Highest Quality Non-"Designer" Brands

[Goldfox]

I'm European and mostly buy my bags direct from tanneries/crafts people. There's a lot of practical designing going on with these people that live and breath leather, and I love that. I feel so done with the flimsy blingy cheap copycat design even high-end bags have become these days.

I only have one bag from the US, just picked it up last month, but oh my gggod it was the closest thing to Nirvana when I opened the box and found my expectations superseded by miles! It's from Frank Clegg, which have already been mentioned in this thread, thus I just have to echo: the made to order wait is worth it! I had my bag after 2 weeks, it's nothing when the craftmanship is as excellent. I'm confident this bag will be passed on to my future children, it's that good. By comparison, I have Italian bags from awarded factories that took nearly 2 months to make and they appear somewhat flawed. I sincerly hope you decide to order something from Frank Clegg, his family and team deserves a lot of business. I'm already trying to justify my next US trip and order.

 

[Mariapia]

I'm European and mostly buy my bags direct from tanneries/crafts people. There's a lot of practical designing going on with these people that live and breath leather, and I love that. I feel so done with the flimsy blingy cheap copycat design even high-end bags have become these days.

I only have one bag from the US, just picked it up last month, but oh my gggod it was the closest thing to Nirvana when I opened the box and found my expectations superseded by miles! It's from Frank Clegg, which have already been mentioned in this thread, thus I just have to echo: the made to order wait is worth it! I had my bag after 2 weeks, it's nothing when the craftmanship is as excellent. I'm confident this bag will be passed on to my future children, it's that good. By comparison, I have Italian bags from awarded factories that took nearly 2 months to make and they appear somewhat flawed. I sincerly hope you decide to order something from Frank Clegg, his family and team deserves a lot of business. I'm already trying to justify my next US trip and order.

I had a look at their website. The totes are great but....I live in Europe. Customs duties and French VAT ( 20%) I will have to pay deter me from buying from the US![emoji26][emoji26]

 

[J'aime]

Lucky has some great bags- they don't put out a ton of styles each season and they're often somewhat western-inspired but I've gotten some gorgeous leather at great prices from them.

 

[Audrey_S]

I'm European and mostly buy my bags direct from tanneries/crafts people. There's a lot of practical designing going on with these people that live and breath leather, and I love that. I feel so done with the flimsy blingy cheap copycat design even high-end bags have become these days.

I only have one bag from the US, just picked it up last month, but oh my gggod it was the closest thing to Nirvana when I opened the box and found my expectations superseded by miles! It's from Frank Clegg, which have already been mentioned in this thread, thus I just have to echo: the made to order wait is worth it! I had my bag after 2 weeks, it's nothing when the craftmanship is as excellent. I'm confident this bag will be passed on to my future children, it's that good. By comparison, I have Italian bags from awarded factories that took nearly 2 months to make and they appear somewhat flawed. I sincerly hope you decide to order something from Frank Clegg, his family and team deserves a lot of business. I'm already trying to justify my next US trip and order.

May i ask what Color and type of bag u ordered ?

 

[Goldfox]

May i ask what Color and type of bag u ordered ?

I got a Tuscany shoulder bag in Chocolate. Bought it to match some Frye boots and ballet flats, and it's pretty much dead on shade-wise. Great allround bag, fits an iPad.

 

[Danzie89]

Roots (just received my Edie in tribe today and am in love with it)
Saddleback
Laurel Dasso (on Etsy-- phenomenal seller, I have two bags from her)

 

[sdkitty]

Cole Haan has nice quality bags you can get under $200 if discounted

 

[tickedoffchick]

If you can find them, Cape Cod Leather has gorgeous stuff. They have a hobo style that looks so much like Gucci they sold out. My friend had a "beach" tote that constantly got compliments.

 

[chessmont]

I love my DalleMieMani bags from Laurel Dasso on etsy. Gorgeous work and she will custom make a bag for you. Very reasonable prices (no affiliation, I just have at least 6 of her bags!)

 

[misskris03]

I love my DalleMieMani bags from Laurel Dasso on etsy. Gorgeous work and she will custom make a bag for you. Very reasonable prices (no affiliation, I just have at least 6 of her bags!)

Those *are* lovely. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Siouxa]

I got a Tuscany shoulder bag in Chocolate. Bought it to match some Frye boots and ballet flats, and it's pretty much dead on shade-wise. Great allround bag, fits an iPad.

The Tuscany is a great bag. I have it in black. I also have Frank Clegg's Blazer bag, which I love and use almost every day. Both of these are less than $500. And I agree with you about being able to pass them on to your children. They are made to last a lifetime, maybe more.

I called Frank Clegg once with a question about a bag, and I am almost certain Frank Clegg himself answered the phone. How often does that happen?!

