So refreshing to have honest reflections on changing taste and needs with bags! I’m quite curious about oleada but tbh I am still enjoying the history and longevity of vintage luxury (not to mention the sustainability) x loved your video as always
I bought the Clementine bag from the horse based on your reviews and others I'd seen. I LOVE it! I love the thick, soft leather, the lack of that plasticy feel that many bags have, the functionality and wear of it, and I think the style is gorgeous -- minimalist but with little subtle touches that make it stand out as something really special. When I first opened it I did detect a 'smell', but to me it just smelled like a really great quality leather. Nothing 'chemical', at all. I now have a second Clementine on order in a different color, and I'm trying really hard not to buy it in every single color, I love it so much!
That is so good to hear! They really are beautiful bags and I have had such a good experience with them. Every time The Horse release new handbags I am so excited to see what they have! Xx
I totally agree with this! Two weeks is not long enough, like you I am 100% honest with how I feel about something ‘at that moment in time’ but style does change and you learn what is for you and what isn’t. ❤
Hi Shannon. That Bottega looking bag is gorgeous. The Margaux looking bag looks very cheap. It even sounded like plastic. This was an interesting topic, thanks for sharing.
Thank you for introducing me to some new brands that I haven’t heard of. I am going to check out some of your recommendations. It’s hard to purchase something online when you’ve never “seen”, “smelled” or “felt” the bag you are interested in. I always read the reviews, but again, it’s hard to know if they are fake or not. Watching you review the bags gives me an honest review. I appreciate it. 😀👜
Aw thank you so much! I am so glad I am able to help in some way, it’s so hard knowing what’s worth your money sometimes. Good luck handbag shopping and if you have any questions about any of the brands just message me on Instagram Xx
Tanner Leatherstein makes amazing videos regarding how much luxury or contemporary bags cost - the mark up on some leather bags are insane. So yeah, I don’t think a higher price tag always equates to better quality and vice versa. 😊
Hey Shan! This is one of the most thorough and honest brand reviews I have ever watched and I really enjoyed hearing your perspective. Statistically, I think its inevitable that popular brands will have more negative reviews simply by virtue of increased exposure. It may not always be a quality control issue which might explain why you feel your personal experience differs from others? (E.g. if 10% of faulty bags bypass quality control in 100 people then you get 10 negative reviews vs 100 negative reviews in 1000 people). I also think you could have 9/10 glowing reviews but that 1/10 negative review is what gets the most hype 😂 Hearing your positive experience reassures me! I had also noticed from the website that the hardware on Dylan Kain's newer bags are darker but I didnt realise it felt different too, I assumed it was stylistic in nature 😮 Thanks for mentioning that! I also agree with your comment about items raising red flags when they are so well made but cheap. I love a good deal but it always makes me worried about sweat shops in third world countries when I stop to think about it 😅 P.S. I think you're really well spoken and I always admire how diplomatically and gracefully you handle negative comments/ misunderstandings Xx
beautiful review. I came by the songmont brand from your channel at it became my favorite so quickly so thank you for the introduction and the review video. I would love to get the song one specially . it's absolutely beautiful . so like you said if you decided to sell it or donate it or gift it please let me know. i'd gladly take it off your hand because it's the exact shape and size I need as an everyday hand bag.
I am waiting for my two Clementine bags, that I ordered over the Black Friday sales, and they are due to arrive next week. Really hoping they will not disappoint. As for "made in China" alarms that I often hear, and that do trigger some concerns in me (mostly because of almost engrained stereotype), I also know that there are couple of Italian bag brands that are "my go to" for many years now (and whose quality I find satisfying), and they now also do production in China.
Love the songmont bag. Let me know if you do decide to sell it. I’ve been on the fence with the horse bag. I just can’t put my finger on what the problem is for me.
