A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY'S 15" PURPLE SATCHEL

The Cambridge Satchels are one of the IT bags today. It is a cross between the elegant/casual/preppy styles. It stands out on its own, and never fails to get a second look. It's as big as a Mulberry Alexa and looks almost like Kate Spade's Essex Scout. But this one is way more affordable.

Off topic: Lighting really does make a difference in pictures!

The purple one is mine, and the brown one is my mother's. I just had to include the brown satchel because the color is absolutely stunning in pictures!

But for this entry, I will only show detailed pics of the purple satchel.

TCSC Satchel in Vintage Brown 15"

Let's now scrutinize the bag.

15" Purple Satchel

This bag is a thing of beauty. As I've mentioned in one of my posts, "It feels and looks like a million bucks!"

The Cambridge Satchels are made of dyed genuine leather. This bag is very sturdy yet stiff. It doesn't bend nor flex. It just stays the way it is. I doubt that the leather will soften in time. As you can see, the exterior is ultra smooth. So if you're the type who's careless with bags (like me), maybe you'd have to pass up on this one. You can't just leave it anywhere and throw it anywhere, unless you want scratches on the bag. But if you really like it, then buy it. It might teach you a thing or two about taking extra care of stuff.

The Purple Satchel has a polished silver hardware. The bag is reinforced with thick bolts and rivets.

A lovely reader asked about my thoughts on this bag. Later on in this post, I shall give my verdict. In the meantime, let's delve into the specifics.

At the back part of the bag, a heat stamp is located at the lower center. This ensures that the satchel you have is authentic. TCSC also stated in their site that they do not sell on Amazon or Ebay. You can use these pics to compare your purchased satchel.

Lovingly handcrafted in Great Britain.

The Cambridge Satchels started with humble roots. It only started with a mere three workers who do all the cutting, dying, stitching, and hammering. And this excellent and passionate workmanship have turned these bags into a worldwide success.

If you look closely, the leather has natural markings. Also, the material of the stitch is rope- like. It feels very sturdy to touch! The color of the thread used is the same as the color of the bag.

The bag lock. This may be a turn- off to some. This bag is secured with a buckle lock closure. It might take time when opening and securing the bag.

Beautiful exterior. The small square at the center can be used to display pictures, calling cards, etc. Also, you can have your name embossed right between the bases of the closures (flap part) if you order your satchel directly from the TCSC site.

The bag's side part bearing the handle clasp is carefully secured with tough stitches, thick rivets, and a thick metal rounded ring that holds the strap to the base.

The inner flap is smooth, with natural leather markings. On softer (and much expensive) leather, you can feel the lines and markings on it. However, on this bag, the markings and lines are preserved within the bag. It seems as if it's coated with a protective emulsion.

Here's the interior of the smaller pocket. You can put small trinkets here like keys, lighters, cigarettes, medicine, lipbalm, etc. Anything and everything that you always reach for in your bag.

Here's a pic of the interior. It's roomier compared to the smaller sizes. The 15" satchel also expands a bit, while the smaller ones don't. If you bring your laptop with you everyday, you can fit an 10- 11" laptop inside, but would have to sacrifice some stuff because in spite of the size, you can't put too much in it. You can try, but your stuff will look like sardines in a can, and the edges of your stuff can create ugly marks and bumps on the exterior.

What can fit inside a 15" satchel?

BIGGER POCKET:

- A make- up pouch (with compact face powder, eyelash curler, lipstick, blush, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, pantyliners, mini mouthwash bottle

- Travel- sized umbrella

- Small pouch with a USB key, earphones, and Ipod Touch

- 350+ pages book

- Square wallet

- Hand cream

- 30ml perfume flacon (cylindrical shape)

- Insect repellent

- Oil blotter pack

SMALLER POCKET:

- Travel pack tissue

- Wet wipes

- Keys+Keychain

- Gum

- Vicks Inhaler

- Pen

You can squeeze a camera on top and other stuff. Closing the flap will still be a breeze even if the bag seems as if it's filled to the brim.

I inserted my hand to show you guys that there's still room for another book/notebook or something else.

The 15" satchel is heavy on its own, and putting these things inside gave the bag more weight. Yes, I'd have to admit, it's heavy.

You have to consider some things before purchasing a Cambridge Satchel:

PROS:

- Very stylish, indeed

- Close to owning a Mulberry or a Kate Spade

- If you have money to burn, this can serve as a stylish laptop bag

- Perfect for people who don't bring a lot of stuff

- Good for school

- Won't be slashed by pickpockets easily

- Cheap (considering that it's made of genuine leather) but looks expensive

CONS:

- Heavy

- Buckle lock closure takes time when opening and securing the bag

- Can be scratched easily

- Space consuming in closets and drawers

I like the bag. I love it because it complements my style and taste. I'm pretty sure if you see these satchels in person, you'll really drool! I like bringing heavy things with me. That way, I maximize calorie loss whenever I'm walking. I do admit that I feel disappointed because I can't bring too much stuff with me. On the brighter side, it teaches me a thing or two about bringing the more essential things. Also, the 15" satchel is huge!

If you prefer space, I suggest you go for the 13", 15", and the batchels. If you just like something cute, and you're willing to leave some of your everyday things at home, then you can settle for the 11". If you like lightweight bags, you might have to reconsider. Also, the Satchels are not cheap. Blowing 6 or 7k on a bag can be too much, so make sure you know what your bag needs are before purchasing a Satchel. As for me, no regrets with my purchase. I like it. :)

My brother and I bought this mini studio equipment for photography. It includes reflectors, 3 lamps with stands, two umbrellas, and a flash remote that controls the three lamps. Here's one of the first- ever sample shots courtesy of my Lumix LX3 and the studio equipment. Here's moi, making fun of the satchels and trying to look like a model in my messy and unwashed hair. LOL! I also used the equipment for the satchel product shots too. Who would've thought that we only shot these pics in my brother's room? Oh, excuse the pimples. I'd have to bear with them for a while due to my period. :)

***The 15" satchel costs P6399.00 at the FRENCH MACAROONS ONLINE BOUTIQUE

***The Satchels also come in fluorescent colors

Would you buy a Cambridge satchel? Any thoughts? :)