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6 Hidden Gems That Play Nice With Your Madewell Transport Tote

Ioli Baltas

Ioli Baltas

Editor @ Marmalade

Published on: November 21, 2024
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The Madewell Transport Tote has earned its spot as the reliable leather companion for the style-conscious crowd. While its minimalist design and quality construction speak for themselves, we've discovered some intriguing items from lesser-known brands that create unexpected harmony with this modern classic. Here's our curated selection of pieces that complement the Transport Tote's versatility while adding their own distinctive character to your daily ensemble.

Summersalt
| Making Waves with Data-Driven Swimwear

When beach days beckon, we're intrigued by Summersalt's Plunge Bikini Top in Sea Urchin. This isn't your typical swimwear – it's the product of some serious number-crunching, with fit specifications derived from 10,000 women's body scans. The result? A design that actually works for real bodies.
Summersalt's approach to sustainability feels refreshingly authentic. Their eco-conscious materials and production methods reflect a genuine commitment to reducing environmental impact. The designs manage to hit that sweet spot between current and lasting, making them natural allies for the Transport Tote's understated sophistication.

Why we like Summersalt

  • 1

    Data-Driven Design

    Fit specifications based on 10,000 body scans

  • 2

    Sustainable Materials

    Eco-conscious materials and production methods

  • 3

    Timeless Appeal

    Designs balance current trends with lasting style

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Verloop
| Transforming Textile Waste into Wearable Art

The Sunrise Sunset Knit Balaclava from Verloop tells an fascinating story of resourcefulness. This family-run operation takes deadstock yarn – material that might otherwise end up in landfills – and reimagines it as striking accessories that demand a second look.
Like the Transport Tote's adaptable nature, this balaclava shape-shifts to suit your needs throughout the day. We're particularly drawn to Verloop's creative problem-solving: working within the constraints of leftover materials forces them to think differently about design. Each piece becomes a tiny rebellion against waste in the fashion industry.

Why we like Verloop

  • 1

    Sustainable Innovation

    Transforms deadstock yarn into unique accessories

  • 2

    Family-Run Business

    Personal attention to detail and quality

  • 3

    Versatile Design

    Adaptable pieces that serve multiple purposes

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Dôen
| Where Nostalgia Meets Modern Romance

The Jeanie Headband in Gingham from Dôen brings a dash of dreamy sophistication to the mix. This Los Angeles label has mastered the art of creating pieces that feel both borrowed from the past and perfectly suited to present-day wardrobes.
The way Dôen's feminine details play against the Transport Tote's clean lines creates an interesting visual dialogue. Their commitment to ethical production manifests in thoughtful touches throughout – from material selection to finishing details. The headband serves as more than just an accessory; it's a subtle reminder that sometimes the most compelling looks come from unexpected combinations.

Why we like Dôen

  • 1

    Timeless Design

    Pieces that blend vintage charm with modern sensibility

  • 2

    Ethical Production

    Commitment to responsible manufacturing

  • 3

    Thoughtful Details

    Careful attention to materials and finishing touches

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GREATS
| Brooklyn's Answer to Italian Craftsmanship

The Essex Penny Loafer in Light Grey from GREATS represents Brooklyn's fresh take on classic footwear. As the borough's first sneaker brand, they've brought their street-smart sensibilities to traditional shoe designs, resulting in footwear that feels both familiar and forward-thinking.
These Italian-made loafers mirror the Transport Tote's emphasis on quality construction. We appreciate how GREATS balances time-tested shoemaking techniques with modern comfort features. It's this blend of old and new that makes their footwear particularly relevant for urban life, where style and function need to coexist.

Why we like GREATS

  • 1

    Brooklyn Heritage

    First sneaker brand from Brooklyn with urban sensibility

  • 2

    Italian Craftsmanship

    Traditional shoemaking techniques with modern comfort

  • 3

    Contemporary Classics

    Fresh interpretation of timeless designs

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FARM Rio
| Brazilian Energy Meets Eco-Conscious Design

The Black Mixed Arabesque Scarves Sleeveless LENZING ECOVERO Maxi Dress from FARM Rio brings an unexpected energy to any outfit. This Brazilian brand's approach to fashion feels like a breath of fresh air, with their use of eco-responsible fibers showing that vibrant design and sustainability aren't mutually exclusive.
The dress's fluid silhouette creates an interesting counterpoint to the Transport Tote's structure, while its sophisticated black base keeps things grounded. FARM Rio's designs celebrate the intersection of nature and urban life, evident in everything from their fabric choices to their intricate pattern work.

Why we like FARM Rio

  • 1

    Sustainable Materials

    Use of eco-responsible LENZING ECOVERO fibers

  • 2

    Brazilian Design

    Vibrant patterns and energy in everyday pieces

  • 3

    Nature-Inspired

    Celebration of natural elements in urban fashion

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Breath of Youth
| California Dreams in Dress Form

The Born A Wildflower Dress from Breath of Youth captures something ineffable about West Coast style. This Los Angeles boutique specializes in pieces that evoke a sense of adventure and romance, creating an interesting dialogue with the Transport Tote's practical elegance.
What draws us to this pairing is how Breath of Youth's "hopeless romantics and free spirits" ethos adds an element of whimsy to everyday carry. Their focus on day-to-night versatility parallels the Transport Tote's adaptability, suggesting that practical doesn't have to mean predictable.

Why we like Breath of Youth

  • 1

    West Coast Style

    Captures the essence of California fashion

  • 2

    Romantic Design

    Pieces that evoke adventure and free-spirited energy

  • 3

    Versatile Appeal

    Day-to-night adaptability in each design

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The Final Mix

Each of these pieces brings its own character to the Transport Tote story. From sustainable swimwear to upcycled knits, these lesser-known brands offer fresh perspectives on style and sustainability. Whether you're drawn to FARM Rio's vibrant energy or Verloop's waste-conscious designs, these additions help create a wardrobe that's both cohesive and unexpected.