I have been coveting the Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium since first laying my eyes on it. I love the bright colors it comes in, including the Tangerine, Violet and Raspberry Suede. But, alas, the $1500+ price tag is way too steep, even for this Louboutin-loving gal.
When J Crew has new season arrivals, I always go to the shoes and handbags first. After lusting over all the leopard shoes, particularly the Valentina and the Eddie Oxford, I knew instantly, at first sight, I would purchase the Darlington Satchel. At $278 it’s still a bit pricey but certainly better than $1500. I debated between the Honey Brown, a very practical, all-season color, and the Bright Indigo, a unique colored bag that not everyone would choose or have. In the sea of LVs on my side of town I prefer different and unique. I’m currently using a Salmon/Coral-colored handbag from Cole Haan my brother gave me for my birthday and get many compliments on it.
From the J Crew website: A twist on the classic schoolboy satchel that’s quickly become the signature carryall of our most style-savvy cohorts. Structural hardware and motorcycle jacket-inspired quilting up the cool factor, while functional design details (double straps stow an umbrella while hidden snaps grant easy access) balance style with substance. An interior front-wall patch pocket and a back-wall zip pocket keep pencils, cell phone and keys organized.
I received this “Darling” satchel today and do not regret this purchase one bit. It’s just the right size for me, since I tend to overfill larger bags. From images I’ve seen online it is similar to the PS1 so let’s take a look.
It feels like opening a present when it comes in the dust-cover bag.
My first look.
Love! And the leather is soft.
Back view – Has a slim back pocket with a snap-magnet button. The PS1 has a back zipper pocket.
Bottom view – This is wear you can store your umbrella, according to J Crew.
Unfortunately, I haven’t used one in a long time so it will go unused.
Side view of the Motorcycle Jacket inspired quilting.
A unique feature that the PS1 does not have.
Adjustable shoulder strap
Open bag
Inside view – It has an interior front-wall pocket, probably where I’ll stash my sunglasses. The main pocket comes with the almost-standard two pockets on the side for cell phones and keys. It also has an interior zip pocket.
Snap-magnet closure so you don’t have to undo the straps.
It also has a lock closure at the front.
Holding the handle
With the adjustable strap. This is not a remove-able strap like the PS1 has.
You could tuck it inside the bag if needed or just let it hang.
I am very happy with my Bright Indigo color. I could not get a great shot of the color of the bag but it is a bit darker than the online picture. The first image is the closest IRL color. In the shadow it almost has a purple tone to it. Now that I’ve seen the bag up close and personal I am intrigued by the Black and Honey Brown but maybe in the
Pursette, which is a smaller version and a cross-body bag.
So what do you think?
audreybella
Gorgeous! The smile on your face says it all. Thanks for the great shots – so nice to see the interior.
Oh it's absolutely gorgeous!!!! I actually just added it to my cart today after seeing it in the catalog. I normally don't go for bags that big, but it looks like it would be the perfect carry-on purse for traveling. Really though, it was the gorgeous blue color that pulled me in. Hopefully I'll be able to get either the satchel or the smaller pursette at some point! Thanks for the review!
LOVE it! It's just beautiful and looks perfect on you. I'm so glad you're thrilled with it as well. Love the details like umbrella holder and adjustable strap.
Agree with Kristin, the beautiful smile says it all. Looks like wonderful bag, incredibly useful and not as big as I expected. I thought the color was a bit more purple IRL, it's so hard to tell online.
Thanks for the excellent review, I've added the satchel and pursette to my wishlist.
Thanks for the review! This is one of the items I'll be ordering this week! I really wanted the magenta bag JCrew offered last year but missed it. I'n not going to let this one by.
I simply love this bag!!! The color is so great. Thanks for the detailed review!
Congratulations AudreyBella! The bag is gorgeous and looks lovely on you! 🙂
I LOVE satchels. Need to get one ASAP. Preferably in a cool color like yours.
Oh I love it! It was my most favorite item in the roll-out, from which I've purchased not a thing so far.
I hope they are still in stock when I get my rewards card. I'm a bit nervous I'll miss out.
I love the silver toned hardware on the blue! Really excellent review, thanks so much.
Love this! I've had my eye on it. Could you fit a tablet sized laptop in it do you think? I'm really looking for something I can tote to work. Thanks for the review!
Polly
Thanks everyone! I am really loving it. Unfortunately it looks like the Bright Indigo Satchel is now sold out but still available in the Pursette. I have to wonder if it was due to the review on this blog??? Hmmm…
Thanks for the thorough review and yes, your smile says it all! I'm sad it's sold out now in that color… hopefully I can catch it on popback. 😉
Very pretty! Thanks for the thorough review. Enjoy!
Gorgeous bag!!!! I love the big smile on your face with the bag! I would be smiling, too!!!
This is a great post! I also got the bag and didn't like it for one reason – not big enough (I tote my life with me on a daily basis)! Otherwise, I agree, it's beautiful.
I just wrote a review of it on the true 'crew love blog and linked to your post. Hope that was ok!
Can you wear it cross-body? I'm considering one for school but will need to wear it commuting on the subway and walking etc. Thoughts on the heaviness factor?
I can't tell from the picture- but was the strap long enough to do across the body?
thanks!
dea