FRYE Cameron Satchel Handbag

I have several purses and bags made by Frye in different styles, and I am very pleased with the quality of the leather as well as the construction (I was a bit concerned when I learned that many items are now made in China, but everything I have purchased has been top-notch). I ordered this bag last fall when it went on sale, and have been using it quite a bit--I find the size to be just right. Lots of compartments, but it is a bit smaller than I pictured (even though the dimensions were included in the description; I guess it just has to be seen in person). I was originally thinking of getting the smaller version because I don't really carry a lot of stuff around with me and I was worried this one would be huge...luckily the reviews were helpful in this regard and I am very glad that I ordered this one--I imagine it is a bit too big for a minimalist (keys, comb, small wallet; I used to be one, not anymore) but too small for someone who is used to carrying a full tote-sized bag. I can fit my keys, glasses, a small cosmetics bag, wallet and phone and there is room for a few small odds and ends, but that is about it...I'm sure the smaller one would have been much too small. It is lovely as well as practical, and I have had no problems with it at all (it has been almost a year). I touch up the leather every couple of months with a light application of Leather Honey to protect it and it still looks brand new. I bought the Cognac and the color is just gorgeous. I will definitely purchase other items from Frye--I think they are terrific, although I find the regular retail prices a bit high for my budget, but I am willing to wait for a discount (and then I feel I just can't go wrong!)

I own another larger Cameron bag was thinking that I could use this satchel as a purse. I love the color, size and styling. The front latch combined with super strong magnets make it difficult to open. A perfect briefcase just not a purse. I returned mine and was sad to see it go.

I hope this bag's handles live up to plenty of weight cos I always seem to be carrying plenty. I wish it was slightly bigger if anything. Nice leather, got the taupe colour - I would have given it 5 stars if the detachable long handle length was adjustable but it is not which at this price is a bit much. Also, on some pictures the long handle clipped to the sides of the bag which is more sensible and easier to use but mine clips on to the d rings of the top short handle. This isn't a major problem for me as I do not intend using the long handle much but if you plan on using as a cross body bag I think this detail might eventually become annoying. Check the different colour pictures and you will see what I'm on about. It's a keeper though as I love the colour but I reckon I will lose it soon enough to my daughter!!

This bag is awesome - beautiful and just what I had been looking for. I would not pay $500 for a bag - I got it on a Black Friday sale for less than half that price. I love the color - I waffled between the red and the cognac, finally choosing the red. It is well made, but I am still very careful with it because it will be a long time before I pay that amount for a bag again. It fits my ipad with the case - easily. It has two large compartments and a zippered middle section. It has a zippered pocket in the inside back - like many bags do and it has inside pockets that fit my flip camera and my phone making them easy to locate. I have read the reviews here about how the leather stretches on the straps so I am taking special care to see that I do not put too much stress on that area - although mine is showing no such signs of stress. I just love it. Has that awesome leather smell.Returning here on Feb 23, 2015 to add to my review. I am subtracting 2 stars - I still love the bag, but I am so disappointed that such an expensive bag from such a quality company could be so poorly constructed. Why did Frye not heed all the previous reviews that said that there was a problem and do something about it. I got my first pair of Frye boots in the '70s - you knew you were getting quality - top of the line. It is too bad that is no longer the case with Frye. The strap broke today - just like all the reviews said that it would. I did not have my bag overloaded - not even close! Interesting thing is that the strap did not appear to be stitched to the bag - I think it was glued to the bag. There was a gummy type substance on both the bag and the strap. There were no stretched threads indicating stress and breakage - the bag had zero threads - just holes. The strap had a single black very thin thread dangling from the "broken" side. The stitches on the strap still look like they always did - in place and not loose. I think it is a fairly obvious quality control issue with this strap.

I could only find the large satchel in red through Amazon so I snatched it up. I opted for overnight delivery and it was here by 2 the next day. (I ordered around 4) I love this bag. The color, the leather, everything is wonderful. The only teeny issue I have is a design flaw. The two buckles on front are magnet closure. When you do opt to close them it pulls the front of the bag up. So my front small pocket is slightly misshapen and doesn't look as nice when closed. Obviously, I just don't close them but I feel like that shouldn't be an issue on a $400.00+ bag. Still, it's beautiful.*****After having this bag a few months the side straps were so stretched they started to just flop around. Then stitching that connects the front flap started falling apart. I contacted Frye, nothing. Then the d rings for the long strap started pulling away from the bag and the leather is super stretched out. Contacted Frye, nothing. This bag looks like I've had it for a decade not a year and when I attempted to contact Frye I was ignored. Maybe it was jut this one, maybe I got a lemon. I can tell you I will not be purchasing from Frye, ever again. They're customer service is non-existent, which is outrageous for what I paid for this bag. Beautiful for a short burst. I've never regretted a purchase like I regret this one.