Ela
Charlotte Minimalist Evening Bag
The Charlotte Minimalist Evening Bag by Ela is a compact evening/crossbody bag with a pebbled faux leather exterior (100% polyurethane), recycled polyester lining, and gold-tone hardware. It features a zip-top closure, a removable chain grab handle, and a removable, adjustable crossbody strap, along with a small zip pocket on the back and one zipped and two slit pockets inside. Measuring 5.5 inches high, 8.75 inches long, and 1.5 inches wide, it is designed for versatile carrying as a clutch or hands-free crossbody bag and includes a signature dust bag.
- Material
- Pebbled faux leather
- Gender
- female
- Style
- minimal, classic
- Category
- Luggage & Bags
Specifications
Minimalist faux leather evening bag with removable chain handle and crossbody strap, interior pockets, and dust bag.
Pebbled faux leather exterior, recycled polyester lining, zip top closure, removable chain grab handle, detachable and adjustable crossbody strap, one interior zip pocket and two slit pockets, signature dust bag included.
- Material
- Pebbled faux leather
- Secondary
- recycled-polyester
- Style
- minimal, classic
- Occasion
- party, date-night, formal, wedding
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 8.75 x 1.5 x 5.5 in
- Category
- Luggage & Bags
Additional Attributes
- pebbled faux leather
- recycled polyester lining
- removable chain handle
- removable crossbody strap
- interior pockets
- dust bag included
Product Insights
The Charlotte Minimalist Evening Bag by Ela delivers luxury credibility through the founder's Hermès and Burberry pedigree and endorsements from Jimmy Choo and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, all at an accessible price point of $98 (often on sale for $69.95) with an all-vegan construction using faux leather and recycled polyester. Its cardboard-prototyped silhouette and convertible strap offer a luxury bag look and feel, but the narrow design compromises smartphone fit (iPhone Pro Max cannot stand upright) and stresses chain attachments, potentially causing micro-cracking. While buyers praise its high quality and value, some report stitching flaws or residue. The bag fits phones up to 6.3 inches horizontally, plus essentials like a wallet, keys, e-reader, and three lip products, and can be worn crossbody or as a clutch with proper care including storage in a dust bag and conditioning every 3-6 months.
Verified claims
- Material
- Faux leather exterior, recycled polyester interior; brand switched to all-vegan in 2018.
- Endorsements
- Jimmy Choo endorsed founder’s debut; Sophie Grégoire Trudeau carried Ela on state visits.
- Brand pedigree
- Founder's Hermès and Burberry background and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's endorsement give the bag luxury credibility.
- Design
- The silhouette was physically prototyped in cardboard, and the bag has a removable chain grab handle plus an adjustable crossbody strap; the interior zip and slit pockets follow the brand's MILCK layout (money, ID, lipstick, cellphone, keys).
- Value
- At $69.95 sale price, Reddit users rate it high quality, delivering luxury feel for a fraction of typical cost.
- Smartphone fit
- An iPhone Pro Max (about 6.3 inches tall) does not fit vertically in the 5.5-inch-high main compartment; it may fit horizontally, but the 1.5-inch width can make access tight.
- Carry modes
- The chain grab handle is removable but short, designed for hand or clutch carry; a separate removable, adjustable crossbody strap is included for shoulder and crossbody wear.
- Durability
- Micro-cracking on PU bags tends to start at high-flex points like strap anchors and zip edges; for this bag, avoid overstuffing the 1.5-inch width and handle the chain attachments gently to postpone it.
- Care
- Store lightly stuffed in the dust bag, condition the faux leather every 3–6 months, and wipe spills promptly with a damp cloth; the recycled polyester lining resists staining.
- Build quality
- The pebbled faux leather is designed to be scratch- and abrasion-resistant with reinforced stitching, but some buyers report defects such as dust and stitching problems.
- Capacity
- A phone up to about 6.3 inches fits horizontally; the interior zip and slit pockets are laid out to hold money, ID, lipstick, cellphone, and keys (the brand's MILCK items).
- Vegan and ethical positioning
- The brand has been animal-free and environmentally mindful since a 2018 move to vegan-friendly materials, so the Charlotte's faux leather exterior reflects a deliberate ethics-driven direction rather than a cost-cutting shortcut.
- Founder design pedigree
- The founder worked in PR at Hermès Canada and in accessories wholesale at Burberry London before launching Ela, a background that informs the Charlotte's structured minimalist shape and pebbled faux-leather texture.
