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| For some reason this is my favorite. |
I keep finding myself on the Kate Spade New York site lollygagging over which one is the best one, imagining outfits around them etc etc. It's really tiresome!
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| This pale pink "Emma" would look so pretty with pink pants and a black sweater. |
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| Apple green "Pride and Prejudice". |
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| My daughter loves Oscar Wilde. She's nowhere near silly as I am, I don't think she'd carry this. |
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| Modern and punchy looking. |
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| This image has been a bit overdone. |
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| My second favorite. Only because I like the colors. |
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| This one will be popular, after all the movie comes out soon. This shade of yellow was all over the celebrities at the Emmy's. |
You might be wondering if I am planning to buy one of these book-clutch-handbags.
Well I found a good substitute that I think will be much more practical for my trip to Paris.
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| Actual Book. |
We'll be spending a couple of days at the Louvre and I'm doing a crash course on the Louvre this week (which you can see here).
I'm organizing my course notes in the book, leaving space along the way for my notes when I'm actually there.
In having this ridiculous thought I was able to see through my own foolishness for a change.
What do you think of the book-clutch-handbags? Love them or find them bonkers?
I still love them, and I if I owned one I'd take it out to dinner.
xoDani
I have to admit I am not a fan of the clutches disguised as books. I don't think I could wear one more than a couple of times before I got tired of it.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose, I know what you mean. I'm tired just from looking at them, how would I feel about one if it was in my possession in all its PVC wrapped glory?
DeleteI love them, I have been pining over the Gatsby one forever, but all of these things barely see the light of day in my real life, I'm finally smartening up about that. How fab that you are doing all that prep, I think I'm getting more and more brain dead!
ReplyDeleteTabs it's because my brain is a sieve that I have to do this prep.
DeleteI'm getting smarter about buying silly things too, I am hoping at least. At least I realize I am completely ridiculous worrying about how to fit my real book into an over-priced faux book!
BTW, have you read this blog "Looks Good From The Back"? I just loaded it up on my sidebar, cripes they are very hilarious, especially their posts about The Sartorialist.
Hi Dani-The faux books are cute but you are right, not worth the money. I can't do the clutch format since I can't talk without using my hands and no one wants to be beaned with a flying lipstick. You are so organized concerning your museum viewing. I hope you have a lovely time on your trip. We got back from NOLA on Sunday and finally I am caught up on my laundry and ironing. We all had a fab time and the wedding was beautiful and full of joy. Afterwards we had a wedding parade around the French Quarter, complete with police escort. I enjoyed the "Looks Good" snippets regarding The Sartorialist-proves my grandma's oft repeated "Just because you can doesn't mean you should"
ReplyDeleteHi David, The wedding sounds like it was properly joyous and I'm sure your dress was perfect. Good point about talking with hands, and also what about holding snacks and drinks? Thanks for talking sense into me.
DeleteCOVERED Ah Dani, the love annoyance style relationship! The minute these popped up on KS, I had a bad romance novel style crush. I mean books and bags, the two inanimate objects I adore and collect most. But so far, common sense has prevailed, even if they go on sale. I really would rather have an investment bag I can take on my soujourn to a great city where I will read. Of course, if they made a Catcher in the Rye version or that colour scheme that wasn't "2 Cities" (too 8th grade far far English class pour moi, it could be a different story. PS <3 the inexpensive Martha Stewart office practicalities at dreaded big box Staples. And also willing myself against JC baubles with the 25%, Lulu Frost and that bracelet your sis reviewed are an evil siren song.
ReplyDeleteGF, we shall stay strong together re common sense!
DeleteHi Dani, I'm afraid that my verdict is 'bonkers'! Especially at that price.
ReplyDeleteI also admire your doing that course - what a great idea. You will get so much more out of your visit now. Happy swotting!
Hi Patricia, I know they are bonkers, since I posted on them here I've put them out of my system, the blog is very therapeutic that way.
DeleteHi Dani, I bookmarked that Museum Masterpiece course. What a great way to get ready to take on that museum giant,the Louvre. You may be having a time management lapse these days at home (don't we all, its only normal) , but you certainly won't have one at the Louvre after completing your course.
ReplyDeleteI purchased hardbound artists sketch books (the inexpensive black ones) and used them to keep trip notebooks with my kids when I took them out of elementary school for two different extended out of country visits. We glued brochures, photos, drew or used water colors to paint what we saw, you name it,anything you wanted to keep as a memory was in these notebooks. I still have them and cherish them.
Hi AmW, I love this idea with the small sketchbooks, what perfect souvenirs!
