If you’ve been following the blog, you’ll know I’ve been talking about Fair Trade Fashion for awhile now. If you’re a fellow fair trade fashion supporter, you know the struggle: finding transparent brands that sell quality products at fair prices. While I found quite a few brands that I was pleased with for clothing, I struggled with finding a brand for accessories.
You see, I am SO picky about purses and wallets guys. Seriously it takes months for me to pick a new purse because everything has to be juuuust right. From the straps to the size to the lining inside, EVERYTHING must be just perfect. So finding a bag for a specific purposes- such as a plane carry on- is a nightmare for me. In the past I have spent hours looking for just the right bag- one that is
- attractive
- has the correct measurements for flight
- fits all my flight basics &
- double as my purse when I get to my destination
And guys.
I’ve finally found it.
The one.
The perfect bag for your summer travels.
Sapahn’s Rodica Backpack Tote is amazing as an everyday purse AND it’s the perfect bag for traveling. Why? So glad you asked, because I am too excited to nerd out over how perfect this bag is.
I tested this bad boy, along with the Oversized Ciara Wallet, out on a wonderful (albeit-too short) trip to San Diego. Together we explored beautifully breezy beaches, ate deliciously greasy Carne Asada Fries, and even managed to get a little summer tan going on!
Read on to hear my thoughts on this wonderful piece.
THE SIZE
As an habitual over packer, I really need to be careful about the size of my bags. If it’s too big I’ll cram it to the point I can hardly even pick it up. So I need a bag that will fit just the flight essentials. You can see in the photo above what I consider essentials. All of these items easily fit inside.
This bag also is the perfect size to easily slip under the seat during flight. This made travel so much more pleasant and stress free. Midflight and need your snack or kindle? No problem. No more constantly struggling with my overly stuffed Jansport!
ORGANIZATION + COMPARTMENTS
I’m a neat freak. I like to know where things are, and get to the things I need quickly and efficiently. The main compartment of the Rodica Bag has two small side pockets, and one nice and roomy pocket on the opposite side. I used one of the smaller pockets for my phone, and the other for a pen, my chap stick and my keys. The roomy pocket I found to be perfect size for my Kindle Paperwhite.
The main compartment fit my Macbook pro, some snacks, my camera and my cosmetic bag.
There’s a zippered compartment on the front of the bag that was perfect for my Ciara Oversized Wallet (another home run item from Sapahn).
Pouches on either side of the bag were perfect for items you want to get at quickly, like gum, sunglasses and my boarding pass.
I just wear my ear phones around my neck though, because I’m cool like that.
PRETTY FACTOR
The leather is buttery and soft to the touch. I loved running my fingers over the texture as I waited to board my plane.
The Rodica bag screams of sophistication. It’s the kind of bag that goes with every outfit, and makes you look instantly put together. Between the Rodica Bag and my Ciara wallet– I get so many more compliments these days.
The inside lining is a cute cotton floral pattern, a delightfully playful contrast to the clean and polished outward appearance. I love this detail.
QUALITY
Leather can be so hit or miss, especially with online shopping. You never know the quality these days. But I can assure you the leather used for the Rodica Backpack Tote is quality stuff. It’s durable- I’ve used it as my everyday bag since my trip and not one scratch.
The stitching is also top notch, I feel secure hanging the bag up for storage or on the back of a dining table while eating out. The metal details are also sewed on with obvious craftsmanship and skill.
VERSATILITY
My absolute favorite feature on this purse is the strap versatility. It’s a large handbag, a tote, and a backpack all in one. To use as a handbag, just hold by the straps sewed to the top of the bag. The longer clipped straps can be positioned to make this bag a cross body tote, or a backpack. I used it as a backpack in the airport, and as a tote once I landed in San Diego.
And most importantly- the reason I’m truly IN LOVE with this bag, and with Sapahn as a brand-
ETHICS
Photo from Sapahn’s own About Us Page. Go check them out!
Sapahn’s Mission statement is so beautiful.
We boldly put human rights first changing the way business is done. We bridge the gap by connecting artisans’ high quality crafted collections with customers who want their beautiful things to do beautiful things.
Isn’t that just the most wonderfully upstanding and refreshing mission statement you’ve ever heard from a fashion brand?
Sapahn’s artisans, based in Thailand, are paid fair prices. Actually, they are allowed to set their own prices for their items, which is rarely seen in the fashion industry. In the native Thai language, the word Sapahn means bridge. And that’s what Sapahn is, a bridge from a talented collection of artisans that would otherwise lack the opportunity or the market to profit fairly from their pieces to us- the ethically minded consumer.
You can (and should!) read more about Sapahn and their story on their website. And check out their products. Each one is a piece of art. Even before holding them in your own hands, you can tell how much thought and consideration was put into each piece.
Timeless Fashion. An Honest, Fair Trade Company. Skilled Craftmanship. And finally, the PERFECT bag for my summer travels. So many birds, one beautifully crafted purse.
SAPAHN’S NAME THAT BAG GIVEAWAY
Win a bag. Honor a lady you admire. Wins all around with this lovely Giveaway by Sapahn. Read more about it and enter here.