Thanks a lot Maria! It made for a great video to start with and I'm really excited to be doing KZfaq. :)

Ahhh thank you so much! haha I didn't even think of that, I was so insecure about sounding monotone :D

@@atailorsblog Your voice is perfect! I hope you make more videos. :)

@@AnnikaOrne thanks a lot! More are on their way :)

Thank you so much, Annika!

For me the selling point was the backpack straps and the compartments. I did briefly consider modifying the bag but I really enjoy the backpack style and with other brands offering that as well I just wanted to keep the re-sell value high. So far I have not yet chosen a different bag but it's not off the table with the weight distribution issues being the only reason. As for the latter - sometimes when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, wearing my long trench, the backpack and head tilted back because my glasses slid down, I do look a little like two small Clarissas trying to get into the cinema on one ticket. But I'm cute. And it's better for my neck, so..

Thanks a lot for stopping by 💛

No, really not. It does get a bit chuffed and somewhat dirty from the ground on the bottom corners, but there haven't been any obvious or abnormal staining. I am starting to find the bag too impractical and not suited for heavier things so I've been thinking about doing a follow-up to soften/lessen my recommendation. Just FYI.

I'm so happy you found out what's right for you. You are very welcome! Thank you for sharing 😊

So far I haven't had any problems yet. I will do an update on this bag as I've fallen out of love and I don't recommend it as freely as I used to anymore.

By design it's technically possible for water to enter the bag through the gaps you spotted. I never had problems with that and I never feared damage to my belongings. It's definetely worth considering if you are biking or walking in areas of heavy rain. But then an upper-price range leather bag with the weight distribution issues I mentioned may not be the right thing for you, regardless of those gaps.

@@atailorsblog Thank you! I just love leather bags and live in a very rainy country... Cannot find a win-win solution, can't I?!

@@signealvarez7457 i mean, out of all leather that I own, I would trust the pebbled type of my bag most when it comes to water. The main problems with leather getting wet are stiffness/dryness, water stains and smell. So make sure to read up on waterproofing leather, always leave it to dry fully at room temperature!!! (I once fell asleep with my peccary gloves in the boiler room and I thought I had ruined them - they were like paper) and then really go for sth sturdier and make it a habit to carry an umbrella or poncho with you. I'm sorry, I don't yet have the experience to recommend specific types of leather or products, so please let me know when you find sth that works for you :)

I had soaked my maestra bag in water and surprisingly it did not get ruined. Still looks good as new. So I say this bag is really quality.

Happy to hear! I think when it comes to wetting leather the main goals are to avoid it becoming too dry, avoid water stains and too keep its shape. When washing leather gloves I add glycerin to the water and use very little detergent. My shoes I treat with wax or special water proofing to avoid staining. I did get a bit of staining on my ice scates where the blade is attached to the sole, so maybe cutting edges are more vulnerable to it. Always dry leather products slowly, away from any heat. Drying it in a hot spot will give it paper-like texture. I tried that one for you... Edit: or maybe don't soak them next time lmao :D