This post is not a paid advertisement, however I was gifted this handbag for review purposes from Joseph & Stacey. Some links may be affiliated. To learn more, hop over to our Disclosure page.
A girl can never have too many handbags, am I right?
That’s exactly how I felt when up-and-coming Korean handbag company Joseph & Stacey contacted me and asked if I would review one of their handbags.
I appreciate great quality handbags at moderate price points. Joseph & Stacey fits right in to my preferred price range of $200 to $700. I knew immediately I had to give them a try!
Keep reading to see the handbag I picked out and learn more about the Joseph & Stacey brand. See how I styled the ultimate summer bag to work with a fall appropriate look for the upcoming season.
Let’s go!
A Good Bag
No, really, that’s what it says on the tag. I have to admit I giggled a little when I read this. But then I realized there is much more meaning behind those three simple words than I initially thought.
A Good Bag– what does that mean? Well, it means what it sounds like. The handbag is hand crafted from good quality materials. It is smartly designed to fit the needs of everyday women, yet still retains its style factor.
To me, “A Good Bag” also indicates simplicity in design, and in life. It’s about as simple a slogan as you can get, yet it just works so poetically. There is nothing fancy or flashy about this bucket bag, or any other bag from Joseph & Stacey’s line. The lack of bold patterns and brazen hardware is made up for with clean lines and minimal designs. The slogan speaks to this design philosophy perfectly.
Who is Joseph & Stacey?
Joseph & Stacey is a leather wear company based in Korea, founded by two friends, Josephine and Stacey. The two actually met in the US, and traveled back to their home country of Korea in order to work with local factories to create the high-quality leather products they were dreaming of.
A Good Reputation
Adding to Joseph & Stacey’s allure, Korean celebrities have been picking up on the brand, too.
Joseph & Stacey bags have popped up on singer Kyungri Park’s Instagram page several times. Take a look at these photos. Can you spot the Joseph & Stacey handbags?
Handmade from 100% Leather
The first thing I noticed about the bag is that it is completely unlined. Instead, the leather is colored a deep violet shade on the inside.
Personally this doesn’t bother me, for two reasons. First, the lack of lining makes the bag lighter overall. This is always good when you like carrying a hefty selection of items, but don’t want to feel weighed down. Second, it is much easier to simply wipe out the inside of a leather bag than it is to clean fabric lining when it gets dirty. If you are anything like me, then your bags get pretty filthy too. Runaway French fries, anyone?
I believe the bag is made from kip leather, (at least that’s what I read on their website,) which is a leather from younger cows. It is smoother with less visible grain, making for a cleaner finished look.
As functional as it is pretty
Since the bag doesn’t have a closure besides the drawstring, Joseph & Stacey thought to include a detachable little wristlet pouch for your valuables. This is a feature I first took note of in Louis Vuitton bags, and I really appreciate the care when designing for functionality. I like my things secure, so having a zippered spot for my cards and cash is a lifesaver.
And once everything is secure, there are multiple ways you can wear the bag. The longer strap is the perfect length for one-shoulder wear or crossbody. You can also carry it as a handbag using the top handle. Here’s the kicker– the top handle even comes with a snap to cinch the two sides together to give the bag a cute, pouch-like appearance.
Sized perfectly for petite ladies like myself
One of the biggest issues I have with handbags is the often too-long straps. I’m short, and when the straps are too long, the bag hangs really low below hip, making me look even shorter. I find that the shoulder strap on this bag is on the shorter side, so it hangs right at my hip.
Since this is the “S,” (which I assume stands for small,) I find that it is just the right size on my 5’1″ frame. It fits all my essentials, but isn’t so bulky that it overwhelms my small frame.
What fits in it?
Let’s talk capacity, because what is a handbag if it can’t carry your essentials? (Ok, it’s a cute accessory nonetheless, but that’s besides the point.)
The great thing about bucket bags is that you can totally personalize the experience to fit your needs. The drawstring top can cinch closed to keep your small valuables secure, or you can open it up into a true “bucket” shape and carry your notebook and water bottle too.
This small sized bucket bag doesn’t fit my full size wallet the way I’d like it to, so I like to use the included pouch as a wallet when using the bag. I just throw in my drivers license, most used credit cards, and my emergency quarters and I’m good to go.
My wallet is typically the bulkiest item in my handbag, and with that out of the way, the Joseph & Stacey bucket bag is plenty roomy for the rest of my items. Other important items that fit comfortably include a pair of sunglasses in a soft case, my iPhone 7 (regular size,) my keys, and a lipstick.
I then toss in the rest of my bits and bobs, allowing them to settle on the bottom of the bag and reappear right when I need them as if my fairy godmother placed them there– hand sanitizer, bobby pins, hair ties, pantyliners, Bandaids, lip balm, a nail clipper, a pen, and some random tissue.
A nice mix of classic and trendy
I’ve always thought of myself as impossible to please when it came to fashion. I want to look “in style,” but I also want to look classic. I want to buy pieces that won’t look dated for a long time, but I also don’t want to spend a fortune. So far, I have found a handful of brands that fit the bill, and now I’m adding Joseph & Stacey to the list as well!
Bucket bags have been around for a long time, and so there is nothing particularly revolutionary about the design in that regard. It’s the happy yellow color that really makes this bag truly unique.
I feel like this translates really well to the rest of Joseph & Stacey’s line as well. Many of the bags are classic silhouettes, but come in very fun and current colors, such as warm browns, cool taupes, and shades of light blue that I’ve been seeing everywhere lately. Color is a great way to spice things up in your wardrobe without going overboard with the trendiness.
Here’s what you really want to know…
So, will I actually purchase a bag on my own? After all, it’s easy to say that I love a bag I was sent for free, but the true test is whether I think the product is worth spending my own hard earned money on.
The answer is yes. To be specific, I am currently eyeing out the Lucky Pleats Canvas Tote and Joseph Box Bag in Dark Navy.
Regardless of what a brand says they stand for, I always ask myself if they can “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk.” Joseph & Stacey handbags really do mix trendy with classic, and functional with unique. Those are precisely the elements I look for when purchasing new handbags.
Here’s how to shop Joseph & Stacey products
US Store >> Joseph & Stacey
The bag featured in this post >> Joseph & Stacey OZ Bucket Bag S in Lemon
That’s all for today!
Like this post? You’ll want to check this out >> Tory Burch ‘Fleming’ Convertible Shoulder Bag — My Real Life Review
If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!
Till next time ♥︎
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This post is not a paid advertisement, however I was gifted this handbag for review purposes from Joseph & Stacey. Some links may be affiliated. To learn more, hop over to our Disclosure page.
tuscanybag says
nice bag !
תיקי עור לנשים says
very nice bag
Alex says
Great review. I love the colour of the bag too! We also do leather bags, in a range of styles. Leather offers really good strength and reliability in a bag. Maybe you’d like to review one of our bags?
Kay says
Hi Alex! Thank you for your comment! If you are still interested, please email me at | hello [at] themillennialmaven.com | and I will gladly work with you to review one of your bags. Thanks again! – Kay