Hello everyone! Happy weekend!

A few days ago on my Instagram, I promised to share a thorough review of the East/West bag from Strathberry. Today, I’m fulfilling that promise. This is the fourth handbag I kept after a major closet declutter. I’ve already reviewed my work bag, backpack, and crossbody purse here. Now, I want to provide my honest opinion about the most elegant option in my collection. I hope this post will be helpful for those considering adding this iconic model to their wardrobe.

Strathberry, based in Edinburgh, was established in 2013 by the husband-and-wife duo Guy and Leeanne Hundleby. The brand specializes in luxury leather goods, handcrafted in Spain using top-quality, ethically sourced Spanish leathers. I admire Strathberry’s sustainable and responsible fashion practices. Their bags are made in limited quantities and designed to be cherished for many years.

I first came across the brand in 2018 but didn’t get my first handbag until over three years later. I opted for the East/West Mini model initially. I wanted to purchase it sooner, but after Meghan Markle was seen in Edinburgh (February ’18) carrying this bag in bottled green, it became incredibly popular and sold out nearly everywhere. When selecting handbags, I rely on my intuition and personal style. However, there are two women whose fashion I admire and look to for inspiration—Meghan Markle and Kelly Rutherford. I’ve discovered many unique handbag brands through them, including Strathberry, DeMellier, Aspinal of London, Polene Paris, and Cuyana. These brands have become some of my favorites over the years, proving that beautiful and timeless handbags don’t need to come from major designer labels.

When I finally got my hands on the East/West bag, I was thrilled with its quality and design. The bag arrived beautifully packaged in an organic cotton dust bag and an elegant black cardboard box with the Strathberry logo. It was a delightful unboxing experience! I didn’t share much about it on my Instagram or blog initially because I prefer to test pricier items for a few months before sharing my opinion. Social media often presents things beautifully, but real-life usage depends on various factors like lifestyle and quality expectations.

As for the East/West Mini bag, I loved its design but found it a bit too small after trying it with several outfits. So, I switched to the classic size and stepped out of my ‘fashion comfort zone’ by choosing bottled green instead of black.

If you live in Germany, Strathberry designs are available on Zalando, offering free shipping and returns. This is great for making thoughtful purchasing decisions, especially given the brand’s higher price point. It allows you to try different options before committing to a specific size and color.

In this review, I share my experience after ordering from the original Strathberry store. I can’t comment on any differences in packaging if you buy from Zalando, Nordstrom, or Shopbop. This review is not sponsored by Strathberry or any online stores mentioned. As some of you know, I stopped Instagram partnerships almost two years ago and will be closing my main IG account (@ewelinakanty) this spring. For the blog, I use affiliate links, which is the only way to support my work currently. I’ll update you if anything changes, but today’s bag review is unsponsored. I hope it helps those looking for something unique with a pop of color.

Now, let’s delve into the East/West bag details:

Color I chose smooth leather in bottled green, and I’m very pleased with this choice. It’s not because it’s a popular model worn by Meghan Markle, but simply because it’s the most beautiful shade of green I could imagine. It complements my wardrobe perfectly, adding a nice pop of color to my handbag collection. When choosing a colored purse, I recommend picking one that harmonizes with your existing wardrobe. I chose a deep, muted green because it pairs well with black, navy, cream, ivory, and caramel—colors that dominate my closet. Strathberry’s website accurately represents this shade, which has pale gold hardware, black edge paint, green stitching, and beige lining.

Design The East/West bag is a classic structured purse with a top flap closure. It features separate leather panels stitched together to create a boxy shape. Here are its dimensions:

• Depth: 9cm (3.5″)
• Width: 23cm (9.1″)
• Height: 16cm (6.3″)

The bag includes four metal eyelets for the chain strap, a hidden magnetic closure under the leather, and the Strathberry signature front bar, which also helps keep the bag secured. It lacks metal studs at the bottom, but the edge paint prevents damage when placing the bag on various surfaces.

I’m amazed at the versatility of the East/West model! It’s not my go-to for busy days, but it’s pleasant to carry and easy to dress up or down. It looks fantastic with more formal outfits and is perfect for pairing with monochromatic looks or casual wear like jeans, a white shirt, and sneakers. It’s also great for vacations, especially the mini version. Though too small for me, it’s perfect for transitioning from day to evening and won’t take up much suitcase space. This bag suits various occasions—dates, dinners, concerts, family events, etc.

Leather Quality leather is crucial. I chose smooth leather for its versatility and lack of shine. The croc effect, though lovely online, seemed suited only for autumn/winter. My smooth leather option has held up well, becoming softer over time. It might wrinkle around metal parts, but this doesn’t affect its shape. The front bar leaves a slight mark on the leather flap, but this is part of the closure, so it’s expected. Smooth leather bags can scratch, but proper care keeps them looking neat. I store mine using handbag shapers and cotton dust bags, and I clean them with dedicated products. My East/West handbag’s leather is soft yet thick, with excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Hardware and Logo I chose gold hardware in a champagne/pale gold shade. Some might find it too yellow, but I love how it complements the bottled green leather. The chain strap is long, allowing the bag to be worn as a shoulder or crossbody purse.

• Single strap drop: 53cm (20.9″)
• Double strap drop: 29cm (11.4″)

The rounded chain has a woven texture, making it comfortable for daily use. The front bar matches the hardware’s gold shade, though it shows minor wear due to frequent handling. The chain still looks new. The discreet gold Strathberry logo on the front is also a nice touch.

Interior The East/West bag features a soft microfibre lining in light beige, resembling suede but lighter, reducing the bag’s weight to 650g. I’d prefer a darker lining for easier cleaning, but the beige is luxurious. The bag has two compartments and a small slip pocket. Here’s what fits inside:

• Large wallet
• Sunglasses with case
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• Small makeup bag (lip balm, pressed powder with mirror, small perfume)
• Tissue
• AirPods
• Keys with case

Price

This bag combines elegance, versatility, and quality, making it a worthwhile addition to any handbag collection.

The East/West model from Strathberry is currently priced at €655 ($775), while the mini version is available for €545 ($645). Although this brand falls on the higher end of the price spectrum, you can often find their bags on sale. As I was preparing this review, I noticed several online stores, including Nordstrom, Shopbop, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Zalando, offering discounts of 20-25%. The official Strathberry website also had similar offers.

If you ask whether the East/West bag justifies its price, I would say it does. This model has surpassed my expectations not only in terms of quality but also design. Many new brands in the market claim to offer high-quality, sustainable handbags at more affordable prices, often emphasizing their luxury appeal at a lower cost. However, these bags tend to look quite similar. While it’s relatively easy to find a well-made, reasonably priced bag today, it’s more challenging to find one that is both well-crafted and uniquely designed. This is why I’m pleased to have discovered Strathberry. The brand stands out by combining creativity with quality. Their bags are distinctive yet timeless, making them an excellent choice for those seeking luxury with a unique touch without spending thousands.

It’s important to note that Strathberry is still considered a niche brand. Their products are not mass-produced; each piece is meticulously handcrafted by some of the world’s most skilled artisans, requiring at least 20 hours of work.

I hope this review of the East/West bag, with its advantages and drawbacks, has been informative for you. Personally, even though this iconic model is my first Strathberry bag, it certainly won’t be my last. I’ve been eyeing a few other styles and small accessories from their online store for some time, and I hope to add them to my collection in the future.