Celine Nano Luggage Review | What’s In My Bag

If you’ve been with me on my blogging journey from the beginning and read some of my previous posts, chances are by now, you already know a few of my shopping habits. You know I am the type who will save and splurge on that investment piece that will last a lifetime. I never venture into buying something I know nothing about. I am the type who does extensive research and dreams with anticipation about the day I can finally purchase the item I’m highly lusting over.

One such item is the iconic Celine Nano Luggage Tote. I’ve wanted one of these bags for years but could never quite justify paying that much for a small bag! So, it sat high at the top of my Wish List and I hoped that one day, I’d be able to call it mine. That time came this past summer during our family trip to Rome (covered in detail here). I walked into the Celine store on Via dei Condotti looking for a pair of sunglasses and came face-to-face with the object of my affection: an exquisite Celine Nano Luggage Tote, a sophisticated gray vision shifting and changing colors depending on the light. I was instantly mesmerized and did not hesitate. The European retail price, currency conversion and VAT refund made the purchase that much sweeter.

So if you’re curious about these Celine bags, wondering how you can save on retail price, deciding between sizes, leather and colors, then read on for details …

Meet The Celine Luggage

The Celine Luggage Tote range was first introduced in 2010 by British designer and former Celine creative director, Phoebe Philo. The unique design, functionality and weight have quickly made these bags highly coveted. The style is quite unique relative to other handbags on the market. It has been dubbed the robot tote on purse forums, given the resemblance to a robot’s square face. I can now totally see it: the bottom parts of the handles form the eyes and the zipped compartment on the front of the bag is the robot’s mouth.

The first size released was the Celine Mini Luggage. The brand has since expanded the line to include several sizes suitable for different needs depending on your lifestyle. There are currently 4 different sizes available in the Celine Luggage range:

• Nano: 8” x 8” x 4”, retails for $2,700 + (before tax), it’s the only option that comes with a shoulder strap
• Micro: 10” x 10” x 6”, retails for $2,900 + (before tax)
• Mini: 12” x 12” x 7”, retails for $3,100 + (before tax)
• Phantom: 12” x 11” x 9”, retails for $3,400 + (before tax)

All Celine Luggage bags are handmade at the brand’s factory in Florence, Italy.

Celine Nano Design

The Celine Nano is designed with 2 dual rolled top handles, a detachable shoulder strap, exterior zip pocket at the front, zipper closure and foil-stamped brand logo at the top. The interior features a single compartment with a slit pocket. The slit pocket can fit receipts, notes, cards and pens. The zipper compartment at exterior is fairly tiny. I typically use it for hair ties and bobby pins. The interior of my bag is made from suede leather. Since the interior is one big compartment, I usually keep everything in small pouches.

There is a leather loop on the back meant to be a holder for sunglasses. I do like this unique detail, although I’ve never used it for its intended purpose. To me, it just doesn’t seem practical, comfortable or safe to hang my sunnies on the back of my bag.

The design of the bag is definitely for a casual look. However, you can dress it up by removing the shoulder strap and using the bag as a top handle tote.

Types of Leather

The Celine Nano comes in two leather options (grained or smooth calfskin) as well as other variations such as crocodile, python, watersnake, canvas, textile, etc. The grained leather is more forgiving and less prone to scratching. It feels softer, but the downside is that it’s less structured. Thus, it doesn’t maintain its shape as well as the smooth calfskin. The smooth calfskin feels a bit stiffer and more structured and seems to retain its shape a little better. It is however more prone to scratching. Generally, any type of leather softens with the passage of time, so I’m curious to see how my grained Nano will withstand the test of time. I have worn this bag almost daily since I got it last June. I have not noticed any color transfer issues with the leather.

To help maintain the shame of my Nano, I always ensure that everything is neatly packed inside and I keep the top zipper closed. When I don’t use the bag, I stuff it with the tissue it came with, place it in its dust bag and store it upright in the closet.

Why I Chose the Celine Nano

What immediately attracted me to the Nano size was its functionality and shoulder strap option. This bag is extremely roomy considering its small dimensions. You can comfortably fit everything you generally need for every day, regardless of lifestyle. Whether you work in fast-paced environment, are a stay-at-home mom, go to school or travel for business, this size is an excellent option and will fit all of your essentials. And it does so while still feeling incredibly lightweight and comfortable to tote around. The small size means the bag is lightweight and will maintain its structured shape for longer.

Cons:

Although my wish list is short, there are a few cons I’d like to bring up. First, I wish the bag had studs on the bottom so that the leather does not directly come into contact with any surfaces its placed on. Second, the shoulder strap seems a bit too long. I will never understand why they don’t make it adjustable! The drop of the shoulder strap is 22”- 23”.  I’m 5’7 so when I wear it crossbody, the bag hits right below my bum and bounces off my thighs. So, on most days I just wear it over one shoulder as it doesn’t bounce as much or I wear it handheld. Third, I wish the two top handle straps were a bit longer so that the bag could be carried on the arm.

