Aspinal of London

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Just bought my first Aspinal of London bag during their amazing sale! I’d read so many good things about them on the forum, so I finally took the plunge and I’m glad I did. I got the evergreen patent croc and smooth Mayfair bag. I haven’t taken her out for a spin yet (it’s been snowy) but it’s so pretty! I sprung for the gift wrapping ($10 US) and it was well worth it. The bag is supposed to be green all over, but even though that’s how it looks in photos, IRL, the body kind of looks navy, but I still love it!

Bag twin! I scored the same one during the sale ;) It’s a beautiful bag! Mine looks very green just like the online photos, I wonder if they used a different batch of leather when making bags.

@Biogirl1 , @afroken, Now that you've had the Mayfair for a little bit, what are your thoughts? Any cons that you've noted?

@afroken , I think you are familiar with Massaccesi bags. How does Aspinal compare in quality to MM bags?
 
@Biogirl1 , @afroken, Now that you've had the Mayfair for a little bit, what are your thoughts? Any cons that you've noted?

@afroken , I think you are familiar with Massaccesi bags. How does Aspinal compare in quality to MM bags?
I’ve used the Aspinal Mayfair twice and like it a lot. The construction and quality is great and you can tell lots of attention have been put into the details. It has a very luxurious feeling. As to how it compares to Massaccesi, while Massaccesi has good quality too and you have probably noticed that I like Marco’s bags a lot, Aspinal has more flair. It’s a little difficult to compare the two because one is a small family business while another has physical store locations worldwide and has collaborations with celebrities and artists. Therefore Aspinal has more capital to invest in the little details, such as different buckles and hardware. I would go to Massaccesi if I want a comfortable everyday bag, such as a soft hobo in a thick chewy leather of my choice, but would pick Aspinal if I want to dress up. Aside from the Mayfair bag, I’ve also purchased 5 silk scarves from them.

Put it this way, I read an analogy by @TotinScience when researching Massaccesi in my early MM period, and she likened Marco and the Massaccesi brand to an uncle who’s always ready to cook you a warm homemade meal. I wholeheartedly agree with this.

I liken Aspinal to that well-dressed relative - could be our mothers, sisters, or aunts - that always has that aura that’s hard to replicate. They turn heads everywhere. I think of Parisian chic when I think of Aspinal (even though they are UK based lol).

Hope this helps!
 
I’ve used the Aspinal Mayfair twice and like it a lot. The construction and quality is great and you can tell lots of attention have been put into the details. It has a very luxurious feeling. As to how it compares to Massaccesi, while Massaccesi has good quality too and you have probably noticed that I like Marco’s bags a lot, Aspinal has more flair. It’s a little difficult to compare the two because one is a small family business while another has physical store locations worldwide and has collaborations with celebrities and artists. Therefore Aspinal has more capital to invest in the little details, such as different buckles and hardware. I would go to Massaccesi if I want a comfortable everyday bag, such as a soft hobo in a thick chewy leather of my choice, but would pick Aspinal if I want to dress up. Aside from the Mayfair bag, I’ve also purchased 5 silk scarves from them.

Put it this way, I read an analogy by @TotinScience when researching Massaccesi in my early MM period, and she likened Marco and the Massaccesi brand to an uncle who’s always ready to cook you a warm homemade meal. I wholeheartedly agree with this.

I liken Aspinal to that well-dressed relative - could be our mothers, sisters, or aunts - that always has that aura that’s hard to replicate. They turn heads everywhere. I think of Parisian chic when I think of Aspinal (even though they are UK based lol).

Hope this helps!

Thank you for the detailed response and your insights! The comparison you made really helps with my buying decision! I think I will go ahead with my purchase
 
Thank you for the detailed response and your insights! The comparison you made really helps with my buying decision! I think I will go ahead with my purchase
Always happy to talk about bags :biggrin:

I've posted additional reviews in other threads:

Hi @Sunshine mama , I took some photos! For reference, I use an iPhone 11 with their silicone case.

This photo shows the iPhone in the back pocket. As you can see it’s not noticeable at all. However, it takes some time to get in and out of, due to the smooth leather doesn’t have much give and my silicone case having friction against everything. I’ve tried taking the case off and the iPhone slips in and out of the pocket much easier.

View attachment 4978752

The lining is light pink. Very pretty combination!

