The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag Review

This review has been a long time coming, and after numerous requests, I’m finally downloading all my thoughts on The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag. You’ll probably have spotted this bag featured in one of my daily outfits over on Instagram. It’s one of a small handful of bags I’ve had on frequent rotation. Perhaps more so than others, as I’ve been on a major neutrals kick of late.

Wearing Arket t-shirt; Everlane cheeky straight jeans*; Everlane drape trench*; Gucci loafers; The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag *; Missoma earrings; Mejuri necklace*; Ana Luisa ring* (10% off with code “Mademoiselle10”)

Just like my other reviews, I’m going to run through some quick facts; the size and what fits inside; quality; design; and share my overall thoughts. Basically, is The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag worth the splurge?

QUICK FACTS

Price: $295 USD
The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag is available in five options: smooth black leather, pebbled black leather, black croc print (patent), nude croc print (patent), and chocolate croc print (patent)
Fabric: 100% cow leather & brushed metal lock
Dimensions: 16cm tall, 26cm long, and 7cm deep

SIZE + WHAT FITS INSIDE

The most frequently asked question I get about The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag is on the size. Despite the rather reasonable dimensions – 25 x 16 x 7cm – I’d still class this as a smaller bag option. Against the frame, it’s a small to medium size, but the interior is on the compact end of the spectrum. I want to dive into this a little deeper when I talk about the design. You’ll see from the site and my images above, that the bag has three compartments. 

At the back, there a small zip compartment – perhaps good for popping receipts or spare cash in. The centre, is a long wide pocket – where you’d place your core handbag essentials. Then, there’s another small compartment at the front, with a couple of slip pockets. Not much can fit in here, except for possibly a lip liner, and some hair bobbles.

Inside I can fit: small cardholder; key case and additional car key; tissues; hand sanitiser; a couple of lip products; hair bobbles; and an iPhone X Plus. With a little room to spare.

QUALITY

The first thing I noticed when I received The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag was that it had some serious heft to it. The leather is thick, and weighty. And the textured mock croc print has a smooth hand feel; it is a patent leather, after all. I haven’t babied my bag at all, and am yet to get a mark or a scratch on it – something that may change with time. One thing I do feel, is that is looks expensive. The matte sheen, the weight, and the brushed metal hardware all have a luxurious element to them.

It does come in a smooth and pebbled leather, and I think the choice comes down to personal preference. Patent leather needs to be stored in its dust bag, as there’s the risk that it can absorb dyes from coloured bags placed next to it. Smooth leather tends to be very delicate, and can mark up easily. Pebbled leather is naturally durable, and often you can buff out small scratches with your fingers. 

DESIGN

I’d describe The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag as a baguette style handbag. It has a slim, rectangular profile, that can be worn tucked under the arm, at the hip, or cross body. Combined with the mock croc leather, it has that vintage, old world feel to it. Something I often seek out in accessories or wardrobe staples.

I really want to start by highlighting my favourite design feature; the dual straps. The bag comes with both a shorter and a longer strap, which are in turn adjustable using the buckles on either side. I love that this gives it some serious versatility, and allows for a smooth transition from day to night. 

Then there’s the rounded edges, both at the base of the bag, but also on the flap. It can feel a little “bulky” at times, so this adds a nice softness to the design. The hardware is a brushed gold, which adds another vintage element, with that aged effect.

Perhaps my one bugbear is the interior. It’s small; on par with some of my bags with a slimmer, and more “petite” presence. As I mentioned above, there are three inner compartments. The concertina design, while practical in larger bags from an organisational standpoint, is quite limiting in smaller bags. For day-to-day, I really only find myself using the centre compartment – which is also the largest. It’s where I’ll shove receipts, slip my lip balm, and also stash the essentials; my wallet, and phone. 

Given it fits everything I reach for on the daily, I haven’t found this to be a hinderance when using the bag. But, I do want to flag it, as it’s really the only drawback I have. My ideal? To keep the back zip pocket, and then have one large open compartment. Perhaps with a small pocket to stash a lip balm in for easy access.

THE CURATED CLASSIC SHOULDER BAG FINAL THOUGHTS

So let’s wrap things up shall we? It’s been a good season or two that I’ve had The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag in my wardrobe, and it’s really come to be a bag I’ve loved using. While I initially thought the nude colour might be a little difficult to style, it’s been the ultimate companion to wear with all my neutral-toned outfits. The hue pulls a little more neutral nude/cool-toned, which I find works very well with my winter complexion. 

The winning detail for me is the dual strap. Why don’t more bags come with this?! It gives The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag so much more versatility. With a quick switch of the strap, I can go from day to night. Or, I can just change it if my preferences shift, and I’m in the mood for something I can wear cross body.

Wear and tear is non-existent. I’ve not noticed a single thing so far. There’s not a single mark or scratch visible on the leather, and the interior is fully intact with no signs of wear. Even the strap, which I’ve recently adjusted the length for, doesn’t seem to have any bends in the leather at the previous setting. Obviously, this is something I’d expect to see change with more continuous wear and tear, but that does seem impressive. And I think, it’s evident that the quality is seriously there.

My only gripe is with the interior. And that’s something that ultimately, I can live with. All my essentials fit inside with a little tetris action, and I don’t find myself longing for more space. Even if I do find the front compartment a little redundant.

Overall? A total winner with me. I do hope that if you’ve had your eye on this bag, that this review of The Curated Classic Shoulder Bag has been helpful. As always, let me know if you have any specific questions in the comments below. 

PS. Have you read my review on The Curated Classic Coat?