Back today with another bag review; this time for the Strathberry Melville Baguette. Extended lockdowns, and also just a shift in the way that we’re living has seen me continue to favour more compact bag options. Something that I can sling cross body, or over my shoulder.
Wearing Everlane tank; COS linen shirt; J Crew denim skirt (old but similar here); YSL tribute slides (affordable option); Strathberry Melville Baguette; Monica Vinader ring; Linjer chain ring; Monica Vinader necklace
If you’ve been eyeing up this bag, I hope this mini review, talking through the quality, size, and what fits inside will be helpful!
QUICK FACTS
Price: $795 (AUD)
The Strathberry Melville Baguette is available in four colours: Black with vanilla edge; Slate with vanilla edge; Sage/vanilla; Forest/black/vanilla
Fabric/Composition: 100% Calf Leather
Dimensions: 4.5cm deep, 21.5cm wide, and 13.5cm high
SIZE + WHAT FITS INSIDE
Okay first things first… what actually fits inside? I know this is always the most important point for me when adding any new bag to my closet. If it doesn’t fit the essentials (or is just too roomy), it’s a no-go.
Out of all the bags I own, this would sit up there as being one of the most petite. While I can fit my Givenchy GV3 wallet in lengthwise, it leaves little room for much else.. not even my phone. So this is a cardholder/very small wallet kind of bag.
The interior is just a simple open pocket, and inside it fits; a cardholder, key case, car key, lipstick, bluetooth headphones, an iPhone 11 Pro Max, and some sunglasses perched along the top.
QUALITY + DESIGN
Having heard a lot about Strathberry in the past, I had high expectations for this bag. And it delivered. A supple but sturdy leather with some texture to it. Smooth, but feels robust enough that it’d absorb the odd scratch.
The interior has a microsuede lining in a pale wheat hue, and the bag secures shut with magnets and the iconic Strathberry bar, with subtle debossed logo.
Design-wise, it’s pared back. A simple rectangular baguette shape, with flap closure. The bar gives an added layer of protection, while also acting as adornment. The detail that really pops.
The strap is a thick wide strap which can be unclipped so that the body can be used as a pouch/clutch, giving the Melville style additional versatility. A boon given its relatively small size otherwise.
STRATHBERRY MELVILLE BAGUETTE FINAL THOUGHTS
As I mentioned earlier, this truly is a mini bag. It’s the type of bag which is perfect if you want something which easily transitions from day to night (just remove the strap), and are very edited about what you pack with you for the day.
I really like the size of the strap. It’s a nice width which gives great support on the shoulder. And actually, I do wish that it came with a longer strap option which you could switch out. That would be so convenient, especially if you wanted to wear the bag crossbody. The upside here being you can easily customise the bag utilising a strap you already own.
The quality is phenomenal. Everything I’d expected from the brand. Creamy gold-toned hardware, and beautifully soft leather. It’s smooth, but doesn’t feel as delicate as say the leather on my Acne Musubi.
Admittedly I do find the Slate Grey colour a little challenging to style. It doesn’t naturally seem to pair well with many of the neutrals I wear daily. Meaning it’s usually reserved for days when I’m wearing something in a monochromatic colour palette. Though it does also look great with pale yellows and pastel pinks! Probably goes without saying that classic black would be the safest bet if you’re tossing up between colours.
Overall, I really like this bag. The quality is nice, and the design is beautiful. But, it’s a bit more of an occasional bag for me. The one I’d reach for if heading out for dinner with girlfriends (now that we’ll soon be able to again!), or on a day where I don’t need to carry much with me.
I hope that you’ve found this post helpful, and as always, if you have any specific questions, feel free to drop them below! x
