The Book Tote
Last spring I had the opportunity to wander into a Christian Dior boutique as I was waiting for a friend to finish an errand at a luxurious outdoor mall. I was initially drawn in by a beautifully floral bucket hat that was placed debonairly on the head of an almost undressed mannequin (the better to see the hat, my dear?).
When I entered the shop, I noticed the pattern on that hat was repeated fetchingly on a large tote bag at the figure’s feet. And chapeau forgotten, it was then that I fell in love…
The sales associate told me that what I was looking at was the famous Christian Dior Book Tote. I had seen the first iteration of the tote a few years ago but those were plain ones with just Dior’s graphics and logos on them. Rather, this botanically flowery bag was more approachable and slightly Mary Poppins-like and as a relatively new grandmother, I was charmed. But the sales person already had me at “book tote”.
As a habitual library patron, I’ve had my share of plain beige canvas book bags…the floppy kind that never stay on your shoulders and soon get scuffed and dirty. I’ve also used plastic bags and unyielding baskets to cart my library spoils but nothing seemed as chic to me as this luscious and beautiful designer book bag. The price was $3,400.00 and having checked on it recently, it has gone up to $3,700.00. For a few minutes, I saw myself to and fro-ing lovely said bag, employing it companionably at the library, bookshop as well as the yarn store. I held it and leaned it against my skirt and saw its full potential with both my summer and my winter clothes. Smitten is a word that also comes to mind.
At home, I researched the tote online and looked for reviews. I was not considering buying it ever, but I wanted to see if the price tag was worth it and I wanted to break down its mystique. There were quite a few negative reviews and they made sense to me: some women complained that the bag didn’t have metal feet on the bottom to protect the tapestry from becoming frayed and unsightly. Others stated that the bag lost its shape, was hard to maneuver on planes and Uber’s. There were so many regret buys that I soon lost interest altogether. But then youtube sent me a suggestive notification – Christian Dior had created three (so far) videos of famous women book shopping with the book tote on their arms.
The three videos are enchanted and intimate reveals where the actresses select personal reading material from inviting and cozy bookshops, displaying their selections and telling why the books are meaningful to them. But wait…they then slip the books into their Dior totes! I can’t imagine what my local Barnes and Noble would think if they saw me dropping books willy-nilly into a bag as I shopped but still, the videos were so convivial and reassuring that it reignited my passion for the book tote.
Lucky for me, I described this renewed book tote obsession to my good friend Karen who is an ace internet sleuth. She loved the youtube videos too and soon found some lovely tapestry book bags on Etsy – price tag $25 each. I had my doubts, but for that price we both ordered a tote and surprisingly, the one I chose is similar to the pattern I fell in love with at the Dior shop in the spring.
Our bags arrived in only a couple of weeks and to say we are pleased is an understatement. The fabrics are a nice tapestry – mine in a dark floral and Karen’s, a warm fall design with a lighter background. I have since written to the Etsy shop owner asking for more tapestry design options and she was very responsive. As well, I was glad of the firm fabric-colored panel that pops into place at the bottom of the bag. This makes it easy for the tote to keep its shape and strength – it even adequately holds my laptop. And I have filled it with other daily comforts too, such as a warm pashmina for coffee shop visits, reading glasses and hand lotion.
And yes, it holds books – donations to the library and books entering the house. It has streamlined my “carting about” in all its forms, from pharmacy prescriptions and all the small sundries that love to roll under the car seats. I put gifts for my grandchildren in it and today it carried a heavy package of batteries, a few birthday cards and a bag of apple cider donuts from the bakery. My now-beloved book tote has become a new and helpful best friend this autumn…
~PS: I have no affiliation but here is the Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/BeeveStudio
9 Comments
Thresia
I just want to say that I enjoy seeing your article in my inbox and don’t always read it right away becuse i want to be in a quiet state of mind when i do read it. I use to love to go to the libraray and always took my daughter and I would just do my best to get that book haul to the car with a small child. I miss those days and thank you for the memories that just filled me up. Your book tote sounds so pretty. Isn’t it fun and exciting to find a treasure when you thought nothing would fill the dream of the the one you longed for but then find it was so much better then that one that felt out of reach. and isn’t tapestery so pretty and just feels luxurious and timeless. Thank you for this.
Thresia
I just want to say that I enjoy seeing your article in my inbox and don’t always read it right away becuse i want to be in a quiet state of mind when i do read it. I use to love to go to the libraray and always took my daughter and I would just do my best to get that book haul to the car with a small child. I miss those days and thank you for the memories that just filled me up. Your book tote sounds so pretty. Isn’t it fun and exciting to find a treasure when you thought nothing would fill the dream of the the one you longed for but then find it was so much better then that one that felt out of reach. and isn’t tapestery so pretty and just feels luxurious and timeless. Thank you for this.
A Lovely Inconsequence
Thank you so much Thresia!
Karen
Way to go, Karen! You and Donna are an outstanding tag team! I love your word “elan”! I can see you both sauntering through either quaint or upscale shops, yes even the library, with the elegance of swans choosing or not choosing the things that catch your eye. 🥰 This is a lovely piece, Donna. Thank you. I wish I knew you guys.
xo The Other Karen
Dana
I’m known for only carrying a small clutch purse even during the day. There are many times when my arms are so over filled that I am constantly dropping things! I love how you searched for a similar tote bag that you can be equally smitten with at an affordable price. I’m on my own Etsy hunt now so that I can find a beautiful tote of my own.
Erina
I always enjoy your gift of “elevating the everyday” Donna. Even something as mundane as a tote bag can be carefully curated and add to your style. I’m glad you and Karen found a substitute that is so pretty, because in my (scant) experience, expensive designer things never live up to the anticipation. The dream is fun, but the reality a let down.
Erina
Tracy H
My mom gifted me a tapestry tote I brought to work for awhile.
It had nothing to do with my work uniform, but I didn’t care. I felt so feminine carrying it. Unfortunately a red pen leaked through due to my carelessness.
Now I try to contain all perfumes, lipsticks, etc. In leakproof cosmetic bags.
A lot older, a little smarter.
Glad your friend found your heart’s desire for a good price. A nice thought of her you have by your side.
Karen
Aren’t we so blessed to have the elan of carrying a tapestry tote and still retain our bank balances? I’m tickled with mine and yes, I do slip my book choices in it as I shop–but I’ve warned the bookstore owners first. I think they’re just thrilled someone is supporting them. The chic factor is a bonus! I feel fabulous and cosmopolitan as I swagger about with my knockoff tote, smug in the knowledge that I won’t have to live off PB&J sammies for the foreseeable future to offset the staggering price tag of the undeniably gorgeous original. I love how much fun a wise and frugal woman can get out of a simple thing like a practical and pretty book tote! Thanks for sharing this–it’s a fascinating read and rings my chimes.
Joans
I do enjoy your posts and just found this one, are you still toting the bag? As a book lover I sought out the Etsy shop but it was nowhere to be found. Might they have another site name? Thank you for your always delight ful posts. Your painting of the woman by the wundow with the blue credenza always Intrigues me.