The Cambridge Satchel Company: Edinburgh Pop-Up Store

The Cambridge Satchel Company opens its latest shop – in Edinburgh!

My oxblood Cambridge Satchel and Edinburgh are probably two of the most featured things on my blog; you merely have to glance at Everything Looks Rosie to spot one or both. In fact, my stats tell me these are two key search terms via which people reach my blog (hello!). My satchel is practically vintage in fashion terms, has seen me through good and challenging times, and is just as at home at London Fashion Week as it is in the classroom. In the past, it’s featured on Cambridge Satchel’s website when they launched the oxblood classic collection, and in the Edinburgh guide I wrote for CSC last year. So when I heard they were opening a pop-up in Edinburgh, I couldn’t think of a better combination.

Mine is certainly one busy satchel: it’s survived bumps, scrapes, countless London commutes and many a Scottish downpour (not to mention a direct hit from a bowl of soup in the staffroom one day), but it’s my constant companion and just keeps looking better with age. In the time since I purchased my satchel (saving any wages that weren’t spent on London rent, and cheering up a particularly miserable February) and interviewed founder Julie Deane not long after, the Cambridge Satchel Company has gone from strength to strength. CSC continues to flourish as it remains so true to its roots, continuing to deliver its uniquely nostalgic appeal, fantastic quality and creative design.

The pop-up is one of two Scottish shops that have opened just in time for Christmas: one in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow’s Royal Exchange Square. Edinburgh’s pop-up shop is located at 63 George Street, and last night the shiny new store opened its doors for a specially festive evening to celebrate. There were miniature mince pies, tablet and mulled wine, and the new shop was decked out in all its festive finery. I seriously recommend a visit, although be warned – you might want to start re-thinking your Christmas list right now!

Julie talked me through their latest offerings, which include the beautiful Autumn Spice collection (I had my eye on the gorgeous teal satchel), stylish push lock bag (which transforms into a clutch) and new ‘tiny satchel’, which really is the cutest bag I’ve ever seen. I’m so glad CSC has come to Scotland and really admire brands that can think outside that London fashion bubble. The shop has a real cosy feel (it incorporates furniture from CSC’s original Covent Garden abode, including gorgeous wooden dressers that I would quite like in my kitchen) and seems very at home on George Street – almost like it’s always been there.

We were treated to a gorgeous leather keyring embossed with our initials as a parting gift, which you can see in action above. I had to go for matching oxblood, of course. It’s the best event I’ve attended in some time – I hope CSC sticks around in Scotland, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the brand too. It was great to meet Julie and her team in person, and thank you to Hartmann Media for inviting me along. It really does go to show: vision, a lot of hard work, a sense of humour and a dose of genuine loveliness can get you far in this world.

p.s. If you live further afield, the Cambridge Satchel Co has free embossing until 14 December as well as free worldwide delivery!