As I started returning to the office more frequently, I took a hard look at my wardrobe and noticed an abundance of navy garments. To complement these, I decided I needed a brown handbag. This search led me into the world of designer handbags.
Initially, I considered Louis Vuitton, known for its signature brown patterned canvas. However, as a budget-conscious shopper, spending a large sum on a handbag seemed impractical. So, I turned to the internet in search of an affordable brown handbag choice. That’s when I discovered Charlotte Elizabeth through YouTube, specifically the Bloomsbury Crossbody Handbag in Chestnut.
Why I Chose Charlotte Elizabeth
Several factors drew me to the Charlotte Elizabeth brand:
1. Design: The Bloomsbury bag captivated me with its simple, petite, and versatile design, great for both everyday use and formal occasions.
2. Brand Story: The inspiring story behind the founding of Charlotte Elizabeth added a personal touch. Despite undergoing heart surgery and leaving school early, Charlotte Jones founded Charlotte Elizabeth from her bedroom, partially named after her grandmother, with support from The Prince’s Trust, operating the business from her bedroom due to ongoing health issues, yet achieving remarkable success by selling to over 70 countries within the first two years.
3. Minimal Marketing: Unlike many brands, Charlotte Elizabeth is not heavily promoted by influencers, giving it an authentic appeal.
4. Support from Prince’s Trust: The brand’s initial support from the Prince’s Trust, which is a charitable trust that’s committed to supporting young people who are disadvantaged and those who are facing great adversity, and its status as a small business resonated with me.
5. Royal Endorsement: Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s choice to wear a Charlotte Elizabeth bag at the recent 2024 Badminton Horse Trials added a touch of prestige.
– Dimensions: 8.5″H X 8.5″W X 3″D or 21.6cm H X 21.6cm W X 7.6cm D
– Exterior material: Pebbled leather
– Lining material: Cotton
– Colours: Chestnut, Oxblood Red, Sky Blue, Taupe and Forest Green
– Hardware: Gold-toned
– Interior: 1 compartment with 1 card pocket
– Closure: Magnetic snap
– Other features: Adjustable and removable crossbody strap (24″ or 61.1cm) and top handle
– Other inclusions: A thick cotton dust bag that’s unbranded.
The Quest for the Bloomsbury Crossbody Handbag
Since Charlotte Elizabeth is a small business, availability can be limited. Many styles were either sold out or only available for preorder, including the style that appealed to me the most, being the Bloomsbury Crossbody Handbag in Chestnut. This scarcity only fueled my desire for it. Despite being tempted by other colours, I was determined to get a brown bag. After daily website checks, I finally spotted the bag available at a discounted price. Without hesitation, I made the purchase for 510 Australian dollars, which included shipping to Australia, a great deal compared to the regular price of 642 Australian dollars.
As of the posting of this, the bag can only be pre-ordered, however there’s a sale going on for 30%.
Design
The top-handle bag features a classic design with minimal embellishments. It includes a brass curved bar with a gold accent on the flap, bearing the brand’s name. Additionally, the brand’s name is gold-stamped on the back of the bag. The rounded square silhouette adds a touch of femininity, while the Italian pebble grain leather construction offers a soft and malleable texture. Despite its leather material, the bag remains lightweight, even when fully packed with daily essentials. However, the malleable nature of the leather can lead to the top handle getting bent, though it can be reshaped easily.
It offers versatile carrying options, including top-handle, cross-body, and shoulder carry, thanks to its detachable and fully-adjustable leather strap.
The bag features one compartment lined with 100% cotton fabric. A shallow slip pocket at the back fits cards horizontally. Access to the interior is facilitated by a magnetic snap closure on the flap, providing both easy access and secure closure. The magnet strength is decent, and the stitching down of the lining is appreciated for its attention to detail.
Wear and Tear
I’ve had the bag for around 3 months and despite being caught in the rain a few times, the bag showed no visible watermarks and could be easily wiped dry. However, some minor issues were noted over time, such as slight peeling of the trimming and easily scratched hardware.
What Fits Inside
Sizing-wise, the bag falls between small and medium, so daily necessities can fit in with a little extra wiggle room for other things. For my essentials, I do have to play a bit of Tetris, but I can get it to snugly fit and close the bag securely without a big bulge. For more details on what my essentials are, check out my post here.
Examples of other items that can also fit include:
- A soft drink or soda can;
- A Kindle Paperwhite or iPad mini;
- A camera like a Sony ZV-1 M2;
- A pair of glasses and case/pouch; or
- A small tumbler.
Overall Experience
Despite a few minor issues, such as slight peeling on the strap trimming and easily marked metal bands, these do not detract from the overall quality and functionality of the bag. The craftsmanship and cute while thoughtful design make it a standout piece in my collection. Its convenient flap and snap closure make access easy yet secure, and its size perfectly accommodates my daily essentials.
I plan to provide a six-month review to update on its wear and tear over time. What do you think? Would you consider exploring Charlotte Elizabeth‘s collection? While I’m not looking to buy another bag from the brand right now, I still check their site occasionally for new arrivals that might catch my interest.
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