Shannon, I first saw The HORSE Bag shared by you and another Influencer first. Well, the bag DOES smell like CHEMICALS. I'm slowly but Surely finding myself ONLY interested in content, Influencers/Content Creators Purchase with their OWN money. I feel if an influencer share with others, items and the Influencer's Thoughts/Opinions have Declined/Changed about these items, the Influencer should Immediately share an update of that item - by not doing so, is DECEPTIVE! Especially, if you are sharing to help others in the first place - lately that Doesn't seem to be the norm anymore. Honest Opinions on things that are free, is a struggle - I heard it in this video even. Shannon, I appreciate your honesty on these bags. Please share, why you would recommend the DYLAN KAIN BAGS After you clearly stated you haven't kept all their bags due to their functionality & less quality hardware. Very informative video. TFS 🤍 p/s I Never could understand how any could love EVERYTHING. 😂
I appreciate your opinion on the topic, did you send your bag back for the chemical smell? I am going to ask them about this, seems a few people have experienced it. I also completely understand your frustration about influencers and gifted items, as a UA-cam watcher myself I know I can sometimes feel that when watching others. However, I try my absolute best to keep you all updated and would never continually promote something I don't believe is worth your money. I also get a lot of requests from my audience to review bags from these brands so that is also when I will agree to collaborate. I am still learning the ropes so I hope you can bear with me. As for Dylan Kain, I sold the bucket bag style because the strap was a top handle which I don't use much and the other bag I sold was a flap bag with a divider down the middle, I know some people love those bags but it didn't work out for me. In regards to the hardware, I noticed it is only really yellow gold hardware, the champagne gold hardware and silver seem the same. So I still love the brand but now I really look at which hardware they are using. I hope this all makes sense ahaha!
I just purchased clementine bag the horse and it smells heavy of leather. I’ve purchased other brands including all leather from LV and it had chemical smell. I think it’s due to type of color when dyed
IMO, The Horse has the best quality leather for the price. Both bags I own have the nice leather smell, even 2 years later. I own luxury bags costing so much more & the quality isn’t close to what The Horse offers.
So your video from a few months ago with your gifted items where you alluded to favoring those bags and having designer SLGs…have you become less impressed with those contemporary brands and time has gone on?
I was more alluding to liking bags with minimal style which the contemporary brands do SO well! Then having pops of heavily branded designer SLGs inside my bag. I also think I need to give better context as to what I would purchase with my own money, I think because I am gifted these bags I would probably spend my money on designer ones. I hope that makes sense? Xx
Shannon, you would not buy any of these bags with your hard earned money but will influence us to buy? Why don't you just buy the Songmont Bag instead of hoping to work with them again to receive it? Clearly you love their items and 100% would tell us and friends to buy. Are influencers receiving higher quality items for FREE from these companies and the rest of us receiving lesser quality. Or maybe, increased sales equate to lower quality? You believe what comes from China is sustainable?
Hey! I would buy them with my own money and I have in the past. What I meant was I personally opt for vintage and designer because I love the history and/or bargain hunting. Also yes, maybe I will buy the Songmont bag, it is on my Wishlist I just haven't decided if I really need it yet. I am not sure about influencers receiving higher quality items, I don't think that is the case, but I guess I would never truly know.
I don’t know what to think you review these bags. I feel like you are biased with the expensive ones even suggesting a brand should raise their prices, I was shocked, !! I understwhat your thinking but it suggestions like that aren’t well thought. You even mention for a for collaboration ( free bags) . That makes me think you will always love songmont if they collaborate. Do you get the point? I am being an honest and say this respectfully as a viewer and your opinions here are kind of confusing/ influenced.
Hey! I have read your comment a couple of times and confused as to what you mean? This video is all about me being honest and not biased at all, just a genuine review. I filmed this video to give an ‘updated’ review to help my audience because over time as I use the bags more I have more opinions about them. When I was reviewing I was trying not to think about the brand or price…just going off the quality and functionality of the bag. Nothing here is sponsored or influenced. I hope that makes sense? As for the “raising prices” comment, I was just confused as to why the quality of The Horse bag was SO good and yet they are the most affordable. I sometimes worry if they are made in a low paid factory? I’m not sure but they were just my honest thoughts. I hope I understood your comment correctly and was able to answer your concerns Xx
So refreshing to have honest reflections on changing taste and needs with bags! I’m quite curious about oleada but tbh I am still enjoying the history and longevity of vintage luxury (not to mention the sustainability) x loved your video as always
Thank you! ❤ Yes, definitely adding more pre loved pieces to my collection in 2025!
Many luxury companys make bags at China. 🤷♀️ The Horse bag is very well made. Even cheap bags sometimes are better made than more expensive ones.
Yes, I have started to notice just how many brands manufacture in China - far more than I originally thought!
I bought the Clementine bag from the horse based on your reviews and others I'd seen. I LOVE it! I love the thick, soft leather, the lack of that plasticy feel that many bags have, the functionality and wear of it, and I think the style is gorgeous -- minimalist but with little subtle touches that make it stand out as something really special. When I first opened it I did detect a 'smell', but to me it just smelled like a really great quality leather. Nothing 'chemical', at all. I now have a second Clementine on order in a different color, and I'm trying really hard not to buy it in every single color, I love it so much!
