I did not expect to love this bag as much as I do.
When I ordered the MAISON de SABRÉ Small Soft Tote, I was cautiously optimistic. I liked the look, I liked the price point, I liked the sustainability positioning. But I also know how often brands overpromise on leather quality.
After actually using it, scratching it on purpose, wearing it to an NFL media event, and living with it for a few weeks, here’s my honest MAISON de SABRÉ review.
Short version: I’m keeping it. And that says a lot.
Why I Bought MAISON de SABRÉ In The First Place
Let’s start with context: I’m not a luxury purse collector. I will probably never spend $4,000 on a handbag. I’d rather book a flight to Japan or pay down my mortgage on my Whimsy Homes cabin.
But I do care about quality leather and bags that will last. “Buy it nice or buy it twice” is a motto I love as an adult.
So when I kept seeing MAISON de SABRÉ positioned as a more accessible alternative to big luxury houses, I was intrigued. Their leather goods wallets, phone case options, charms, and bags are priced around $300 to $400. The Small Soft Tote is $399.
That’s not cheap, but it’s also not Hermès money.
If I’m spending $399, I want real grain leather, I want structure, I want hardware that doesn’t feel hollow. I want something that will last years, not months.
The Small Soft Tote: Real World Breakdown
The Small Soft Tote is crafted from full-grain leather sourced from gold rated European and rated European tanneries. They use DriTan™, which is part of their sources materials sustainability approach and focuses on reducing water usage during tanning.
Marketing aside, here’s what I actually noticed.
The leather feels substantial. It has weight without being heavy. It smells like leather in a good way. Not chemical. Not coated.
I did the scratch test. I literally dragged my nails across it because I’ve owned leather bags that mark instantly. This one didn’t. That was the first moment I thought, okay, this might actually be high quality.
It stands upright on a table. Even empty. That matters more than people realize.
Inside, it has:
- One slip pocket that fits your phone
- One zipped pocket for valuables
- Magnetic snap closure
- Detachable shoulder strap
- Short top handles
- Semi structured design
It opens full enough that you can actually see what you packed instead of digging blindly.
It’s compatible with Kindle or iPad Mini. I’ve fit my wallet, keys, lip gloss, sunglasses, and random event badge in here without it looking overstuffed.
This also sorta feels like a business bag for someone who doesn’t want a business bag.
Styling My Small Soft Tote In Real Life
I wore this to an NFL media preview during Super Bowl week in San Francisco. I paired the Emerald Lily Small Soft Tote green with a pink pantsuit. The color contrast looked expensive and fun.
That’s something MAISON does well. Their color options feel intentional.
Sézane makes leather bags in this price range too, but they rarely offer bold shades like this green. That’s part of why I chose this bag.
It works crossbody, it works handheld, it doesn’t collapse when you set it down or slouchy.
And most importantly, it doesn’t feel trendy but more like something I’ll still want in five years, if not longer.
MAISON de SABRÉ Where Is It Made?
The leather is sourced from gold rated European tanneries in the Netherlands and processed using DriTan™ technology. The brand emphasizes sustainability leather care and traceability through the SABRÉ insignia, which is a serial number stamped on each bag.
That serial number connects you to customer service if needed and verifies authenticity.
They ship in recycled packaging and position themselves heavily around sustainability.
Is it perfect? I don’t know every detail of their supply chain. But they are transparent about sourcing and tanning partners, which is more than a lot of brands at this price point.
The SABRÉMOJI™ Fruit Charm: Worth It Or Gimmick?
I also ordered the SABRÉMOJI™ Fruit Charm in Lime.
It’s technically an AirTag charm, but I use it for my lactaid pillsbecause I’m lactose intolerant and I like to squirrel away dairy pills in all my bags and this is a cute way to do it.
It’s made from upcycled leather offcuts. They also have limited drops like the sabrÉmoji garden and anniversary edition charm styles.
Is it necessary? No.
Is it helpful and cute? Yes.
If you’re already placing an order over the threshold for free shipping or express shipping, it’s a fun add on.
What About The Saddle Bag And The Hermès Evelyne Comparison?
The MAISON saddle bag comes up constantly in search results. Especially in orange.
A lot of people online consider the Saddle Bag an Hermès Evelyne dupe because of its crescent shape and crossbody structure.
Here’s my take: It’s inspired in silhouette. It is not copying logos or hardware. It’s $399, not several thousand dollars. If you like the relaxed crossbody vibe of the Evelyne but want something more accessible, the Saddle Bag is a strong alternative.
But don’t buy it expecting luxury house prestige. Buy it because you like the design and the leather. Honestly, I plan on buying this bag next since I love the look.
Maison de Sabre Shipping, Orders, And Customer Service
Orders placed before 2pm dispatch same day. Mine shipped quickly and arrived within a few business days.
They offer standard shipping and complimentary express shipping on US orders over $300. Orders over $100 receive complimentary shipping.
I didn’t need customer service, so I can’t personally rate their service experience. But Trustpilot shows around a 4.2 rating at the time of writing with many verified buyer reviews mentioning smooth shipping and helpful service.
They do not currently have a Better Business Bureau profile but are rated highly on Trust Pilot.
Is It Worth $399?
Yes.
And I don’t say that lightly.
I own other leather bags. I know what cheap leather feels like. This does not feel cheap.
It feels durable. The hardware feels intentional. The construction feels thoughtful. The stitching looks clean.
Why pay $4,000 when you can pay $400?
If you want luxury house status, this is not that. If you want high quality leather goods without draining your savings, this hits.
Final Verdict
This MAISON de SABRÉ review is simple: I expected to like it. I didn’t expect to love it. I definitely didn’t expect to find nothing to complain about.
But here we are.
If you’re debating the Small Soft Tote, I voted yes.
MAISON de SABRÉ FAQ
Is Maison de Sabre legit?
Yes. Maison de Sabre is a direct to consumer maison brand focused on leather goods and small leather goods. They do not currently have a Better Business Bureau profile. On Trustpilot, they hold approximately a 4.2 rating at the time of writing, with many verified buyer reviews mentioning quality, shipping, and customer service.
Maison de Sabre where is it made?
Their full-grain leather is sourced from gold rated european and rated european tanneries in the Netherlands and crafted using the DriTan™ tanning process, which prioritizes sustainability leather care and water reduction.
Is the Maison de Sabre Saddle Bag an Hermès Evelyne dupe?
A lot of people online say yes.
The Maison saddle bag, especially in orange, is widely considered an Hermès Evelyne dupe because of its curved silhouette and minimalist crossbody style.
Here’s my take. It’s inspired in shape, but it’s not copying logos or hardware details. It’s its own Maison product made from full-grain leather with thoughtful construction. It’s $399, not several thousand dollars.
If you love the relaxed crossbody vibe of the Evelyne but want something more accessible, it’s a strong alternative.
How long does shipping take?
Orders placed before 2pm dispatch same day. Standard shipping typically arrives within a few business days depending on location. Express shipping is complimentary on US orders over $300.
Does the Small Soft Tote scratch easily?
In my experience, no. I did a full scratch test with my nails and the grain leather held up very well.
Is the SABRÉMOJI charm worth it?
If you use an AirTag or want a playful leather case for small essentials, yes. I use mine constantly.
