The photos are all from my iPhone and the colours of the images were not boosted in any way. The build quality of satchel is wonderful, its looks are gorgeous but the bag is not without its drawbacks. Since buying it, I have to admit I have only used it 8-9 times. There is a good reason why. Inside the satchel there is no pocket. Not one. There is no pen holder, no mobile phone pouch or well….. anything. I am very disappointed. This means you are always having to reach near the bottom of the bag to find your pen or mobile, and to do this you have to remove a few things first because you cannot reach the bottom with certain things (books, magazines etc.) being stacked on top! Also no lining. It is completely bare. On the inside, the satchel bends inwards from the front and back sides squeezing whatever you may put in there. One big nuisance about the bag is that it uses buckle straps. As result, it takes longer than you would like to undo the straps from the buckles and gain access to the contents. There have been numerous times when I wanted to open the satchel to take something out but ended up not bothering to do so simply because it was not worth the hassle. I wish that the straps used magnets instead as then it would have been so much considerably easier, and quicker to open.
I will only be carrying out the Cambridge Satchel Company bag with me occasionally as it is not really functional enough for every day use. However, I do not for a moment regret buying it as the satchel does look pretty damn wonderful. If we are talking purely aesthetics, it does have the wow factor and I do love it. My only hope is that in the future the manufacturer will improve the design in order to make the bag more convenient to use.
1. Reflecting off my hand inside a train.
2. The back side of a train seat glowed as I sat down behind it.
3. My bag reflecting off a large window.
4. This was taken inside the tube.
You can see some better photos from a blog post I posted months ago by clicking here.
Jackor345
Your post is incredible, can’t wait for more updates
Jessie in Fashion Limbo
Love the pictures and the way it glows, wow. I guess it’s less practical than other current bags as it wants to keep the classic/old fashioned feel. I don’t know if I would pay all that money for something that would have such down-sides ( I do like to have things made easy) but I do spend a lot of money on so many things that are not considered practical that, who knows, I may go for something like this. It’s quite a beautiful bag ;)
life/style/flash.
I have one in red and adore it but I do agree about the buckles being a pain!
life/style/flash.
Danielle
Love this post, I’m so glad that someone has finally blogged about how much the satchel glows, I’ve not seen one post before about it! You’re right, the satchel is gorgeous but I can’t believe the drawbacks! It should be a law for all bag manufactures to include a pocket/phone holder ;-). Danielle / http://www.DKD-Designs.blogspot.com x
milly hilton
Hello lovely! As you may know I have a neon green CSC bag too, and the colour is deffo to die for. I get your points about the functionality of the bag, but I kind of feel their satchels wouldn’t have that same charm if they changed their design in any way. They could potentially make a more streamlined and efficient bag as a separate product…. I’d probably have to buy one :) Great post as always xXx
Jai'me Jan
Thank you for that! :]
Jai'me Jan
I like things to be easy and convenient as well, and bags really need to be. Hopefully we will see some modifications in the near future. :]
Jai'me Jan
I am glad I am not the only one feeling this way, Becky. Do you carry it around much? If not, is it because of the buckles?
Jai'me Jan
Yes it really should be standard! Most modern bags have those pockets – I had a satchel many years ago which did have 2 pen holders and a mobile phone pouch inside. Thanks, Danielle! :]
Jai'me Jan
Thanks, Milly! Yes I remember your photos of the bag on your blog months ago – it’s really good to hear from you! I do feel that adding a pen holders, lining and a pocket inside wouldn’t take any of the charm away. As for the straps, they could always use non-function buckles purely for appearance but use magnets to attach the straps to the bag. I have a bag by ZARA which does precisely this quite well. :]
Kylie
Oh wow that really is neon. I have have been thinking I want a cambridge satchel, but the fact it have no pockets and sections is slightly off putting. I don’t really like putting my valuables in the front pocket of my bag either. I might check and see if that other company ‘Zatchels’ has any pockets :)
Mariella
http://www.tombrownssatchelsoxford.com
Fabulously British Leather Satchels – Tuck Boxes and Traditional Trunks. This company is quite simply awesome.
Classic Colours from Oscar Black – Queen Elizabeth Gold
Awesome!