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Sandast Battle: James vs. James Petit

 

 

 

May 5, 2018

SANDAST BATTLE – James vs. James Petit

The number one question that I get for the James tote line is – Which bag should I get?  It’s a TOUGH call.  The original is just a sexy, hold everything bag that can be office, weekend getaway, EDC, etc.  The recently released Petit is a sleek, small, sophisticated not-so-little tote.  Frankly, together, they make the the best weekend getaway combo.  Tuck all your clothes and such into the original and bring the Petit with you for a nice dinner, wine tasting and lounging….but, if you must pick, hopefully watching the side by side comparison of these two bags, helps you decide!

About Sandast…

Meeting with Chris Pak was a highlight for me in my search for American crafters.  There’s a genuine spirit, pride and craftsmanship that shines through in each bag.  I’ve had people stop me to ask about my bags.  They’re beautiful, sure, but they’re also superbly crafted and tough.  Chris is doing his thing in a small space out of downtown LA. Check them out when you’re in town…hopefully on Wednesday when they’re doing tastings.  Liquor and leather – – I’m in!

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • Sandast Interview, Part I:  https://goo.gl/gspRks
  • Sandast James Petit, Nuts & Bolts:  https://goo.gl/4xdGRn
  • Sandast James Petit (+ Surprise) Unboxing: https://goo.gl/Jxrpwq
  • Top 3 Travel Bags & Accessories:  https://goo.gl/LtQNzn
  • She Travels Playlist:  https://goo.gl/M4qSmK

_______________________________________________________________

BUY IT HERE:

_______________________________________________________________

  • MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • MY WEBSITE: https://www.justalittlereview.com
  • MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou
  • MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/soniashepherd
  • MY FACEBOOK:  fb.me/justalittlereview

_______________________________________________________________

FTC Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Some links provided above are affiliate links.

 

 

 

Posted on

Go Forth Goods – Gunnar Duffle, Unboxing

 

 

 

April 23, 2018

GO FORTH GOODS – Gunnar Leather Duffle Bag

“…be faithful down to the last stitch, to give back, and make a difference.”

I’m inspired by the Go Forth Goods – to inspire others to do good. I’m glad to shine a light on their positivity, their American made commitment and their choice to give back to the community.  10% of all their profits go to support their chosen charity. They’re a small team of five in Georgia, getting it done, handmade and guaranteed for life.

As you know, I’ve searched long and hard for the right military style duffle bag to review. This one caught my eye for a few reasons and I can’t wait to test drive it. Road trip, anyone?

On the mechanics of this bag…everything metal is solid brass, there’s a double handle top carry, a zipper option and a backpack option.   There’s just a pride of craftsmanship that shines through on this bag. This is the first bag Nathan created.  After seeing it first hand, I understand why Go Forth Goods took flight.  Watch Nathan talk about his baby here.

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • Top 3 Travel Bags and Accessories: https://goo.gl/ULoN8z
  • LocTote Original:  https://goo.gl/xZDGa4
  • LocTote Sport vs. Original:  https://goo.gl/fCvLkw

__________________________________________________________________

BUY IT HERE:

__________________________________________________________________

  • MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • MY WEBSITE: https://www.justalittlereview.com
  • MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou
  • MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/soniashepherd
  • MY FACEBOOK:  fb.me/justalittlereview

__________________________________________________________________

FTC Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Links provided above are affiliate links.

 

 

 

 

Posted on

SANDAST – James Petite, Nuts & Bolts

 

 

SANDAST –  James Petit , Nuts & Bolts

This bag is beautiful, absolutely stunning.  I’ve been having a ball cruising around with the bag.  It just hits all the marks for a comfortable, sophisticated carry.  I’ve gotten lots of questions about the measurements and the features so I made this video to address those questions.  Hope you get a better sense of the bag after watching!  Stay tuned for the full review.

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • Sandast Interview, Behind the Scenes:  https://goo.gl/MoC1xs *Watch my simple wallet get engraved”
  • Sandast Interview, Part I:  https://goo.gl/gspRks
  • Arista Winery Interview:  https://goo.gl/eSQiNL
  • Top 3 Travel Bags & Accessories:  https://goo.gl/LtQNzn
  • She Travels Playlist:  https://goo.gl/M4qSmK

__________________________________________________________________

BUY IT HERE:

__________________________________________________________________

  • MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • MY WEBSITE: https://www.justalittlereview.com
  • MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou
  • MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/soniashepherd
  • MY FACEBOOK:  fb.me/justalittlereview

__________________________________________________________________

FTC Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Some links provided above are affiliate links.

