Truth be told, we have always loved a good top handle satchel bag. In our quest for the perfect one, it seems that there has always been something a bit lacking. It might have a luxurious leather, but the shape isn’t quite right. Or the size is too small with a top too narrow to get into easily. Perhaps even worse, it is too big and feels like we are schlepping around a piece of luggage. The real deal-breaker? It must have a detachable (and adjustable!) leather messenger strap. Have you ever tried to grab hold of your latte, shopping bag, and your toddler’s hand at the same time? Or taken your beloved top handle satchel bag on a long day out? It can definitely feel heavy or a bit in the way quicker than you think! That’s where the Nightingale comes in.
A few things immediately came up when the design team first started working on the Arayla Nightingale bag and handbags for real life was the focus.
One feature was that it absolutely needed to have a detachable and adjustable long strap (in the same premium Italian leather) that could be worn on the shoulder or cross-body and that this strap was to be essential that was automatically included. Another was the opening.
The Arayla design girls knew how important it was to be able to easily get in and out of their handbag, but that a zipper closure was necessary to keep everything secure. We went on to source the highest quality zippers that we could find and were thrilled to find that such zippers happened to be made locally in Los Angeles. It’s a small but important joy for us to source all Arayla handbag materials from within the U.S. We love that our zippers came from a company right here in L.A. that works with other high-quality fashion brands.
Real-Life Problems
Next up was the bottom of the bag. It isn’t always possible to find a nice and clean surface to place our handbag on, so it became a priority to include feet on the Arayla Nightingale satchel. Our design team worked hard to perfectly manage this feature without making it heavy or clunky. A few stylishly placed studs and distinct stitching gave a slight edginess to the design while keeping the ability to wear beautifully in a professional environment.
Shape of Luxury
The Arayla Nightingale bag has that perfect shape which keeps nicely even with lots of wear (we have been wearing our nonstop for the past 9 months and can totally attest to this!). The size was carefully chosen so that you can tuck in your essentials, perhaps an iPad, and a cardigan, or even just your wallet, keys, and phone. She gives a casual little slouch with the latter and elegantly holds her shape with the former. The Arayla Nightingale bag carries gorgeously from a day bag to a more sophisticated evening choice (definitely impossible if luggage sized!).
Nightingale
This is just a small bit of the background of our Nightingale bag. The careful thought that went into everything, including those seemingly small details which designers often exclude. We absolutely love our gorgeous top handle bag and delight in wearing her all about town. Both cross-body with skinny jeans and high-tops, and in the crook of the arm with a pencil skirt and heels.
It really is the little things which add up to make Arayla handbags a wonderfully stylish and constant companion.
