect tote, I present my top choices so far. Each is decently priced for its pedigree (okay, maybe not the Fleet Ilya bag), and can hang from the shoulder: a must with kiddos. I wonder, which is your favorite?

Clockwise from top, left: Claire Vivier red messenger, $363 at Claire Vivier; Steve Mono adjustable strap day bag, $560 at Opening Ceremony; Jas MB Alison shopper, $650, at Barneys Co-op; Fleet Ilya Large layered tote, $1070, at Opening Ceremony.