Product Review - Zara Plaited Leather Shopper Bag

After a few solid months of wearing this bag out, I thought it was finally time to give a proper review on the Zara Plaited Leather Shopper Bag.

Image Source: Zara.com

I purchased this bag back in March out of impulse (though I only started using it in June). One morning, I woke up and decided that I needed to buy a new handbag. Just because. I mean, who doesn't do this?! Anyway, after much coercing from my beloved enabler/mother, I settled on the Shopper Bag. 

Before I begin, here are some specs:

Price: $149.00 USD

Dimensions: 16.2" x 20.4" x 9" (or simply put: It's effing huge!)

Composition: 100% Buffalo leather

Here are a few shots of the inside:

Final Thoughts:
As with most bags, it takes awhile for the leather to soften, so when you first purchase it, it will be a little stiff. I found with this bag, because of its unusually large size and square shape, it was a bit awkward to carry around when I first used it. It just didn't feel "natural" I guess. After a month of everyday use though, the leather became softer. For example, in the very first picture above, the handles are up straight, but after awhile they kind of just flop over. Also, the dye becomes a bit darker.

If you're someone that loves pockets and little compartments, this bag is NOT for you because it doesn't come with any. You basically throw all of your stuff in the bag and that's pretty much it. If you're like me and you carry your entire universe in your bag, it is a bit more difficult to rummage through to find whatever it is you need. The canvas bag inside is detachable (see third picture). You can unhook it if you'd like (though I don't see a real reason to). There is also a shoulder strap if you ever want to carry it that way, but I think it just looks silly considering the size of the bag.

When I first started using this bag, I felt so silly carrying something so big. However, I find that wherever I go, women always compliment me on the bag and ask where I got it from. I remember one incident at Target  when I noticed this lady just staring at me. I thought she recognized me from somewhere (Britney they are recognizin' you), but it turned out that she was simply admiring my bag. Weird right, considering how simple it looks? When I was on vacation in London last May, I saw a handful of girls carrying this bag around, in all different kinds of colors. I don't know why, but that somehow made me feel kind of cool and chic knowing all the gals in London Town were into this bag too ;)

The exterior can look worn after awhile and while some people might find that a bit unattractive, I quite like it. I feel like the little scratches and tiny faded patches add a bit more character to it and give it a more personal touch, if that makes sense.

This is definitely one of my most favorite handbags that I've owned thus far. However, I do have a couple of gripes with it. The bag inside sometimes unhooks on its own if you happen to throw something on it or if it's a bit too heavy. It's not a big deal since you can easily hook it back up, but it can get frustrating. Another thing is that the dye sometimes rubs off onto my clothes. It doesn't stain, but it's kind of annoying knowing you have to be careful with how you carry it sometimes. I found that it is more likely to rub off on materials like cotton and denim. There is a quick fix for this problem, though, and that is to take a fabric softener dryer sheet and wipe all around. I have to do this about once a week.

Overall, I am in love love love with it. Best of all, it goes with almost every outfit ;)

And just to show you guys how big this bag is, here is a photo of me carrying it:

(Note that I am about 5'2")

Hope this was helpful.

Nicole x