Satchel Mania: The Leather Satchel Co.!

Hey, guys! Hope that transition from summer to fall is going smoothly. I'm doing great adjusting to New York. I started school orientation this week at Parsons and I am simply loving it (classes start next week and I've already got assignments!). I've met so many amazing people so far (including some fellow puertorrican students!) and getting around the city easily. If you might not have noticed, I'm in love with this city. Sure, it hasn't been easy in some aspects. I'm away from the people I love the most including my boyfriend and my mom but in the end, there are sacrifices we all have to make in order to move forward in life and these are just some of my daily challenges. Anyways, enough about me! I've got an exciting in depth review to share with you guys and I'm pretty sure you'll get pumped about this one as much as I am. Are you into the satchel mania?

The bag came with a special note from the company!

Today, I bring to you guys The Leather Satchel Co. Now, beforehand we have to set some things straight. You might have heard around about the Cambridge Satchel Co. Trust me that your view on things will change when I tell you that they're designs aren't the original ones. After doing some research I found out that they've only been around for a few years (around 2006-ish, I believe). The Leather Satchel Co. has been making top quality, hand made satchels since 1966 and their product is backed up by various artisanal guilds. And what a coincidence that Cambridge Satchel Co.'s bags look just like the Leather Satchel Co.'s ones?! This is just the first factor of comparison I have. I've held both satchels in my hand and I can confidently say that I made the right choice with going with the Leather Satchel Co. Even the quality of the leather, the cut, and finish is more refined! The leather is much more flexible yet thicker than Cambridge's. Oh, and it's also backed up with a 5-year warranty which other companies fail to offer and that on its own should be a definite seller. Also, they're pretty much on the same level with their pricing. Give or take a few dollars but if you ask me, you'll definitely get your money's worth with the Leather Satchel Co.

Since I'll be starting school soon, I was contemplating the idea of getting a satchel as I've seen that they're incredibly sturdy, stylish and practical. For this occasion, I got to customize my satchel and choose from the variety of colors and finishes the company has to offer. I decided to go with Pitch Black (which is one of their patent finishes) on the body of the bag, Cloud Cream on the front pocket, Snow White for the tab and strap features and silver hardware. I'm thinking this is a color combination I can use with practically everything. The only thing about the patent finish vs. the original matte finish is that the patent leathers may show some fingerprints but I've come to conclude that it's easier to take care of and camouflages any stains the bag might get eventually with usage. Plus, those fingerprints can easily be wiped off. No biggie!

My satchel is 12.5" so maybe I'll switch it up later and get a 14" satchel so I can fit in my MacBook for school.  Even so, this bag fits quite a lot of baggage. In it I can fit my makeup bag, wallet, agenda, sunnies, cel phone, keys, and a few other important necessities quite comfortably.

Also, the company attaches to your bag a little keychain with a swatch of the leather your bag is made of which I think is a charming little detail on their part. I like to think that it's their way of showing off their craftsmanship pride. The bag does come with the company's logo embossed on the back pannel of the bag but this little tag is visible to anyone. Of course, you can take it off if you wish, but I'm thinking I'll keep mine on.

Another detail of this satchel is that it came with a magnetic closure so fidgeting to get the buckle closed every time is no longer a problem. The bag's strap is about an inch thick so it's very sturdy. Walking around the city doing errands was pretty comfortable because the satchel is not too big, not heavy at all and with such a comfortable strap, it stayed on my shoulder without budging off.

As for the service, the bag was quickly constructed and sent out. I got mine via Fave8.com. They'll be putting them up for sale soon so I'm really thankful that they gave me this opportunity! Just in time for school! They'll be featuring so many amazing color combinations, featuring neon colors and classic finishes. I think they'll also feature this combination so if you're interested, you better keep your eyes peeled! They were incredibly awesome throughout the whole process. You can check for any updates on their Facebook page. You can also click on the Fave 8 banner I've got set up on my sidebar. It will lead you directly to their website. They have a plethora of really amazing things like The String Republic shoes, Retromarine Italia swimwear for guys and the ever popular Banane Taipeis which I'll also be reviewing soon.

