A Review of the Aoyama Bag from Lo & Sons

I usually know better than to say never, but chances are, you’ll likely never catch me with a high-end designer bag in my grasp.

Not because I don’t appreciate their craftsmanship and design – I do, from afar – but because I know I’m not worthy.

I move through life at a quick and often clumsy pace, tumbling along in search of my next great adventure. Dragging along a bag that costs ten grand just isn’t a good idea (and also that’s a lot of plane tickets!).

But that doesn’t mean I ignore things like quality and style – I just have to seek them out in ways that suit my budget and my tastes.

The team at Lo & Sons kindly gifted the Aoyama Bag, however, this review is not sponsored. This post contains commissionable links.

Lo & Son’s new Aoyama Bag caught my eye when scrolling their site one day, and I was instantly drawn to it. I know from my experience with their Waverley 2 bag that the brand’s products meet my standards for quality and function, but what really drew me in was the tension between sporty and chic.

The shape of the bag calls back to trendy nylon crescent bags, down to the rugged branded nylon strap. But where it differs stylistically is in the materials, with soft sheepskin leather instead of crunchy nylon.

Looking for more reviews? Find them all in my Style Reviews Index, sorted by brand.

I couldn’t get it out of my head – and after months of wearing it, I’m bringing you this review today so that you can’t get it out of your head either (sorry not sorry).

Today I’m diving into the details and sharing my honest thoughts about the Aoyama, some care tips, and an exclusive discount for readers. Shall we?

ABOUT THE AOYAMA BAG

Alyssa holds the Aoyama Bag in front of a blue wall — The Aoyama Bag can be carried in four different ways

Alyssa shows the front pocket and strap of the Aoyama Bag — The zippered front pocket promises to keep everything handy while the sporty strap feels very on-trend

The Aoyama Bag is open to reveal internal organization — Like always, Lo & Sons has carefully considered the interior organization

Lo & Son’s Aoyama Bag is made using sheepskin leather, recycled polyester lining, and elevated hardware, and comes in three colorways: Navy, Black, and Ivory. The top zipper slides open to reveal four mesh pockets, one zippered pocket, three card slots, and a key clip on a leash. On one end is a vertical zipper that leads to what the brand calls their “perfect world” pocket to keep things within reach.

The Aoyama Bag measures 15″L x 2.36″W x 11.4″H with an incredibly customizable drop and weighs a mere 10.8 oz. It’s billed as four bags in one thanks to the modular straps, which can be added or removed to convert the bag from a handbag to a shoulder bag to a short crossbody bag to a long crossbody bag.

MY REVIEW OF THE AOYAMA BAG

Alyssa carries the Aoyama Bag — How I primarily carry the Aoyama Bag: as a shoulder bag [also wearing: top | jeans | sandals | sunglasses | necklace]

Alyssa pinches the strap on the Aoyama Bag — My second preferred carry style: short crossbody [also wearing: top | jeans | sunglasses | earrings]

When I pulled the Aoyama Bag from its packaging, I was thrown off by how large it looked. I may be curvy but I’m not terribly tall, and I was a little afraid the size of this bag would swallow me. Thankfully, the magic of this bag lies in its slouchy soft leather: it drapes beautifully when it’s not full, but expands to carry your whole world as needed.

The construction is so well considered, from the smooth zippers to the sturdy plastic buckles. Reducing the amount of metal hardware in this bag results in a bag that feels like air when empty (it’s two ounces lighter than my significantly more compact Waverley 2).

But how does it move in my world?

This bag has been the perfect helper for all of my jaunts around Charlotte, holding my day-to-day essentials like my wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, and reusable tote bags while leaving me with plenty of room for impromptu additions (i.e. snacks).

Large purses often feel like bottomless pits, making it a challenge to find your hand sanitizer without sifting through countless items. However, the interior pockets in this bag are a game-changer for staying organized. The mesh pockets are perfect for easily storing pens and lipstick, while the built-in key leash ensures I’m never scrambling to find my keys in the Whole Foods parking garage. I prefer using my full wallet with this bag, reserving the card slots for business cards. The interior zippered pocket is ideal for keeping tampons and other less frequently needed items secure and out of the way.

As for the “perfect world” pocket, it easily holds my iPhone 13 Pro, but I still am not always in the habit of using it. Though this space often goes unused, the good news is it doesn’t encroach on the main compartment when empty.

The bag has acclimated well to my wardrobe and my life at home, and I’m glad to have such a well-made and eye-catching piece in my closet. I think the Aoyama Bag and I have a long, lasting relationship ahead of us…

…but I haven’t taken it to the next level (i.e. traveled with it) yet, and there’s a good reason why: the color.

CARING FOR THE AOYAMA BAG

The Aoyama Bag has some dark marks — Just like a white tee, the white leather is a magnet for stains

Two photos of the Aoyama Bag before and after cleaning — A quick wipe cleans it right up – these photos were taken just moments apart.

“Oh no!” I said as I realized my black jeans had bled a little color onto the bag, leaving unsightly marks on the spotless surface. Despite washing my jeans several times before pairing them with the Aoyama Bag, the curse of dark denim had come to life.

So I turned to my trusty leather cleaner for help. After testing the formula in an inconspicuous spot and coming out clear, I proceeded with a soft cloth to clear away stains I feared would be permanent in just a few swipes. Phew.

But prevention is the best medicine, right? To keep your Aoyama Bag looking fresh, take care when wearing dark clothing, especially if you choose the Ivory bag. Likewise, avoid coming into contact with anything sharp or abrasive (but that’s common sense, right?). While I normally would advise against storing a bag by its strap, this is one exception to that rule. The sturdy nylon strap is ready to take on the weight of the bag, and you’ll reduce your chances of accidentally setting it down in something sticky.

I haven’t needed to clean the bag strap yet, but the brand recommends spot-treating it with cool water and a mild detergent. Just be careful not to get any water on the leather (thankfully the removability makes that a non-issue!). You can find more care instructions on the Lo & Sons website.

AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT

Now through the end of 2024, save 10% on your Lo & Sons order when you use code WAYWARD10 at checkout. Note that the code is limited to one use per person, so be sure to make it count!

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE AOYAMA BAG

Close up of the bag with the top handles clasped — This bag merges form and function beautifully

Overall the Aoyama Bag is a great fit for my lifestyle at home – the bag holds everything I need for the day with room for more, and the ivory color complements just about everything in my wardrobe. The quality is impeccable, and the leather is supple and buttery. And in true Lo & Sons style, the organization was not an afterthought.

While this bag is a prime candidate for travel, the color means it’s likely destined to stay home. In black or navy (let’s be honest, I’d probably choose black!), I’d show no hesitation tossing it in my carry-on for every trip for the foreseeable future. My instincts tell me it’s a traveler’s dream bag, expanding and collapsing as needed for a journey’s every demand. But in ivory, I’d feel like I would be constantly worried about bumping into the wrong thing or setting it down on the airport seat next to me (they are grimy, y’all).

That doesn’t mean I’m putting it away and closing the closet door – it just means I’m relishing carrying this bag at home, and wearing it with lighter colored garments and wearing it with the same side against my body every time to reduce the need to clean it.

So, while the Aoyama Bag may not be my go-to for jet-setting, it’s undoubtedly a great everyday companion.

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Questions for you

Which color of the Aoyama bag caught your eye right off the bat?

Did I miss any of your questions about this bag? Let me know!

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