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LM Leather Goods – Wentworth Purse Tote Review

Check for it here:  Wentworth Purse Tote

May 10, 2018

LM LEATHER GOODS – Wentworth Purse Tote Review

This bag was unequivocally worth the wait!  It’s simple, but elegant; right sized, but roomy.  It’s your everyday, everything bag.  It fits my laptop and its cord so it can be a work bag; it’s not too big so it can be a lunch bag; it’s squishy and lightweight enough that it’s a great weekend purse.

About the maker…

Three (3) generations deep still making their products in Indiana. Originally a guitar strap maker, their selection has expanded to include a modest selection of women’s bags, men’s bags and leather accessories.   I have their Field Notes case and the leather on that thing is insane…I actually invent reasons to pull it out and write stuff, weird I know.  Tyler, please make a women’s bag (maybe a 10 X 10 size) out of the same leather that your Field Notes is in.  That would be amazing!

About Version 2.0…

This bag is one of the more versatile bags I own!  I have only one wish and that’s swing the pocket and key fob to the other side of the bag.  I realize this means the front of the bag will show the stitching, but I think they can expand the pocket and hide the stitching under the bag handles where they’re affixed to the bag.  No biggie though and don’t let this stop you from buying this beauty. I’m just picky about my pockets!

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • LM Leather Goods Vendue Classic Clutch, Unboxing:  https://goo.gl/cn8ZHb
  • LM Leather Goods Vendue Classic Clutch, Review:  https://goo.gl/LaugG5
  • LM Leather Goods Wentworth Purse Tote, Unboxing:  https://goo.gl/uMpdYv
  • Saddleback Small Tote Review: https://goo.gl/wof77f

_______________________________________________________________

BUY IT HERE:

  • My Amazon Shop:  https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • LM Leather Goods Wentworth Purse Tote:  https://goo.gl/BHaab7
  • LM Leather Goods Vendue Classic Clutch:  https://goo.gl/7NU1Ys
  • Saddleback Small Tote: https://goo.gl/NmsuWb

_______________________________________________________________

  • 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.

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Duvall Leatherwork – Small Shoulder Bag, Review

 

DUVALL LEATHERWORK

Small Leather Shoulder Bag, Red Brown

April 15, 2018

If you saw my unboxing on this bag, you saw me do a little happy dance at the end.  Well, the happiness hasn’t faded at all!  The more I use this bag, the more I appreciate all the little things about this bag. If there was something Nick Duvall could have done to make the bag a little better, then he took the time to do it.  Here’s a brief overview of what makes this bag a standout:

  • Leather pulls for both zippers
  • Leather loops at both ends of the exterior zipper for easy opening and closing
  • Flexible zipper flap so it can be pulled up to open and then tucked down into the bag when closed
  • Leather trim / piping around the top edge of the bag
  • Inside seams
  • Full leather pocket (not just a single piece of leather sewn to the bag)
  • Additional open pocket
  • Key Fob
  • Solid copper rivets
  • Small (removable) branded leather key chain on the exterior
  • Structured, yet soft full grain leather.
  • Large capacity despite size

All of the above features are standard!  This bag is proudly crafted in Kingston, Pennsylvania. This makes me want to take a trip out to Pennsylvania in person to bug Nick for a tour of the studio.  Yup, this bag makes  me want to go Stage V clinger.

Cheers to American Crafters!

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • Duvall Leatherwork Small Shoulder Bag, Unboxing: https://goo.gl/ZATFxp
  • Duvall Leatherwork Small Shoulder Bag, Nuts and Bolts: https://goo.gl/QorDBb
  • 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.

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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.

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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.

 

 

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Portland Leather Dakota Medium Crossbody

Check for it here:  Portland Leather Dakota Medium Crossbody

PORTLAND LEATHER GOODS – Dakota Medium Crossbody

This is my first experience with Portland Leather Goods and I have to say, I’m pretty impressed! The thickness of the leather and the quality of the construction are incredible.  I would never guess you could get this quality for this price.  This is the best value I’ve seen in full grain leather.  It’s also very thoughtfully packaged inside and out and, you know, I love me some good packaging.

This bag fulfills a hole in my weekend bag arsenal – – the elusive large small bag. I have plenty of small smalls and even medium smalls, but this is a legit large small that’s distinctly weekend (not professional).  I can’t wait to use it and do the full review.  I’ve already got a handful of 2.0 suggestions.  BTW, if you order this bag and you’re short, ask them to punch some extra holes in the strap.  It’s really long, even though I got the short strap.

Stay tuned for my full review!  I’ll take detailed bag measurements and show you what fits.

