The Analog Bag
My analog bag explained and opened + What 5 other creatives carry to stay inspired and off their phones
A friend has been nudging me to write about the “Analog Bag” a.k.a. the Anti-Doomscrolling Bag for months now. The concept involves a portable tote filled with tools to help you avoid scrolling on your phone and, instead, connect with your creativity. I’m fairly certain this is a TikTok-born trend (oh, the irony), though I can’t say for sure—I’m not on there. Either way, it’s a concept I wholeheartedly endorse.
In practice, I already leave the house with my own version of an analog bag. Sometimes I even leave my phone at home entirely. My husband, understandably, is thrilled by this habit, as it immediately promotes him to Chief of Logistics and Navigator when we walk out the door together.
For me, the goal is always to find small, tangible ways to step away from technology and connect with deeper creativity and critical thinking. That usually looks like reading, writing, or sketching. But I started wondering how this idea translates for others. What are the tactile essentials that fuel other creative minds?
So I reached out to five creatives whose taste and thinking I admire and asked them to empty their bags for us. But first, I’ll start with my own analog essentials:
The tote. She’s a classic for a good reason.
A notebook for writing. I have two of these: one for everyday notes and thoughts, and one for stream of consciousness journaling
A novel (My winter reading list here) + a collection of short stories and essays, like The Paris Review.
An envelope filled with printed articles (my preferred way to read them).
A disposable camera. I usually use Fuji, but I’m thinking of ordering the Contax T2 (a rec from Dianna Cohen)
Various pens and pencils in a pencil case.
A highlighter. Did you know highlighters come in beige?
Lip balm. How cute is this initialed lip balm case? I gifted this to friends and family over the holidays.
Rose Anderson
Rose Florence is director of brand at Alex Mill and writes The Rose Period dedicated to exploring the strange and beautiful corners of the art world.
“As it turns out, I’ve been schlepping an analog bag long before the internet decided to name it a thing. Two reasons: 1. My phone is somehow never charged. 2. I have far too many hobbies and an unrealistic idea that I can do them all at once - so into the bag they go.”
The bag itself - the Alex Mill hand-painted monogrammed tote. It’s based on a vintage bag and designed with old-school details - snap closures, garment-washed canvas - which makes it feel especially analog.
I’m never not reading. Right now, it’s The Art Spy, the true story of a woman during WWII who risked her life to save priceless works of art from the Nazis.
A sketchbook and pencils. I carry a little Japanese notebook and Japanese pencils that I love. One of my goals for 2026 is to develop my sketching style, and people-watching on the subway feels like the perfect place to start.
artist postage stamps and stationery, for writing thank-you notes to the people I love. Because if I’m going to carry an analog bag, I might as well use it to do something thoughtful!
Sandy Sanchez
Sandy Sanchez is a writer and brand strategist based in NYC and writes one of the most delightful substacks, Small Pleasures , a newsletter about interiors, design, and everyday delights. It is the publication I turn to whenever I want a pick-me-up. It is always fun, light, and fascinating!
Here is what Sandy keeps in her bag to support creativity:
Q-Less: It’s a crossword solitaire game that’s so fun to play.
Deck of cards from Casa Lopez illustrated by Sacha Floch Poliakoff: I got a beautiful, whimsical deck of cards from a friend. I have the yellow set and I can’t find it online, but here it is in blue.
A couple of journals and pens: I love my journal from Paper Republic, Classic Moleskine, and Pocket Clothbound Notebooks that my friend makes.
Stationery set: Beautiful letterpress cards and envelopes for writing letters to friends. I recently got a stationery set from Porta on Atlantic Avenue that says “Amore” on the front. They’re so beautiful, I almost don’t even want to use them.
Polaroid Now Instant Camera: It’s so handy to have an instant camera.
A few magazines: Some vintage Architectural Digest, now-discontinued Nest Magazine, or the latest copy of Neptune Papers.
Cookbook: I’m trying to cook more from my cookbooks. I’d love to have one in my bag, plus some sticky notes so I can bookmark the recipes I want to make.
A-OK Botanical Oil: I need something that smells good, and this scent is so soothing. It truly does make you feel okay.
Mini watercolor set: I’m constantly trying to pick up painting again, and I think I just need to have my paints out more.
Dark chocolate bar: I need something sweet. I love the ones from Casa Bosques, Mast, or Hu.
Dianna Cohen
Dianna Cohen is the founder of Crown Affair. She writes Take Your Time, a newsletter about curiosity and creativity. Cohen is the perfect example of a founder who makes time for exploration, sharing her findings along the way.
The Artist’s Way by Julie Cameron
A Brush. Because brushing and combing is calming
Tiny Sketchpad for doodling
This pouch to hold all my things
Robert Kherderian
Robert Khederian writes Second Story where he brings together his background in fashion media, architecture writing, and NYC real estate to explore old houses, history, and traditional design.
