Let me start this very long & personal review by saying I’m obsessed with handbags. My grandmother was too & we used to talk about them all day long. So to me, a bag is not just a bag. It’s sentimental & a way of expressing myself & remembering the times with my grandmother.
I recently went back to eating meat after 10 years as a vegetarian. In that time, I didn’t buy leather bags because I figured why use a byproduct if I’m not using the original product? But I definitely learned how hard it was to find a long-lasting, environmentally-friendly PU bag. So I started my hunt for something that was real leather after I went back to non-vegetarianism. It would have to last me forever. It had to have good craftsmanship, silver hardware (thank you Stow, you have no idea how hard this is to find) & feel durable to handle being my everyday companion since I don’t like to switch my bags out often.
I’m ashamed to say how many bags I tried—from reputable brands even. I kept searching for a new one because it felt like these bags I was spending so much money on weren’t worth it once I started using it or had quality defects galore. Poor stitching, inconsistent dye, color rubbing off hardware within days, peeling edge paint… You name it. I knew if I found the right one for me that I could truly trust, I would stop the over-consumption I was feeling so guilty about.
Cue Stow London. I found this brand because of Tanner Leatherstein. I’ve watched his videos for years so if he says something is good, it has my attention! I was immediately taken by Stow’s ethos & promise of craftsmanship. I also have learned I really care about workers’ rights, so it’s beautiful to see such a small team that seems to be treated so respectfully & love what they do. I felt like I hit the jackpot after years of searching for a brand I felt stayed true to their promises. Too many are falling victim to trends and hype that make them put profit over all else… I really hope Stow is different long-term!
I chose the east/west leather bag. I’m in love. This is the nicest bag I’ve ever bought. Nothing is out of place (and I checked VERY carefully under a flashlight because I’m a maniac apparently). It’s slouchy but still elegant, soft to the touch & holds all my essentials while not being oversized. It feels like a completely different experience to get something I know was made with so much care & love. I have no doubt this bag will go on many adventures with me. I can tell my hunt for my perfect bag has come to an end & I have finally found purse peace. I know my grandmother would have loved Stow. That brings me a lot of comfort.
Everyone else will probably hate me for saying this, but I’m shocked at how great the price was for such high quality. I appreciate not paying 10x what it costs to make, but it really does deserve all the accolades! Especially because Peter from support deserves a raise ;). He answered all my questions with the utmost information & attention. Sorry for bugging you, Peter, but you definitely helped make my experience! Lastly, thank you to the whole Stow team. This bag is a piece of art.
