This post is a partnership feature with Strathberry. The brand is offering 20% off sitewide* through Wednesday, Nov. 11. Some of these links are affiliates.
If I had to choose between bags and shoes, I’m more of a shoe person. But for the past year or so I’ve been drawn to Strathberry, and my clients have been scooping them up for all kinds of occasions.
When I’m eyeing this kind of accessory, I’m not much of a trend person. I want one that holds what I need, is built to last, and will feel relevant a few years from now. Here are two that fit the bill, each styled two ways.
The bags
Quick background: Strathberry is a husband-and-wife company based in Edinburgh. They design everything in Scotland and make it by hand in Spain. The signature gold bar comes from an old leather sheet-music folio the founders found. It’s a balanced, clean detail instead of a loud logo, and it lets the bags speak for themselves. Most of their styles are under $1,000, an alternative to some of the luxury markups happening elsewhere. Each comes in a classic range of colorways, with a sprinkle of saturated seasonal shades and, lately, animal prints.
The Charlotte Midi Drawstring. Soft, slouchy leather in a warm oxblood that gathers at the top. Hold it like a clutch or wear it with the shoulder strap. Bonus: there’s a crossbody strap you can swap in. It's easy to wear, and it keeps an outfit from feeling too precious. A great bag to travel with, as it doesn’t take up much room and can serve you all day and night.
The Mosaic. Structured, in a durable caramel-grained leather, it holds more than you’d expect: phone, wallet, sunglasses, keys… the list keeps going. Plus an inside zip pocket so the small things don’t disappear. Carry it by the top handle for a polished look, or clip on the strap and wear it crossbody when you need your hands free. It makes even jeans look pulled together.
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Easy, with the Charlotte
I wore this combination to an event last month that called for “smart casual.” I kept the basics simple and let the contrast make it stand out. Oxblood/burgundy tones are a secondary neutral in your closet and should be treated as such more often.
The Charlotte Midi Drawstring in oxblood (the chocolate suede combo is also very covetable) contrasts well with this Reformation semi-cropped satin blazer (I’m going to have the sleeves altered, but in the meantime, I've folded them up; wearing an XS). I'm wearing it over an old ribbed knit from Frame, but I’ve also styled it over this cashmere staple from Quince in Ivory (true to size). Jeans are J.Crew and no longer available (but here’s a similar pair) — I had my tailor open the inside seam at the hem for a little vent. Slingback kitten heels are a workhorse in my closet from Sam Edelman; no more python, but I’m eyeing them in the cyprus tan suede. Bracelet is Sylvia Toledano.
Dressed up, with the Charlotte
Take the strap off, and the Charlotte becomes an evening clutch. Beyond the drawstring, an internal magnetic closure keeps everything secure.
I took off the shoulder strap on the Charlotte Midi Drawstring here to wear it as a clutch. I’m into the Victorian-style blazers right now but don’t want to splurge, so I went for this style from Zara over a lace mock-neck top. The jeans are a selvedge from A.P.C. (which is a great option for a more chic denim look and has a good structure to its finish; alternative option here). Rings are Adam Foster, which I live in almost daily. Pumps are my go-to 85’s from Sarah Flint in black suede (true to size), with the perfect toe box v-vamp.
Workdays and coffee meet-ups, with the Mosaic
A crisp shirt, a knit, and one strong color make an approachable formula for a workday. Worn crossbody, the Mosaic keeps your hands free and holds much more than it looks like it would.
The Mosaic Bag in caramel, styled as a crossbody. Paired with Jenni Kayne’s Boyfriend Shirt in an XXS (alternatives here and here). The sweater vest is an oldie from Boden, but similar here. Pants I found at Nordstrom Rack from Frame and no longer available; similar in color and a velvet option. Booties are a snatch from The RealReal years ago (Chloe) - you don’t need your bag & shoes to be perfectly matched, so here’s an option (and currently eyeing these).
Polished, with the Mosaic
The caramel bag sits tonally against the brown plaid, and black boots add the contrast. The matching set pulls it all together. This bag is sturdy no matter how you wear it.
The Mosaic Bag is styled with the short top handle strap (FYI, the longer strap has removable hooks if you want this to be more polished). This matching set will surprise you with where it’s from: jacket, I’m in an XS & the skirt I’m in a 00 (which is actually a skort, so no worrying about it on a windy day) - going to wear these as separates, too. Turtleneck cashmere layering knit. Tights are Wolford semi-sheers worn with Madewell’s Archival Tall Boots (standard sizing).
Four more favorites
A few more styles I’ve sent clients for everything from everyday wear to Harry Styles concerts, the US Open, and special dinners.
Clockwise from left: Mosaic Nano (more petite version of the one I’m wearing), Multrees Chain Wallet, Lana Midi Bucket Bag, and Mini Tote