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It even comes with a matching mirror. The little pocket you see in the photo above is for the mirror :love:

View attachment 4978754

I just saw on their website sales section that they added another evergreen regular sized Mayfair that’s 0.75” wider than the one that I got. This wasn’t there when I bought mine. For some reason they called both the regular size. The slightly wider version costs about $90 USD more but I’m sure it can fit cellphones in the external pocket much easier due to the extra space. There’s only 1 left of the wider version though ;)

Hope this helps!
@Kimbashop @carterazo I feel like I’m missing a few more people who are interested in the Aspinal of London Mayfair bag, here are some comparison photos. I’m including dimensions of Massaccesi bags as these are not very easy to find on the internet!

Front to back:
Massaccesi Penelope Midi (4.7”H x 9.4”W x 2.1”D)
AoL Mayfair
Massaccesi Sabrina Midi (9.8”H x 12.6” x 1.2”)
Massaccesi Calista Midi (10.6”H x 14.7”W x 1.9”D, 10.5” shoulder drop)

View attachment 4993147
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With BV Veneta medium

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With BV Nodini

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With Bal City small

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With Bal City mini

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ETA: @Kimbashop @carterazo I know both of you ladies have the Massaccesi Astra satchel - while I don't have that bag, I have the Aura which is a little bit smaller than the Astra satchel. I would say that the AoL Mayfair doesn't fit as much as the Aura, but fits more than the Zhoe Mini and Legend, and fits the same as BV Nodini.
 
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I’ve used the Aspinal Mayfair twice and like it a lot. The construction and quality is great and you can tell lots of attention have been put into the details. It has a very luxurious feeling. As to how it compares to Massaccesi, while Massaccesi has good quality too and you have probably noticed that I like Marco’s bags a lot, Aspinal has more flair. It’s a little difficult to compare the two because one is a small family business while another has physical store locations worldwide and has collaborations with celebrities and artists. Therefore Aspinal has more capital to invest in the little details, such as different buckles and hardware. I would go to Massaccesi if I want a comfortable everyday bag, such as a soft hobo in a thick chewy leather of my choice, but would pick Aspinal if I want to dress up. Aside from the Mayfair bag, I’ve also purchased 5 silk scarves from them.

Put it this way, I read an analogy by @TotinScience when researching Massaccesi in my early MM period, and she likened Marco and the Massaccesi brand to an uncle who’s always ready to cook you a warm homemade meal. I wholeheartedly agree with this.

I liken Aspinal to that well-dressed relative - could be our mothers, sisters, or aunts - that always has that aura that’s hard to replicate. They turn heads everywhere. I think of Parisian chic when I think of Aspinal (even though they are UK based lol).

Hope this helps!
This is an amazing write up - thank you for that! Aspinal is like the cool aunt I guess :D.
 
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I’ve used the Aspinal Mayfair twice and like it a lot. The construction and quality is great and you can tell lots of attention have been put into the details. It has a very luxurious feeling. As to how it compares to Massaccesi, while Massaccesi has good quality too and you have probably noticed that I like Marco’s bags a lot, Aspinal has more flair. It’s a little difficult to compare the two because one is a small family business while another has physical store locations worldwide and has collaborations with celebrities and artists. Therefore Aspinal has more capital to invest in the little details, such as different buckles and hardware. I would go to Massaccesi if I want a comfortable everyday bag, such as a soft hobo in a thick chewy leather of my choice, but would pick Aspinal if I want to dress up. Aside from the Mayfair bag, I’ve also purchased 5 silk scarves from them.

Put it this way, I read an analogy by @TotinScience when researching Massaccesi in my early MM period, and she likened Marco and the Massaccesi brand to an uncle who’s always ready to cook you a warm homemade meal. I wholeheartedly agree with this.

I liken Aspinal to that well-dressed relative - could be our mothers, sisters, or aunts - that always has that aura that’s hard to replicate. They turn heads everywhere. I think of Parisian chic when I think of Aspinal (even though they are UK based lol).

Hope this helps!
I haven’t yet taken my Mayfair bag out for a spin—it’s been so snowy and rainy! Once I have some clear days, I’ll take her out and will report back! In the meantime I defer to @afroken
 
I’ve used the Aspinal Mayfair twice and like it a lot. The construction and quality is great and you can tell lots of attention have been put into the details. It has a very luxurious feeling. As to how it compares to Massaccesi, while Massaccesi has good quality too and you have probably noticed that I like Marco’s bags a lot, Aspinal has more flair. It’s a little difficult to compare the two because one is a small family business while another has physical store locations worldwide and has collaborations with celebrities and artists. Therefore Aspinal has more capital to invest in the little details, such as different buckles and hardware. I would go to Massaccesi if I want a comfortable everyday bag, such as a soft hobo in a thick chewy leather of my choice, but would pick Aspinal if I want to dress up. Aside from the Mayfair bag, I’ve also purchased 5 silk scarves from them.