Product record
- Title
- Charlotte Minimalist Evening Bag
- Brand
- Ela
- Price
- 98 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 12 sourcesUses
A compact everyday bag with more room than it looks
At 8.75 inches long by 5.5 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide, this bag is small but, per one customer who uses theirs daily, holds more than expected — they fit a wallet, phone, keys, an e-reader, and several lip products. Inside pockets (one zippered, two slip) plus a rear zip pocket help keep items organized. It can be worn crossbody with the adjustable strap or carried as a clutch.[1,3,4]
Wear it crossbody or carry it as a clutch
With a removable, adjustable crossbody strap and a detachable chain handle, this small evening bag can switch between hands-free wear and a grab-and-go clutch. One customer who wears theirs crossbody reports also liking the option to carry it as a clutch, and finds it holds more than expected. Note the bag is compact — about 8.75 inches long and 5.5 inches tall.[1,3,4]
A soft minimalist bag for an evening party
One reviewer took this bag out for a Christmas party and found it fit a lot. They noted the bag is quite soft and felt a little nervous about potential spills while wearing it.[2]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Charlotte Minimalist Evening Bag: Choose this if you want a slim burgundy evening bag that doubles as an everyday crossbody: it has a removable chain grab handle plus a removable, adjustable crossbody strap, a zip top, and pockets inside and out. Users report it holds more than expected—a wallet, phone, keys, an e-reader, and about 3 lip products—and describe it as high quality. Note the pebbled faux leather body (100% polyurethane, with a recycled-plastic-bottle lining) is very soft, and one reviewer felt nervous about spills because of that softness.[1,2,3,5] | Pleated Pebbled Evening Bag: Choose this if you want a soft, pleated evening clutch that doubles as a crossbody, thanks to a removable gold-tone chain strap, click closure, and a compact 15 by 7.5 by 4 inches silhouette with one interior zip pocket. It is made of pebbled faux leather (100% polyurethane shell) with a recycled polyester lining, comes in Black or Ecru/Linen, and includes a signature dust bag. Keep in mind the body is intentionally unstructured and slouchy rather than rigid, and interior organization is limited to the single zip pocket.[6,7,8,9] | Mia Small Textured Bucket Bag: Choose this if you want a small, structured bucket bag for everyday use: it measures about 9 inches tall by 9.75 inches wide by 5 inches deep, has an adjustable crossbody strap, a metallic zip top, inside and outside pockets, and a signature dust bag included. Its pebble-grained faux leather shell is 100% polyurethane, and the lining is made entirely of recycled plastic bottles, which reviewers say holds essentials without weighing you down. Note that while some reviewers loved the recycled lining's look, others found it may feel cheap if you expect a premium interior finish.[10,11,12] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front-facing rectangular evening bag with pebbled dark burgundy exterior, top zipper closure, detachable gold chain strap, small round gold zipper charm and small embossed brand text near the lower center.
- Overall shapeFlat rectangular body with gently rounded bottom corners and a slim profile visible from the front view.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.43 · w 0.85 · h 0.43 (high) - Exterior texturePebbled/grain leather texture covering the visible front panel.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.46 · w 0.84 · h 0.39 (high) - Top closureTop-mounted zipper closure running across the bag width with a visible zipper tape and metal slider at the left side.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.36 · w 0.84 · h 0.10 (high) - Zipper charmSmall round flat gold disc attached to the zipper pull, positioned near the left top edge.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.34 · w 0.05 · h 0.07 (high) - Zipper charm text“ELA”
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.34 · w 0.05 · h 0.07 (high) - Embossed brand text“ELA”
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.68 · w 0.06 · h 0.06 (medium) - Side seam pipingNarrow stitched piping runs along the left and right vertical edges and around the rounded bottom edge.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.43 · w 0.86 · h 0.43 (high) - Strap attachmentsMetal D-ring attachments on both top corners where the chain clasps connect to the bag.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.32 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.81 · y 0.32 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Detachable lobster claspsGold-tone lobster-style clasps connect the chain to the bag attachments, one visible at each top corner.
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.29 · w 0.11 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.79 · y 0.29 · w 0.11 · h 0.12 (high) - Chain strap styleLong gold chain strap with interlocking loop links extending upward out of the frame and forming a single shoulder-length strap.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.01 · w 0.64 · h 0.55 (high)
Other
Studio-style front product shot on a neutral light grey background with soft shadow beneath the bag; even lighting with minimal reflections on metal parts.
- BackgroundUniform light grey backdrop covering the whole frame.
- ShadowSoft diffuse shadow directly beneath the bag grounding it to the surface.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.82 · w 0.52 · h 0.10 (high) - Shot compositionBag centered horizontally in frame, photographed straight-on at chest height showing the front face.
- Lighting reflectionsSubtle specular highlights visible on the gold chain and zipper charm indicating studio lighting from above.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.05 · w 0.64 · h 0.45 (medium)
Colors
dark burgundy· body#492C2Ewarm gold· chain and metal hardware- Overall shapeFlat rectangular body with gently rounded bottom corners and a slim profile visible from the front view.
- 02
Product
Rear-facing view of a small pebbled-leather crossbody bag with a horizontal exterior zip pocket, top zipper closure, detachable gold chain and adjustable leather strap, and gold metal hardware.
- Overall shapeRectangular body with slightly rounded bottom corners and a flat base, shown from the rear side.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.30 · w 0.72 · h 0.48 (high) - Material and texturePebbled/grain leather surface visible across the body with subtle surface sheen.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.34 · w 0.60 · h 0.40 (high) - Exterior pocketHorizontal exterior zip pocket centered on the rear panel with visible leather trim around the zipper.
