Made in USA – Just a Little Review

March 26, 2018March 27, 2018

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!

Sandast – Wine Holder & Simple Wallet Review

SANDAST – Wine Holder & Simple Wallet

I had to showcase these little accessories! They have so much thoughtful detail they deserved their own spotlight.

WINE HOLDER – Here’s what I’m loving:

Subtle Branding – As always, the engraved “Sandast Made in USA” is just enough. Their signature logo is sweetly imprinted on the top AND onto one of the brass rivets. It’s that kind of detail that makes Sandast, Sandast.
Braiding – The handle is braided. It didn’t need to be braided and it was a lot of work, but worth the effort as it really adds to the bag. You can see just how much on the video here (scroll all the way down).
Color – It’s Orchid. Not purple or violet, but exactly Orchid. All the variation and richness of its namesake. BTW, they just released the James Petit in Orchid. In Orchid.
Contrast – It’s another way this little wine holder manages to stand out. It’s got a cinch at the top with a contrasting color.

SIMPLE WALLET – Before I get into what I love, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that this wallet is not for sale. It’s a gift from the owner as a thank you. But, if you love it, you can get this braided bi-fold wallet instead and get your fix that way! Ok, here’s what I’m loving:

Color – Its Cobblestone. I love the name as it matches perfectly – – that gray / blue that is Cobblestone.
Texture – Some of the other stiffer simple wallets I’ve come across, make accessing the cards tough. Not with this one. It’s very soft and pliable so getting your cards in / out is quite easy. This is part of what it means to be Sandasted – it’s already got the ease of a vintage piece.
Braiding – Ok, I already mentioned it above so I won’t go into it too much, but it’s braided 360!!
Personalized – He engraved my name! Watch him engrave it (with my help, of course!) in this video.

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.