I wanted a bag for the everyday things. This one has a little more personality.
Six thoughtful details in the Black Cat on Books tote — for market mornings, coffee stops and the little outings in between.
Let me tell you the sort of bag I mean. Something for a book and my glasses, a cardigan when the weather cannot make up its mind, and the few things I inevitably pick up when I have only gone out for coffee.
At 65, living in London, my idea of a lovely morning is fairly simple: a wander past the flower stalls, a little shopping, then somewhere to sit with a proper cup of coffee. I want a bag that belongs in that picture. Practical, certainly. But with something of me in it.
That is the idea behind this story, and the reason for looking more closely at Susan & Linda’s Black Cat on Books quilted tote. A black cat curled over a stack of books, surrounded by flowers and butterflies. If you have ever lost an afternoon to a good book — or given up your favourite chair to a cat — you will understand the appeal.
Of course, a pretty picture is only the beginning. Before choosing a bag, I would want to know the ordinary things: how much room there is, what the construction is like, and whether it will be easy to look after.
A bag should make room for your day — and still feel like something you chose for yourself.
Here are six details worth looking at before you choose your favourite.
1 It has personality before you put anything in it
The artwork gives this tote its character. Books, a black cat, flowers and little decorative details turn an everyday bag into something with a point of view.
It is an especially fitting choice for someone who loves cats and reading. You can picture it beside a café chair, on the way to the library or resting by the front door, ready for another ordinary day out.
2 There is room for more than the essentials
A tiny bag is all very well until you need to take a book, a water bottle and a light cardigan. This tote comes in two sizes, both with a 14 cm depth, giving you space beyond a flat shopping bag.
The Regular measures 38 × 35 × 14 cm. The Large measures 43 × 40 × 14 cm. For shopping, a flower-market morning or extra bits for a weekend away, I would start by looking at the Large. For a lighter day out, the Regular may be enough.
Explore the animal tote collection in two sizes.
3 The soft quilting is part of the appeal
Susan & Linda describes a soft quilted, double-layer construction with a fully lined interior. It is a fabric tote designed for everyday use, with a softer feel than a rigid case.
The lightweight construction makes sense for days when the bag will be coming along for the whole outing. And when it is not needed, it can be folded and stored rather than taking up a shelf of its own.
4 It fits the little outings, too
Not every trip requires luggage. Sometimes you simply want somewhere for your book, purse and the cardigan you might need later. Sometimes you want a tote for picking up a few groceries on the way home.
For a weekend away, think of it as an extra everyday bag for the journey and your outings, rather than assuming it will replace a suitcase. The pleasure is in having a familiar place for those small things that make a day more comfortable.
5 Two sizes, with the measurements written down
“Roomy” means different things to different people. Actual measurements are more helpful. Both sizes have the same 14 cm depth; the Large adds 5 cm to the width and height.
| Size | Dimensions | Sale price |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 38 × 35 × 14 cm | £29.95 |
| Large | 43 × 40 × 14 cm | £34.95 |
If you prefer a little spare room, the Large costs £5 more. If your daily essentials are fairly modest, the Regular offers the same design in a smaller size.
6 It is easy to care for and put away
An everyday bag should be something you can actually use. This one is machine washable on a cold, delicate cycle. Let it air dry naturally and do not tumble dry.
Its foldable construction also makes it easy to put away between outings. And for someone who loves cats, books and useful things with a little charm, it is a thoughtful gift to consider.
A bag chosen for your day
There is no single perfect bag for everyone. The useful question is whether this one suits the way you spend your days.
If you need…
- Space for everyday essentials
- A soft bag you can fold away
- An animal-inspired design
- A choice of two sizes
What this tote offers
- A 14 cm depth in both sizes
- Quilted layers and a lined interior
- Black cat and book artwork
- Regular and Large, measured in cm
About the price
The Regular is £29.95 and the Large is £34.95. The current offer is up to 60% off, with extra bundle savings when you buy more than one item.
Buy two products for an extra 10% off, three for an extra 15% off, or four or more for an extra 20% off. Choose the designs you like, then check the final discount and total at checkout.
UK shipping is free. Orders are normally processed within one working day; processing time is separate from delivery time. You also have a 30-day money-back guarantee for eligible returns.
If your idea of a good day includes a book, a coffee stop and a little browsing along the way, this is a tote worth a closer look. Start with the measurements, look through the photographs, and choose the design that feels most like you.
Margaret
UP TO 60% OFF
Black Cat on Books
Quilted Tote Bag
Regular £29.95 · Large £34.95
- Soft quilted, double-layer construction
- Fully lined interior
- Two sizes, both with a 14 cm depth
- Cold machine wash on a delicate cycle
- Free UK shipping
Browse the collection and choose your size on the product page.