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Duvall Leatherwork – Small Shoulder Bag: Nuts and Bolts

 

DUVALL LEATHERWORK

Small Leather Shoulder Bag, Red Brown

I get a LOT of questions about bag measurements.  What can I say?  We are a detail oriented bunch.  We don’t just want to know IF there’s a pocket, we want to know if it’s an open pocket, divided pocket, hanging pocket, anchored pocket….well, here you go!  Here’s the nuts and bolts of the Duvall Leatherwork Small Shoulder Bag.  Please note the measurements are approximate!  A few comments about how I measure below.  Stay tuned for the full review coming soon!

POCKETS – I measure the exterior of the pocket and then subtract ½” to account for the fact that the actual pocket is slightly smaller on the interior.  The height of the zippered pocket is measured only up to the height of the zipper, but in theory, you could put something in there a bit taller because the zipper is not at the very top.

KEY FOB – This is measured from AFTER the rivet where it’s affixed to the bag since that is the portion that is moveable.

Need I say more?

How ‘bout just one more thing?

Proudly crafted in Kingston, Pennsylvania. Cheers to American Crafters!

 

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • Duvall Leatherwork Small Shoulder Bag Review:  COMING SOON!
  • Duvall Leatherwork Small  Shoulder Bag Unboxing:  https://goo.gl/ZATFxp
  • Hand and Hide Large Tote Review: https://goo.gl/1iJAdZ
  •      For 10% off, enter SONIASENTME
  • Saddleback Small Tote:  https://goo.gl/xv3VYa
  • Love 41 Simple Tote:  https://goo.gl/Fr8BGm

__________________________________________________________________

BUY IT HERE:

__________________________________________________________________

  • MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • MY WEBSITE: https://www.justalittlereview.com
  • MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou
  • MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/soniashepherd
  • MY FACEBOOK:  fb.me/justalittlereview

__________________________________________________________________

FTC Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post.  Some links above are affiliate links.

Posted on

Sandast – James Petit (& a Surprise) Unboxing

 

 

SANDAST – James Petit (& a Surprise) Unboxing

I simply adore these two (2) bags!  You saw me fawn over the James Tote during the interview.  That day, I learned someone had commissioned a smaller version of the James Tote, but whether or not it was headed to production was still a question mark.  I was thrilled to learn that it is indeed now part of their regular line up.  Here are my first impressions:

JAMES PETIT – The size is absolutely perfect:  13 X 10.5 X 5.  The first thing that struck me is the color.  It’s very rich and has the signature vintage look and feel, but with the telltale new leather smell.  It is a VERY comfortable carry and I can see myself easily carrying this little beauty everywhere.  I would have no qualms about taking it out and about for long periods.

JAMES ORIGINAL – One look at this bag and there is absolutely no doubt why this bag is a best seller.  Unapologetically 16 X 12 X 5, this bag stands out.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the hand tag that lets you know the year made and the unit of production.  There are no more than 100 handmade units of this color produced for the 2018 season.  To say that I am thrilled to receive the first one of the season is an understatement.  Since every piece is handmade right at their showroom, each piece is unique, but when you know there are only 100 per season, it makes the product that much more so.

I am still smiling just thinking about these bags.  I will be back with my classic bag battle and an individual review for both.  If there are any questions you’d like me to answer in the bag battle, please let me know!

 

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • Sandast Interview Part I:  https://goo.gl/aX5r4j
  • Arista Winery Interview:  https://goo.gl/eSQiNL
  • Day in the Life of Colonel Littleton: https://goo.gl/EL26J9
  • Top 3 Travel Bags & Accessories:  https://goo.gl/LtQNzn
  • She Travels Playlist:  https://goo.gl/M4qSmK

____________________________________________________________

BUY IT HERE:

  • Sandast:  https://www.sandast.com/shop/

____________________________________________________________

  • MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • MY WEBSITE: https://www.justalittlereview.com
  • MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou
  • MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/soniashepherd
  • MY FACEBOOK:  fb.me/justalittlereview

____________________________________________________________

FTC Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Some links provided above are affiliate links.

 

 

Posted on

Sandast – Special Alert!

 

SANDAST – Coming soon!

Stay tuned, I have two (2) videos coming up very soon.   One is a quick review and color comparison of the accessories pictured in the thumbnail above.  I picked up these accessories during my studio and workshop visit a few weeks ago.  The second is a very special unboxing that you won’t want to miss.  

