Cuyana

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As a gift I got the Classic monogrammed in the grey color. Its very smooshy which I love and the quality of the leather is amazing. Mine has no chemical smell others have reported, only a faint lovely leather smell. I got the smaller monogram font – the smaller size is very nice and understated, much prefer that to the larger three letter monogram. I also got the organizer in blush – same as the poster above. I have been using this bag nonstop since I received it, depending on the day I may need to bring more books etc. so I have been alternating with or without the organizer. With the organizer it is of course more structured, but when I have fewer items I really like the floppy style as well. Cannot speak more highly of this bag. If you are going to get the Classic style instead of Structured I would recommend also buying the organizer so you have more options of structured vs floppy.

If anyone would like me to post pictures please let me know I'd be happy to do so.

Am leaning towards the Structured, but would definitely appreciate photos of the bag with and without the insert for comparison!
 
Does anyone have the top-zip satchel? I recently purchased Madewell's transport satchel and I'm quite underwhelmed and disappointed. The top-zip seems to be a suitable replacement, but I haven't found any reviews. https://www.cuyana.com/top-zip-satchel.html#chestnut

I couldn't find many pics/info before my purchase decision either so I thought I'd write a review.
I purchased the $275 top-zip satchel in black last week, and overall I'd say I'm pretty satisfied with this purchase.
The leather is very soft and does not require "breaking in" to, and for this price range I think it is something I could be a little rough around with.
I noticed the chemical smell that some people mentioned here, but hopefully it will air out soon with use (I plan to use it a LOT!)
The baq is pretty roomy for what I normally carry to work, and lightweight too. Leather is slightly grained, adjustable leather strap is nice and long and hardware/zipper is of good quality. Wouldn't mind an extra inside pocket though.

I don't have an iPad or small laptop so I put in some magazines and clear files for size comparison, plus some other stuff I usually carry around (denim jacket, small umbrella, 600ml water bottle, cosmetic pouch, etc...)

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I couldn't find many pics/info before my purchase decision either so I thought I'd write a review.
I purchased the $275 top-zip satchel in black last week, and overall I'd say I'm pretty satisfied with this purchase.
The leather is very soft and does not require "breaking in" to, and for this price range I think it is something I could be a little rough around with.
I noticed the chemical smell that some people mentioned here, but hopefully it will air out soon with use (I plan to use it a LOT!)
The baq is pretty roomy for what I normally carry to work, and lightweight too. Leather is slightly grained, adjustable leather strap is nice and long and hardware/zipper is of good quality. Wouldn't mind an extra inside pocket though.

I don't have an iPad or small laptop so I put in some magazines and clear files for size comparison, plus some other stuff I usually carry around (denim jacket, small umbrella, 600ml water bottle, cosmetic pouch, etc...)

View attachment 4127093 View attachment 4127094View attachment 4127099
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Thank you for the photos, they are very helpful, I've been eyeing the Top Zip Satchel as well.
I was wondering if the bag can be worn on the shoulder with the long strap, rather than cross body if that makes sense? Or is the long strap too long?

Does anyone know if there is much of a difference between the Top Zip Satchel and the Medium Carryall Tote?
 
Thank you for the photos, they are very helpful, I've been eyeing the Top Zip Satchel as well.
I was wondering if the bag can be worn on the shoulder with the long strap, rather than cross body if that makes sense? Or is the long strap too long?

Does anyone know if there is much of a difference between the Top Zip Satchel and the Medium Carryall Tote?

I usually wear the bag on my shoulder when I commute and the bag falls at my lower waist (I'm 161 cm or 5'3, for reference), feels about the right length imo.

For a time I was contemplating between the satchel and the medium carryall tote and here's what I noticed.
satchel: pros - handles are rounded and detailed, giving it a 'satchel' look, long strap is adjustable / cons - only one pocket on the inside, costs $60 more than the carryall
carryall tote : pros - costs less, has an extra pocket on the inside / cons - handles are flat, strap is not adjustable, feels more like a 'tote'

Since I wanted to use it for work I decided to go with the satchel, plus I already have canvas and nylon totes for everyday use.

