You’ve got to love a company whose tagline is:
“LIBERATING STYLISH WOMEN FROM THE MAN BAG.”
Can I get an Amen?
[Black Paris Camera Bag – photo © Epiphan!e Camera Bags]
Founder: Maile Wilson, Photographer and Man-bag Liberator
Bio (from Maile’s Blog): Maile has been a lifestyle photographer for fifteen years, photographing countless families, local TV personalities, as well as a few celebrities such as Brooke Burke, Eval Longoria, and Tony Parker. She’s a guest on the local morning show San Antonio Living, a regular contributor at Shutter Sisters, and founder of Epiphan!e Camera Bags. [Note: She also recently posted portraits of her photo shoot with her friend (jealous!) and my favorite blogger of all time, Jenny Lawson a.k.a. The Bloggess.]
[Interior of Black Paris Camera Bag – photo © Epiphan!e Camera Bags]
Review: [rating system = 1 to 5 with 5 being excellent and 1 being poor]
• Sex Appeal: [5.0] This spacious bag makes a big, bold statement. It is not for the faint of heart, but if your idea of sexy is bold, flashy, confident, and yet classy then this is the bag for you. During the weeks I field tested it, I began to feel it was an extension of some wonderfully free and playful part of my personality – an avatar for my best photographer self.
• Sport Appeal: [3.0] This bag wasn’t designed for sport. It is, however, comfortable to wear for a full day of shooting and let’s face it, a full day of shooting is its own special kind of calorie-burning sport.
• Day-tripping: [4.5] The large size of this bag makes it practical for day-tripping only if you want to take your favorite camera equipment, your 15″ MacBook Pro, the novel you’re reading, some makeup, your cell phone, and a notebook with pens. I often do want to take all of this with me and so it gets a high rating. Also, this is the first bag I’ve reviewed that easily and stylishly doubles as a brief case. It’s just the right size for my work lap top (with power cord), some snacks, a bit of make-up, my cell phone, and whatever papers I need to take back and forth to work. It also looks very professional and fresh (not a bit stodgy).
• World-trekking: [5.0] In a word – YES. This bag is the perfect carry-on and once you get to your destination it will give you all the room you need for photo gear and souvenirs alike without identifying you as a tourist. It does not scream “expensive camera equipment!” It does scream “I’m stylish!” It comes with a sturdy and well-cushioned cross-body strap which is a good fit for both comfort and security.
[Purple Paris Camera Bag – photo © Epiphan!e Camera Bags]
• Wearablility & Comfort: [5.0] This bag is tremendously feminine and yet truly durable. Regardless of the contents, you can carry it comfortably. Worn across the body with the padded strap you will be unstoppable. I wish I had had this bag back in my 18-hour-day wedding photography years!
• Dimensions: 18.0″L—-6.00’”H—-11.00’”D (with removable, padded, cross-body strap) If this bag is too big for your needs, I encourage you to check out some of the other fabulous designs available from Epiphan!e – there is sure to be one that’s just right for you.
• Price: $184.99 (plus shipping)
• Price-to-coolness ratio: [5.0]
[Back of the Purple Paris Camera Bag – photo © Epiphan!e Camera Bags]
• Comments from women: 110% positive! Wearing this bag is a bit like driving an extended-wheel-base Rolls-Royce through the hills of rural West Virginia. I’ve never had so many strangers stop to admire and quiz me on a purse or camera bag before. Nearly every time I use this bag someone comments on it – from strangers in the grocery isle to baristas at Starbucks. Everyone wants to touch it and know more about it and most squeal when they find out it’s a camera bag. One particularly pushy/touchy woman was very lucky I didn’t slap her hands away and hiss “my precious” at her.
• Comments from men: 100% positive! I also received the following comment: “Finally – you bought a brief case.” (I just smiled. He doesn’t need to know.)
• Drawbacks: None, except that it does not come in red and the red is my most favorite color. Note: The red Lola bag looks like it just might be even hotter than the purple Paris bag. You really need to check the website out to appreciate all the different styles and colors. Into icy, vibrant aqua? Need something more petite? Want a sunny yellow bag? Yup – they make those too.
• Highlights: It is made from synthetic leather that, although not water proof, did stand up very well in soggy, misty weather. Every detail of this bag exudes quality – it is built to last. I can weigh the bag down with as much gear as I like and know that the bag can take it. All of the zippers and fasteners are very durable. The interior is entirely module and allows you to arrange your gear as you prefer. The cross-body strap is soft and comfy. The shoulder strap/handle is thick and beautifully braided; in fact, it’s the detail of this braiding that brings the whole look of the bag together for me. This bag could go easily from photo shoot to dinner and a movie. It comes in purple. It also comes with it’s own sparkly, camera charm (removable – but why would you?).
- The Good News: The Paris bag is 30% off while supplies last!
- The Really Sad News: The Paris bag is being discontinued (sniff-sniff).
• Epiphan!e Camera Bags Website: http://epiphaniebags.com/#/home/ (Related Websites: http://shuttersisters.com/ and http://dailyrelish.squarespace.com/)
• Epiphan!e Camera Bags on Twitter: @EpiphanieBags
• Epiphan!e Camera Bags on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/epiphaniebags?ref=ts&sk=app_251540121567155
In joy,
Melinda
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