Lotuff Leather's bags are mostly above the $500 mark, so I apologize for not remembering that before recommending them. Their Tripp bag is in the $500 range, though. It's small, but it's a beauty if you want an evening or crossbody bag that can also be used as a clutch. It has two compartments, an inside zipper pocket and four slots for credit cards.

For Frank Clegg, I'd recommend the Tuscany or Blazer bag. Both come in a range of colors and are less than $500.

 

[Coach Lover Too]

I'm pleased with Cuyana bags, and especially now that they've added a zipper to their totes! They're supposed to come out with even more colors in the future.

http://www.cuyana.com/categories/bags/leather-totes/classic-leather-zipper-totes.html

 

[dhfwu]

I got a Tuscany shoulder bag in Chocolate. Bought it to match some Frye boots and ballet flats, and it's pretty much dead on shade-wise. Great allround bag, fits an iPad.

The Tuscany is a great bag. I have it in black. I also have Frank Clegg's Blazer bag, which I love and use almost every day. Both of these are less than $500. And I agree with you about being able to pass them on to your children. They are made to last a lifetime, maybe more.

I called Frank Clegg once with a question about a bag, and I am almost certain Frank Clegg himself answered the phone. How often does that happen?!

Lotuff Leather's bags are mostly above the $500 mark, so I apologize for not remembering that before recommending them. Their Tripp bag is in the $500 range, though. It's small, but it's a beauty if you want an evening or crossbody bag that can also be used as a clutch. It has two compartments, an inside zipper pocket and four slots for credit cards.

For Frank Clegg, I'd recommend the Tuscany or Blazer bag. Both come in a range of colors and are less than $500.

Goldfox and Siouxa, thanks for sharing about Frank Clegg! It's always nice to learn about an independent artisan who makes high quality leather goods.

Would you please post pictures of the interior of your Tuscany bags and mod shots? I'm eyeing the Tuscany on the FC website, but the company doesn't show the interior or comment on the length of the strap. TIA!

 

[Goldfox]

I called Frank Clegg once with a question about a bag, and I am almost certain Frank Clegg himself answered the phone. How often does that happen?!

I had the same experience, and he promised to personally see through that my request would be applicable. And the "personal" letter that came with my order - which are so often not personable anymore, not even on Etsy, had been signed by hand. Even the small things about this company (dear I say it feels totally wrong calling them a company) are done impeccably!

Goldfox and Siouxa, thanks for sharing about Frank Clegg! It's always nice to learn about an independent artisan who makes high quality leather goods.



Would you please post pictures of the interior of your Tuscany bags and mod shots? I'm eyeing the Tuscany on the FC website, but the company doesn't show the interior or comment on the length of the strap. TIA!

I happy to have somewhere to share my appreciation for what, unfortunately, seems to have become a niche in society. I'm thrilled for you that you are considering a purchase!

I'm home sick, thus no mod shots coming out of today, but I will attach a few quick photos of my bag. I love it so much, I've named it Chocolate Labrador! It's as trusty as a dog, carry my keys, and takes me out on walks!

The interior is unlined, the bottom is enforced with an extra layer of leather (same is the flap). It has an unlined pocket, roughly the size of three iPhone 6 lying next to each other. I can't find anything to measure with, but I used my phone (15cmx9) and the strap is about 130cm on the fifth notch. I'm 172cm and it's level with my bum when I don't wear it across the body. Thus far I haven't felt comfortable using it as a crossbody bag.

 

[Siouxa]

I had the same experience, and he promised to personally see through that my request would be applicable. And the "personal" letter that came with my order - which are so often not personable anymore, not even on Etsy, had been signed by hand. Even the small things about this company (dear I say it feels totally wrong calling them a company) are done impeccably!





I happy to have somewhere to share my appreciation for what, unfortunately, seems to have become a niche in society. I'm thrilled for you that you are considering a purchase!

I'm home sick, thus no mod shots coming out of today, but I will attach a few quick photos of my bag. I love it so much, I've named it Chocolate Labrador! It's as trusty as a dog, carry my keys, and takes me out on walks!

The interior is unlined, the bottom is enforced with an extra layer of leather (same is the flap). It has an unlined pocket, roughly the size of three iPhone 6 lying next to each other. I can't find anything to measure with, but I used my phone (15cmx9) and the strap is about 130cm on the fifth notch. I'm 172cm and it's level with my bum when I don't wear it across the body. Thus far I haven't felt comfortable using it as a crossbody bag.

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That color is gorgeous.

I will post shots of mine when I'm home, but it's basically the same, just in black.

When I was considering buying it, I looked at lots of mod shots online on a fashion blog called Classy Girls Wear Pearls. Do a Google image search for "Frank Clegg Classy Girls Wear Pearls" and you will see a ton! I think her bag is cognac.