**UPDATE on the smell: So I've used the bag for over a week and I think the smell is barey noticeable now. I've kept the bag zipper open as much as I can (somehow I feel that the smell is coming from the lining), and I sprayed the Cuyana dust bag with my favorite perfume and stuck it inside. I think what's left is a faint leather smell and my perfume.

Also eyeing the Cuyana large backpack and mini tassel bag, so I don't think the Fewer, Better idea works for me either ahhh
 
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Thank you for the photos, they are very helpful, I've been eyeing the Top Zip Satchel as well.
I was wondering if the bag can be worn on the shoulder with the long strap, rather than cross body if that makes sense? Or is the long strap too long?

Does anyone know if there is much of a difference between the Top Zip Satchel and the Medium Carryall Tote?
Finally got around to taking a pic. The leather strap has 8 holes and in this pic I am using the 2nd & 3rd on the shorter end, I like to wear mine closer to my waist.
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I
 
51630D04-4EA3-4157-BA6B-121DE4870690.jpeg I recently purchased the mini saddle bag in Burgundy and thought I would share some photos and my thoughts.

I bought this bag for a very specific function: I got to a couple work conferences a year, and needed a small bag that I could wear to the evening networking sessions or dinner with colleagues that would fit my iPhone 8 Plus, my wallet, and a lip balm. I’m just shy of 5’4”, so I always opt for smaller bags. This one just barely fits the iPhone 8 Plus:
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(The “loop” I have on my phone case makes it take up more space than it should; oh well, compromises!)
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Stuffed to the brim, this actually can fit a fair amount of items:
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Can you tell I have a toddler at home? I’ve been using this bag for daycare pickups, when I need to bribe my kid with a food pouch to get in the car.

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Here’s how the straps connect to the side

I’m really impressed with the bag, and love how it looks.

My overall impressions:
  • very good quality all around (nice leather, adjustable strap, even stitching)
  • The right style I was looking for (I love the colour, the combination of pebbled and smooth leathers, and gold tone hardware)
  • fit’s just what I need; I can even fit one of those huge name tags they give you at conferences, if you kind of line it around the bottom of the bag and then put your stuff in! That was handy for going out to dinner with colleagues and then going straight back to a networking session without going to your room first! I hate having my name tag out when not on-site at the conference location!
  • The price is really good, but I would have paid $100 more if it was (a) lined, (b) had a pocket on the backside (say for a hotel room key), and (c) one or two slip pockets inside. But I can’t fault this bag for those bits, as even luxury bags at this mini size sometimes don’t have those features!

Hope this helps! More photos here
 

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I love my Cuyana bags and leather goods! I have the Saddle Bag, the Mini Saddle Bag, the 3-in-1 Convertible Bag, the Envelope clutch, the small square zip wallet, and a cardholder. I previously owned the Mini Chain Saddle Bag but sold it because I did not use it enough to justify keeping. I had my eye on the Classic Shoulder bag, but it's gone from the website now, so I am hoping to find it on the second-hand market.

The regular size Saddle Bag is my most used bag. My only complaint about it is that the front flap is starting to get stretched out and droopy and the sides on the strap are starting to crack. I have had the bag over a little over a year now and use it multiple times a week, sometimes for daily for weeks in a row.

The Mini Saddle Bag is cute but does not hold much. I have to switch to the cardholder and ditch my wallet if I want to be able to fit my keys and cell phone (I have an iPhone 8, not the plus).

The 3-in-1 was great for a recent vacation. I could wear the bag more casually as a fanny-pack during the day and then switch to a purse in the evening. It can also be used as a clutch, but I have not used it that way yet as I have other clutches I prefer the look of. It is my first (and only) fanny-pack style bag and was actually surprised how much I enjoyed having my hands free and being able to easily reach into my purse.

The envelope clutch, cardholder and wallet function exactly as one would expect, no surprises there. I got the wallet in the burgundy color and get compliments on it regularly. I had it monogrammed with my initials. I got my mom one for Christmas this year. It's the perfect size for me.
 
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Hello!
I know this is an old thread, but I recently discovered the brand and was wondering if anyone could provide me with some information. I saw some posts in this thread about a smooth leather classic zip tote made in Italy, but the classic totes I've found online are made of pebbled leather in Argentina. Were the smooth leather bags an old/limited release or are they released in certain seasons? I'd love to find one of those!
Thank you!
 
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