Katie Holmes and I Are Obsessed with This On-Sale Madewell Tote

If I had to pick one effortlessly chic fashion icon to emulate every day, it would undoubtedly be Katie Holmes. Ever since my days of watching her on Dawson’s Creek in the ’90s, I’ve been captivated by her distinctive take on style. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that we both adore the same Madewell tote bag that I’ve cherished for years — and it’s currently on sale for New Year’s Day.

Although Holmes typically opts for high-end designer pieces, she has also been seen with this affordable Madewell Transport Bag since 2018, inspiring us all at Us to embrace her effortless cool-girl aesthetic. The sleek yet casual leather tote is a daily essential, thanks to its versatile style, spacious interior, and day-to-night functionality. So, although I considered swapping it for a trendy new purse for 2026, she has convinced me to keep reaching for it time and again.

Grab the Madewell Transport Tote for $125 (regularly $188) at Nordstrom Rack! Please note, prices are accurate at the time of publication but may change.

Crafted from luxuriously soft leather, this stylish tote bag feels smooth, flexible, and well-loved right from the moment of purchase. Its wax finish provides a beautiful shine, and the creases and grains make it look like a true vintage treasure. Additionally, its durability can’t be beaten; it resists scratches and various weather conditions, making it a reliable companion whether I’m commuting on the subway or heading off for a tropical vacation.

Because my bags need to keep pace with my lifestyle, I’m genuinely impressed by everything this tote can hold. The spacious, no-fuss interior accommodates a small laptop, a book, a water bottle, headphones, lip balm, a claw clip, and lotion. Occasionally, I can even fit a thin quilted jacket in it when I’m out at a local bar and prefer not to use coat check.

A small zippered compartment inside is also perfect for stashing small items like cash or AirPods; meanwhile, the exterior slip pocket is convenient for my phone or boarding pass, ensuring easy access to my essentials.

One of my favorite features is the versatility of the Madewell bag. It fits comfortably under the arm as a tote thanks to the two stitched-on shoulder straps, but I can also wear it crossbody with the long, removable strap that clips on (and off). The adjustable strap ‘buttons’ serve as lovely gold accents, enhancing the bag’s appeal.

To achieve Holmes’ New York City aesthetic, you can pair the bag with a classic trench coat, jeans, and chic loafers. Personally, I wear it with everything from knit tops and work trousers to cozy sweater dresses with tights, and of course, the classic jeans and tee combination. Very ‘city girl’ of me!

If you want to get your hands on a winter-ready staple that celebrities and shopping editors love, don’t hesitate. The Madewell Transport Tote is flying off the shelves, especially now that it’s 33% off. Grab this deal while you can!

Get the Madewell Transport Tote for $125 (originally $188) on Nordstrom Rack! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.