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On July 26, 2016, I received an email alert from Rags2Riches about their new product, which was the Casey Mini. They'll be releasing the Casey Mini online and in stores 2 days later, July 28, Thursday. I was bummed before on missing out on the original-sized Casey, so I told myself I wouldn't miss out on the Casey Mini if I found a color combo that I really liked.
On the morning of July 28, I started going into the R2R website. Throughout the day during work, I've checked back every now and then. Still no Casey Mini. :( Good thing, my sister was going to the mall after work. I asked her to go to the R2R store and get me one before the best color runs out! There was only 1 unit per variant per branch.
[Side note: For those unfamiliar with Rags 2 Riches, it's a social enterprise that produces bags and home accessories, aimed to create income opportunities for marginalized people (began in 2007 with rug-weaves from Payatas, but now with more local indigenous artisans throughout the Philippines). Read their story here.]
So my sister went to the store and sent me photos of the five variants. For the Casey (original size), I wanted the Nautical or the Santorini Red (I like blue and red). For the Casey Mini in Maltese Mustard (Php 2889), I fell in love with the black canvas with mustard R2R signature weave. Unfortunately, I don't know what the black and white fabric is called. I'll update this entry when I find out what it's called.
I was so happy when my sister brought it home that night! Here's a close up so you can see the impeccable workmanship. To those who snub locally-made products, take a look at this photo!
Here's a video from Rags 2 Riches on the Four-Way Casey Bag, demo'ed with the original size, not the mini version. The video comes with a loud cutesy background music, so turn your volume a bit lower.
Here's another video of the Casey Mini from their instagram:
As demo'ed in the Youtube video above, there are four ways the Casey Mini can be configured:
As a folio (flat): I'll probably only use it as a folio if I'm carrying around a tablet or some flat half-bond paper-sized documents. Bulky items will ruin the shape. Since I'm not using this for documents or tablets, I rarely use this as a folio.
As a shopping tote (trapezoid shape, wider base): It comes with a rectangular board to serve as the bag base when it's worn as a shopping tote. I like this shape best because it doesn't show that I am carrying bulky things, thanks to the wide base.
As a doctor's bag (roundish box): The Casey Mini doesn't work as a doctor's bag because it's too small. Since the top 2 corners are folded down (which includes the zippers), it makes it harder to zip and unzip the bag. The doctor's bag might be better off for the original size and the weekender size. In the video above with the bigger Casey, zipping and unzipping seemed easier.
As a sling bag (sling strap attached and can be carried cross-body): Just use any of the above 3 configurations, but just attach the sling strap. Hand-free carrying!
What it looks like inside:
The bag is lined with black cloth. There are 2 pockets (for your phone any small object) and a zipper pocket. On the right side, there's a nifty leather clip where you can put your keys. At the base, there is a detachable rectangular board.
I've used the Casey Mini for several weekends. I don't need a big bag during the weekends because I only carry my cellphone, keys, wallet, lip balm, tissue, charger, and portable charger. I love using it and I totally do not regret getting it at all!
I'm constantly on the lookout for more of R2R's bags and pop-ups. I'm a fan of the company and the positive impact they have on the local artisans. When I see an R2R bag that I really like (emphasis on really because I can't afford to buy everything I like), I buy it right away because I know I will never feel guilty or regret spending money on this company.
Rags 2 Riches
Website: www.rags2riches.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Rags2RichesInc/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rags2richesinc
Referral Link, for 10% discount on your first purchase: http://r2r.refr.cc/L3G2X7K (I get perks when you use my link)
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