Review on Pistil Gotta Backpack Cadet Size: Compact and Stylish Carrying Solution by Stacy Harris

Every time I wear this I feel awkward, awkward and eerily manly. The bag is well made and I am ashamed to wear it. The design is just like that. book. I hate that. (That's why I don't wear it anymore.) But the quality is such that I would consider something else from the brand. WHAT I LOVE: The leather is great, feels soft, the stitching is great. Both leather and interior resist wear and tear. And I really LOVE how well planned the inside and outside pockets are. I like that it's organized without cluttering compartments. I love that it gives me quick and easy access to my inhaler and phone and the front pocket fits both. I love that it has two more outside pockets and one hidden inside pocket. I like that the fabric used for the lining is neither stiff nor too flexible; It is also sewn at the corners. No random strings. what do i hate Everything else. LINING: I hate the nasty, ugly camouflage print on the lining. Seriously, the whole shape of the bag already feels masculine, bikerish and awkward, and the color of the inner lining only makes it WORSE. Sheer ugliness SHOULDER STRAPS: That's probably what I HATE the most. It's really really long, which is to be expected as it's a shoulder bag and not a problem. The problem is that it has to be fully adjustable and absolutely never stays the length you set it to! Never. The buckle keeps slipping down making them lose their full length. This worries me a lot because I'm trying to cut it down to shoulder bag length and it's adjusting to that point, but WON'T STAY! (Large chest and shoulder straps don't fit well.) I'm short, so even with a crossbody bag I have to trim the strap and it won't stay, ending up in an awkward spot on my hip. Leg. Tote bags/isotoners/stamps should REALLY fix this strap problem! Even if I liked everything else in the bag, it would frustrate me to no end. Whatever the case, it's clearly a deal breaker with a bag I don't like. STYLE: I just don't like the style, I wasn't sure what I would think of the style (personally) when I ordered it, but this is a new line of bags for me and I took the 'free' opportunity to looking at them what I think of the brand in general (as it turned out the quality is such that I would order from the brand again) but personally I didn't like it as much. It's too big to be THIS SQUARE (and it's a lot squarer in real life than it is in the photo) and it looks like it needs to be strapped to the side of a Harley Davidson (not that Harleys aren't cool, but I don't like it). I don't want my handbag to look like a bike accessory!). in summary. The style is very masculine and not for me. But style is subjective, and what I love someone else will hate. The workmanship of the bag is excellent except for the issues with the strap. Keep in mind that it's larger than it looks and has a camouflage lining. If these details (and strap length) work for you, you'll love this bag. However, if you have to shorten the straps, it will drive you crazy.