The New It Bag Is Here And It's Not What You Think
Women have been chasing the “It Bag” for decades. From the Chanel 2.55 bag of the 1950’s to today’s Marguax bag by The Row, everyone wants the bag that everyone wants. Typically, very expensive and scarce, when you own this bag, the promise is simple: Automatic status in the world of the fashionable.
Whether from the success of designer dupes or just a disinterest in fancy arm candy, the concept of the It Bag has declined since the height of its popularity in the 2000s. Nowadays a celebrity is just as likely to be carrying a simple tote bag than a Hermes Kelly Bag. And, if you are a Vermonter, you will know that It Bags have pretty much never been “It” here. Designer bags are a sure way to look like an out-of-stater. So, when the previously mentioned tote bag started to cross my feed on a pretty consistent basis, I started to notice one stick out: The Daunt Book Store Tote.
A bookstore tote, huh? As a former librarian, this was too much for me to resist. Now, did I go online and purchase the Daunt Book Store Tote? No. Did I consider it? I mean for a second, but I came to my senses! Instead I walked to my favorite book store, Bear Pond Books, and bought myself a tote. Because, you see, I had a plan. Daunt is book store chain in England. I was planning a trip to Europe and needed a bag that was sturdy, versatile and felt fashionable. How fun would it be to bring my new tote to Europe and give the trend a little spin on its head? Spolier alert! It was very fun. And, very practical.
At the market. Perfect for picking up some flowers and wine for the night’s dinner party.
On the plane. On our way to Italy! I used my tote as a carry-on for every flight during our trip and it was great. I am not someone who loves a lot of pockets. I forget where I put everything. So, one roomy interior with a side pocket was all I needed.
At the beach. It kept out the sand and was not too precious to put a soggy towel in.
In the rain. Speaking of soggy. We had a few rainy days and the tote bag was perfect. Everything stayed dry and I never worried about it.
Did it get dirty? A little, but nothing that bothers me. I feel like a bookstore tote should look well used.
Was it easy to style? Yes. It worked with various combinations of my more casual and sporty looks. Having other navy and cream items, like my navy Ralph Lauren baseball cap and cream colored windbreaker similar here, made outfit creating easy. I did find that I used it less in Italy and more in Holland because of the types of events we had planned.
If you are interested in learning more about what I packed for two weeks in Europe, stay tuned!
Overall review: A+ highly recommend. I am someone who loves repping my local businesses and this just felt right to me.
So, that’s it! The “It Bag” of 2024 according to me is your local book store tote! Shop small and score big in fashion.
p.s. Library totes are also very cool.
Love, Lisa