DeleteWell, I have to vote "bonkers" but not for the reason you think - I know that if I were to own one of those book clutches, I'd misplace it in an instant. I would probably leave it on a stack of books/magazines somewhere, it would blend in with the stack, and I would forget about it...
ReplyDeleteGood for you for reviewing the Louvre ahead of your trip! I haven't seen the Martha Stewart notebooks yet, but I am very fond of Moleskine notebooks. I like snapping the elastic back in place once I'm done writing in it!
Louise, you can get MS office products at most Staples in ON or online order now. Generally less expensive than Moleskin here, although no beloved "note" back pocket from my quick look.
DeleteLouise I also love moleskin books but this one has a hard cover making it easy to write in while standing around. I find the moleskin books too floppy, though maybe they make a hard cover version and I just haven't found it.
DeleteI love MS at Staples--practical stuff I tell ya! And Moleskine, j'adore always. Has anyone been to a Muji store? Those stores are a minimalist's fantasy playland! I visited one in Paris every other day and talked myself of sooo many things!
ReplyDeleteOk, yes the books are silly but in a fun way! I love the two Jane Austens. I agree with Louise about the very real danger of leaving them somewhere though...
When are you doing the reveal of the Paris Pack?
dannie, Muji is one of my very favourite stores - whenever I am in a city that has one, I always visit. The kitchen wares and cosmetic/toiletry storage items are fabulous, and I could spend days playing with all the pens and notebooks!
DeleteDannie, my other half convinced I pick flights through JFK just to get to the tiny but perfect Muji store at Terminal 5 (Jet Blue). Like you, awaiting DBP's suitcase post and what Kate S. wear will make the cut?
ReplyDeleteDannie, Louise, GF, where have I been I know nothing of this Muji store!
DeleteLove the faux book clutches; however please not at that price; they are a novelty (no pun intended)
ReplyDeleteLove your sensible choice!
xoxo
Karena
2012 Artists Series
Thanks Karena!
DeleteOh, I think these are just adorable! And only recently, I have been finding clutches not as worthless as I previously thought, altho limited to evenings out. These would be good especially for potentially dull evenings -- when conversation lags, you can just look at your bag and you'll be sure to smile so at least you LOOK happy.
ReplyDeleteBut $358. A lot for an occasional smile. I guess I'd prefer this in Kate's Bon Shopper style -- I find these totes to be very useful and very durable -- not as clever as a book-sized faux book, but still a little clever as a book-cover book bag...
audreys, Too funny! I've not tried those bon shopper bags though I like the looks of them.
DeleteOh, I love the KS clutches and am constantly tempted. But like you, I'm being much more careful to pick only those pieces that I know will get a ton of use. I know I'd only use this a few times a year. If only it was more reasonably priced, sigh.
ReplyDeleteHi M, I'd only ever buy one of these on a massive sale. Keep an eye out for them at Nord rack! ;)
DeleteDani, the kate spade clutches are cute and im sure would start many conversations,however I think you have made the right decision to refrain from purchasing. Think of the treasures you may find in Paris!Hope packing is going well and I am waiting anxiously to see the final wardrobe choices.Rest up for the big trip and thankyou for your blog.Merci
ReplyDeleteHi Anon, Thanks for your comment! I have to start packing up today, I've fallen a little behind.
DeleteDani-I could be temped as well. The price is far too high for me given the sweet clutch would be used infrequently. If they made one of To Kill a Mockingbird (my favorite book ever) I'd be in trouble. Fortunately the Gatsby book is yellow and matches nothing I own. It is a fun distraction.
ReplyDeleteI do love your travel journal. I kept notes on my iPad our last 2 trips and they've help a lot with scrapbooks and giving recommendations to friends. You will have a wonderful time - I just know it.
Hi Julie, That's a good idea re the ipad but I don't want my husband to bring ours, then he might be checking his work email!
DeleteIf they made To Kill A Mockingbird I'd also be in trouble.
Amusing coincidence, Dani, I was just looking at book bags over ere:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/shop/NovelCreations?page=1.
sorry, not up to coding in a link today. I always do some prep work before a trip, it avoids getting home and learning that you were right next to something wonderful and missed it.
Hi Fred, Thanks for the link, I often don't do enough prep but as this trip is very much about visiting the Louvre I thought I'd better. When we went last year we barely scratched the surface.
DeleteI am going to ite next KS sale! I am desperate for the tale of two cities! I know it is completely aspirational on my part, but I don't care! I love the BookBook container for my ipad - it looks like an old book, but zips closed and would hold your notebook! It is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteWMM, You know I'll be looking for these on the sales too. ;)
DeleteI love them. I love the embroidered Charlotte Olympia version that's almost $2,000 even more! But not buying. Useless for real life. Well, my real life anyway. So organized for the Louvre. Impressive.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, I know they are useless. I have to google that Charlotte Olympia version now!
