There are various types of bags in the market. Most of the bags are fashionable accessories for females. They need to carry different types for different occasions. For example, when they are attending an evening party, they may need a satchel. When they are shopping, they may need a shoulder bag. Women carry a bag almost everywhere they go. A shoulder bag and a tote are common types. They are carried by most people. Yet these two types are different from functions and appearances. What are the differences?   Tote A tote is usually open and large. It features a handle at each side. There are arched straps form both handles. It looks simple. With a large size, people can put many items in it. It is usually made of cloth, fabric or canvas. Most of the totes in the market are not luxurious even though they are made by a famous manufacturer such as Gucci or Coach. Some of them are simple without patterns. Some of them are lovely with colorful patterns and designs. They all feature an informal and active look. People can find a special one with creative patterns and design easily in today's market.   Most people carry such a bag when they are shopping. It has enough spaces for people to put what they buy. And it is very practical. Except formal occasions, people can carry it for almost all places. It is casual. People can carry it whatever they wear. Some people even carry it for work when they need to carry some large documents. Most of the time, it is not a fashionable accessory, but a practical item that helps t people to carry things easily. Some college students also like to carry it. It is large and durable enough for them to carry books. In a word, it is a functional accessory which is great for people to carry for shopping, for work, for doing sports, for attending informal parties and for study.   Shoulder bag A shoulder bag is quite different from a tote. It is a bag which has at least one strap. The strap is very long. Usually it fits over the shoulder well. It is reinforced on the bag. People can carry such a bag hands-free because of the strap which is looped over the shoulder. Basically it has two types, one is a single shoulder bag and another one is a double shoulder bag. The first one is very popular today. It can be luxurious, elegant or casual. There are different styles for people to choose. It is not as large as a tote. Most of these bags in the market are small. It is made of different materials. Yet most of them look elegant and high-end as they are made of top leather. And they have various sizes.   People carry them for formal occasions, especially those small bags. People usually put something small and light in them such as cell phones, mirrors, keys, tissue, combs and other things they need when they go out. Few people use them for carrying heavy items like books. This type is not that functional. It is only suitable for people to carry for work when they don't need to carry many things with them or for some formal occasions. Most of them are only suitable for people to carry when they are wearing formal clothes.   Compare a shoulder bag with a tote; I like a tote more as it is more practical. I like all practical accessories. And I don't like formal wearing. Most of my clothes and pants are casual. Therefore, it is suitable for me to carry a tote. I like it as it is more convenient and more practical!