Review: Cuzo Weekender Bag

Remember my gamit na gamit blue Cuzo Anne Satchel? I ended up using it for days after I blogged about wearing it for a week. That's how much I loved that bag.

Last week, I was able to get my hands on another Cuzo bag, this time their aptly named Weekender carry-all in blue. It features a nylon body, striped black and white grosgrain cotton straps, and black leather accents. It also features a gunmetal zipper, with a leather pull, and silver studs to anchor the leather strips that hold the straps in place. It also comes in red.

I admit that I was hoping for a bigger bag. The Cuzo site gives the Weekender's specs as being 40 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm (L x W x D), with a handle drop of 19 cm. I would say it makes for a perfect gym bag, the nylon body making it easy to clean (just simply wipe down using an all-purpose cleaning spray and rag). However, I wasn't sure if it would hold the things I would normally pack for a weekend getaway.

I decided to give the Weekender a test run last week, as my friends and I had planned a short getaway to Bataan during the long weekend.  I was a bit apprehensive when packing for the two night, two day trip—would the Weekender hold all my outfits, toiletries, and a few extra just-in-case pieces tossed in? Surprise, surprise, it did! Here's a peek into what I packed:

I packed two tops, two shorts, a pambahay outfit of a loose tee and drawstring shorts, a sweater, a cover-up dress, a bikini, a regular Aquazorb towel, and their new amazing ultra thin Sports Towel, a freebie from Zalora. On top of that, I had a quart- and a storage-sized Ziplock bag of toiletries, another quart-sized baggie for my makeup, a small pouch for my electronics, and a pair of sandals. They all fit in quite nicely!

Amidst the mess that was our trunk, the Cuzo Weekender stood out like the pretty preppy bag that it is. 

 I was quite pleased at my packing skills. In fact, my friend Jeremy couldn't quite believe that everything I was bringing was in that bag—I don't exactly have a reputation for being a light packer! But yeah, the Weekender is deceptively roomy! I guess it helps that it's a no-frills bag. It has no pockets, or extra compartments. But the nylon material makes it exceptionally lightweight and pliant, and the non-stiff material means it's easier to squeeze in more clothes (even easier if you've learned the trick of rolling them up!)

Not exactly my best outfit, but it was a laid-back trip, so I pretty much wore my flip-flops the entire time. Sweater, H&M; shorts, The Landmark; hat, bought in New York; flip flops, Havaianas. 

There's enough length in the handles to be able to sling it comfortably on my shoulder. 

Today, Pat and I were supposed to go to Bataan again to check out a potential wedding venue (yes, we're already engaged! :D ), but our truck started overheating before we even got out of Manila. Big fat poopie. I bought along my Weekender for the ride though, so might as well share outfit photos of the day.

Tank, Topshop; skirt, thrifted; sandals, Schu; sunglasses, Mango; scarf, vintage from London; cuff, Get Happy, bag, Cuzo.

In the bag: my Macbook, charger,  and the hefty September issue of Vogue. 

Isn't this scarf pretty? Scored this (plus a couple more) at the Camden Markets in London. 

So, would I recommend the Cuzo Weekender? Definitely! I'd call it the perfect "stash" bag to replace those kinda-tacky-but-you-can't-help-but-use-them paper shopping bags. It's your best (and super chic!) alternative to hold the assortment of kalat that won't fit in your handbag. And it's well-priced at P1,500. But if you use my voucher, you'll get a P100 discount off the price. Here are the deets:

Voucher No: Katdyfinds0827012

Validity: Aug 27 to Sept 2, 2012
Minimum amount: P1,000

So go, shop na! Apart from the Weekender, and the Anne Satchel, Cuzo has a few other well-made styles that are worth your hard-earned peso. To learn more about Cuzo, you can also visit their Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter @Cuzobags . 

Before I leave, let me share with you a few photos taken with my iPhone from that trip in Bataan. Some of them have been posted on Instagram, but the rest are here for you to enjoy.

Pigging out on junk food becomes instinctive on these road trips. How can you not? That mammoth Shell Station on northbound NLEX is a heaven/hell of calorific, cholesterolicious treats. 

The scarf with my yellow striped sweater dress. Nice way to mix prints. 

Amazing end-of-day landscape shot, edited on the Camera+ App on my iPhone. 

I volunteered to make my Banoffee Pie, a simple recipe, but didn't realize it would be quite difficult to make without modern kitchen tools on hand. Crushing a packet of Hobnobs turned out to be a callous-forming chore! Here I am patiently crushing the biscuits using a spoon and a sandok.

Biscuit-crushing turned out be a success! The pie was another story, heehee.

We were all amazed at Manong's agility when climbing up that tree to get our coconuts. 

Fresh coco water. Yum!

