I’ve always been a fits-and-starts reader. Every few years I grow tired of the genre that has previously been my obsession and I spend a year or so languishing in a novel wasteland, reading only if one of my very favourite authors releases a new title. I grew tired of crime and detective novels just before the pandemic hit, so when Bridgerton fever took hold of social media over that dreary, locked-down 2020 Christmas I decided to give the books a try. And lo’, what is this, a whole new fun, flirty, breezy genre I can burn through while everything else is still very miserable and restricted? Historical Romance, I don’t mind if I do, thank you very much.

It’s such an easy genre to read–I love the guaranteed Happily Ever After–that it’s thrown me back into a bunch of my old Bookworm habits from my late teens and early 20s, most notably keeping a diary of every book I’ve read so I can keep track of completed series, favoured authors, and my overall consumption numbers. Oh, yeah, if you hadn’t realised before now that I’m actually a massive nerd, here is your clear sign: I AM A MASSIVE NERD. I’m such a nerd that owning a bag that looks like a bunch of books is an immediate fuck yeah to me (I’m a nerd that loves to swear, also.) So, this Vendula Ghoulevard book bag? I can’t put it in my book journal, but I can put my book journal in it, and that is a win!

Bag: Ghoulevard Books Box Bag gifted by Vendula London
Sheer overcoat: Old Collectif
Dress: Old Unique Vintage

Now, I’m not a spooky girl, like–at all. I kind of hate Halloween, actually. But the horror theme of this bag isn’t overwhelming to me, not at first glance. The titles etched in gold on the spines of the faux books are all fun twists on classics, often with a feline slant, or outright made up. There’s a little black crow on the bottom spine of the outer left book on the front of the bag, and a spider web on a book spine on two of the other sides, but these are all small details that hint at spookiness, rather than shout it. Vendula London have done other book box bags in the past, so I’m sure they’ll make others in future if you really aren’t onboard with the ghoulish details, but if you’re a spooky lover those small touches will no doubt bring you great joy. Oh, and I should also mention the inner lining of the bag is striped in black and white cotton, with Halloween pumpkins scattered all over.

Every other detail of the bag is also a treat. The fastening to open and close the bag is absolutely gorgeous, a brass engraved lock shaped like an open book which flips forward to reveal a hidden twist bar lock that releases the lid. Inside there’s two wall card slots so you can keep your cards securely in place rather than floating about amongst your other essentials; I could easily fit my phone, my (rather sizeable bundle of) keys, a lipstick and balm, a pack of tissues, my mirror compact and powder, and my travel charger and cable. The bag also comes with a detachable shoulder strap, which attaches with sturdy brass clips to the hoops at either side of the plaited handle atop the bag’s lid. Said handle, and the outer of the bag as a whole, is made from vegan leather. There are brass studs on the base of the bag to protect it when you set it down. The bag is 17cm tall, and 12cm wide in both directions, so it’s in that great sweet spot between clutch bag and full handbag. It’s especially perfect for when you want to finish off your outfit with a statement piece, as, obviously, it truly is one, particularly with the countdown to Halloween officially on.

The Ghoulevard Books box bag was sold out but has just been restocked, so you should move fast if you missed out on it before. Vendula have kindly given me a discount code to share with you all, so can use MISSAMYMAY for 15% off all full priced items if you wish. Vendula ship worldwide.

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Disclaimer: The bag featured in this review was gifted to me by Vendula London with no obligation to review it or post to social media. This discount code is not an affiliate code, so the use of it will not earn me any commission. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from any of the companies listed or any other individuals.

COVID-19 NOTE: These pictures were taken alone and safely in a secluded outdoors area with no other individuals present, practising responsible social distancing to help limit the spread of Covid-19.