Yoshi Parsons Brown Leather Satchel Bag

October 08, 2015

A few weeks ago, Yoshi got in touch with me and asked if I would like to feature one of their leather bags, and to tell you guys more about the brand. I spent the next few evenings going through their entire range trying to choose a bag (in hindsight I was quite rude by keeping them waiting for so long), and eventually I decided on one to feature. The problem was that there are so many beautiful designs to choose from, that I really struggled to narrow it down to just one! In the end, I chose the Parsons Brown Leather Satchel Bag* from The Portobello Collection, and have been using it regularly ever since it arrived. I wanted to have used it for a while before writing my review, in order to tell you as much as possible about this beautiful item. It does not come cheap, and I don't know about you, but whenever I'm about to splash the cash on something that is expensive, I check the internet for reviews first!

I previously had never heard of the brand before, although Martin is convinced that he has come across them in his time. Based in Lichfield, they pride themselves on making superior quality leather bags, satchels, purses and accessories. The company have become well known for their picture and applique bags, which are extremely cute and come in a massive range of designs. I have to admit that I was tempted by a couple of the picture bags, but decided to go for a bag that I would actually use for years to come - they are designed to last, after all. I kept coming back to this particular bag; I loved the colour of the leather, its simplicity and the size. When it arrived, it was so well packaged (I'm annoyed with myself for not taking pictures now), with plenty of tissue paper, stuffing and in a dustbag with a beautiful design. Having a dustbag for a new purchase is such a necessity, especially with higher-priced bags, as it helps to preserve their quality for longer and allows for proper storage. I've bought relatively expensive handbags in the past that have not been supplied with one, so Yoshi were off to a very good start indeed.

I feel like I should point out that the colour of the bag on their website is not wholly accurate; in the first picture online especially it appears to be a very dark, true brown, whereas in real life it is a little lighter and has a reddish undertone to it. I actually much prefer this, and I understand how difficult it is to give an accurate impression - I've had that trouble with these photos too! They also stock a tan and a red version, should the brown not be the one for you. The quality of the bag is truly outstanding; the stitchwork is impeccable, the metalwork is flawless and the leather is as soft and as smooth as it can be. It does at first glance appear to be scratched on the front, but these are natural marks that come with it being made out of real leather. I think that they add a bit of character, and I can forsee that this will be one of those bags that will look even better with age. The leather is so soft that it allows for the top flap to stay open unaided, which I love because I can't stand bags that don't stay open when you need them to! The inside of the top flap, back pocket and the main compartment of the bag are unlined/unfinished leather, but the inside pocket and front compartment are lined with the Yoshi signature printed fabric. It features a good, sturdy grab handle and also a long strap, which comes with a shoulder pad as standard for added comfort.

I've been looking for a practical, yet stylish bag that would be big enough to carry any of my cameras in, as well as anything else that I need. Most of my handbags are too small, and something has to be sacrificed, but not with this beauty. The main compartment is extremely roomy, and comes with three pockets; one on the back, which is zipped and features the Yoshi branding, and two on the front inside which act as phone pockets. Normally I can never get my phone into the designated phone pockets, but I was thrilled to discover that I could with this bag - no more rooting around to find it in the bottom of my bag! As you can see from the images above, in the main compartment I have fitted in with ease my phone, purse, make up bag, two cameras and a lens, with plenty of room to spare. The front and back compartments I have not actually used yet, but are as wide and as deep as the main compartment (although fairly slim), so there are plenty of options for organisation if you like to keep things separate. If you don't like to carry lots of items around with you, this bag is quite structured, so it keeps its shape regardless of whether it is full or not. However, it is not so much that it is uncomfortable or cumbersome; in fact it is quite the opposite, and is one of the most comfortable bags that I own. It is also quite a light bag, despite the high quality structure.

In short, I am absolutely thrilled with the latest addition to my handbag collection and I am sure I will be using it a lot; especially throughout the autumn/winter season. I intend to be putting together an outfit post featuring this bag in the not so distant future, so keep your eyes peeled for that! I already have my eye on another couple of bags (sadly my bank balance hates me enough as it is), and I can safely say that I have fallen in love with the brand. I try to support British companies where I can, and when the products that they make are of a high a quality as this, then I will always continue to do so. Nothing can beat true British craftmanship, and knowing that true care and attention has been put into creating a unique piece that will, with care, last you for life. Also, from having a look at their social media pages, Yoshi's customer service seems to be excellent too; which means that should you ever have a problem, they are ready and willing to help. This gives an extra piece of mind when investing in a piece that costs a considerable amount of money. As Yoshi says: "In owning a Yoshi product... Yoshi will forever be by your side"!