Review: The Old Bookshop Grab Bag by Vendula London
I can’t quite remember when I first stumbled upon Vendula London’s beautiful bags, but I do know that once I set my eyes on their Old Bookshop Grab Bag, I just had to have it. Fast forward to Christmas day; I’m ripping off the wrapping paper and there it is, just as wonderful as I’d hoped. The best bag that I’ve ever owned.
You might think that I’m being a tad dramatic, after all, this is just a bag. I’m really not. It’s an exquisitely crafted piece of work, with beautiful, minute detailing that captures the feel of a classy old bookshop. Styled to resemble a shopfront, the decoration includes two large windows filled with shelves of books, a winding staircase and little signs reading ‘fiction’, ‘poetry’ and even the opening times. I particularly love that the detailing is layered, which adds a lovely texture to the image. I can’t stop running my fingers across to feel the spines of the books!
Of course, a lovely bag means very little to me unless it’s actually practical. Vendula London’s shopfront bags come in a range of sizes and I opted for the grab bag variety, which is large enough for every day use but not at all bulky. It comes with a removable shoulder strap that I frequently use to carry the bag around as, although the handles are super cute, it means that I can just sling it on without too much thought. Crucially, this also feels durable and has the perfect structure for carrying around books, making it the ideal partner in crime for a bookaholic like me. I’ve actually tested it and I can fit at least three or four books in at once - its small size is deceiving! This particular bag can also be purchased as a backpack, tote bag, mini tote or vanity bag, as well as a purse, wallet and a phone case - take a look at the descriptions of each on their website.
Unzipping the roof of my bookshop, I was pleased to discover that just as much care had been taken in creating the bag’s interior. The lining is patterned with sweet illustrations of landmarks from around the world, including the London Eye, Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It also feels a lot thicker and more durable than in previous bags that I’ve owned - strong and unlikely to tear, with a few pockets that are perfect for holding my phone and keys.
Sounds good? Well here’s the cherry on the cake: this bag is vegan! In fact, all of Vendula London’s products are. I don’t buy leather so this is something that’s really important to me, and the vegan leather substitute that they’ve used is soft to touch and feels high quality - it’s not just a cheap replacement.
Now for the price. One of these gorgeous Old Bookshop Grab Bags will set you back £105, which is not bad considering that its beautiful design is handcrafted.
If you’re in the market for a quirky new bag that’s bound to make a bookish statement, then the Old Bookshop is the accessory for you. Take a look at the selection on their website here, and let me know if you decide to treat yourself! This bag is just a dream come true.
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