DeleteMy husband has a book 'clutch' for his iPhone 4. It makes him look so professorial like when he has that thing opened. It looks like he is really reading a vintage edition of a classic but in reality he is just surfing the web for more iPhone accessories...I think your choices are so adorable, but since you have a trip coming up, you may find better goodies while in Paris. I have a strong feeling you will. When you do, please share!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels, Dani and Family.
Hi Wendy, haha surfing the web for iphone accessories!
DeleteI have to get packing for Paris, it's been very busy around here. Thank you!
Oh, I have never heard of nor seen these. I am so completely Out Of It. Cute ,I think, though.
ReplyDeletePlease go stare at the Vermeer for me while you are there.
Lane we always run right for the Vermeer!
DeleteThe book clutches are interesting although the novelty would wear off quickly I imagine. One of my friends has a Vogue magazine cover clutch that I've always thought a bit too kitschy for evening but she loves it. I prefer the real book and think it is a wonderful plan to keep a journal.
ReplyDeleteHi xoxo, I'm trying to take some organized notes to make better sense of our Louvre trips, mostly to help my daughters. It's such a huge museum it is easy to miss things!
DeleteI too have gone over the book clutches fantasizing which I'd have and settled on the dictionary since I enjoy reading them (yes, I'm a little odd). As you know I got the magazine clutch and wanted the journal clutch (goodness the journal clutch recently sold for $501!). I think they are completely impractical, you will not come close to putting a small notebook inside one. But oh they are cute and interesting. I used my magazine clutch at an event recently and everybody loved it. What price folly!
ReplyDeleteHi Tiffany, They are perfect for cocktail parties as they are conversation starters, that's the idea behind them I'm sure!
DeleteI can understand your fascination with the book clutches Dani, they are lovely. But nothing beats a real book for entertainment! I admire your organisational skills re your Paris trip - I'm never that sorted out!
ReplyDeleteHi Sulky, I become fascinated with very silly things.
DeleteWhat a Hoot!! I wonder if I could make my book, The Three to One Rule out of one.
ReplyDeleteN you should do it!
DeleteOh sadly I am not in the groove and find these bags a little too out there for my conservative tastes.
ReplyDeleteI do love toting a book though and remember when my father had a hollowed out book on the shelf that he hid valuables inside!
Ah Paris...it won't be long now !
Hi Hostess, I love those hollowed-out books, so mysterious.
Deletethese faux books are a lot of fun and quirky too. i don't know if i'd be able to use them enough to justify buying them, but your diy idea is a great alternative!
ReplyDeleteand paris!! ah, so jealous!! it is such a wonderful place to visit.
xox P
phiphi's blog
Hi Phiphi, There's no justifying them! ;)
Deletelol Dani, I always wondered who buys this stuff, now I know :) $358 is is just crrrrazy and I would agonize over which book to pick, they are just too meaning heavy... But I can understand I am sometimes drawn to some strange, quirky things, but maybe more so in home decoration than clothes.
ReplyDeleteYou are so good with your preparations! I think journal idea is wonderful and I am also waiting for the packing post, you write the absolutely best ones!
Hi ajc, Isn't it ridiculous. Some of the things I like, I wonder about myself!
DeleteIf anyone is truly interested in less expensive versions, there is at least one Etsy seller who makes clutches from vintage books - at $40-60 they may satisfy the urge without the guilt!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/shop/RokkiHandbags?ref=seller_info
cagliati67, thanks for this! I'll go have a look!
DeleteGood find Dani and to tell you the truth I've didn't even know about these.
ReplyDeleteWill the family be spending Thanksgiving in Paris ?
Marsha yes we are, so no cooking for me this year, my son is staying behind at University that's the only thing, I'll miss him!
DeleteSo gorgeous. I would have a hard time choosing. I love the dictionary. Gravitas and frivolity in one. I would probably want The Great Gatsby, for the cover art, and Pride and Prejudice for the content.
ReplyDeleteKnityarns that dictionary is my favorite too.
DeleteLove them and didn't realise there were so many of them out there. I'm such a nerdy bookworm anyway and that Emma cover is lovely.
ReplyDeleteAwesome use of a blog for squelching an expensive purchase! I find that if I talk about something I want, but don't really need and is more than I want to spend, then I can successfully stop myself from needlessly spending. I use dodocases for my Nexus7 and iPad, and I like how they make my gadgets look like a book. Out of Print makes similar cases as well as $18 tote bags with Pride&Prejudice and other classics http://outofprintclothing.com/ebook-cases/
ReplyDelete