Cambridge Satchel Review & What's in My Bag Video

I've had a Cambridge Satchel for almost nine months now so thought it was time to do a proper review. When I was looking into purchasing one I found watching videos and reading blog posts really helpful, especially as the bag comes in all sorts of colours and sizes. I recently filmed a blog post for the first time and thought I would film this one too so that I could really tell you guys about the bag. I hope it's helpful!

Thank you so much to the people who gave me such lovely feedback on the first video, please subscribe if you like this one. I'd also love to see any videos you've made too, so please leave me any links.

Cambridge Satchel

I finally took the plunge at the beginning of July and bought a Cambridge Satchel. I'd been looking at different bags and knew I didn't want to spend a tonne of money but wanted a leather bag that was good quality and would last after it had been used every day for a long period of time. I went for the 15" Cambridge Satchel...and I'm so glad that I did. 

After looking at all of the different colours I decided that I would go for a neutral colour so that It would be suitable all year round and would go with any outfit. I really like the cream coloured bag but realised that it would probably get dirty quite quickly. I read a lot of reviews before I bought one and people were saying that the coloured bags run and transfer which put me off even more. I'm so happy with the colour that I chose as it's very traditional and timeless, just like the style of the bag. My grandma and my boyfriends grandma have even commented on the bag, saying that they had similar satchels when they were my age. 

One thing that is very annoying about the bag is the way that it closes. The buckles can be quite fiddly and tedious, especially if you are trying to close it in a hurry. Although, I do leave the buckles undone a lot of the time as the top of the bag comes right over, meaning that nothing will fall out. But, it is unfortunately a very annoying feature of the bag. The strap also has a buckle feature meaning that you can adjust the length of it. I like this feature because it means you can adjust the bag depending on your height or how much you are carrying in the bag. 

These bags are so sturdy. To start with the material is pretty rigid and the bag is difficult to open, but with time the leather soon softens especially if you are using it on a daily basis. I also quite like the way that the leather wears away after time, however some people might not like this effect.

The trusty logo embossed onto the back of the bag.

This is what will fit into the 15" bag. However, my 13" laptop only just fits length ways and I'm not too sure why. It's funny because I was so worried that the 15" bag would be way too big but I carry so much stuff around that it's actually only just big enough! Some people may find this size too large and heavy when it's filled to the brim so I think if you are looking for a good sized everyday bag then the 14" Cambridge Satchel would be ideal for you. It would also be great as a school bag as you can fit all of your folders in it. 

The bag has one main compartment and then a smaller one at the front. I don't use the smaller compartment and if I do I will only use it for flat things like my Oyster card or receipts. I keep everything else in the main part of the bag. The good thing about the shape and size is that you will never have to rummage around for things. 

Overall I am so happy with this bag and it's made me want to get a coloured one in the smaller size. I originally chose this bag because I thought it would be perfect for commuting to work and so far, it's fulfilling it's purpose very well. Hopefully the leather will age well and I will be able to use this bag for years to come...maybe I'll do an update in a couple of years time to let you know how it's holding up. 

Do you have a Cambridge Satchel or are thinking of getting one? 


Disclosure: The views expressed are based on my own experience.

July Favourites

How is it August already? I know this post is a bit late but my brother took the DSLR to Hungary with him and so I've been camera-less for a couple of weeks. But here are the things I was loving during July, better late than never! 

I have so many body lotions and butters. But I guess you can never have too many because you moisturise every day right? Well that's my excuse anyway. I've been loving the Nip & Fab Pistachio Sundae Body Butter recently because it's just such a great product all round. I love pistachio scented products (Including the Laura Mercier Crème de Pistache Soufflé...but I can't justify the price) and originally wanted to get the smaller sized tub, but when I saw that the 200ml one for half price on the Nip & Fab website, I knew it was a sign. I'm so glad I decided to try it because everything about this body butter feels really luxurious. It smells so good and has a lovely thick texture which absorbs into the skin beautifully, meaning that it isn't greasy at all. In fact, if you compare it to body butters from The Body Shop it feels more like a thick cream than a butter. It's just lovely. 
I've since discovered that the reason this product was half price is because it was been discontinued. But if there are still any left in the world then I would encourage you to get your hands on them, or try out some of the other lovely sounding scents. 

My friend got me the Organix Weightless Moroccan Argan Oil for my birthday in June and used it every time I've washed my hair since. It's even started to replace my V05 Miracle concentrate, which I thought was irreplaceable! I love the fact that the oil is in a spray bottle as it helps you to use the perfect amount of product. On the bottle it claims to "tame fly-away frizzies". If you have frizzy hair then this product might be good for you as it really does have a lovely effect on my hair and calms it down a bit. As well as applying it to wet hair I also apply it to my hair when it's dry, throughout the day to tame the frizz. This oil also smells gorgeous which is always a plus when it comes to hair products. 

The last two beauty products that I have been loving are from Maybelline. I've been so impressed with their products recently, especially the Dream Lumi Touch and Colour Tattoos. Before trying the Lumi Touch I'd never really tried a highlighting concealer before. I have no idea why because now I can't imagine not using it. I love the fact that it comes in a click pen because this means that you use up every last drop of the concealer. I even find that I don't have to click the product out every time. The one thing I was worried about was the fact that the shade looked very light. I went for 02 Nude and it has actually ended up being the perfect shade, so don't let this put you off if you are choosing one in the shop (there also seems to be more shades available in store than online). The concealer is gel-based and goes onto the skin very well, without creasing throughout the day. 

If you haven't tried the Maybelline Colour Tattoos yet then I highly recommend that you do. They are great for using as a base under powder and other cream eye shadows or using alone all over the lid. They are incredibly long lasting and do not crease what so ever. They are very creamy and smooth and haven't dried up in the pot, which is something I always worry about with cream shadows *touches wood*. The shade in the photo above is Pink Gold.It's incredibly pretty and my favourite shade from the range that they offer in the UK. 

Moving on from beauty products, I wanted to mention two necklaces that I picked up in the Topshop sale. I've really been enjoying wearing necklaces with large, statement pendants. The best thing about them is that they were only £3.50 each. You really can find some amazing bargains in the reduced jewellery section, you never need to pay £10 for one again!

Last but not least is my 15" Cambridge Satchel. I used it almost every day in July and can see myself getting so much use out of it throughout the year. It's so sturdy and timeless. My grandma even commented on how she had a satchel just like it when she was my age. I found reading reviews very useful when I was thinking of getting one, especially as they come in a variety of sizes and colours so i'll write my own review soon. 

Have you tried any of the products I've mentioned? What are your thoughts?





Disclosure: The views expressed are based on my own experience.