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
