Review | Handcrafted Leather Camera Strap

Today I'm delighted to share a beautiful product with you all, sponsored by Magpie Accessories on Etsy.

Kathryn was a delight to work with, and though her shop is based in the UK, the shipping was prompt and streamlined.

The camera strap itself is a dream. I selected the Marbled Chocolate Brown strap, which is a lovely rich leather in a classic color.  The quick-release sam brown-style button closure makes changing straps a breeze, and the top stitching is the perfect finish.

The leather itself was a little more thin that I was expecting, and does stretch the tiniest bit if put to strenuous use for long periods of time.  However, I use it as a sort of 'dress suit' for my camera, using it at weddings and events where my everyday bright pink strap might look a little loud.  This classic leather camera strap can go anywhere with lashings of style, bringing your ensemble to a whole new level.

Be sure to check out her shop, and with Christmas coming up, you may want to add her to your favorites for yourself or another special photographer in mind!

MagpieAccessoriesUK

Luxury Leather Designer Handbags & Accessories

Shop // Website // Facebook

About the Shop

Kathryn Sillince of Magpie Accessories designs and crafts the most gorgeous luxury leather handbags and accessories. She hails from a Fine Art background then trained at prestigious Cordwainers London College of Fashion. Kathryn hand selects the finest leathers, linings and hardware and hand-stitches finishing details, creating a beautiful and unique line of camera straps, handbags, iPhone and laptop sleeves, and much more!

Magpie Accessories is run from a charming converted tortoiseshell comb factory in Yorkshire, England. 

Working with ethical chemical free leather and organic fair trade cotton linings makes this company stand out in a world of mass-produced luxury accessories.

Disclousure:  All thoughts shared are my own and are in no way influenced by the sponsor.  
First four photos by Kellie Falconer.  Product donated by Magpie Accessories.

Review | Handcrafted Jacquard Camera Strap

Shop // Facebook

About the Shop

Sarah shares her story:

I started my Etsy site, The Little Things by Sarah Marie, just a couple of months ago but the idea was stewing for quite some time before that. I have been playing guitar and hand sewing since I was young but just started machine sewing a little over a year ago. 

I have always loved the vintage aesthetic of old guitar and camera straps, and after picking up an old camera strap at a flea market last year I realized that I could make them! I know so many people that appreciate the style and quality of vintage items like these, and my goal is to reproduce the straps and vibes from their vintage descendants. 

I get a lot of my fabrics from online sites like Ebay and Etsy. A lot of the fabrics are new, but I get lucky from time to time when I stumble upon vintage fabrics. I go to a leather store in Sacramento for the leather that I use on the guitar straps. Leather is very expensive and hard to buy in bulk so I shop in the scrap bins. This makes shopping for the leather fun.. I never know what will be available when I go in, and so far I have been lucky to find varying shades of brown, red, black and even most recently, turquoise! Although it would be much easier (though out of my current budget) to buy bulk leather, shopping for leather scraps adds another touch of individuality to my products. I am able to use my artistic eye to pair the fabrics with the different leathers. 

Customers of my shop are getting handmade, one of a kind (or at most small batch) items that they can cherish for years to come. I have loved hearing from customers that are buying straps for birthday presents, graduations, or to just treat themselves. 

My shop has finally given me a way to give back to both the art and music community and I feel so lucky and excited to continue this project. As time continues, I am using money from sales to grow the business and be able to buy more leather so that I can make more of the camera straps with real leather (I am using a faux leather right now for most of them). 

I would like to build up my inventory and get my straps into retail locations, as well as around the necks of as many photographers and musicians as possible. 

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

I cannot recommend Sarah and her work highly enough.  She was a delight to work with, her customer service is top notch, and her product beyond my expectations!  The little details, such as her packaging - right down to the embroidery floss tag tie, were beautiful.

The strap itself, made with a beautiful jacquard woven trim in a pink and white floral pattern, is lined with a denim padding in the underside making for an ultimately comfy fit.  The leather ends add the perfect professional finish. 

I really love the weight of this strap, not too heavy, yet substantial enough to drape nicely and not fly around in the way when taking pictures or downloading the cam.

The sturdy, well constructed hardware feels so secure and solid, which is a very good thing when you've got your precious camera zooming up a mountain face 40 feet in the air!

And best of all, it's just plain adorable - Algy and this pink strap together are my kind of fashion accessory.

Be sure to drop by The Little Things and give Sarah some love!

Disclousure:  All thoughts shared are my own and are in no way influenced by the sponsor.  All photos by Kellie Falconer.  Product donated by the little things by sarah marie.

Winner's Circle | Dress Review from eShakti

You've probably heard by now of the fabulous new clothing company that specializes in fully customizeable clothing, eShakti!

However, if you have not, I am so excited to have the opportunity to do so now.

I was beyond thrilled when Jennifer, marketing manager of eShakti, recently contacted me and asked if I would review one of their products.

The process was so streamlined and enjoyable.  This company has been growing by leaps and bounds, and their customer service is excellent.

And their products?

Insanely adorable.

             Lady in Red dress

eShakti’s custom capabilities allow shoppers to easily tailor any item to their specific requirements ensuring a flattering fit and unique look. Built-in online customization tools allow women to modify original fashions to fit their size, shape and personal style. Unlike traditionally-tailored clothing, eShakti’s incredibly quick turnaround time allows customers to receive their custom-made look within a week of ordering! 

Many of the pieces available are reminiscent of the past, combining feminine details and dressmaker finishes for today's modern woman.  I just adore the way they have captured the classic shape and styling of beloved vintage fashions while updating the look with fresh, fun colors and materials!

Dresses, skirts, tops, cardigans, jackets and scarves are available in a wide array of fabrics and colors ranging from size 0 to 26W and Custom.

I had such a hard time choosing my review, but I finally settled on the Lady in Red dress.  I've never had a little black dress... actually, I've never really had anything black before!  I. Love. This. Dress.

I received the fully customized option, and was able to specify hem length, sleeve type, full body measurements, and more. 

I must say that I was a little disappointed with the fit, which turned out to be several sizes too large - and the neckline was several inches lower than I was expecting because of that.  However, a belt fixes it all quite nicely, so I'm not too worried in my case. 

But the main point that reconciled me to the fit was the thought that this dress ought to fit me for the rest of my life!  We'll see... :grin:

I am very impressed with the quality and attention to detail - this dress even has side seam pockets!  Nice, deep ones at that.

 I need to sew something to fill in the neckline - for the shoot, I just tucked in a bit of black fabric I had.  Inexcusable, I know:)

I styled this outfit shortly after watching Secretariat (for the what? third time?  That film is amazing!) and wanted something whimsically inspired by what I might wear as an owner, meeting my horse in the Winner's Circle.

I know, the western bridle is a little bit unconvincing, but my english bridle is currently MIA... very sad:)

Whoever says black and brown don't go together obviously never saw a bay horse.  Their gleaming rich brown coats and black points (mane, tail, legs) are one of the most beautiful combinations of all!

Brownie, our retired racehorse, graciously assented to pose with me for this shoot - most of the time.

(Even horses have their awkward moments;D )

 

 

In a word:  Delighted.

Thanks, eShakti!

 Dress | c/o eShakti

Belt | thrifted

Pearls | gift

Oxfords | Eurostep Gabrielle

Gloves | my Grandmother's

silk peony | thrifted

Petticoat | Kellie Falconer Design