Kate Spade Claremont Drive Marcella

As promised, here are some up-close pictures and a little review of my new bag, the Kate Spade Claremont Drive Marcella.  As I mentioned, it was on major sale (over 50% off when I used the 15% off your first purchase coupon code – which you can get by signing up for their email). 
Originally $475, I bought it for $203.15 pre-tax.  I debated back and forth between the blue & brown, and originally I leaned more towards brown (p.s. I originally wanted pink, but they were sold out.  It looks like it’s back in stock!).  I already have a couple of tan/brown bags and J said it would be silly to get another of the same.  I am usually very neutral with my handbag colors but I decided to take a chance and go with blue. 

I’m really happy with the blue.  It’s a fun color, but it’s not overwhelmingly bright or bold.  It still looks very professional.  It doesn’t look too spring for January and February, but it will easily work when spring outfits come along.
One thing I look for in an everyday work bag is the long strap, so I have the option to drape it over my shoulder.  Sometimes I like to go shopping during my lunch break, and it’s nice to be able to have your hands free.

I also look for something that’s big enough to fit a laptop.  I don’t normally bring a laptop to work, but I do bring it when I’m traveling, and I like to keep all of my electronics on me when I travel. 
My favorite part of the bag is the front pocket, perfect for dropping your cell phone in.  To be completely frank, if I don’t have a pocket like this my cell phone will fall into the deep black hole that is my purse and it will take me 20 minutes to find it at any given moment.
I also love how the logo is very small and simple.  It doesn’t obnoxiously scream KATE SPADE or “I’m a label purse” – which I typically do not like. 

The lining inside is also fun – you can’t see it unless you’re opening the purse, but it’s a happy surprise.
I’m 100% happy with the purchase.  I will admit it was an impulse buy… something I avoid doing when possible.  I knew I liked the purse when Kate Spade first came out with it, but there was no way I was going to spend close to $500 on it.  I have been saving up for a few other bags – this Tory Burch and possibly this Phillip Lim, but when I saw what a good deal this was, I jumped before it was too late.

Get your own here.

Comments

  1. Thursday, January 23, 2014 / 3:32 pm

    omg now im so excited to get mine! it shipped yesterday!!!!! thanks for the sneak peak haha. mine was an impulse buy as well!

  2. Thursday, January 23, 2014 / 5:37 pm

    The perfect color and shape! I love the lining, such a fun bag.

  3. Thursday, January 23, 2014 / 6:23 pm

    I love purse with pockets in the front.

  4. Thursday, January 23, 2014 / 7:47 pm

    This is a beautiful bag, and I love how fun the inside is! Classy on the outside, party on in the inside!

    Amanda | feast.fashion.faves

  5. Thursday, January 23, 2014 / 7:52 pm

    Ooh that purse is gorgeous…good choice! I am with ya — I NEED that side pocket on the outside. Who has time to dig at the bottom of their purse for their phone?! Haha 🙂

    That inside lining is a fun little surprise and pop of color. How cute!

  6. Thursday, January 23, 2014 / 8:50 pm

    I love it! It is so chic and roomy enough from me, it is so pretty inside and out! Yay for the good price, great deal! I'm so putting it on my list, I need one for SS season!

    Cee. ♥
    Code Overdressed

  7. Thursday, January 23, 2014 / 9:48 pm

    Beautiful classic bag! I have a Kate Spade outlet near me and I'm still a little mad at myself for not grabbing a bag when they were 60% off (less than $100 for the one I was eyeing). Hopefully they will have another sale soon when I'm ready to buy something.
    -Miranda
    http://www.mirandawritesblog.com

  8. Tuesday, January 28, 2014 / 4:14 pm

    The color is gorgeous! It's just enough for a pop of color to add to any neutral outfit .
    xoxo Brittany

  9. Tuesday, January 28, 2014 / 8:24 pm

    I'm so glad you said this was blue, it's so pale the color is almost white! The inside is beyond fab! Congrats on getting such a great deal!!
    xo, Lee
    edfbylee.com

  10. Wednesday, January 29, 2014 / 12:43 am

    Congrats on your purchase! I love the fun lining inside!

    xo Jen
    Skirt The Rules

  11. Thursday, January 30, 2014 / 10:54 pm

    What do you think about the stitching on the bag? I love the blue color, it really pops, and I was about to pull the trigger, but the more I look at pictures of it (especially non-retail photos), the more I think the stitching stands out too much, in a bad way. Was wondering what your thoughts were in person!

    • Friday, January 31, 2014 / 1:14 am

      You're right, the stitching definitely stands out, and in addition to the stitching there's a piping in the same color around the bag. (You can kind of see it in the last picture I posted, but it's not the best).

      Personally, one of the main reasons I bought the bag was because I liked the bold stitching. You can really see the detailing of the bag with it which I think makes it look really high-quality. I think it's personal preference though! If you don't like the bold stitching then it might not be for you.

      I can say I love it in person and was definitely not let down when I got it in the mail. If anything I loved it more. Hope that helps!

    • Friday, January 31, 2014 / 9:07 pm

      Thanks for your thoughts! I can see how it could definitely make the bag appear more high end too. Bottom line is I think I need to see it in person before committing to a final sale online! The blue color is definitely gorgeous though- perfect winter through summer hue- looks great in all of your posts!

  12. Sunday, February 9, 2014 / 1:28 am

    What size is your laptop. I want this badly but I have a 15" work laptop 14.25" x 10") The dimensions on the website aren't true to the bags. Great bag, and the color is awesome.

    • Sunday, February 9, 2014 / 1:54 am

      Hi Cat, my laptop is 13.3" and it fits perfectly when I put it in horizontally, and sticks out of the top about an inch when I put it in vertically. There's a little bit of space when I put it in horizontally so I feel like it might work for your laptop, but it's hard to say :/ Might be a little tight. You could always put it in vertically and have it stick out of the top a bit, and use the long strap to carry (I use the long strap more probably anyways).

    • Sunday, February 9, 2014 / 2:22 am

      Thanks!!! It's become the "impossible" bag to find. All the cute one's aren't wide enough. I really don't want it sticking out. Don't want to take the chance since it is non-returnable.

  13. Tuesday, July 15, 2014 / 3:10 am

    It is so beautiful ! Perfect size and shape too , I want it now lol but I doubt they still have it in stock :(.

    XOXO
    Jess
    http://jessprainstyle.com

  14. Thursday, April 28, 2016 / 8:47 am