Snob Essentials

Caitlin Phillips is a Book Snob

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Photos from npr.org

Happy Earth Day! Make sure you recycle everything, including your books. And I’m not talking about making them into paper again. Caitlin Phillips has a line of bags that she makes out of old books. She guts the pages and uses just the spine and covers, then lines it with fabric and adds a handle. She only uses books that are being thrown out from libraries and bookstores. Kind of a cool idea although the handles can use some work. Maybe it should just be a clutch with a really cool clasp that sits flush and snugly around the book. Then you look like you’re walking around with a book, an erudite snob. She said that books are already an accessory, you decorate your house with books and people have giant libraries displaying all that they’ve read and know. It shows that they are smart and well read. True. But when you tear out the pages and use the book cover as a bag, what does that say about you? That you can’t read and only care about looks? Bags range from $120 – $165.

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9 comments

  1. Those are a badass I think it’s a great idea. They are unique and the old book gives it a total vintage appeal. I like it a lot.

  2. I worked in a library for six years and I saw what happened to old, unwanted books: they went directly into the dumpster. Now that is “sacreligious.” I think this is a fabulous way to recycle something utilitarian and turn it into something aesthetic at the same time. I want one!

  3. Hi Kelly, I’m so glad you featured this. I just heard this story on NPR but only part of it…so glad to see it here! ping

  4. I love this! My dad told me about the report on NPR. He is a book collector/lover himself! I think your bags are lovely! Great Idea! I love to make bags myself and would love to learn how to make them! It looks like a lot of fun!

  5. personally i am glad to see other designers out there using redundant materials to make fashion items. my bag brand, ben and bear, i use old inner tubes of tyres (surprisingly soft!) and old vintage clothes and belts we find in the markets in Bangkok, Thailand to create highly individual eco fashion bags.

    lets keep creating for a better, more sustainable future!

  6. personally i am glad to see other designers out there using redundant materials to make fashion items. my bag brand, ben and bear, i use old inner tubes of tyres (surprisingly soft!) and old vintage clothes and belts we find in the markets in Bangkok, Thailand to create highly individual eco fashion bags.

    lets keep creating for a better, more sustainable future!