I love designer bags from big names, don't get me wrong. But there's also just something awesome about handcrafted bags from indie designers and smaller names, especially when they are as modern, sophisticated, and hot (did I mention hot?) as the ones at Opelle Creative.
For the price of a big name mass-produced designer bag, you can get a handcrafted leather bag made to order especially for you at Opelle, a Toronto-based label on Etsy that creates each of their gorgeous designs from original patterns. Let's just say it's as close to getting a bag made just for me as I'll probably ever get. I already feel like a celebrity just thinking about it.
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Personally, I've got my eye on the Liria satchel (at very top), with its gorgeous shape and cool brass details that make it a bag I can easily use season after season. Or look at the soft pebbled leather on the Lotus Bag hobo and how beautifully it drapes into a modern hobo shape. I'm also a sucker for colorblocking, which the Liria duffel offers, with that pop of gray on the front pocket.
And ooh, I'm totally coveting the gorgeous fold-over clutch bags with its incredible asymmetrical details, especially in the teal--or pines, as they're calling it. I don't even really care what they call it, I just want it. In my hand. Now. (Note: this is no longer available)
And yes, I realize that spending this much on a bag on Etsy from a designer you've never heard of might make you a little wary. But given Opelle's nearly 1000 positive reviews, I'd say there's something special happening here. Plus, it's not often you get to actually have a personal conversation with the person who's making the bag you'll basically live with every day. There's something pretty awesome about that.
Head over to Opelle on Etsy to order one of their cool handcrafted leather bags. Each one is made to order in 2-3 weeks which is not bad at all.
