What is the hottest trend in totes and binders for the summer?

The trend that has surprised us all is the popularity of canvas in bags and binders. Either it’s the durability, the texture, the value, or a combination of the three, but we are continuing to see canvas everywhere for summer going into fall. We love products that give you a stylish, lasting value while still protecting your most important items, and canvas is just about the best at doing that.

What is your favorite summer item and why?
I love the Jean Chatzky Making Money Make Sense Weekly Planner Refill because it's entirely a new way of planning, and the timing could not be better for a tool like this.

This planner incorporates all of financial guru Jean Chatzky’s expertise into an uncluttered and easy-to-use layout that will help you manage your money and your time in ways you never have before. Each week has its own Spending Tracking pages which you can compare, and you can also budget over a long period with the Monthly Spending forms. The back of the planner is filled with even more tips and advice from Jean, plus strategies for making the most of the income you have right now and every day hereafter. What could be better than managing your time and your money in one place?

What is your favorite summer collection and why?
The Jean Chatzky Collection is my favorite collection for summer because it is a fresh breath of air in these times of uncertainty. When we partnered with Jean to design a line based on her financial expertise, we had no idea how great an investment a collection could be—or how important value was going to be at this time in the economy.

The Jean Chatzky Laptop Bag, Mini Tote, Binder, and Accessories are all eye-catching (of course), but each is also an investment that will continue yield a return for a long time to come.

The lightweight, printed canvas bag, tote, and binder come in colorful yet classy hues that lift the spirit, while the faux patent leather trim gives them a touch of sophistication—all at an incredible price.

The accessories (Card Case, Wallet, and the fun and unique Out-for the Night Case) are all animal-friendly faux leather with pockets and sturdy closures. 

Plus each item in the entire Jean Chatzky Collection has all the interior features you expect from FranklinCovey products: padded computer section, pockets, loops, and space for everything you need. From boardwalk to the board room, I guarantee this collection will fit in anywhere.

What’s your summer item for men and why?
For men, I like the Ryder Messenger Bag this summer. Once upon a time, messenger bags were used exclusively by students (or, surprise, by messengers) but now they have taken the office by storm.

With a large interior with a padded laptop pocket, plus slots and smaller pockets for wrangling the details, this leather and ballistic nylon bag bridges every age gap while still looking classic and sophisticated. And the contrast stitching adds a touch of understated style that looks great on everybody.

Thanks, Angela! Learn more about our Editor:

What is your title?
Angela Johnson, FranklinCovey Product Manager

How long have you worked at FranklinCovey?
10 years

What organizational tool do you use most?
My Blooms Daily Planner Refill. No matter what binder I feel like using, I simply can’t live without these pretty planning pages. The colors and soothing designs actually help me relax every time I open them.

What do you like to do in your free time?
When I’m not working I enjoy cooking, camping, mountain biking with my family.

What are you doing to gear up for summer?
Although most people do their major cleaning in spring, my family does summer cleaning. Since we live in an area with a lot of seasonal activities, we generally have to swap out the equipment twice a year. Starting outside in the garage and shed, we purge stuff we don’t need anymore. That way, when we move inside to clean we already have space outside if we need it. Then we move the skiis, snowboards, and winter gear out of the garage and into the basement, then replace them with the camping and water sport equipment so it’s ready when we are!

Do you have any questions for our Editor? If so, leave a comment below or email go@franklincoveyproducts.com.

Did you benefit from this article? If so, give it a cheer!