Put it this way, I read an analogy by @TotinScience when researching Massaccesi in my early MM period, and she likened Marco and the Massaccesi brand to an uncle who’s always ready to cook you a warm homemade meal. I wholeheartedly agree with this.

I liken Aspinal to that well-dressed relative - could be our mothers, sisters, or aunts - that always has that aura that’s hard to replicate. They turn heads everywhere. I think of Parisian chic when I think of Aspinal (even though they are UK based lol).

Hope this helps!
This is really helpful! I have another question. I’m trying to decide between the slightly longer size (10”) or the revised size (the one you have). I love the shape of yours a little more than the other one but I’m debating whether it might be worth it for the extra room. Do you think this bag works well as an everyday bag? I
 
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This is really helpful! I have another question. I’m trying to decide between the slightly longer size (10”) or the revised size (the one you have). I love the shape of yours a little more than the other one but I’m debating whether it might be worth it for the extra room. Do you think this bag works well as an everyday bag? I
For sure! You won’t regret the extra size. Had the slightly bigger one been there when I was making my purchase, I would’ve bought that one instead of the smaller one that I have now.

All the bags that I buy, I have the intention of using them as everyday bags, because that’s what most of my days are like, just ordinary days :smile: Some of my bags may be dressier (the Mayfair), and some may be more casual (my Massaccesi hobos), but at the end of the day they must be able to function as everyday bags, and this one is no exception:girlsigh:

I think it’s an amazing everyday bag, very versatile. The extra room would be so helpful (and even with the extra room it’s still smaller than the Astra satchel). It won’t look bulky. I highly recommend that.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions!
 
For sure! You won’t regret the extra size. Had the slightly bigger one been there when I was making my purchase, I would’ve bought that one instead of the smaller one that I have now.

All the bags that I buy, I have the intention of using them as everyday bags, because that’s what most of my days are like, just ordinary days :smile: Some of my bags may be dressier (the Mayfair), and some may be more casual (my Massaccesi hobos), but at the end of the day they must be able to function as everyday bags, and this one is no exception:girlsigh:

I think it’s an amazing everyday bag, very versatile. The extra room would be so helpful (and even with the extra room it’s still smaller than the Astra satchel). It won’t look bulky. I highly recommend that.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions!
Yes, that is very helpful. I actually prefer the look of the one that you bought (I really like the more square look than the rectangular one) but I think what I *need* might be the slightly larger size.
 
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Yes, that is very helpful. I actually prefer the look of the one that you bought (I really like the more square look than the rectangular one) but I think what I *need* might be the slightly larger size.
No matter which one you end up choosing, it’s going to be a piece of art, the little details in their bags are exquisite.

Which colour do you have in mind?
 
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Yes, that is very helpful. I actually prefer the look of the one that you bought (I really like the more square look than the rectangular one) but I think what I *need* might be the slightly larger size.
Just realized that the bigger one is a good $200 more expensive than the slightly smaller one. In that case maybe the smaller one has more edge over the bigger one? That’s a pretty big price difference :nuts::shocked: I can still use the smaller one fine as an everyday bag, although I would’ve preferred the bigger size, but when the bigger one costs that much more... :shocked::wtf:
 
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Just realized that the bigger one is a good $200 more expensive than the slightly smaller one. In that case maybe the smaller one has more edge over the bigger one? That’s a pretty big price difference :nuts::shocked: I can still use the smaller one fine as an everyday bag, although I would’ve preferred the bigger size, but when the bigger one costs that much more... :shocked::wtf:
Yes, there is that! I just ordered what I think is the larger size from Selfridges on sale for a lot less than what Aspinal is currently advertising on their website. They have it labeled as the midi size, but the photo and original price look to be the regular 10" size. We will see when it gets here what exactly I ended up with! Super excited :yahoo:
 
No matter which one you end up choosing, it’s going to be a piece of art, the little details in their bags are exquisite.

Which colour do you have in mind?
Green! I love the Bordeaux too but I was too slow on the "add to cart" button. Green is a bold new territory for me! I think it will coordinate with virtually everything I own.
 
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