Back when I was researching everything about Queen Elizabeth’s secret handbag signals, I rediscovered the brand Strathberry. I wondered how it managed to fly under my radar for so long.
Like most, I originally found out about Strathberry after seeing it on Meghan Markle sometime in 2018, but even then I knew the brand deserved more than those 15 minutes of fame. It’s based out of Scotland, and all of their bags always seemed so perfectly proportioned and with a style of hardware that I’d never seen before. And now that I’ve spent the better part of a year browsing around for a more price-conscious shoulder bag, a few of their styles easily made it onto my list of potential purchases.
So just imagine my excitement when I got word a couple of months ago that Strathberry was coming out with another new shoulder bag that would give their East/West mini a run for its money.
Introducing, the Strathberry Melville Baguette.
It’s boxy and beautiful and features those same satisfyingly clean lines that are a staple of all of their bags.
The new Melville Baguette took direct inspiration from the easy fun-loving design of the 90s and updated it with a contemporary twist. Each bag is made of 100% calfskin leather and measures in at 8.5” (21.5cm) x 5.3” (13.5cm) with a depth of 1.8” (4.5 cm) to make for a fashionably compact bag that holds all of your essentials without compromising on comfortability.
Its extra-wide shoulder strap has a drop length of 26.8” (68cm) to help it lay snugly under the wearer’s arm while still allowing for free movement. Notably, the strap is completely detachable, so you can rock this as a cute lil’ clutch in the evening time if you prefer.
As for style, the minimalist design is highlighted by the brand’s use of solid or color-blocked neutrals with the occasional pastel shade thrown in for pizzazz. Contrasting “Vanilla” white stitching adds an extra bit of detail without altering the bag’s super clean look. The Melville Baguette is currently available in color combos of Black, Sage green, Slate grey, and Forest green.
At just $545 (€463), this little gem comes at a very reasonable price for its size and quality. I think its modern approach to an old-school design is charming and gives it that special type of staying power that only uncluttered logo-free bags can achieve. I can totally see this being my next on-the-go type of purse.
But what do y’all think?