1 region
x 0.19 · y 0.38 · w 0.56 · h 0.10 (high) - Pocket zipper pullGold rectangular zipper pull with a small cutout detail attached to the exterior pocket zipper.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.42 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (high) - Top closureTop zipper closure runs along the bag opening; zipper teeth and slider in gold metal are visible.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.24 · w 0.66 · h 0.08 (high) - Detachable chain strapShort decorative gold chain strap clipped to metal rings at the top corners with lobster clasps.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.00 · w 0.70 · h 0.34 (high) - Adjustable leather strapLong matching leather crossbody strap threaded with an adjustable gold buckle and visible strap holes; strap runs across foreground and attaches via gold clip.
2 regions
x 0.24 · y 0.56 · w 0.68 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.20 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Gold hardware detailsMultiple gold metal elements including strap clips, lobster clasps, D-rings, zipper teeth, zipper sliders, and an adjustable buckle.
3 regions
x 0.60 · y 0.16 · w 0.30 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.16 · w 0.18 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.42 · y 0.46 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Seam and edge finishVisible topstitching along the pocket trim, top edge, and side seams with clean folded edges.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.34 · w 0.60 · h 0.40 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a light neutral background with soft shadow; image shows the bag angled slightly to display the rear panel and straps.
- Background and lightingEven light gray studio background with soft, diffuse lighting and a subtle cast shadow beneath the bag to the right.
- Shot compositionBag is angled three-quarters away from camera so the rear panel is visible; straps are arranged across the plane in the foreground and hanging above.
- Image qualityHigh resolution with clear detail and no visible noise or blur.
Colors
burgundy· body#4A2D2Cgold· hardware- Overall shapeRectangular body with slightly rounded bottom corners and a flat base, shown from the rear side.
- 03
Product
Top-open view of a small pebbled exterior bag showing the interior satin lining, interior zip pocket with metal pull, and gold hardware attachment and zipper teeth.
- Exterior materialPebbled textured exterior visible on the bag body in a deep reddish-brown/maroon tone with a matte finish.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.42 · w 0.96 · h 0.54 (high) - Top zipperTop-opening metal zipper with closely spaced gold-toned teeth running along the bag opening.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.08 · w 0.80 · h 0.12 (high) - Interior liningSmooth satin-like interior lining in a pale pink color visible inside the main compartment.
1 region
x 0.23 · y 0.12 · w 0.66 · h 0.36 (high) - Interior zip pocketInternal zip pocket set into the lining with a pale pink zipper tape and a small rectangular gold-toned metal zipper pull.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.22 · w 0.34 · h 0.18 (high) - Label text on interior“simons”
1 region
x 0.64 · y 0.45 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (medium) - Secondary label text“ELA”
1 region
x 0.73 · y 0.56 · w 0.08 · h 0.08 (medium) - Hardware attachmentGold-toned chain and ring attachment visible at the upper-left corner connecting to the bag body.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.18 · h 0.26 (high)
Other
Studio-style close-up photograph shot from a slightly elevated angle showing the bag interior and top edge against a plain light neutral background with soft, even lighting.
- Shot compositionClose-up, slightly overhead angle focusing on the bag opening and interior pocket; edges of the bag are cropped by the frame.
- Background and lightingEven soft lighting on a light neutral background; minor soft shadow beneath the bag visible at the lower edge.
- Image qualityHigh resolution, sharp focus on zipper teeth, interior pocket and label; no visible motion blur.
Colors
deep maroon· exterior bodypale pink satin· interior lining#ECBCBBpolished gold· metal hardware (zipper teeth, pull, chain)light pink· interior zipper tape#EDBCBB- Exterior materialPebbled textured exterior visible on the bag body in a deep reddish-brown/maroon tone with a matte finish.
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
2 threads · r/handbags, r/StrathberryHandbagsReddit users generally praise the Strathberry Charlotte as a high-quality, versatile drawstring bag that rivals luxury brands at a fraction of the cost, though some note occasional quality control issues.
The majority of comments are enthusiastic, highlighting the bag's soft leather, practicality, and style, but a few users reported defects.
Themes
Use Cases
- Everyday bag
- Evening/party bag
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Loewe Flamenco
Users say the Strathberry Charlotte is essentially the same design as the Loewe Flamenco but much better value.
vs Polene
Some users considered Polene as an alternative.
vs Aspinal of London
Strathberry is perceived as better quality than Aspinal of London.
Source Threads
Everyday usability and quality praise
I have one and I love it! I use it as my everyday bag. It holds more than you would think. I can fit my wallet, phone, keys, e-reader, and about 3 lip products and whatever else I can shove in there. I wear it crossbody but I also like that I can grab and carry as a clutch. It’s high quality!
u/GTGMEr/handbagsView thread →
Party use and soft leather concern
Took it out tonight for a Xmas party! It was great and fit a lot but I was a little nervous about spills as this bag is so soft.
u/Alllriightythenr/StrathberryHandbagsView thread →