All Shapes and Sizes?! We're Talking Spring Bags!
Bags are a great source of personal preference and expression. I’ve noticed many women carry designer handbags in the D.C. metropolitan area. Sometimes it even seems as though we belong to a tribe as we identify with each other by the markings on our hides. Personally, I have always wished to differentiate myself by choosing bags that were designed well and unique to everything else on the market.I don’t want to sound as though I never have lusted after a great designer bag; in high school, I received a Louis Vuitton for my birthday from my boyfriend at the time and honestly wasn’t quite aware of the cache it held. I actually still have the bag and enjoy the shape and timelessness of a very iconic designer.During my second professional career, right before I got married, I decided to indulge in a Fendi bagette. It was during the Sex and the City era and I was thrilled to be in the Fendi club at that time of my life.Now I am a free agent with bags. I love them for their shape and purpose. Above all else, they should be designed well and have a strap that will go over my shoulder so I can have my hands free. Nearly two years ago, I purchased a backpack at TSALT from The Stowe. It’s still the bag I carry above all others. It’s a fabulous black leather with great utility and a chic, urban vibe.
Me, with my Frances Backpack from The Stowe
Going to New York, you usually hit showrooms where there are young women who are bombarded with fashion eye candy on a daily basis. Without fail, I always receive compliments on my Stowe backpack. It’s also gone on all of my recent trips, meeting my hands-free needs while juggling carry-ons and luggage.TSALT has just received the spring shipment of The Stowe. The colors are subtle neutrals and the shapes are clean and fresh. Each one has a different appeal and the range of colors suits a variety of preferences among women. Come in and take a look at this modern collection. I suggest you try them on and see how comfortable they are.
{Click to each image to shop the style}
[nemus_slider id="46875"]If you are planning a trip out of town for Spring Break, the Evelyn cross-body style offers the same freedom as my backpack. Of course, if you wish to get a backpack, they have changed the design a bit, but I must say, it’s very minimalist and uber stylish. The Brady is the next closest style to my first Stowe bag…and I may have to branch out and try one on for size myself this month! [divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]
The STORY
The Stowe was founded in 2013 by designer Molly Spittal, initiated by her obsession with proportion, balance, and intentional design. Beginning as a one-woman operation based in her Montreal studio, The Stowe has since evolved into a team of professionals across Canada and Europe. Each design is grounded by a passion for functionality and refined finishing.
The STUDIO
Our studio is normally where you can find designer Molly and her partner Matt hard at work. Located in Montreal’s Mile-Ex neighborhood, the pair works out of the top floor of an industrial building filled with plenty of natural light and surrounded by a number of like-minded Montreal creatives. This studio is the location of The Stowe’s first atelier, where every item was cut and sewn by hand by Molly. Today, the space has evolved into a functional office where design inspiration comes readily and flows easily. This dynamic space has the capacity to transform from a typical design office to a professional photo studio on any given day.
The LEATHER
Our signature vegetable tanned leather is carefully sourced in Italy and custom tanned using a natural dye process. This means that the colours of our products are unique to The Stowe and cannot be found elsewhere. The material is as durable as it is beautiful, and will evolve as you wear it. As your product ages, it will develop a unique patina reflecting the habits of your daily routine.
Vegetable-tanned leather is renowned for its ability to last a lifetime of wear. The temperament complements our elegant, timeless silhouettes perfectly. The more you use your Stowe product, the better the leather gets. Each item will truly be with you for life!
The FACTORY
After years of producing in-house, the demand for our product finally outgrew our capacity to produce. When we decided we needed to find help, our main priority was to seek out a production team with values and attention to detail in-line with our own. We searched far and wide for the perfect fit, and we finally found our wonderful team in Southern Spain.
The factory is located in a town nestled in a picturesque valley filled with traditional Spanish architecture. The team, composed of 9 skilled individuals who we are in daily contact with, have been working for over 40 years to produce high quality leather goods which meet our high standards.
