Zatchels at John Lewis

Look what I spotted when I was fighting my way through the crowds at John Lewis this Saturday afternoon: Zatchels!

check out the Zatchels website for an ever increasing range of colours and patterns on their satchels.

Personally, I love the metallic ones.

Zatchels: Ladybird and Metallic stars

I can't seem to find a better pic than this, but look:

Ladybird Zatchel

Metallic stars Zatchel

today: Clara Francis necklace, Uniqlo cashmere cardi and metallic Zatchel

Today, I'll be sporting my dark green Uniqlo cashmere cardi (on sale), a garland of beaded butterflies, hummingbirds and flowers by Clara Francis, and my ice-cool metallic Zatchel.

metallic pewter Zatchel

Here is my metallic pewter Zatchel - size 14.5 in. -

look how much stuff can fit in:

Top row: Sunglasses, purse, filofax
Bottom row: pens, lipstick and Blackberry.
There is more in there like a huge bunch of keys, hairbrush, notebook - could also fit paperback / A-Z. Leather is pretty stiff, so the bag can't endlessly expand.

Zatchels

The search for the perfect satchel continues. If you are looking for old-school style satchels, how about these from Zatchels.

Red metallic satchel to match those ruby slippers you have.

Navy polka dot for, erm, dotty moments?

Classic colours such as this brown, which I remember from back in the day (the 70s), are also available.

Available in 4 sizes: the handy guide on their website tells you that if you want to carry your iPad you will need an 11.5" satchel; iPad plus other clobber goes in a 13"; an A4 notepad / ringbinder fits in a 14.5", and if you want to take your  (15") laptop you will need a 16" satchel.

Prices range from £76 for the smallest satchel, in a classic colour, to £120 for the largest size (handles and detachable strap can be added, at extra cost).

Here's what Zatchels, based in Leicester, say about themselves:

We are keen to promote British manufacturing because unfortunately many of these long held traditional skills are being lost to overseas competition. However, we’re standing firm and believe that the beautiful hand-made satchels and bags we produce here, right in the heart of the UK, are something we can be very proud of.

And that is why I love them. Simple.

(See also the Cambridge Satchel Company for traditional satchels, blogged about here.)