form + function, found.
the mini crossbody bag has become my reliable go-to for running errands, minimalist days, and nights out. lately, though, i've been wishing for a bit more space, so after last month's stylehacker post i decided to give the this version a try.
i am roundly impressed, guys. this is the real deal.
the leather: thick calfskin with a fine tumbled grain. it's a real beauty in person and the leather feels both soft yet substantial.
the design: chic and understated. i love the anonymity of the details and minimal hardware.
the craftsmanship: superb, even stitching, solid zippers, substantial shape and materials. really surpasses so many of the other indie/contemporary designer options at the same price point.
what fits inside: iphone / ID pouch + keys / CdG wallet / kindle / fresh lip balm /
and there's still a good deal of room to spare. if i swapped out the kindle, i could fit my instax camera.
compare and contrast: hands down, this really is the best alternative to the Celine trio with the balance of price point, luxe looks, and design. my SA bag (which is smaller, with only two compartments) is somewhat jam-packed with just the essentials. the AI bag is a bit larger and fits all the essentials with ease. and i love that the three pouches are snap-detachable.
if you were to only get one bag this season, this should be a serious contender. it ranks up there (with these sandals) as one of my favorite finds of the year. the Celine trio is undoubtedly luxurious in all its, well, Celine glory, but i can't quite stomach that pricetag for such a small item. the AI is an equal in my view, and the grained calfskin leather is no doubt hardier for everyday wear. more importantly, the low-key design also means that this will be the ideal travel crossbody for touristing (without looking like a tourist).
P.S.: a commenter on instagram asked if the strap is adjustable – indeed it is. there are 5 notches on the shoulder strap, so there's quite a range of length adjustability either way.
P.S.: a commenter on instagram asked if the strap is adjustable – indeed it is. there are 5 notches on the shoulder strap, so there's quite a range of length adjustability either way.
hope this review is helpful for those of you considering this bag. what do you think?
do you mind that it is made in china? it's not cheap considering that's where it is made.
ReplyDeletei don't, actually. just because something is made in china does not mean it's inferior quality. the entire "made in" discussion is a lot more complex than a simple "cheap"/"china" conflation and black and white characterizations.
DeleteI hear you on that one. China has certainly had a bad rep for shoddy made products but people rarely talk about badly made things in Europe. It really doesn't help that there are numerous books out there pointing their fingers at the chinese for cheaply made things. I sometimes want to point the finger back at the western world for massive outsourcing and exploiting cheap labour for a ridiculously large profit for the past 30 years.
DeleteIt's really too bad that people only look at where something is made to determine the real value and in turn, overlook the construction and quality of the materials use. Don't hear much complains about Isabel Marant clothes being made in India, Poland and Turkey. I've seen some pretty cheap materials and poor craftsmanship in plenty of her pieces. And I mean forever21 cheap too. I think if something is well made and nice materials are used, I would pay for it even if it's expensive and yes, even if it's made in China.
This looks beautiful! I'm still amazed at how much can fit into these small trio bags.
ReplyDeletei know - it's a gamechanger!
DeleteWould this bag fit nicely into your Le Pilage bag? I tend to carry my cross body bag in my Le Pilage during the week.
ReplyDeleteyep - fits perfectly and compactly. and yes it's ideal to keep the important essentials and use as a crossbody/clutch for lunch break or meetings/dinner.
DeleteOne more question... Do you have any concerns about a section becoming unsnapped accidentally (or intentionally) and being left behind (or stolen)?
Deleteno, the snaps are quite strong but aren't visible either from the side. no worries with them coming unsnapped from normal use and wear.
DeleteI received my Jojo purse recently. I ordered it in a rich, earthy deep green color because it is neutral but I didn't want another black or brown accessory. It lived up to my expectations. Thick leather, solid zippers, wonderfully sturdy strap. It's roomier than I imagined it to be, but doesn't get or look bulky when filled with my small items - small wallet, iphone, moleskine, sunglasses (in pouch, not case), lip balm, keys, pens. It's so demure. I appreciate a well-made product that doesn't have a visible logo or brand name on it because i don't like being a walking ad. I also shopped around a lot and ended up finding it for a bit less than it retailed for on shopbop, got a new customer discount as well, and received it the next day. It's really the perfect size and structure for me. Have a feeling I'll be using it every day.
