I am always on the hunt for new lines to carry, especially when it comes to bags. I don’t want something that every other store has, and I am pretty particular about the quality of fabric and construction. I also am not big on logos. I get so many line sheets in my inbox, and most of them I end up deleting. They either do not fit my criteria, or I have just seen the same thing over and over so many times I just don’t want to put it on our shelves.

When I came across the line Monte and Co., I knew I had found a perfect fit for our stores. The look, the quality, and the story behind the brand were the trifecta for me.

Four friends started the line when they couldn’t find a weekender bag that was stylish, durable, and ethically made. Fast fashion was not their thing, but they also didn’t want the luxury price tag. They found a local family-run workshop in Toronto (it is a Canadian-based company), and their vision was brought to life eight years ago.

They use sustainable, luxury wool that they source from a family-run mill in Italy. The leather is vegetable-tanned, which is natural and chemical-free.

They started with a weekender and now have a briefcase and tote bag. I personally will be getting the Everyday Tote Bag for my work bag. I am really hard on my bags, and my computer usually suffers the repercussions, so I am so glad I found a bag that will keep my computer from harm and look good while doing it.

More small leather goods will be coming this winter for the holidays. If we are ever out of stock of a style and color, you see, we can have one made just for you! How great is that! To know that literally a factory in Canada is going to make a bag just for you. Their distribution is also limited, so not everyone will be walking around with your bag.