East West Curve Bag

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.

Just the right size to be functional but not overwhelming and the leather is incredibly soft. Long-standing Strathberry customer but as they and others have moved away from silver hardware, choices are increasingly scarce. Here's hoping that STOW will expand its selection of silver hardware into other colors as it now bests the competition in quality as well.

Love the feel of the leather. The bag is simple but classic and beautiful.. I wish it had feet just to protect the bottom. I wore it today for the first time and got a couple of compliments on it. I love the way it drapes in the middle when over the shoulder. It’s a good everyday and going out bag.

Love the leather! The leather is light, feels soft and it smells really good. Would love to see this sort of design in a light blue leather and more bags in silverware. :))

The leather is good and light, the size is good . Very happy what I got. Highly recommend ❤️❤️❤️