I really fancy a satchel, are they a classic or too trendy?

[CambridgeBlue]

I'm looking at a Cambridge Satchel but don't want to spend that amount of money if it's something that will look dated in a year or so - I think they're quite a classic style but I know they're quite 'in' at the moment and I really don't want to look like a fashion victim.

I think they look quite classic but I suppose they could look a bit fashion victim if you dress in that sort of outfit anyway.

I think it depends on the colour. The fluro ones were really popular for a while but you don't see them anymore.

I have a pillar box red one that I love and a tan one that I haven't really used yet.

I've had a dark brown one for a year or two. Still gets compliments. Have a look at Zatchels, I think they're cheaper than Cambridge and they regularly run good sales. I got mine in a 50% sale though they did get in trouble the last time they ran a big sale because orders took so long to arrive...!

I think they are classics. They disappear under the radar for a while but there's always a satchel renaissance every few years. I'm in my 50's and they've been a recurring theme for as long as I can remember. I don't think I'd go for anything too out there in terms of colour if you want to use it for years and years. With brown or tan I think it would be something you'd get masses of use out of.

The one I've been looking at (actually went to Cambridge today to see it in the flesh!) is red which I think still fits into the 'classic' category- more so than a neon one anyway. I do like the Zatchels ones (saw the massive thread on here a few months back!) but I'm not keen on the obvious branding on the front of them.

Mine is the red Cambridge satchel. It is lovely and soft now but it has still retained it shape. I love it and get lots of compliments.

That's gorgeous! I love that you have your name on it :)

I love things with my name on. sad

Zatchels are having a 25% off sale all weekend...

My code is ZAT25-XXGH-8876, says it will work for more than one person in the email.

And I agree the obvious branding is annoying, I cut mine off

I think they're classic and very useful. I'm thinking about getting one for work (casual office - although I'll def look like a student wannabe as it's in a uni!). Dontcallme I'd want to cut the zatchels label off too - does it come away perfectly with no sign it was ever there? And does the leather get nice and soft with age?

Love yours Fractured :)

Label came off with no sign it was there.

I've only recently started using mine every day so it's still quite firm but definitely softening up slowly.

I've got a red Zatchels one. The branding doesn't bother me,tbh. I've been using it for a couple of months and it is softening up really nicely. The straps are a lot softer now so it's much easier to open and close.

I'm quite tempted if I can cut off the Zatchels label especially with 25% off - thanks for the code DontCallMe. Cambridge Satchel Co don't seem to do many discounts - they've got a few styles reduced at the moment but nothing I really like.

I've just been on the Zatchels website for the first time ever and am now coveting the purple saddle bag

I just bought my DD2 one from
www.scaramangashop.co.uk/fashion/leather-satchels-and-bags/for-women/leather-satchel-bags/cat_26.html

It is LOVELY (I got a classic one big enough to put her macbook in at uni as she types in lectures) and the sheer leather smell is just gorgeous!

If that code works you may have solved DD1's Christmas present.

Now if you were 16 would you like a bright one or a sensible one?

I'm torn between a sensible tan one and a bright orange one (DD has dark ginger hair, often wears bright orange and I call her my little carrot. Inaccurate as she's taller than me)

The Leather Satchel company come highly recommended. I read a review which said they used better quality leather than Cambridge and having got mine, I'm really pleased with it. Can't fault it all.

They had a deal on Groupon on the other day too for 50% off.

I just tried cutting the Zatchel label off my tan bag and it came off easily with a stanley knife. It was inside the right hand seam on the pocket. You can see where it was a tiny bit but it just needs tidying up.

I don't know why my camera has put marks all over it :/

I loved mine before they became super trendy, and I'll continue loving it long after everyone has moved on to something else.

It's a classic design that has lasted because it both looks good and is practical. I don't think the fact it's had a fashion moment over the past couple of years or so means that it will start looking outdated soon.

A satchel is definitely a classic.

Although I personally wouldn't buy from the Cambridge Satchel Company as they've successfully sued Zatchel for producing satchels similar to theirs , unsurprising as it's a design which been around for DECADES! So who have the Cambridge Satchel company been ripping off??

Try the The Leather Satchel Co instead, have been around since 1966 and not as bullying and grabby as the awful Cambridge people.

I have a beautiful purple one!

Some nice ones in TK Maxx at the moment