I realized that I haven’t bragged about the Notebooks & Honey tote bag for a while now. This is completely on me, it’s like being in a great relationship that is just so dependably there for you, but still deserves open applause and gratitude … a speak-out-loud gesture of affection. Let's not take things for granted. So even after all of these years carrying the ultimate modern tote bag, it is the little things that I really enjoy and find valuable on a day to day basis. Overall, I still love the sleek lines of the bag, the size, the color options and the versatility but really what still captures my heart after all this time are the pockets in the tote bag. There are several in particular that make this carryall tote special, most obviously the bottle pocket and large laptop/diaper pocket but, today I want to brag about the less known details. I’ve been carrying my Notebooks & Honey bag for years now, part of it is just the nature of the business (I'm a walking advertisement for my own brand) and then there is just the absolute functionalities of the bag. I can’t imagine another everyday carryall bag that suits my needs more. However, there are a few components of the bag that, even over the years, I’m just so smitten with that every time I use the bag, I’m just filled with joy that “that bag pocket” exists. They aren’t key features, like the large bag pocket or the bottle holders, these are why the bag exists ( check out the backstory ). What I truly appreciate after all of this time are the less known little gems that really make the bag irreplaceable. Here we go, let the fawning begin:
Secret pocket - This is the small narrow slit of a pocket on the top exterior of your bag, which ends up being tucked under the pit of your arm. It’s discrete, yet convenient. Great place to hold a small item you do not want to lose track of. Imagine the scene, you have a valet receipt or garage parking ticket and as you leave your car, you slip the receipt/ticket in the secret pocket. You do this every time, it’s habitual, this is just where you keep those types of things. You don’t stress when it’s time to get your car back, you know exactly where you placed the ticket. TA-DA. And it’s super easy to get to, no more fishing around your bag for this little slip of paper, because it fits perfectly in the secret hidden pocket. Another scenario, you have a new baby, a baby that loves a pacifier. Sometimes you need it, sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you need it real bad, the baby is screaming but where is the pacifier?! Easy, always keep it in the secrete hidden bag pocket. Again, it’s a quick draw, super easy to access. Also, it’s a safe clean space to hold the pacifier and again, make it the go to instinctual home for the must needed paci and you will never find yourself in a raging scramble.
Pen pocket - I think this is probably my absolute favorite bag pocket, if I had to pick one. Part of it is due to my love of always using my organizer/planner and obsessively writing in it and crossing stuff off my list any time I do anything ( is this normal or is this my form of OCD?). Therefore, I always need my favorite pens (Sharpie fine tip, thanks for asking) and highlighter (Sharpie, yellow, what else?) with me at all times. I love that the pens are not only so reachable, you don’t have to go digging for them, but they are kept “safe” without the pen tops popping off and marking up the your tote or ruining the items in your bag. Yes, I designed a pocket just for pens. Your welcome!
Sunglasses pocket - The final pocket that I’m going to brag about is the “sunglasses pocket”, cool right? Now, I realize that this is just a pocket and anything can go in it, but I designed this as a sunglasses pocket, which is how I use it so that’s what I’m calling it. Let’s start from the beginning … on the front of the bag are two vertical pockets with zippers, sleek and subtle. I designed the pockets to be offset so one pocket is slightly bigger than the other and the smaller pockets is the perfect size to fit a pair of sunglasses. The soften nylon lining means that you don’t need a sunglasses case, you can just slip the sunglasses in and they will be perfectly protected. I love this because I'm always wearing sunglasses and having an easy access place to hold the sunnies ( outside of the bag and zipped up) means no digging for your shades when you need them the most. This is definitely one of those, you don’t know that you need it until you don’t have it anymore situations.
There you go, the best tote bag pockets appreciation post. You might see a trend here, which is easy accessibility and functionality. Hey, I’m a practical gal. I like good design that is thoughtful. This all goes with the whole vibe of the bag, user friendly for busy peeps that want a good looking bag. Do you have a favorite component of the tote bag? If not, take the time to have a think, slow down take a breath, sometimes it’s really also about appreciating the little things in life. Wishing everyone a beautiful and productive fall season. The end of the year will be here before you know it!