ReplyDeletepreaching to the choir here :) not surprised that you love yours!
DeleteI actually wasn't considering it until this review as I tend to like my bags quite a big bigger. But look how much stuff fits in it! Plus, I saw that they have it in this lovely cherry color... now I'm seriously tempted.
ReplyDeletewww.nomadicd.com
love this bag in the red - it's such a great poppy! i'm the same way - but yes it's the perfect 'larger small' size for all the essentials.
DeleteHmm.. I really want to buy a trio and am wondering whether it is worth waiting and saving to get that or just getting the AI one. I might add this to my wishlist, and if a sale comes up (like those site wide ones) I may snap it up..
ReplyDeletethanks for reviewing this, i was curious about how much it actually fits. i also love the simplicity of the design.
ReplyDeleteLovely! I don't need a small purse at the moment, but will keep my eye out for this designer.
ReplyDeleteRe: made in china, I hear you. It's a very complex issue and much is changing in china. Wages are going up (hence the rush to bangladesh and other cheaper countries) and plenty of expensive items are now manufactured there, from DVF to Tory Burch.
Thanks for reviewing this! I was a little hesitant because it isn't cheap and I couldn't find out much about the label.
ReplyDeleteI like the one in Pebble; but I'm hoping she will make one in burgundy haha.
Where it's made isn't as important as how it's made...
i've never heard of AI either until i found this bag. but yes if this is an indication of her collection/brand, i'd say it's very promising indeed.
Deletei may sell my SA burgundy mini now...
haha ears pricked up at that one. you know you have at least one very interested buyer...
Deleteit's listed at my blog shop and available :) will email you.
Deletethe shopbop site says the interior is unlined - do you mind that? i feel like there's potential of scratching/damaging the leather from the inside if it's unlined. otherwise it looks like a great bag, i might ask for it for my graduation present!
ReplyDeletei wouldn't worry about that - the leather is definitely thick enough. in some ways i prefer the unlined interior - i feel like a lining would detract somehow.
Deletethis is lovely!
ReplyDeletei like the larger, more functional size for hoarders like myself who MUST travel with wet wipes and lens cleaner and sanitizer, etc...
that look with white tee/flip flops is such a cool look, i may invest in about 15 of those everland tees.
having purell on hand for living in NYC does not count as hoarding. it's a must! :)
DeleteI've been sucked into the Celine Trio bandwagon -- I'm seriously considering a black one in large, but this looks equally good. Urgh. Maybe I should just close my laptop and go for a run instead :-)
ReplyDeletehaha, well you know where my vote goes. isn't the Celine one like $1k now? :P
DeleteHey! I've been meaning to order some Everlane t-shirts. What are you thoughts? How do they fit and which size did you order? Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteCute. I've been more turned off than usual by high price tags recently. There are ways to justify them- quality, investment, quantity, etc- but they all sound a bit hollow right now. This looks great in hitting both style and price.
ReplyDeleteI went to a Celine store recently but they sold out of the Trio. This would a serious contender and a great alternative.As for the price point, it's definitely easier on the wallet.
ReplyDeleteYour purse is lovely on it's own, regardless of any similarities to the Celine. I love pebbled leather- this reminds me of the Togo or Clemence Hermes leathers- pure luxury!
ReplyDeleteRegarding Made in China, it's very complicated. Too often people think of the China of 20 years ago, but wages have gone up and these days it's more expensive to manufacture there. China also has access to the expensive machines that can produce luxurious garments, bags etc. Bangladesh and Cambodia are far cheaper places to manufacture with less regulation, but they also generally don't have the same access to equipment that can make more luxurious items. I think you're right to evaluate each item independently in terms of quality.
Just wanted to say that I got this bag in 2013 as a result of your review and I still use it monthly if not weekly 10 years later :) Such a great little bag.
ReplyDeletethanks for commenting Rachel, so glad to hear this has been such a great buy for you :)
Delete