I'm really excited that I gave the satchel trend a try and not just because of the hype, but because these bags really live up to the expectations. It's been love at first sight and I yet have to complain about it. I know this bag will last me a lifetime with the proper care so this is the start of a strong relationship. So all in all, I'm not worried about the trend fading away because if these bags have been around since the sixties, it means they've got the classic formula down. Maybe later I'll do some OOTD pictures but for now, I'll just let this here for you guys to consider your options

Don't forget to "Like" my Facebook page and follow on Tumblr, and Instagram. I'm LilaLane! See you all very soon!

*UPDATE* Fave 8 has partnered with www.leathersatchel.com, where you can get the biggest collection of Leather Satchel Co. bags anywhere and they're ready to ship so no need to wait for your satchel to be made. I've been informed that they work directly with The Leather Satchel Co. and are official distributors of the bags so go check them out! 

Travel essentials (NY edition)- What's in my suitcase?

Travel essentials by desiree-velazquez-rodriguez featuring a long black dress

So, the final countdown for my liftoff to New York is here. Only two more weeks, and we all know how fast that goes! I've been organizing what I'll be taking with me to New York because when it comes to traveling, the key is to keep everything essential so you don't go overboard with your suitcase weight limit. Nobody likes to pay extra or have to pluck things out of their suitcases at the last minute!

I thought I'd share with you guys some of the pieces I'll be taking to New York so that you can get some ideas on what to take on your future travels. I always tend to overpack, but this time I'm getting down to the basics because after all, I'll be living there so I can go adding some more statement pieces as I go (including a few made by me!). You all know my addiction to black and gold, so it must be no surprise to see this somewhat mono-ish color palette. Of course, you can adapt it to your own taste. This is just what I'll be taking. The pieces shown are not exactly the ones I own, but pretty darn close.

I always start off with some basic tees and blouses. Things you can match up with any bottom or outwear piece. Button down blouses are excellent because you can dress them up or down. I always take with me a structured blazer that has versatility and a little something extra. A few days ago I finally snagged my dream leopard print blazer (just like my idol, Alison Mosshart) at a fantastic sale price at Zara. This is actually what I'll be wearing to on the plane because of its attitude, look and comfort factors and because it can take up some space in my suitcase so I'd rather carry it on myself. Also, I love wearing denim jackets because I can pair them with just about anything, especially a nice maxi dress to tone it down for a cool day. A little black dress is key for traveling because it is probably the most versatile dress ever. You can play it up with great accessories and simply add a nice pump and you're set! I also like to carry some nice knit sweaters just in case the weather calls for it. A few lightweight skirts and I'm ready to go! I like chiffon pieces because the material is airy and takes up no space in the suitcase. A little steaming when you unpack and you're set!

For accessories, it it important to take control because this is one of the things that can overweight your luggage easily. I like to go with maybe two or three really good necklaces, a couple of cocktail rings, a pair of flats, boots, some pumps (not shown) and maybe a pair of sandals if you're the sandal wearing type (not so much me). What handbags you'll take are crucial because you'll be carrying them around all over the place. I'll be taking my Leather Satchel Co. which is the bag I'll be using for school. It's still at the workshop so it'll be arriving soon and it's tricolor and very similar to the palette above so I can use it with practically everything. I'll also be taking my favorite BCBG python print clutch because it is very small and easy to pack and I can use it for special events. For beauty, plan your favorite looks. I find that taking a good eye palette works best (Too Faced Naked Eye palette is my favorite!) and a few lip colors like a good nude, red and pink would suit any look and a good peachy-toned blush is a universally flattering color.

I'll be playing around with this list and maybe adding a few more pieces but basically this is the gist of it all. Remember these key factors:

• Pack plenty of neutral pieces so you can mix and match because of their versatility.
• Keep accessories to a minimum so you don't add extra weight to your bag.
• Pick pieces with materials that are easy to care for so you don't end up walking around with things that need a little maintenance. Cotton pieces are great for that.
• The little black dress is your best friend.
• Plan your beauty products so you can take as least possible because this can also add extra weight to your bag.
• Take a versatile handbag. A neutral colored one is the best way to go. I recommend black or brown. 
• Pack travel sized beauty product essentials. If you stay for longer, you can always purchase refills when you arrive or run out. 
• Keep an open mind and have fun!