Highest Quality Non-"Designer" Brands
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Goldfox, thank you very much for sharing! Your bag is gorgeous, and you can practically smell the leather from the pictures.
You're a couple inches taller than I am, so perhaps the Tuscany would work as a crossbody on me.Siouxa, thanks for pointing me to the blog! The leather looks like it will soften and slouch over time - do you use a base shaper, or do you prefer the slouchy look?
I started becoming interested in designer handbags last year, but learning about the companies' marketing tactics, yearly price increase games, and declining quality left a bad taste in my mouth. I'd rather support those who genuinely take pride in their craftsmanship and provide a good value for their work. Plus, I live in Massachusetts, and it would be nice to support locals.
I'm debating between tan and red, and I've requested the color leather samples from FC. If I order, I'll definitely share some pictures of the bag when it arrives. Thanks!
Lumi accessories and Samuji are great quality, Finnish brands. I have 2 bags and several SLGs from Lumi and they've held up beautifully. My 1st Lumi piece was the Supermarket Bag in XL size and the only thing that's changed after a.lot.of.use is the beautiful softness and slight slouch that has replaced the stifness the bag had as new. My other bag is preloved, 4 years of constant use in her previous life and the softness plus a couple of wrinkles are all there are to show for it. They also do GREAT soft leather wallets!
I'm lusting after a Saara backpack and the RAW+ Supermarket, plus a few other items. Don't ask, the list will be soooo long!
Samuji is a brand that I keep hearing great things about and actually I'm hunting down a bag they did last year. With zero success. I might add. The bag is so gorgeous and great quality, nobody is selling theirs...
Coccinelle, Longchamp and Furla are all brands that have great quality and bearable pricing - the only problem I've had with my 10+ Longchamps is one broken handle (they replaced my bag) and one set of frayed corners which they repaired free of charge as they do) on the Le Pliage nylon bags. The leather - sublime and ages very gracefully. Coccinelle I am relatively new to, but my friends have had theirs for years and they are showing very little wear. The same goes for Furla. And my friends aren't all that friendly to their bags; workhorses, party clutches, travel bags, they use them for all the things that usually are the killer of a nice bag.
I'm lusting after a Saara backpack and the RAW+ Supermarket, plus a few other items. Don't ask, the list will be soooo long!
Samuji is a brand that I keep hearing great things about and actually I'm hunting down a bag they did last year. With zero success. I might add. The bag is so gorgeous and great quality, nobody is selling theirs...
Coccinelle, Longchamp and Furla are all brands that have great quality and bearable pricing - the only problem I've had with my 10+ Longchamps is one broken handle (they replaced my bag) and one set of frayed corners which they repaired free of charge as they do) on the Le Pliage nylon bags. The leather - sublime and ages very gracefully. Coccinelle I am relatively new to, but my friends have had theirs for years and they are showing very little wear. The same goes for Furla. And my friends aren't all that friendly to their bags; workhorses, party clutches, travel bags, they use them for all the things that usually are the killer of a nice bag.
I'm going to order this bag https://www.etsy.com/listing/205063691/medium-leather-east-west-bag-laurel?ref=shop_home_active_9
I'm going to order this bag https://www.etsy.com/listing/205063691/medium-leather-east-west-bag-laurel?ref=shop_home_active_9
I have that one in Charcoal with gold HW. It is beautiful quality and quite roomy. I think you'll like it. I also have th eLarge one in black with silver HW. Going to use that as a travel bag
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I bought it with these specifications:
"Deep purple thick leather, purple or lavender lining. 1.5" wide adjustable strap, rolled hinged attached handles with a 9" drop. Brass hardware."
Excited to get it
Haven't bought a bag in awhile since my ban. Nothing like the smell of new leather.I bought it with these specifications:
"Deep purple thick leather, purple or lavender lining. 1.5" wide adjustable strap, rolled hinged attached handles with a 9" drop. Brass hardware."
Excited to get it
Sounds beautiful
I'm going to order this bag https://www.etsy.com/listing/205063691/medium-leather-east-west-bag-laurel?ref=shop_home_active_9
Great choice! I have a custom large east west in salted caramel that I purchased from her (15" tall, 19" wide, 6" deep) and it is massive (but wonderful). I have received so many complements!
I also have a completely custom small cross body bag (modeled after the bomber jacket tote) that I also love. I had that one made with goat skin and bison hide.
Hello again! I finally took some pictures of my black Frank Clegg Tuscany satchel over the weekend. This is my first time trying to post images using my computer, so if they don't show up, I apologize and will try to trouble-shoot the problem.
I'm glad you ordered color swatches; that way you should be able see the quality of the leather as well as the colors. Tan or red would both be great choices, I think.
Most Frank Clegg bags are made of full-grain leather, so they hold their shape extremely well. The Tuscany satchel is a structured bag, so it can stand up on its own when empty but also has a nice little give and slouch to it. I don't use a base shaper in mine (actually, this is the first time I've heard of them! Will have to look it up on Google).
OK, here (I hope) are the photos of mine. The first is a front view; second is of everything I usually carry inside (Everlane full-zip wallet, Everlane coin pouch, glasses case and an LLBean pouch I keep cosmetics in). The second two show you the rear external pocket, which is big and open.
I tried to take a photo of the interior but couldn't get a good shot.
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Siouxa, thanks for the pictures and the tips! Your bag is lovely, and the leather has a nice shine to it. I want to mentally reach through the pictures and touch the leather.
