I’ve been struggling with buying a new handbag (I know, my life is SOOOO hard LOL), and trying to decide on the perfect one. I love my Jas M.B. handbags (I have 2 of the style in the link, one olive and one quilted black) I’m carrying most of the time now, but I’m looking for something in a camel colored leather. I got both my Jas M.B. bags for a great price, but I was already familiar with the brand & quality before my most recent purchase (I have another one). They are superior quality leather, highly functional, and handmade in England. I’m so impressed with these bags, why would I want to spend 2 or 3 times as much for a bag made in China when less buys such a high-quality bag made in England, handmade, even.
I’m still struggling with that though; I fell in love today with a Rebecca Minkoff bag at Saks. But I can’t do it. I don’t want to spend so much money anymore on a bag made in China. Not necessarily because the quality is terrible, it’s because factory ethics are questionable. And if a designer produces in China, it’s more likely the styles are more ubiquitous, and I don’t like to look like everyone else 
Going back to my Jas M.B. example, if I can buy a bag of such quality and craftsmanship for around $300, which is handmade in England, why spend more for something mass-produced in a giant factory in China?
Still searching, I came home and hit up my favorite boutiques online for bags, looking specifically for where the bags are made. I found that in most instances, if a bag is made in the US or somewhere other than China or Vietnam, it will be listed with the description. If the bag IS made in China, there’s no mention of it, or it’s very hard to find. Interesting isn’t it?
Finally, I settled on J.W. Hulme. You’ve heard of them, I’m sure, but you may not have considered buying a bag from them. I honestly hadn’t either, until I noticed them in my local Barney’s co-op – they’re trendy now, apparently. I’ve been considering the Linwood bucket bag for a while, and I love the Legacy shoulder bag, but not enough to really take the plunge. Now I’ve found the bag I want to love for the rest of my life:
The Fairmount Satchel in “Camelot” tan leather. It’s $600 and comes with free embossing, it’s made in the USA, and guaranteed for life. What? Guaranteed for life? I don’t think I’ve EVER bought anything that’s guaranteed for life…maybe this will be the last bag I ever buy??
(incidentally, I did look for recycled leather bags, etc. but I wasn’t able to find one that fit what I was looking for.)
Does anyone have a J.W. Hulme bag? What do you think of it?
