Gear

Madewell’s Leather Weekender Bag

I’ve been on the hunt for a more ‘adult’ weekender duffle bag for some time. Something classic, one that would stand the test of time. My wardrobe can be considered a mish-mesh of things, so I needed a bag that would go with a lot of different style. Again and again, my eye kept wandering towards Madewell’s “The Essential Overnight Bag” in supple brown leather.

The price is on the steep side, retailing at $258, but knowing the company, I knew it would be made well (I’m sure they haven’t heard that before). I was not disappointed in the quality of the bag. The leather is beautifully made, though a shade darker than pictured on their website. The zippers feel significant, if that makes sense, and they added details such as gold feet at the bottom, a leather tag attached to the handle, and a few pockets inside to make organization a little easier.

I’ve read reviewers complaining that the strap is canvas and not leather, but I found it a relief. Too much leather is too heavy.

I brought this bag for the first time on my Japan trip and was able to fit three outfits, an extra pair of shoes, and my beauty bag. Perfect for a weekend trip. It’s spacious, especially if you’re packing for a summer getaway where nothing is too bulky.

I did try to overstuff the bag and the zipper did not agree with it, misaligning itself, and let me tell you, it’s a pain to realign. In fact, I doubt it would ever be the same. So be warned – do not overstuff.

As for the leather, after one week of being as careful as I could while stuffing it on overhead bins, transporting it in the trunks of cars, and just sitting it on top of rolling suitcases, it still managed to get scratches that seems irreparable. The leather is beautiful and soft, but it is prone to scratches. Because of this, I may only take the bag on relaxing weekend trips rather than rugged weeks-long adventures where it gets transferred to many locations.

If you fancy the structure of the bag but not the sensitivity of the leather, Madewell has canvas options that are built for a more carefree traveler.

Final verdict: this leather weekender bag is a great addition to a traveler’s luggage arsenal who appreciates beautiful aesthetics.

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25 Comments

    • admin
      Author
      May 12, 2020 / 11:56 am

      It really is! And thanks so much, Mia 🙂

      Reply
  2. Mariam
    May 12, 2020 / 2:24 pm

    That’s such a gorgeous bag! I love the color. This makes me want to take a weekend trip somewhere.

    Reply
    • admin
      Author
      May 12, 2020 / 3:51 pm

      Yes! Weekend trips are the best!

      Reply
  3. Hayley
    May 12, 2020 / 3:04 pm

    love this! Sometimes it’s better to invest in a higher quality product that buy something cheap and it breaks so you end up replacing it and spending more money anyway. not always the case – however, you don’t want a strap or something to break on the bag whilst you are out and about haha!

    hayley || hayleyxmartin

    Reply
    • admin
      Author
      May 12, 2020 / 3:50 pm

      Oh gosh, a strap breaking during trip sounds awful! Yes, I’m definitely in the mindset that buying higher quality is also better for the environment as that means you’re putting less things in the landfill.

      Reply
  4. Sophie Wentworth
    May 12, 2020 / 5:01 pm

    That bag looks gorgeous! It’s a shame about the scratches but I guess that’s common with softer leather. It does look like a beautiful option for casual weekends though x

    Sophie

    Reply
    • admin
      Author
      May 12, 2020 / 8:20 pm

      Yes, I may have to look into perhaps a leather buffer? In some ways, it adds a bit of grit to the bag, haha.

      Reply
    • admin
      Author
      May 12, 2020 / 8:19 pm

      I think it definitely adds quite a bit of luxe to traveling!

      Reply
  7. Jenny in Neverland
    May 13, 2020 / 6:52 am

    I go on a lot of shorter, weekend or mid-week trips and this would be absolutely perfect for me!

    Reply
    • admin
      Author
      May 13, 2020 / 11:32 am

      Same! And yes, I think it would be perfect!

      Reply
  9. Kadie
    May 13, 2020 / 9:19 am

    Absolutely gorgeous bag! I think I would prefer the canvas strap as well, I find leather straps uncomfortable. It does suck about the scratches. That’s the thing about soft leather it scratches easily. It’s still a beautiful bag though!

    Kadie The Great Canadian Housewife & A Story About A Girl

    Reply
    • admin
      Author
      May 13, 2020 / 11:31 am

      Thanks! Yes, I think I just have to baby it just a bit more to prevent further scratches!

      Reply
  12. Patricia
    May 13, 2020 / 5:05 pm

    It’s such a cute yet classy bag. You can wear it elegant and bohemian traveller style, which I love. I am quite of a adventurer and a Parisian Lady all in one. Plus I think, it will get more beautiful with sign of wear!

    Have a wonderful week, Bisou from Berlin.
    http://www.missvoguevoyage.com

    Reply
  15. Katerina
    May 15, 2020 / 5:36 am

    What a beautiful weekend bag. I can see why you kept coming back to it, this classic style will definitely go with a lot of different styles and outfits. Shame about the scratches – I hate when that kind of thing happens!

    Reply

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