Cuyana Is My Go-to For Leather Handbags

What I’m Wearing – Blazer: Madewell | Blouse: J.Crew | Denim: J.Crew Factory | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Bracelet: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Ring: J.Crew (old) | Bag: Cuyana Saddle Bag (gifted) | Shoes: M.M. LaFleur (gifted) | Lipstick: BeautyCounter Color Intense Lipstick in color 9 to 5

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, but the handbags featured were gifted by Cuyana a few years ago. All opinions are my own.

Cuyana is THE place to shop for a high-quality handbag! I first got a glimpse of the brand when I spotted my friend Jenn from Hello Rigby carrying the Small Carryall Tote.

Not familiar with Cuyana? Cuyana is a female-founded brand that celebrates “fewer, better things.” This is why I’m drawn to the company. I’m constantly striving for quality over quantity when it comes to my closet and sustainability. All of their items are ethically sourced, timeless, and something you will have for years.

Founded on the philosophy of fewer, better, Cuyana encourages customers to purchase fewer but better quality pieces that they will love and treasure for years to come. source 

Cuyana sells both clothing and handbags but they’re mostly known for their bags. Definitely check out their clothing though, they’re absolutely gorgeous! Think clean lines, simple silhouettes, and timeless classics.

A couple years ago, I was gifted a few bags from Cuyana and one of them just happened to be their best-seller, the Tall Structure tote.

Cuyana Tall Structure Tote

Back in the day, I would only carry a tote. If you work in a major city and commute via bus or car you’ll totally get this. Especially if you have to bring an additional pair of shoes, lunch, and a laptop to work.

The last tote I had was so beat up that the strap was about to fail and the outside of it was heavily stained. That’s how much I loved it!

I choose the Tall Structure Tote in the stone color to replace my old worn out tote. I wanted something  neutral that would work for all seasons without looking dirty easily. Win-win!

For outfit details click here.

The material is an Italian pebble leather with a microsuede lining. The overall size and shape is pretty spacious. It actually might be a bit too large if you’re on the petite size. For size reference, I am just shy of 5′ 4″ but larger on top with a full chest and broad shoulders. It will carry a 16″ laptop (in the built-in laptop sleeve) with room for miscellaneous items like a pair of shoes or clothes.

For outfit details click here.

The other great feature is the side pocket, it’s perfect for your phone and wallet. There is also a gold clip on the top to hold your keys.

The Tall Structure Tote is the perfect bag and comes in 6 neutral or professional colors.

Small Carryall Tote

This is the bag that Jenn has! When I saw hers I was enthralled. I kept asking her about the size and if she felt like she had enough space. I’ve always carried a larger bag and was concerned that it wouldn’t hold all my stuff. If for some reason you’re able to snag this size, it does hold a lot and I’m super happy with it.

Before I do a deep dive, it looks like the Small Carryall is being discontinued as it’s only offered in one color. However, you can still pick up the Medium Carryall or the Oversize Carryall. They are the same shape just larger in size. Jen actually prefers her medium carryall over the small when carrying her DSLR camera.

For outfit details click here.

Let’s talk about the color. The black is made from an Argentine leather and is perfect. It’s incredibly durable and I love how I don’t have to be careful with it. I have set it on the ground, filled it to the brim, carried it daily, and it still looks brand new!

You can wear it like a crossbody or satchel. I never thought I would carry a satchel style purse, but this one is light enough that you actually can.

The other thing that’s fun about Cuyana is the monogram option. You can monogram any of their leather items, just look for the feature on the product page.

Saddle Bag

Last, but certainly not least is the Saddle Bag. I wanted something classic and I love a crossbody bag. I have multiple cross bodies in cream so I wanted something completely different that would still act like a neutral. So I went with the burgundy in the premium full-grain Italian leather. I thought the color would be great for fall and complement most of my clothing. They no longer sell this color but you can still pick it up in black, caramel, or nude.

Small Leather Goods

Cuyana also has a handful of small leather goods. I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t really used my pieces as much as I should. Since I don’t carry cash, I don’t have much use for a wallet or coin purse. I currently carry a small card size wallet.

• Classic Zip Around Wallet – I got mine in stone to match my Tall Structured Tote. It’s well made and has the same pebbled Italian leather.
• Triangle Pouch – could also be used to carry earbuds or something else equally small. It’s made in Turkey with Italian smooth calf leather and can also be monogrammed.

Wish list Items

• Half-moon Mini bag in the white croc-embossed leather
• Camera Bag
• Circle Crossbody bag
• Leather Bag Tassel 

I pretty much carry a Cuyana bag exclusively these days but my current favorite is the small carryall tote. Out of these three bags, which one is your favorite?

Photography: Nicholas Mercado and Studio Salty