First Impression of My Telfar Medium Dark Olive Shopping Bag

Embossed logo on Telfar Shopping Bag

Even though The New York Times called 2020 the year of Telfar, and Beyonce also carried the shopping bag, I hesitated for a long time before pulling the trigger. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had shared the tote on her IG, and Oprah decided this vegan leather bag was one of her favorite things. So many celebrities and influencers have shown their love for Telfar Clemens' work, but I don't blindly believe in what famous people say at my age. I am all for supporting minority, black designers and businesses. However, I knew I needed to put those voices aside and really think about whether I like the bag.

Medium Telfar Shopping Bag

So what are my concerns? The design and the material have been my main area of doubt. First, it is a relatively simple tote bag, using vegan leather/PU leather; and I worried it would remind me of those cheap counterfeit bags I had seen when I was in Asia. Secondly, the long shoulder/crossbody straps are not removable. Would it fit my height? Are they comfortable? How do I feel about them dangling around when I carry it with the short handles? By now, you are probably aware that I am an over thinker. I think a lot, and probably too much.

The back side of the Telfar Shopping Bag

My first Telfar purchase was an impulse buy, and I still haven't received it. It was late at night when I didn't have my best judgment to make decisions. While browsing the new bags on Saks, I was shocked to find the pre-order option for the UGG x Telfar Shearling Shopper! So I took the plunge and ordered it! Unfortunately, Saks hasn't been able to ship the bag a month later and has been changing the ship date multiple times. I also started to do more bag unboxing/review videos on my YouTube channel during this period. Finally, I told myself, what could go wrong with ordering one of the vegan leather shopping bags? At worst, if I didn't like it, it wouldn't be hard to resell it.

One zip pocket inside the bag

Once I decided to go for it, I set my alarm, woke up at 7:30 am, made my coffee, and waited for the drop. Many people struggle to score one, but I have tried to purchase one twice, and I consider myself pretty lucky to get one both times. If you have had a problem getting one, let me know in the comment, and I will share my experience either on my YouTube channel or right here on my blog.

The crease at the back from shipping

After ordering the bag in medium size, it arrived a week later. I sometimes heard Telfar ships the bag lightning-fast, but sometimes they run into inventory glitches, which could take a while. I had made an unboxing video so that you could see how it was packaged. It came in a relatively flat box because they don't stuff the bag. They folded the shopping bag at the bottom to ship flat, so you see a crease at the back of the tote when you first open the package. I had stuffed the bag with bubble wrap and hung the bag for a few days now, and the crease is still there, so maybe I need to stuff it with something heavier, or it may go away when I start using it.

You could see the texture of this vegan leather shopping bag

Regarding my concerns, the vegan leather material is better than I expected! I wouldn't say it looks like leather because it is not. I also don't think it feels or looks cheap in person. It is soft and has a micro-texture that you would only see if you check up close. I was worried it was a shiny, smooth plastic material, and I am glad to see it is not. When I held the handles, they felt substantial. It felt good, and when I carried it crossbody, the straps were very comfortable!

Telfar Shopping Bag has non-removable shoulder/crossbody straps

In terms of design, although the bag looks like a structured tote, it is likely to be a slouchy carry unless you use a bag organizer inside. Also, I am still getting used to the long straps hanging around the bag. Once the straps are stretched and become more relaxed, they should look great and add to the visual of this bag. The tote is lined with fabric and has a zip pocket. I heard it doesn't have a pocket if you buy the small size bag, which is totally understandable as the small is basically a micro bag. The bag doesn't come with feet, so if you put your Telfar on the floor, make sure you don't drag it, or you may soon see scratches at the bottom of the bag. The handles on this bag were sewed in between the outer layer and the lining. They don't have rivets to strengthen the attachment, so I wouldn't categorize it as a workhorse kind of bag or put too much weight in it.

The straps attachment

I haven't carried it out of the house due to my busy schedule. But, by trying it out and putting it on at home, I found myself loving it more and more each time! I love the size and how comfortable it is when I carry it as a crossbody bag. Also, since the bag doesn't have any metal parts other than the magnetic closure, the color is streamlined and is a great way to accessorize your outfit with an extra pop of color! I love it enough that I have ordered another one in navy color! I see the charm and why it is well-loved. But, if you are still hesitating, I think you have to get one and try it yourself to see if it is your cup of tea.

Inside the tote