Pat and Jeremy, ever the resourceful Canadians, playing hockey using wooden sticks and a crushed can of San Miguel Beer as a puck. And yes, that's Pat using his straw hat as a "net," haha!

The unedited sunset. Bow. 

A Week With Cuzo

Last week, I was the lucky recipient of a Cuzo bag, expressly delivered by Zalora. Cuzo, inspired by the French word "cossu" which means "posh" is a local brand that aspires to be known for its luxurious products, and they're right on track with their Anne satchel. I have been on the lookout for a nice navy bag for everyday use, and this bag fit the bill perfectly, with its lovely crocodile stamped leather, convenient pockets, and cross-body strap. I'm not really a bag person (and by this I mean that I still have to make an investment on a pricey designer bag), preferring to score my bags in thrift and vintage stores. But as I grow older, and my fashion preferences and style change, I've learned to appreciate the beauty and value of a bag made with quality materials and workmanship. I'd still buy a trendy clutch or purse at a fast fashion brand, but for classic, everyday bags, I wouldn't mind spending a bit more to get one made from genuine leather, and possessing the details that I want in a bag.

At P2,850, the Cuzo Anne satchel is a really good buy, considering it's made of genuine cow leather, and features brass hardware. Though the buckles work, the closures on the flap are magnetized for easy access. 

The Anne satchel has a front pocket. This is where I usually put cosmetics and pens.

The inside is fully lined and has an additional flat pocket that can easily fit an iPhone. While the leather is a bit stiff, the satchel is still roomy. Right now, my satchel contains a small planner, a fat coin purse/wallet, a bundle of Belle De Jour discount coupons, a bottle of cologne, Grandma's Secret Spot Remover, pocket-size alcohol,  lip tint, lipstick, a tube of Neutrogena hand cream, shades, three pens, my iPhone and a USB stick. Yep, they all fit!

I was so excited about my bag, that I resolved to use it for the entire week. I wondered if I'd have a hard time coming up with outfits, but my Cuzo satchel was an easy accomplice, and I was able to take it with me to a dinner with girlfriends, a day of meetings, Sunday malling, and a whole day of deliveries for my business. I tend to use a bag for days on end anyway, as I get lazy transferring stuff, so I was delighted that I didn't have to be a picky dresser with my satchel. 

To give you an idea, here's how I wore my Cuzo satchel the past week:

Friday, June 22: had a nice lunch at Wine Depot Westgate, after a gym workout. Had on an easy, fun outfit. Basic ribbed tank (the kind you get at department stores), thrifted cropped denim vest, and my super cute citrus-print shorts from The Landmark (isn't it so Stella McCartney?). "Channeling Chloe" metal-heeled sandals from Schu, and Cuzo bag.

Saturday, June 23: First time to get together with my high school girlfriends since I got back from our Euro trip. Decided to wear a digital-print top from Primark (don't you just love the fishies swimming about?) with a bright red-orange skirt from Forever 21, and my blue/green color-blocked Zara heels. Colorful tribal bangles, and my Cuzo satchel complete the look.

Sunday, June 24: Sunday afternoon malling outfit punched up with crayola green pants from Shopwise (thanks to Leona Lavina Panutat for this cheapo find!), thrifted printed shirt, and Renegade Folk tassel loafers. Accessorized with a denim scarf, and a bevy of chains and leather on one wrist (p.s. that crystal ball bracelet is on sale at Martina-Martina!) 

Tuesday, June 26: Busy day today. Had a few meetings, and a store visit, necessitating travel to San Juan, Cubao, Makati, and Taguig. Wanted to look chic but comfortable so I wore a gray ribbed tank, Africana print culottes thrifted in London, and Rachel Comey lace-up pumps. The tribal bangles make another appearance on the arm, together with an H&M gold neck band, and Kultura necklace. 

Thursday, June 28: Made Martina-Martina deliveries to Schu shops in MOA, Powerplant, and Glorietta (do check out our accessories at these branches!). Remember these tribal print pants? Here's another way I wear it—with a cropped top, and my Renegade folk nude sandals. Accessorized with Martina-Martina's Tassel Necklace. 

Friday, June 29: Happy birthday to me! Didn't really go out, as the boyfriend spoiled me with breakfast in bed, and a surprise tea and scones party with our neighbor Kathy, in the house. Friends also dropped by to surprise me with a birthday cheesecake. Yum! We did however venture out for a late movie, and a drink. Dressed casually in a Zara striped sailor top, and accessorized with a Headware scarf (will blog about this versatile piece next).

Isn't this bag amazing? If you like it as much as I do, you can buy it conveniently at Zalora. Free shipping too! Also comes in brown, maroon, and moss green colors. Each Cuzo piece is proudly Filipino made.