Ode to the Dior Book Tote

By Maura Carlin, Managing Editor

#costco-fie @mauralamode

I rarely write about my own bags. For starters, my collection is anemic next to PurseBop’s. Moreover, any bag I consider is one she already owns in multiples. But, one bag caught my eye. Against my better judgment, I kept looking at the Dior Book Tote.

I was skeptical. Considered it wasted money when a freebie tote could suffice. Big isn’t always better and this big is, well, huge. No pockets (inside or out), open top, handles without crossbody strap, rain-susceptible fabric… It really missed my mark on all counts.

Yet, I kept looking at it. Online, on Instagram, etc. Maybe in the smaller size, when it comes out. That is, until…

This embroidered tie dye pattern fabrication was released. Actually, before hitting stores, model/coder Karlie Kloss carried it in an airport. I was smitten. Of course, the internal debate continued, but finally I bit the bullet and ordered. At the time, it was hard to find and I had to wait. But wait I did for it to arrive.

And then, I waited some more to use it. It must have sat sadly in its ginormous box for over a month as I continued to hem and haw. In fairness, it rained so much and so often that using the tote would have been a recipe for ruin.

Finally, the sun shone and the Dior blue kaleidoscope pattern emerged with it. I absolutely adore it and haven’t let it rest. Whether for a day in the city, hopping from meeting to meeting, running errands, travel, or just feeling a little bit chic, it works.

So many of my perceived negatives actually are positives. The open top makes it easy to throw things in and go. It holds a lot without getting heavy. To my pleasant surprise, the handles fit over my shoulders allowing hands-free carry and the large size can hide my belly in photos. My concern about the delicate fabric also has lessened as I assume the bag can be dry-cleaned. If I’m wrong, please don’t correct me; let me use the tote in blissful ignorance. And I foresee a second useful life in home decor – perhaps holding magazines, yoga mats, beach towels, or even fireplace wood.

The latest dilemma is whether to personalize the bag. One side literally begs for some witty bon mot. I’ve yet to come up up with one. But I am open to suggestions.