How I Add Structure to Totebags

July 5, 2013
Navy leather jacket – IRO, exclusively at Intermix (here)
Dress – Carven (short version on sale here)
Luggage tote – Celine
Sunglasses – Celine thanks to Polyvore (similar version by Stella McCartney here)
Earrings – thanks to Modern Citizen (here)
Sandals – See by Chloe (so comfy! further markdowns here)

I’ve received lots of emails over the last year or two about keeping my Celine luggage tote structured and wanted to share my easy little secret!  I create a makeshift base for my tote bags using doubled-up cardboard, cut to size.  Clear packing tape sets them together, then I fully cover the cardboard rectangle with a nice soft jersey or suede fabric.  Simple – and cheap!

This base makes a huge difference when carrying heavier items (like a laptop!) and prevents the base from sagging.  I’ve done this for my Celine luggage tote, my Celine trapeze, my Sophie Hulme tote… pretty much anything with a leather base.  You’ll notice that my totes never sag – cardboard and packing tape actually works. 🙂 Hope that helps – I would love to hear if it works for you!