Indie brand creates their version of an adorable belt bag
Crowdsourcing selection: Coda or the Aria?
In the early days of the female-founded luxury handbag and accessories brand Senreve, they will often crowdsource for answers from their small network of brand ambassadors and social media influencers.
One of the questions at the start of the year 2018 is which hand bag design would we prefer - a rectangular shaped bag with a button closure called the Aria or a zippered odd-shaped oval with two slight bumps on the bottom called the Coda. Base on our answers, the Senreve team will decide which one to manufacture and launch as their first belt bag.
A few months later in November we receive our answer. Senreve decides to go with both designs. I suspect there may have been a close tie to their crowdsourcing. Since the brand often starts their product launches with an 'interest list' and a 'reserve list', they have the ability to limit the quantity of their production, and hence lessen the risk of sitting inventory.
Which Senreve belt bag became more popular?
Fast forward to nearly three and a half years later and we find that the actual winner between the two designs is the Aria. In fact, Senreve has since increased the price of this belt bag from $395 to $450 a year after its launch. The Coda's basic pebbled leather, however, will remain the same price.
I am part of the majority that favors the Aria. In fact, I have purchased three of these in the classic pebbled leather - one in Marine blue (for my wardrobe collection), one in black (gifted to my daughter), and one in burgundy red (gifted to my younger sister).
What makes the Coda unique and functional?
But I am always curious about the Coda because its design reminds me of a classic camera bag, albeit the odd-shape. During a catch up dessert hour with my co-Senreve brand ambassadors, I inquire from one of them how she is liking her Coda belt bag. And she gushes with praises and love for this little bag. Her testimonial alone has me sold on getting one too!
The day I decide to pull the trigger is when Senreve announces their 'Last Chance' sale. Pristine items will be discounted up to 65% off its retail because the brand has decided to retire these handbag designs. The Coda is included in this list.
And since I happen to have a generous Senreve Octopi ICON status discount offer (*Senreve Octopi Icon is a status that comes with a lot of perks and is given to customers who have a long purchasing history with the brand), I thought there is no better time than to use this deal and tack on the extra savings with this sale!
Which Coda bag did I get? And how is Senreve's Customer Service?
Deciding which Coda belt bag to get becomes difficult because their markdown is 50% off, plus my ICON discount. Because I knew this design will be retiring and at the off-chance my daughter snags it from me, I decide to get two.
They are:
The Coda in Latte mocha color in Senreve's most luxurious leather called the Dragon (i.e. Italian leather with embossed crocodile print) and I get this for a good price of $248 versus its retail of $495.
The Coda in the Noir black color in Senreve's classic and most durable pebbled Italian leather. I get this for $237 versus its retail of $395.
[Customer Service Side Note: The Coda Noir pebbled came with a side dent on the bag and I asked Senreve for a replacement. The second replacement came with the same aesthetic defect, so I asked if they can replace it with the Coda in black Noir with the Dragon leather, despite the price difference. Because of the inconvenience of the returns process, Senreve complimented the price difference and honored the replacement with this upgraded leather. I must give credit that the brand's customer relations. They are courteous and empathetic. This is also one of the biggest reasons why I continue to love the brand.]
5 reasons why the Coda Belt Bag is a must-have:
1, The Coda convertible bag is really cute and multi-functional in design. With the leather belt it makes a chic belt bag you can even use to cinch a jacket or trench with. Use a long chain strap and it can become a classy small evening bag.
2. The large two-way zippers make it easy to secure the bag and give the bag a large opening that it can hold more items than the Aria belt bag.
3. The design of the Coda makes it easier to use as a chest sling.
4. With the size of the Coda, it can be used as a large wallet or extra SLG to store cosmetic items or other essentials, yet it is small enough to place in a medium size handbag.
5. The Coda is easy to use as a traveler's portable camera holder. The size can fit my Fujifilm X-T1 camera while using a pancake or a short lens.
And because I can use it as a belt bag, it is easier to bring on street photography shoots. I can also house a couple of small lenses in the bag while I use my camera.
Extra Purchase Perk:
During this Senreve 'Last Chance' sale, they have a customer select a gift with purchase for any spend over $300. I selected a blue pebbled leather star bag charm that says the brand's name and the tag 'made in Italy'. This gift is worth $80, which is a lovely perk.
Unboxing the Coda Belt Bag in Latte color with Dragon Leather
From Senreve:
An update to the classic fanny pack that curves in all the right places. Italian leather convertible belt bag can be worn in multiple ways: wear it as a belt bag, a sling bag, a crossbody, or a clutch. Features an exterior cardholder and 2 interior pockets, while the central compartment fits up to an iPhone XS Max.
Handbag Details:
Made in Italy
100% genuine Italian leather that is scratch, stain and water resistant
Supple, stain-resistant micro-suede interior
Secured by a wraparound zipper with two pull tabs
Dimensions:
Width at base: 7" or 18 cm
Width at top: 7.5" or 19 cm
Height on sides: 4" or 10 cm
Height in middle: 3.75" or 9.5 cm
Depth: 2.5" or 6 cm
Removable leather strap: 38.25" - 59.5" or 97 cm - 151 cm | Adjustable belt closure on strap
Interested in a Senreve handbag or accessory?
I am a Senreve Brand Ambassador. I start as a customer when I find out about the brand in my Instagram feed. I am so impressed with the quality, craftsmanship, the type of their Italian leather materials, and the unique design of their handbags that I make an immediate purchase. Every since I have become both a Senreve Octopi ICON member and brand ambassador.
With my Senreve Brand Ambassador link:
Disclosure: Completed sales using my discount link will provide me with product credits. There is no obligation to use my Senreve Brand Ambassador link, however, I am appreciative of anyone using this because it is a way of saying 'thanks' to my unbiased product reviews and feature stories on the brand. My posts are not sponsored nor paid. My monetary relationship with the brand is similar to affiliate links or customer referrals.
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