How to find your perfect Handbag

The One for Me

A couple of months back I was at the end of my tether with bags and despairing that I would ever find the “one” for me. I’ve had bags with lots of different sections which I thought would organise my life for me. Result – I could never find anything. I bought a smaller bag hoping it would make me cut down on the stuff I carted round with me – I could never zip it shut. I then purchased a massive sequinned bucket bag that would hold everything including the kitchen sink – all my belongings got lost in it’s cavenous folds and every item of clothing I wore with it got snagged by the sequins. I was on the point of giving up when I saw a tweet from Shona Easton of Easton Design Studio asking for bag testers for some of her range. I jumped at the chance.

I discussed with Shona my bag needs – roomy enough to fit all my “essentials” in along with paraphernalia for my 4 year old too and a zip to stop contents falling out when bending down to my son. I opted for a Cadet Tote in Magenta which retails at £75. Now I have paid more and less than this for bags in the past and I haven’t seen much correlation between price and longevity, so I was interested to see how this bag would measure up.

First Impressions

The bag arrived beautifully packaged in a protective bag. The colour was softer but deeper than it appeared on the website, but I actually preferred this. The material was a great quality as was the leather straps and zip coverings. I easily fitted in a large purse, keys, sat nav, cheque and paying in book, note book, several pens, crayons, tissues, colouring book etc into the main pocket and what’s more I could see everything clearly. The lining is the same colour as the outside which makes items so much easier to spot – bag designers everywhere really need to take note of this. There is a phone pocket and business card pocket inside which secure phone and cards well. I have had so many bags where my phone just fell out of the pocket, rather defeating it’s purpose. There are external and internal zip pockets that are roomy enough to carry lip balm, hand gel, coupons and other paperwork. The bag is by no means large and yet all these items fit in easily and with room to spare.

The thing that has struck me most over the several weeks I have used the bag is it’s structure. On first appearance it seems like a basic tote but there is obviously great design and craftsmanship gone into this bag as it holds its shape so well and this is why it is so easy to find items within.

Is it an Everyday Bag?

The bag has been used every day since I received it as I am not one for changing bags, so it has been to work, pre-school, shopping, the park, legoland etc and it is not showing any sign of wear. It is also versatile enough to not seem out of place at any of these locations. There is a true quality to this bag which I have not found on any other bag I have owned.

Would I Buy Another?

So I suppose the true test is would I recommend it and would I purchase one in the future? A resounding yes is the answer. It really has restored my faith that there are good quality bags that are functional but look good too. Another thing I can thank Twitter for.

Stylish and Beautifully Designed Bags www.eastondesignstudio.com

🙂

Thank you Joanne!