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! 

Hello professional life!

Fashion Internship Interview Attire at Erika Peña by desiree-velazquez-rodriguez featuring aldo bags

Diane von Fürstenberg bodice dress, $498
Forever21 jacket, $28
ALDO peep toe high heels, $80
Aldo bag, $60
Forever21 spiked necklace, $5.80
Forever21 fish hook earrings, $1.50
Milani Liquif'Eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencil | Walgreens, $6.49
Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss by Urban Decay (Official Site), $20

Hey guys! Guess what? I interviewed today for a fashion internship at Erika Peña and I got it! I start on Wednesday! I'm so excited! Why am I so excited? Well, I'm definitely not excited for my agenda. Poor thing! With my job at Forever 21, this internship, my sewing classes, my gallery expo and the boyfriend... I don't know how I'll have any time for myself anymore! I am excited though because I will get to work behind the scenes in a fashion company, so I'll get to learn how the industry works, what's going on behind the glitz and glamour and what it takes to move along a flourishing business. So, I scrunched up this Polyvore set to show you guys what I wore today. Lately a lot of my friends have come to me for interview suggestions, so I thought I'd make this idea board and share my personal tips and pointers so you can get an idea of what to do and how dress for an interview. I also had a professor in college that was like a mentor to me in all that is personal presentation in the job industry (¡Gracias, Millán!).

OK. The first thing you've got to think of when choosing your outfit for the interview is what kind of company or employer would you potentially be working for. Is it a very reserved and formal company? A more creative one or a very hip and stylish one? That could pretty much set the breaking point for the entire outfit. In this case, I was interviewing for a designer so I had to show that I am indeed very much interested in the latest trends and my personal appearance. Erika Peña's company aesthetic circles around the colors black and gold (a combination which I am very keen on lately) so I decided I should somewhat incorporate that color scheme into my look to catch her eye a bit. I used my go-to little black faux leather sheath dress from BCBG Max Azria (not shown there because I couldn't find it on Polyvore, but check it out here. It's the first one shown. I actually got it on sale for $100 a few months back for my graduation.), and I layered over it a creme colored blazer from Forever 21 that I actually got on sale for $21. I decided to give my look a kick with my Aldo leopard pumps and accessorize with a gold statement necklace and little pyramid stud earrings. The clincher: my new Aldo satchel purse in black and gold which I actually got on sale for $45. Most of these pieces I had laying around in my closet for the longest. I've had those pumps for a good five years already! Classy, timeless, and on a budget.

Based on the type of company you'll dress for, you also have to remember to always give your attire a little personal twist. I did this with my jewelry. Studs and spikes are my thing but I did it in a very classy and toned down way. I also did so with my makeup. When you do your makeup, keep in mind that it can certainly make or break you. Since I was interviewing for a creative and fashionable company, I decided to do my trademark cat eye but give the look a twist with a red lip. I used NYX Matte lipstick in Merlot ( It's not shown there. It's a darker red than the one posted above.) and let me tell you, these lipsticks are TO DIE FOR. They are eternal on your lips, they don't bleed and their color will stay as pungent 4 hours later as they did when you first applied it. I used my new Urban Decay Pocket Rocket lipgloss in Jesse and Milani's Liquifeye Liner in black which is my go-to liner. 

So, here's the run down:

• Stick to classic color palettes and neutrals with a personal twist on your outfit for any type of interview. If you're going for prints, make sure they're a bit muted and simple. Crazy prints can scream... well, crazy (regardless if you aren't).
• You can add touches of color with your accessories or one piece of your outfit. Maybe add a bright sleek scarf, a  color block blouse underneath your blazer or a bold color detail on your purse.
• Keep your makeup clean and simple. Neutral shadows or barely there makeup is the right way to go. Don't experiment with your makeup for these things that day. Stick to what you know and keep those lips classic! Same thing with nails: no neon greens or crazy attachments on your nails, please!  Also, make sure the nail color isn't chipped. That could say you're forgetful and don't pay attention to detail. If it's easier, just keep them in a skin tone color or no color at all. A clear, glossy coat should do.
• If you're going to go sleeveless, don't use spaghetti straps or expose too much skin. Always make sure it is a wide strap and take any piece that you can use for covering up your shoulders just in case. Blazers are a great way to go. It kind of gives your potential employer a look into ~the future~. A nice, structured cardigan might work too. You never know who'll be interviewing you and their take on style.
• If you're going to use a dress like I did, make sure it is a reasonable length. A few inches above the knee is fine. If you wear a shorter skirt, a dark stocking could do the job. The trick is to balance your top half with your bottom half or vice versa.
• Under any circumstance, DO NOT wear jeans to ANY interview. It doesn't matter if it's Saks, Zara, Express or even Panda Express! Jeans scream lazy, tacky and clueless. It doesn't even matter if they're dark wash or black. JUST DON'T. You want to show that you clean up nicely and can manage a polished look. That can be a real deal breaker a lot of times. A nice, clean trouser, skinny or straight legged pant should give you that professional look. You can look like a million dollars with little money! You just have to plan out your attire and be on the look out for great deals. 
• Another NO-NO: open shoes. I don't think anybody wants to see your feet exposed (eek!). Closed shoes are spot on. A classic pump looks great. The only exception would be a peep toe pump. It's barely showing anything. Keep those piggies well tucked! If you don't want to risk the pain, some flats will do you good. You can play with color with your shoes too!
• In terms of the actual interview, always practice potential Q&A's before hand. 
• Always ask the interviewer if it is necessary for you to bring any additional documentation with you. 
• Research a bit about the company you'll be interviewing with before hand. You never know if any surprise questions related to that might pop up in the interview!
• Confirm your interview the day before just in case the interviewer has had a change of plans. It also show's you're looking forward to it.
• Always show up 15 minutes before your interview. It demonstrates that you're incredibly interested, you're punctual, and it could help you out in advance like it has done for me. I've interviewed many times before others and before my appointment because I've arrived earlier, thus helping me snag the job. Don't make a photo-finish entrance on an interview. Don't go ahead and show up an hour early either, just with a few minutes in advance so both you and your interviewer settle in and prepare. 
• Take a deep breath, relax and go!

I hope those pointers help you guys out in your endeavors for the right job. I know these tips have helped me loads when it comes to job hunting!