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • Beaudin Designs Convertible Backpack Unboxing:  https://goo.gl/Ktsrfu
  • Love 41 Large Duffle:  https://goo.gl/pG5wQa
  • Saddleback Small Tote Review: https://goo.gl/wof77f
  • LocTote Bag Battle:  https://goo.gl/Gi3kS3

__________________________________________________________________

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 not a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Some links provided above are affiliate links.

 

 

Posted on

LM Leather Goods – Wentworth Purse Tote, Unboxing

Check for it here:  Wentworth Purse Tote

Wentworth Purse Tote, Unboxing

It’s been nearly a year since I last did a review for LM Leather Goods (Vendue classic clutch, anyone?) and it’s been even longer that I’ve been coveting the Wentworth Purse Tote!  The size and style of this tote just spoke to me.  Most bags that can house my laptop for work are just way too big for me to want to tote around on the weekend so I end up downsizing.  This bag is unique in that it can do double duty – big enough for my laptop, but not so big that I need to switch it out for weekend carry.  Plus, it’s just formal enough for office days, but not so stuffy that I won’t tote it around on weekends.  Anyways, it’s here and it’s gorgeous and this (not so) little beauty was well worth the wait.  I see why it sells out and out and sells out and sells out…

I’ve been a nerd this weekend and periodically cruise around the house with this on…and empty.  Yup, I just like the feel of it.  The leather is soft and it just feels comfortable.  My husband caught me wearing it empty, in the house and looking in the mirror.  Whatever, he doesn’t get it.  Strange to some, totally normal to me.  I mean, hey, if you like it, why not wear it?  It can also go crossbody, not super cross body (remember I’m only 5’2″), but sort of cross body the way I wore the Col Littleton No. 25 Drifter crossbody.  I also put my laptop in there and it works great.  I don’t even need a sleeve when it’s in there.  Ah, the merits of this bag.   Plus, you can feel great about supporting American made – – not just American made today, but three (3) generations deep American made.  That’s commitment.

Stay tuned for my full review!  I’ll take detailed bag measurements and show you what fits.

RELATED VIDEOS:

  • LM Leather Goods Vendue Classic Clutch, Unboxing:  https://goo.gl/cn8ZHb
  • LM Leather Goods Vendue Classic Clutch, Review:  https://goo.gl/LaugG5
  • LM Leather Goods Wentworth Purse Tote, Review: Coming soon!
  • Saddleback Small Tote Review: https://goo.gl/wof77f

__________________________________________________________________

BUY IT HERE:

  • My Amazon Shop:  https://www.amazon.com/shop/SoniaShepherd
  • LM Leather Goods Wentworth Purse Tote:  https://goo.gl/BHaab7
  • LM Leather Goods Vendue Classic Clutch:  https://goo.gl/7NU1Ys
  • Saddleback Small Tote: https://goo.gl/NmsuWb

__________________________________________________________________

  • 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

Colonel Littleton – No. 36 Trekker Review Part I

Check for it here (Customizable!):  No. 40A Leather Campaign Bag*

*The No. 36 Trekker is no longer for sale, but the Leather Campaign Bag is the most similarly styled bag.

No. 36 Trekker Review, Part I

The Great American Leather Company

This video is everything I love – leather and coffee and animals plus husband and kiddo.  Remember my first review of the Colonel Littleton Drifter where I made my husband stomp around to get rid of the snakes?  Well, he got me back!  Let me just say that he knew the goats would come after me, but encouraged me to take my coffee out and shake it, knowing they would mistake it for food.

This is such a great weekend bag for medium carry!  I love that the long front flap means it’s perfectly secure, but still easily accessible (especially, since I never snap the strap closed).  Plus, it’s got great organization and is just so comfortable to carry.  I had it on all day – during the coffee roasting, goat mauling and dog mauling and just about forgot that it was on.  The capacity is very surprising! I didn’t get to showcase all the features of this bag (as to be expected when a goat is trying jump on you), so stay tuned for a more serious Part II review of this amazing bag!

So, if you fall in love with this bag, I gotta say – I’m sorry! This bag is no longer available on Colonel Littleton.  Out with the old and in with the new.  The bag that I’ve found that most closely resembles it (including some amazing upgrades – removable pocket, hello?!) is this one.  Hopefully, that’s the next bag in my arsenal because I can use that one for weekday carry also since it will fit my laptop!

 

RELATED VIDEOS:

Col. Littleton No. 25 Drifter

A Day in the Life of Col. Littleton

Colonel Littleton Play List

__________________________________________________________________

BUY IT HERE:

No. 40A Leather Campaign Bag*

*The Trekker is no longer available, but this new bag is very close!  It’s upgraded in size and is the work version of my Trekker as it can house a laptop up to 14”.

No. 25 Drifter

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MY AMAZON SHOP

MY INSTAGRAM: @justalittlereviewforyou

MY CHANNEL

MY FACEBOOK

__________________________________________________________________

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