5 Handbag Reviews have now been underway for a couple of weeks so I decided it’s time to ask some questions.
Here’s a quick re – cap of who’s testing which design: from left to right……

1, Natalie has the purple Atlanta sporty tote. 2, Claire has the Roanne big bag in stonewashed canvas & leather. 3, Katherine has the blue/black canvas & leather ‘manbag’. 4, Joanne has a fuchsia canvas & leather Cadet tote. 5, Victoria has an orange large leather shopper with blue lining organiser to go inside it.

Today I have received answers from Natalie (bag 1) & Katherine (bag 3)…..as follows

Q1. Imagine the bag sent to you to review was a mail order delivery. What did you think of the packaging and delivery service?

Natalie: Delivery was superb, arrived v quickly and when you said it would. It felt like I was unwrapping a present, I loved the fact the bag came in it’s own protective bag, and I thought the little card inside with info about how to look after it was a really nice touch.

Katherine: Let’s face it, any girl is thrilled to receive a shopping-based package in the post! In my job I take an extra keen interest in the quality of the packaging and Shona Easton certainly didn’t disappoint. The package arrived the next day which impressed me. It was securely sealed and in good nick when it arrived – again always a good start. So, I ripped it open and was thrilled to spot an immaculately white dust bag with black cord and the distinctive Easton logo on the front. The bag was beautifully presented inside,with the long handle carefully curled up and a useful care card included.

Q2. Tell me your 1st reaction to the bag as soon as you opened the package?

Natalie: Mostly…. “ooooohhhh” and a little bit “ahhhhh”. 😀 It looked great, the smell of leather was wonderful, and the packaging was nice. Felt very luxurious and special.

Katherine: ‘Yippee! My new bag’. Shortly followed by ‘OMG look at the fab lining!’ and various other gushing remarks about the bag generally before whipping it on and parading round the office to show everyone.

Q3. What is your favourite design feature on the bag you’re reviewing?

Natalie: I absolutely love this bag, it really is brilliant. Not sure I can give you one favourite design feature. I love the fact that the handles are just the right length that the bag sits really comfortably on my shoulder and stays there. Don’t underestimate this, I seem to have spent years hoiking bags onto my shoulder and cursing them as they slide down again. I love the pockets at either end, one for my iPhone, one for my umbrella – easy to access essentials!! I thought the key chain inside would annoy me, but actually the cord on it is v generous, so it works perfectly and I can unlock my front door without scrabbling about. There’s loads of room inside for everything, and I mean EVERYTHING! And the outside pockets have been perfect for loading with small child snacks – easy to get to and no risk of finding my favourite things smeared in chocolate or fruit or…. well, you get the idea!!!

Katherine: I would say the pockets and the key clip.  I’ve never been so organised and I get in my house a lot quicker now I can find my keys one handed whilst holding Chloe or laptop or shopping in the other!

Shona: Thanks to Natalie & Katherine for their thoughts (absolutely NOT edited by me) and I look forward to sharing the views of the other 3 reviewers soon.

If you have one of my designs, I’d love to hear your answers to any of the above questions too!