But overall, I’m mega excited about my Celine Nano and adore the design.

How To Wear

This is a bag that can be worn crossbody, over one shoulder or handheld.

Where To Buy

If you prefer to buy new, the best way to purchase a Celine bag is abroad when you’re traveling. Factoring in the currency conversion, VAT refund and overall retail price, I was able to save close to $1,000 by purchasing my Nano in Italy. Sometimes you can also find Celine bags at stores like TJ Maxx. It won’t usually be the neutral colors, but if you find a color that you like or if the price is right, then buying at TJ Maxx for a discount is an excellent opportunity to save on a brand-new Celine.  Other great resources are sites like Real Real, Rue La La and Vestiaire, as well as Instagram and Facebook groups.

What’s in My Bag

The Celine Nano truly is a Mary Poppins bag! It’s incredibly roomy and can be worn a few different ways as noted above. I always love seeing what people carry in their bag and this post provided just the right opportunity to share What’s In My Bag, The Celine Nano Edition …

• Car Keys and Cellphone (not featured)
• Wallet – One of the best small wallets I’ve ever owned is the Gucci Marmont. It’s compact yet fits a lot inside from spare change to cards, notes and receipts. I would not however recommend buying it in a lighter color. It stains easily as the leather is incredibly smooth and shows every scratch.
• Key Pouch – I’ve always loved keeping my keys neatly organized in a key pouch. I’ve had this Prada one for many years and it still looks in good condition. I would however recommend going for the saffiano leather which is more carefree.
• Sunglasses – the ones I’ve been wearing lots lately are the BOY style from Chanel. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. They feel a bit heavy, but I love the mirrored look of the lens.
• Small notebook and pen
• Fresh Rose Facial Mist – is a great pick me up for the skin and senses. It has a delicate scent and is infused with soothing rosewater. It’s alcohol-free and clinically-proven to moisturize the skin for 24 hrs!
• L’Occitane Hand Cream and Lip Balm – I tend to wash my hands often and my hands always feel dry. L’Occitane makes some of the best hand creams in my opinion, hands down (and pun intended). They’re incredibly moisturizing and never leave a greasy residue. Their lip balms are also really nourishing and hydrating. I got this duo as a Christmas present and immediately popped it into my bag.
• Dior Nude Air Healthy Glow Compact Powder – is a product I recently discovered and reviewed previously here. It also comes with a small kabuki brush, which is the perfect size for the purse.
• YSL All Hours Concealer – has been a staple in my bag since I tested it out here. It does a great job touching up my under eyes and covering any unwanted dark spots.
• Kat Von D Signature Brow Pencil – I purchased this during the Sephora sale. The color is Medium Brown. It’s a bit too cool-toned for me, but works great for touchups throughout the day. I think I prefer this over my beloved Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. The tip is just as fine, but I find the Kat Von D does a better job grabbing the skin. Plus it lasts longer on the skin than my Brow Wiz.
• Lipsticks – These days, I’ve been all about Dior Lacquer Stick in LA Girl and Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk. Both formulas are excellent and the colors go with everything and every occasion. One of my favorite combinations at the moment is lining my lips with MAC Boldly Bare lip liner and applying Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick on top.
• Lip Liners – MAC lip liners used to be my favorites, until I discovered the ones from Charlotte Tilbury. So, I’ve now been trying to use them all up. The ones I’ve been lugging around are MAC Boldly Bare and MAC Half Red.
• Lip Glosses – I’ve recently reignited my love for lip glosses. I just like the effortless look and ease of application. I typically wear a lip liner with gloss on top. Some of my favorites at the moment are Buxom Prismatic Gloss in Iris reviewed here, Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky and Nars in Chelsea Girls, both reviewed in detail here.
• Travalo – One of the best inventions out there and perfect for an instant refresher while out on the town. It is a portable perfume container that makes decanting a big bottle so effortless and easy. I picked mine up at TJ Maxx but I’ve also seen them the other day at Nordstrom Rack and on Amazon here. I have one in my bag, one in my car and one by my bed side. The one I carry in my bag has the new Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum. It’s such an incredible scent. I need to devote a separate review to it.
• Hair Ties: I’ve been loving the bow scrunchie from Madewell (see similar here) and the silk ties from SLIP. I should review the SLIP silk ties in more detail as they’re great and gentler on the hair.
• Miscellaneous: cough drops, Larabar, Kleenex.

This wraps my review of the Celine Nano Luggage. Hope you’ve enjoyed the post and found it helpful. Is there a bag that you’re currently lusting over? Please share in the comments below.

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