That is so good to hear! They really are beautiful bags and I have had such a good experience with them. Every time The Horse release new handbags I am so excited to see what they have! Xx
I totally agree with this! Two weeks is not long enough, like you I am 100% honest with how I feel about something ‘at that moment in time’ but style does change and you learn what is for you and what isn’t. ❤
Such an enlightening video! Thanks for sharing! Have never heard of Lumen but looked at their website and they have some nice bags!
Thanks so much for watching I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yes, they have some really beautiful styles Xx
Hi Shannon. That Bottega looking bag is gorgeous. The Margaux looking bag looks very cheap. It even sounded like plastic. This was an interesting topic, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! Xx
Thank you for introducing me to some new brands that I haven’t heard of. I am going to check out some of your recommendations. It’s hard to purchase something online when you’ve never “seen”, “smelled” or “felt” the bag you are interested in. I always read the reviews, but again, it’s hard to know if they are fake or not. Watching you review the bags gives me an honest review. I appreciate it. 😀👜
Aw thank you so much! I am so glad I am able to help in some way, it’s so hard knowing what’s worth your money sometimes. Good luck handbag shopping and if you have any questions about any of the brands just message me on Instagram Xx
@ Thank you. 😍
Wow really great reviews and information. Thanks! ❤
Love this video!! Thank you for sharing your honest opinion. I am looking to purchase a bag and this helps alot!
Tanner Leatherstein makes amazing videos regarding how much luxury or contemporary bags cost - the mark up on some leather bags are insane. So yeah, I don’t think a higher price tag always equates to better quality and vice versa. 😊
Hey Shan! This is one of the most thorough and honest brand reviews I have ever watched and I really enjoyed hearing your perspective. Statistically, I think its inevitable that popular brands will have more negative reviews simply by virtue of increased exposure. It may not always be a quality control issue which might explain why you feel your personal experience differs from others? (E.g. if 10% of faulty bags bypass quality control in 100 people then you get 10 negative reviews vs 100 negative reviews in 1000 people). I also think you could have 9/10 glowing reviews but that 1/10 negative review is what gets the most hype 😂 Hearing your positive experience reassures me!
I had also noticed from the website that the hardware on Dylan Kain's newer bags are darker but I didnt realise it felt different too, I assumed it was stylistic in nature 😮 Thanks for mentioning that!
I also agree with your comment about items raising red flags when they are so well made but cheap. I love a good deal but it always makes me worried about sweat shops in third world countries when I stop to think about it 😅
P.S. I think you're really well spoken and I always admire how diplomatically and gracefully you handle negative comments/ misunderstandings Xx
beautiful review. I came by the songmont brand from your channel at it became my favorite so quickly so thank you for the introduction and the review video. I would love to get the song one specially . it's absolutely beautiful . so like you said if you decided to sell it or donate it or gift it please let me know. i'd gladly take it off your hand because it's the exact shape and size I need as an everyday hand bag.
Great video! What do you think of Oroton? I feel its a go to for Australians and great quality
Yes, Oroton is beautiful. Basically the Coach equivalent for us Xx
Great video Shannon. I am thinking about Songmont Tofu bag.. I would like to get your opinion. I am looking for box bag and it looks to me good pinch
It looks gorgeous, I know there are a lot of great reviews out there on the Tofu bag that may be able to help you decide Xx
I am waiting for my two Clementine bags, that I ordered over the Black Friday sales, and they are due to arrive next week. Really hoping they will not disappoint. As for "made in China" alarms that I often hear, and that do trigger some concerns in me (mostly because of almost engrained stereotype), I also know that there are couple of Italian bag brands that are "my go to" for many years now (and whose quality I find satisfying), and they now also do production in China.
Yes, I have started to notice sooo many of my favourite brands manufacture in China, I may have to do more research on wether this is bad or not 🤔
Love the songmont bag. Let me know if you do decide to sell it. I’ve been on the fence with the horse bag. I just can’t put my finger on what the problem is for me.
@jmfrye13 I think you and I are the same person. My thoughts exactly. I am hesitant to buy either of these bags without seeing them in person.
@ ❤️
Me too. I’ve been wanting one but they sound just too good to be true😬
Shannon, I first saw The HORSE Bag shared by you and another Influencer first. Well, the bag DOES smell like CHEMICALS.
I'm slowly but Surely finding myself ONLY interested in content, Influencers/Content Creators Purchase with their OWN money.
