Your next bag should be a considered decision. There are so many options out there, materials, shapes, sizes, colors, hardware, how/where it was made, by whom, the season, trends, how it looks with your wardrobe and probably a few others we’ve forgotten.
First, pick the attributes that matter most to you and start with what you know. Are you looking to buy local, support an artisan, replacing a bag, do you need a new daily carry or are you looking for a special occasion bag, to celebrate a life milestone, or to express yourself/style? So many options to consider. If you know you’re interested in a medium sized, crossbody, with top handles, that is a dark brown bag you’ve already started narrowing down your options. If you have a bit of collection, look for gaps you can fill to round it out.
Are you looking for an heirloom, a future vintage, or hand-me-down? Then you’ll want to select a bag that can last like real leather.
The bags we make certainly aren’t for everyone. If you need a chrome tan, slouchy bag, with 15 pockets, or a highly specified bag like a protective camera bag or backpack, or if you just need a famous designer logo then you may want to look elsewhere. We want you to love your new bag, be the bag you reach for in your closet for many years to come, and grows with you.
Ok to the selection process: Of course this will all depend on your needs, wants and personality
Size: What do you carry with you daily? If you are a minimalist you’ll have more latitude here; if you carry a first aid kit, laptop, and the kitchen sink you’ll have to find a larger bag to suit your needs. No matter which size you pick you’ll want it to easily fit what you carry most. or maybe you carry just the essentials in a clutch/wallet.
Style: Are you looking for classic shapes? Bold shapes? Smooth or Textured leather? Do you want a bag without visible logos, or love a good gold foil. Structured style, slouchy? Or waiting for a design to call out to you. There are many types: Handbags, Totes, Crossbody, Shoulder bags, Belt Bags, Satchels, Bucket bags, Phone Bags, the list is almost infinite.
Stitching: Look for consistent stitches and stitch lines, hand finished stitching shows attention to detail and looks prettier.
Edges: Do you want raw unfinished edges? Painted or rolled edges? The edge treatment isn’t just for looks, it adds longevity to your bag. Raw unfinished edges have a certain look and their place on totes and working leather bags but this means they are more susceptible to its environment. Painted or rolled edges will protect edges from damage and moisture.
Lined or Unlined: We offer both with unlined and fully leather lined options. We’ve chosen not to have fabric lined bags so there isn’t any material that will wear out or get dirty.
Hardware: Sometimes forgotten but very important: you’ll want weighty quality hardware that is made of one material and not coated. It’s why we’ve chosen solid brass. It’ll patina but you won’t scrap off to reveal another color underneath like other plated metals. It’s more costly but will compliment the leather as they age together. Zippers should have metal teeth and work easily.
Strap type: Are you a shoulder bag or a crossbody bag wearer? Or do you prefer to always carry by top handles? An important consideration or do you need top handles and a crossbody for options, or do you want to go hands free with a sling style bag? If you know you need a specific size strap to be most comfortable this is something we can usually customize for you.
Color: Are you looking for your bag to blend into your wardrobe (neutral) or add a pop of color? Do you wear it daily or switch out between 3-4 bags depending on the event and your outfit? Do you need it to match your shoes? Black, Brown, Navy, Burgundy are certainly the most classic and offer a lot of versatility. A color statement bag adds a whole different appeal to an outfit, like Cerulean!
Closure: There are about a dozen types of closures and they all change the look, feel and use of a bag. Are you a zipper only kind of person, or open top? Do you prefer a top flap to keep everything hidden or love magnetic closures for their speedy use? Or maybe you want a turn lock to feel secure.
Personalization: Consider if you want an embossed or gold foiled logo or prefer not to add that customization.
Material: Leather (Chrome and Vegetable Tanned) are the two main types. Both have different uses. We’ve chosen vegetable tanned leather for its longevity and other characteristics. If you want to learn even more click here
How/Where/Who made it: If it’s important to you to know the story behind the design, the person that made your bag, and where it was constructed, that will narrow down your selection quite a bit. It can be difficult to find transparency especially from larger companies but we feel this info is worth sharing. Our bags are always Made in the USA, with PA sourced leather.
Whichever bag you choose it should be something you love, that adds to your personal sense of style and feels right. A well cared for leather bag can last you a lifetime. If you aren’t a bag person. We’re not sure why you're reading this far!
We apologize for any typos and grammar mistakes, this was written by a human, not ai.