If you haven’t seen the four part interview series, check it out here.  There was also some behind the scenes footage that I couldn’t bear to see on the cutting room floor so you can watch that bonus footage here.  

 

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • Sandast Interview Part I:  https://goo.gl/aX5r4j
  • Arista Winery Interview:  https://goo.gl/eSQiNL
  • Day in the Life of Colonel Littleton: https://goo.gl/EL26J9
  • Top 3 Travel Bags & Accessories:  https://goo.gl/LtQNzn
  • She Travels Playlist:  https://goo.gl/M4qSmK

_______________________________________________________________

BUY IT HERE:

  • Sandast:  https://www.sandast.com/shop/

_______________________________________________________________

  • MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • MY WEBSITE: https://www.justalittlereview.com
  • MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou
  • MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/soniashepherd
  • MY FACEBOOK:  fb.me/justalittlereview

_______________________________________________________________

FTC Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Some links provided above are affiliate links.

 

 

Posted on

Sandast Interviews – 4 Part Series + Wine Intro

 

SANDAST INTERVIEW – Wine Teaser

If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong!  What a fun afternoon sitting down with Mr. Sandast himself – – wine, chocolate, cheese, coffee and leather, all my favorite things!  You know it’s going to be a good interview when you can’t stop laughing long enough to even get started. It’s gonna take a while to edit this goodness, but here’s a bit of silliness to tide you over.

 

 

SANDAST INTERVIEW I – Honey, we gotta sell the house…

I love that life is this hilarious mix of going for broke, failing, succeeding and then starting all over again.  Where would you be if you never quit that job, moved to that new city or went back to school?  In Chris’ case, would Sandast exist if he never sold his house?

I feel like the highlight reel of your life is those times that you pushed your chips to the center and went all in.  It’s not all the successes, but the times you went for it. It’s an honor to share the true story of Sandast, not just the legacy of their product, but their trials and their struggles before the rebirth.  I hope you enjoy watching his story as much I did.

SANDAST INTERVIEW II – He who wishes to the move the mountain…

Life is overwhelming.  Thinking about the steps it would take to be where we want to be is enough to make your head spin so I love the idea that Chris has a mantra that gets him through the minutiae.  It’s simple, but perfect and he engraved it on his bag as a permanent reminder.

This is life.  Complicated and overwhelming, but simple and beautiful in this weird way.  It’s not the big steps he took.  It’s not that Blake Lively commissioned a bag (she did). It’s not the Johnny Depp loves Sandast (he does).  It’s that Chris comes to the studio day in and day out and life has a way of working out for people that work for it.

SANDAST INTERVIEW III – From that point on, I never looked back…

Chris is a painter.  His artwork is displayed prominently as the backdrop of his humble studio and sales floor.  As you enter, there is a painting on the left that is this brilliant mix of red and yellows.  In the years before, it was a somber mix of grays that gradually gave way to what you see today.  Chris painted over it. Then he painted over it.  Then he painted over it.  To me, this mural is his phoenix rising…we are all changing, struggling, doing over and beginning again.  Some people stop at the gray.  It’s easy to do. Life is this impossible mix of struggles some days, but I see his spirit and I’m inspired.

If you’re in the gray, keep going.  Add just a little bit of red.  Commit to doing the same tomorrow.  Be just a little better than you were.  Life is a process.

SANDAST INTERVIEW IV – We’re just getting started…

Truer words were never spoken.  I look forward to the evolution of Sandast. He’s got his feet under him and he’s off to the races.

It’s beautiful to see something come together in the way that Sandast has after years of struggle and self-doubt and the thoughts that plague us.  The Sandast legacy is a testimony to hard work and persevering when you aren’t sure of the outcome.  Chris, you’re an inspiration.  After the success of Sandast, you’re still you; you’re still relatable and you’re funny as all get out.  Thanks for an afternoon of laughs and time well spent.  I’ll drink to that.

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • Arista Winery Interview:  https://goo.gl/eSQiNL
  • Day in the Life of Colonel Littleton: https://goo.gl/EL26J9
  • Top 3 Travel Bags & Accessories:  https://goo.gl/LtQNzn
  • She Travels Playlist:  https://goo.gl/M4qSmK

_______________________________________________________________

BUY IT HERE:

  • Sandast:  https://www.sandast.com/shop/

_______________________________________________________________

  • MY AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • MY WEBSITE: https://www.justalittlereview.com
  • MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou
  • MY CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/soniashepherd
  • MY FACEBOOK:  fb.me/justalittlereview

_______________________________________________________________

FTC Disclaimer – This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Some links provided above are affiliate links.