I feel if an influencer share with others, items and the Influencer's Thoughts/Opinions have Declined/Changed about these items, the Influencer should Immediately share an update of that item - by not doing so, is DECEPTIVE! Especially, if you are sharing to help others in the first place - lately that Doesn't seem to be the norm anymore. Honest Opinions on things that are free, is a struggle - I heard it in this video even.
Shannon, I appreciate your honesty on these bags. Please share, why you would recommend the DYLAN KAIN BAGS After you clearly stated you haven't kept all their bags due to their functionality & less quality hardware. Very informative video. TFS 🤍
p/s I Never could understand how any could love EVERYTHING. 😂
I appreciate your opinion on the topic, did you send your bag back for the chemical smell? I am going to ask them about this, seems a few people have experienced it. I also completely understand your frustration about influencers and gifted items, as a UA-cam watcher myself I know I can sometimes feel that when watching others. However, I try my absolute best to keep you all updated and would never continually promote something I don't believe is worth your money. I also get a lot of requests from my audience to review bags from these brands so that is also when I will agree to collaborate. I am still learning the ropes so I hope you can bear with me. As for Dylan Kain, I sold the bucket bag style because the strap was a top handle which I don't use much and the other bag I sold was a flap bag with a divider down the middle, I know some people love those bags but it didn't work out for me. In regards to the hardware, I noticed it is only really yellow gold hardware, the champagne gold hardware and silver seem the same. So I still love the brand but now I really look at which hardware they are using. I hope this all makes sense ahaha!
I just purchased clementine bag the horse and it smells heavy of leather. I’ve purchased other brands including all leather from LV and it had chemical smell. I think it’s due to type of color when dyed
Oh I see, I think I might email them and ask about this. Would be interesting to know what causes the strong smell some people are experiencing!
Whereabouts do you sell your bags?
IMO, The Horse has the best quality leather for the price. Both bags I own have the nice leather smell, even 2 years later. I own luxury bags costing so much more & the quality isn’t close to what The Horse offers.
I agree! They re absolutely beautiful and some items from The Horse I have had for almost 10 years and they are still in great condition X
I hope in 2025 you get to work with more brands you love. 💖
Thank you, me too! 🙏
So your video from a few months ago with your gifted items where you alluded to favoring those bags and having designer SLGs…have you become less impressed with those contemporary brands and time has gone on?
I was more alluding to liking bags with minimal style which the contemporary brands do SO well! Then having pops of heavily branded designer SLGs inside my bag. I also think I need to give better context as to what I would purchase with my own money, I think because I am gifted these bags I would probably spend my money on designer ones. I hope that makes sense? Xx
Shannon, you would not buy any of these bags with your hard earned money but will influence us to buy? Why don't you just buy the Songmont Bag instead of hoping to work with them again to receive it? Clearly you love their items and 100% would tell us and friends to buy.
Are influencers receiving higher quality items for FREE from these companies and the rest of us receiving lesser quality. Or maybe, increased sales equate to lower quality?
You believe what comes from China is sustainable?
Hey! I would buy them with my own money and I have in the past. What I meant was I personally opt for vintage and designer because I love the history and/or bargain hunting. Also yes, maybe I will buy the Songmont bag, it is on my Wishlist I just haven't decided if I really need it yet. I am not sure about influencers receiving higher quality items, I don't think that is the case, but I guess I would never truly know.
I don’t know what to think you
review these bags. I feel like you are biased with the expensive ones even suggesting a brand should raise their prices, I was shocked, !!
I understwhat your thinking but it suggestions like that aren’t well thought. You even mention for a for collaboration ( free bags) . That makes me think you will always love songmont if they collaborate.
Do you get the point? I am being an honest and say this respectfully as a viewer and your opinions here are kind of confusing/ influenced.
Hey! I have read your comment a couple of times and confused as to what you mean? This video is all about me being honest and not biased at all, just a genuine review. I filmed this video to give an ‘updated’ review to help my audience because over time as I use the bags more I have more opinions about them. When I was reviewing I was trying not to think about the brand or price…just going off the quality and functionality of the bag. Nothing here is sponsored or influenced. I hope that makes sense? As for the “raising prices” comment, I was just confused as to why the quality of The Horse bag was SO good and yet they are the most affordable. I sometimes worry if they are made in a low paid factory? I’m not sure but they were just my honest thoughts. I hope I understood your comment correctly and was able to answer your concerns Xx
@ yes you did. I appreciate your response.