Category: Accessories
Bag Review – Charles and Keith (What’s in angelxling’s bag…)
Here’s my review on the Charles and Keith bag I received as a gift recently. I love the design and uniqueness of the shape.
Below are some quick details on the bag, my review of it and website details. Also, there is a quick What’s in my bag? section below.
Model Number: ART #CK2-50660194
Style: Trendy
Colour: Taupe
Description: Handbag with detachable strap
Website: Charles and Keith
This bag was such a unique shape so it really caught my attention. If you know me, you know that I love really unique designs and special features on a bag. This bag was adorably boxy shaped, but also soft to the touch.
It is a medium-sized bag with two top handles and a detachable shoulder strap. It can be hand carried or worn cross-body. Cross-body is a great hands-free option, although the boxy nature of the bag can make it a little awkward to sit against your hips.
It has one large main compartment once the zip is opened. It also has decent sized back zipper pocket and two other slip pockets on the other size.
The material is polyurethane and is quite soft but still holds it’s shape. The lining is good quality material that feels very durable. The bag has good quality light gold hardware.
The zips, clips and metal details are high quality and unique in design. Two areas that catch your eye are the clips where the detachable straps attach to the bag, and also, the unique way the zip and end fasten securely. The zip closure on the bag is really what caught my attention. It is a large zip that secures with a clip on one end, and the other zip end also has a clip.
There is also a key fob that hangs on the outside of the bag with the key ring protected inside the fob. This is a really nice touch that adds class to the bag.
The quality of the seams and attachments are very good.
This is my first Charles and Keith bag, so I’ve not much to compare it with, but friend’s of mine have had C and K bags before, and have been pleased with the quality.
I really love using this bag and will enjoy using it in future. I would not use it as an everyday bag due to it’s unique shape, but more for special occasions.
1. Charles and Keith bag in Taupe
2. Panda pouch I got from Ocean Park few years ago.
3. Double sided mirror – gift from friend
4. Small umbrella
5. Hair clip
6. Sunglasses and case
7. Baby Lips Colour in Coral
8. Phone (a friend’s as mine has died)
9. Sweet Pea Hand Sanitizer from Bath and Body Works
10. Ice Breakers fruity mints (watermelon, citrus, apple flavour)
11. Small packet of tissues
12. Bus pass in limited edition Skittles bus pass holder and lanyard
13. Black quilted wallet
Normally, my keys would be in there too. This is what I would bring when going out. Will do a school bag edition soon!
What’s in my Oroton bag?
This will be a ‘what’s in my bag?‘ and also a review on the Oroton Baby Bag (used as work bag).
Bag: Oroton Baby Bag in Chocolate with Monogram small “O” with a small Oroton bag charm/keychain.
Use: Work
Contents:
- Alannah Hill – Let Love In wallet in creme. (see full review of this wallet/purse – HERE)
- iPad 2 in brown faux leather cover
- Phone – Samsung Galaxy III
- Small cosmetic bag – Panda Ocean Park Bag (hand sanitizer, ointment, lip balm, ventolin, Strepsils, paracetamol, sweets, hayfever meds, female products, etc…)
- Sunglasses – aviators
- Oroton umbrella
- Post-its
- Pencil case – pens and highlighters, etc
- Small pack of tissues
- Pen
- Compact mirror
- Small Ecotools bag – Fasio oil blotting sheets, MAC Blot Powder in med/dark, small kabuki (separate for easy access)
- Work keys on lanyard
- Hairbrush
- Chewing gum
- Mini deodorant
Overall, it is a great bag. I have yet to use it for baby-related needs, but it is great for everyday use so far! I can even fit a laptop down in there if need be. I think it is a great size for travelling. The adjustable shoulder crossbody strap is great for handsfree usage. I usually use the two smaller shoulder straps. There are four feet on the bottom so that it keeps the bag off the ground and prevents dirt transfer. The leather feels very luxurious and the hardware is beautiful and well-made. The inside is fully lined with the monogram inverted print.
I love Oroton bags. They are high quality and fashionable, but reasonably priced (especially at 60 – 70% off sales! – which is when I got mine). I see them as the Australian version of Coach. Who’s with me?
Leave any questions in the comments below. Not sure if you can still get this particular design, but you can get the current design on their website or in stores.
Links:
Oroton Website:
‘Let Love In’…
This will be a ‘what’s in my purse/wallet?‘ and also a review on the Alannah Hill ~ ‘Let Love In’ Purse.
Alannah Hill ‘Let Love In’ purse
The item: Leather clip purse/wallet in creme
Brand: Alannah Hill
Description: The purse is in the Alannah Hill ‘Let Love In’ collection. It is a creme (almost white) leather wallet with polyester polka-dot lining (white with purple polka-dots) on the centre section and purple slightly rouched lining on the interior of the pockets.
The front boasts three leather flowers with alternating white and purple petals with a crystal diamente in the centre of each flower. The silver-toned metal hardware for the clasps is sturdy and well-made, with little hearts that interlock as the clasps. The back of the purse has a silver-toned zipper with a heart AH charm.
Centre compartment with magnetic closure
My favourite part is the magnetic closure for the centre of the purse (above). This is what made me fall in love with it. It holds six card-sized items. I use this centre section for my most used cards as this section is very easy to get to. Just my drivers license, credit and debit cards and grocery store cards.
This reminded me of the Hobo International Lauren wallet that has a similar function. I loved how that wallet looked and was looking for a more affordable alternative.
Front coin section
I use the front clip pocket to store coins and notes. Generally just cash and sometimes a few loose receipts. Love the purple lining!
Back coin/card section
In the back section, as it is a little taller and has slightly more room capacity, I put all my store cards, drink cards, vouchers, etc. There is a small back pocket with the Alannah Hill metal logo attached, and in there, I store my most used store cards such as Priceline, Boost (yum!), RACV, health/medicare cards and a polaroid shot of my hubby!
Back of purse with heart AH charm
Back zipper pocket
The back zipper pocket of the purse is also fully lined with the same purple material. I keep my MYKI (travel) pass in there for quick access when I’m travelling.
Side view of purse
Overall, I’m very happy with the quality of the purse. The leather is soft and will only wear better with time. The clasps are sturdy and well constructed. The only thing i’m concerned about with this purse is the colour creme becoming dirty. I guess that will depend on how I treat it. But the creme colour was the only one that attracted me. The purple colour was quite nasty and I didn’t get to see the black one at all.
Black Let Love In Purse
Purple Let Love In Purse
As you can see. The creme one was my favourite by far.
You can purchase them directly from Alannah Hill or David Jones (where I got mine on sale).
All in all it is going strong as my wallet so far. I love the detail that has been put into the design. The flower embellishments are growing on me. They do take a little while to get used to. Love it!!! It will always have a special place in my heart. 🙂