Help me find a bag like this in leather...

June 9, 2015 9:14 AM

I carry an Adidas shoulder bag — it is the type that is longer than it is wide. I don't like a bag that is wider than it is long. My bag is perfect and meets my needs, except it's too casual for some things. I am looking for a new bag with these specifications...but months of looking — both online and off — have been fruitless.

• Why I love this bag:
  • It's big enough to hold all my things;
  • It has three zippered areas in the places I like (main body, secondary good sized area, small front pocket);
  • It has a flat bottom;
  • It holds it shape well — a bit rigid, not unstructured;
  • It is not padded for laptop or tablet;
  • it is about 12 inches tall and 11 inches long. The bottom is 4 1/4 — which is perfect!

I want a bag that has the qualities (and dimensions) of this bag, but (ideally) in leather and without a logo. The bag must be wider than it is long or a square — so this has eliminated most messenger-style bags. It must also be cross-body. I am a woman, but I really dislike purse-type bags. These two are the is the closest one I have found:

• Too small ( 8.2 x 2.8 x 10.2) especially the bottom width and secondary pocket.
• A bit too small — but workable — but I really hate the brass hardware, buckle strap and contrasting stitching, and the brass logo "Tuscany Leather" on the front. For some reason, it just looks a bit cheesy to me.

Can you help me find a bag that meets my needs?

posted by Lescha to Shopping (13 answers total)

How about Saddleback Leather? I've got one of their briefcases and the thing is indestructible and beautiful, if heavy and expensive. They have one that meets your shape qualifications.
posted by cubby at 9:22 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Found this at Saddleback Leather... I have one of their bags and it's nigh indestructible, although a bit heavy because of the thickness of the leather. It has the metal hardware and a small logo, but I don't think it looks cheesy. Pricy, though.

On preview: Ha, what cubby said.
posted by Huck500 at 9:24 AM on June 9, 2015

You might like this bag from Etsy seller AlexMLynch; if it's close but not quite right, you could contact the seller and ask about a custom-made version.
posted by neushoorn at 9:27 AM on June 9, 2015

Response by poster: These are great! But I really want something with zippered pockets.
posted by Lescha at 9:29 AM on June 9, 2015

Rowallen makes lovely leather bags - generally really exquisitely constructed. You might look at the Verona collection, of which at least a couple (the north-south messenger bag and the half-flap unisex bag) look like they might do. Can't tell you about stockists in Canada, though.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 9:35 AM on June 9, 2015

This one from Matt & Nat is vegan leather, and close to square, but looks classy, has minimal logo, and main pocket is zip.
posted by msbubbaclees at 9:37 AM on June 9, 2015 [2 favorites]

Fossil has several in their men's department that may work for you. (The long ones are mostly at the end of their list.)
posted by MexicanYenta at 9:54 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

One keyword for your desired bag is "north south" as opposed to the "east west" bags. Fossil usually has a bunch that work.

Will Leather bags are gorgeous - the Otto crossbody has a zippered bottom that opens up quite wide and maintains the NS specification.
posted by barnone at 10:30 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Another helpful word is "vertical" . Here's one that seems to almost work: Fossil Estate NS City.
posted by barnone at 11:00 AM on June 9, 2015

Why not message this seller on Etsy? They could build you one with front pocket and no logo, just have a look at their other designs to get an idea.
posted by Klaxon Aoooogah at 5:05 PM on June 9, 2015

My honey makes custom leather pieces to order for less than you might expect. Give him a message on Etsy and see what y'all can work out.
posted by fiercecupcake at 7:06 AM on June 10, 2015

Camel Galileo City Bag Brushed Genuine Leather Bag by 74streetbags - maybe they could make it in a different color!
posted by barnone at 9:01 AM on June 10, 2015

TORRENTE: Vertical Messenger Bag - not quite thick enough but otherwise good dimensions

Large Cafe Bag - Every Day Carry Vertical Messenger Bag - TOM BIHN - not leather, but SUPER well made, extremely durable and very thoughtfully designed.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Top Zip Day Bag - the bottom has an extending gusset of some kind. It's still not quite as deep as your bag but it looks nice!
posted by barnone at 9:32 AM on June 10, 2015