Frank Clegg tall leather tote in cognac ($875) I love when something’s as timeless as it is durable. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a bag that strikes a better balance than one from Frank Clegg’s Fall River, MA workshop. His tote is a great everyday bag—just as good for work as it is making an unplanned grocery store run—but if I’m being honest, anything from his lineup would be equally wonderful. I have my sights set on a duffle bag next.
What’s In It:
Leuchtturm1917 A5 dotted notebook, fox red I have tried so many to-do list apps, from ToDoist to Notion, but honestly nothing keeps me more on track than actually writing out my daily tasks. Leuchtturm’s paper is heftier than other notebook brands, meaning ink won’t bleed through as much, and I love the dotted format since it’s a bit more flexible if, like me, you will sometimes go off script and accompany a to-do list with a little word map, sketch, or list on the side. They come in a variety of colors, and I find a brighter one helps me spot it when it falls to the bottom of the bag.
Pilot Vanishing Point, fine nib The only thing better than writing out your to-do list is writing it out with a good pen. Enter Pilot’s vanishing point, recommended to me by my fountain-pen obsessed friend, Caroline, whose taste in pens you should all blindly trust. Yes, it writes smoothly, but I love the subtlety of its retractable nib, which banishes any fussiness that you might think comes with using a fountain pen.
Robert Oster Velvet Storm Ink You, of course, need some fabulous ink to go with that pen! Velvet Storm is a deep blue that straddles the line with a soft black. It’s standard enough to use in any setting but has enough style to be distinctive.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve When I think of being offline, I immediately think about being tactile and self indulgent. One of the most accessible self-indulgent activities is using a very good hand moisturizer (especially now that we’re in the throes of winter!). None are as good as the Kiehl’s hand salve, which will instantly remedy even the most cracked skin. I’ve tried other brands but always come back to this one.
The Only One Left by Riley Sager (paperback) I love that moment reading a thriller when the storyline clicks and you just think to yourself “well, I have no choice—I must finish this now!” And that happens with almost every one of Riley Sager’s novels. I’m partial to The Only One Left, where a reclusive heiress and her spooky Gilded Age mansion are central to a decades-old murder mystery.
Ticket to The Frick Nothing gets me out of my head quite like being surrounded by art, extra points if its old master. My favorite museum in NYC (maybe anywhere, honestly) is The Frick, not only for its impressive collection (three Vermeers!!) but also for its beautifully restored building, which was originally the Fifth Avenue residence of Henry Clay Frick. What I like to do is pick one painting and just spend 15 minutes really looking at it and seeing what new details I observe. It often completely changes the way I look at and think about the piece.
Lemon-Lime Liquid IV I confess I do such a bad job of drinking enough water everyday. I like to have a few of these on hand for when I realize that the only liquids I’ve consumed have been caffeinated. It perks you right up!
Rachel Schwartzmann
Rachel Schwartzmann is a writer, author, and creator based in Brooklyn, NY. Her first book Slowing (linked below) debuted in September 2024. Rachel writes Slow Stories a newsletter about time, creativity, and pace.
“My analog bag (likely a leather or suede tote) would always hold a book and a journal! Having a story to escape into—or a place to start my own—is a sure way to spark my creativity without digital distraction. It's also worth noting that, if she let me, I would carry around my Lionhead rabbit, Pepper. She is the pure embodiment of presence and joy.”
A charm for embellishment
Slowing by Rachel Schwartzmann
Tell me, what’s in your analog bag?!
In LES news…
Six gorgeous new arrivals:
Art Deco Jar Dutch from the Regina workshop c.1920-1940s. Hand-painted and signed by the artist.
Cy Vase IV by Gianfranco Briceño. That navy and brown combo is to die for.
Swedish Deco Chairs. The ultimate granny chic set.
Art Deco lamp. How is this still available? Someone needs to buy this to put on their desk, or else I am going to keep it.
Neoclassical side tables. Part of the LES x BROYT collection and also on my personal wishlist if someone doesn’t snap them up soon.
Carved gilt mirror. Gorgeous, classic, glam without being too fancy.
That’s all for today! Don’t forget to hit that heart! It helps more than you know. If you liked this, please subscribe and share it with a friend! Consider becoming a paid subscriber for full access to A Whimsical World, including The Print Out, my creative toolbox + founder insights, deep-dive sourcing and styling guides, and more personal essays.
For more creativity, you can follow me on IG and explore years of art and design articles on the LES Journal
New Year Reads
If your new to LES — Start here:
Fresh (but old) interior insporation for the new year:
For a creative jump start:
If you are re-evaluating your brand message:
Love seeing what’s in everyone’s bag!!
I love this idea of an analog bag! What a wonderful post- super creatively inspiring!