I don’t know what’s going on with me, but lately, I just haven’t felt bitten by the shopping bug. Sure, I’ve seen things I like and even felt like there were some things I must have, but when it comes down to pulling the trigger on a purchase of more than a couple of hundred dollars, I simply haven’t felt compelled enough to do it.
That says a lot for me, especially given that I am currently settling into my third week in Paris. I’ve yet to buy anything other than a candle from Astier de Villatte.com (granted, it was a very expensive one) and a pair of vintage YSL earrings I scored at a flea market for 120 euros.
Maybe I’m (finally) growing up and shopping more responsibly, or perhaps I’ve become more accustomed to thinking through bigger purchases. Still, whatever it is, I’d like to pause it because I want to feel the thrill of buying something new, but only if it’s something I really, really want.
Well, yesterday I felt at least an inkling of it anyway—a case of the shoppies coming on. I was strolling through the streets of Saint Germain des Prés on my way back to get some work done at the flat I’m renting for the two months I’m here, when I spotted something that gave me those familiar butterflies.
The Allure of Celine’s New Luggage Tote
The chicest girl was ducking into a little cafe on Rue Bonaparte with Celine’s new Luggage Tote in the slim Flat Cabas variation tucked neatly over her shoulder. The cherry on top? A silk scarf tied to the handle daintily blowing in the Parisian wind. Swoon.
Celine’s new Luggage debuted back in July as part of Michael Rider’s inaugural Printemps 2026 collection for Celine, and was released in stores last month. I’d previously seen the bag at the Celine showroom, but seeing it styled and worn in real life truly sold it for me.
Equal parts cool and chic, it fits my vibe to a T. It’s been a while since I’ve owned a designer tote bag, but being here and constantly carrying my laptop, journal, and whatever book I’m reading to and from the library, park, or cafe has made me realize my need for one.
Why the Flat Cabas Feels So Right
While the canvas totes I brought with me are doing the trick, this may be the It-item I pull the trigger on here in Paris. The Celine Flat Cabas New Luggage is priced at 1700€/$2,100 back home, and is available in select boutiques now.
The flat cabas is defo not for me. I saw a review of it on youtube and no matter what you put in it, bar A4 paper the bag deforms in an unattractive manner, imo.
I’m passing.
Why? Nothing fits in a flat bag properly! The turned up zipper looks even more like a face than it used to. Nope!
Unless I m carrying a sheet of paper only, this is a useless bag.