See how my hands are free? Well it took me five years to realize I needed to add a shoulder strap to my all time favorite go-to Madewell bag. I got this bag as a well deserved graduation present for myself five years ago. It was June 2013 and I was about to leave behind a 15 year career as a server to switch careers to become a full-time graphic designer and unbeknownst to me, also an in-house art director. I had spent the last couple of years working doubles to put myself through school – student loan free, which meant I had to pay a California state tuition – out of pocket every semester. Plus ALL the art supplies. Those were always needed right away and were overwhelmingly expensive. That is how I got to know Michael’s 40% coupon very well. Also Blick’s had some good coupons and a student discount when I needed more serious art supplies. I also was married, paying rent + bills and trying to keep up with all the life things that were happening.
One day a customer walked in with this bag and I knew I had to have it. I asked her where she had gotten it. The close to $200 price tag was still pushing it for a bag but I really wanted it and so I took a couple of months to pay off any extra student debt and I had decided if I still really wanted it when debt free that I could buy it for myself. The last couple of years all my income had gone to rent, bills and school so it was weird to buy something just for me, just because I really liked it.
Once I received this bag it became my go-to every day bag. It was loved for the classic timeless look but I didn’t love how short the handles were and at the time Madewell didn’t have as many options as they do now. They have tons of variations of my original bag and I was even wondering if I should buy another bag with a zipper top with a cross-body strap. Then one day I was at the shoe repair store and it hit me that he could add a cross-body strap. At first he said no but when I came back a week later he had the matching leather and was ready to get to work. It was like we both thought about it during the week because I had some ideas for him too. A week and $20 later and I had myself the perfect bag, with a cross body strap so now when I am at Target I can be super hands free while having my purse close but out of the way.
My sister has since gotten the black one with brown handles. I also love their leather shoes too! This is a timeless, classic bag made VERY well. I hope it lasts me forever!
