My Cambridge Satchel

by Emi

It would appear from my blog posts so far that my biggest European obsession is France. It's not, it's really England. I've been an Anglophile since middle school. In sixth grade I became obsessed with the Monty Python. I thought England was the holy land because 5 out of 6 Pythons were English. I told everyone I wanted to go to Oxford or Cambridge because that's where the Pythons went. I eventually grew out of my Monty Python mania, though don't get me wrong I still love them, but developed a greater appreciation for the country as a whole and English culture. There is something about the English that is timeless and classic to me. That's probably why I was drawn to the Cambridge Satchel. It's basically an English school bag. Sharp and handsome to carry my daily work life items in. I had been looking at it for months online trying to decide what color. Originally I wanted purple, but in the end decided that as cute as royal purple is. I don't know how long I'll want it for, so I went with vintage brown. With a bag as classic as this, getting it in brown I think will be a smart choice as it will age nicely.

I purchased the 15'' satchel on the website, and two weeks later it arrived from England. When I opened it I was pleasantly surprised to find it simply wrapped in brown paper and white string. It even had a little brown tag that said best wishes. I felt transported in time and place. I loved it so much I had to take a picture.

As you can see it's really a no frills bag. It's handmade in Great Britain, and it looks like what it is, a sturdy English school bag. It's smaller then my current Stussy tote bag that I've been carrying for years now, but I think that will be a good thing. My shoulder will thank me for it. If I had my choice of any bag, I would buy the Mulberry Alexa bag and the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag. Both of them are updated versions of this English school bag look, but because my budget won't currently allow for a $1,000-$2,000 handbag purchase this 78 GBP substitute will do just fine. If your interested in purchasing one, they come in a number of different colors and sizes. All very reasonably priced and good quality.