Though it’s snowing like crazy in Seattle right now, I just can’t help but think about how close we are to spring. Especially given all the excitement around fashion month kicking off with NYFW this last week!

In honor of the change in seasons, and my love for sharing with you the best emerging brands, I’m very excited to bring you this post about the female-founded accessible luxury handbag label straight out of our thriving emerald city — F E R A L.

use code TGE15 at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase at feralferal.com!

• 

• 

Meet F E R A L

When it comes to handbags, I’ve learned over the years that seeking out high quality, versatile bags that align with my style and fit within my ways of life is key. Bags that are stylish and modern, work with my monochromatic color palette and are from brands I can feel proud to wear on my arm. So when I first learned of the emerging handbag brand F E R A L, I was immediately drawn to both the beautiful product and inspiring story…

In 2014, Seattle based founder Shannon Fisher decided it was time to take a leap from her many years in corporate and focus on building a more meaningful lifestyle — where she could put her expertise in private label design to work and create a company she could be proud to work for.

After a few years of conceptualizing and lining up all the right partners, she decided she would launch a line that would express individuality, celebrate modern form and function and challenge the designer handbag market by offering high quality craftsmanship at an affordable price point… accessible luxury accessories.

In addition to the focus on design, the brand would create ethically made products using sustainable materials. All manufacturing would be done in the US to reduce the overall carbon footprint as shipping via overseas can be a huge disruption to our environment. She wanted to make sure that when one invests in her product, they could feel as if they were doing their part to make an impact in our world.

High end luxury that’s honest and under $1k… can you say badass?

Shannon landed on the name “F E R A L” — representing grace, power and resilience — feelings she had experienced during this pivotal chapter in her life. The word is defined as returning to or existing in a natural state — which speaks to the DNA of the brand with regards to design, manufacturing… and then some.

Here are some more facts to know about F E R A L:

• every bag made is comprised with components sourced from 10 American businesses across manufacturers and artisans — the impact from investing in one single item is immense
• all leather products are made with Italian calf leather, offering a luxurious, polished appearance — and best of all, the fine grain material is naturally scratch and water resistant
• small batch production runs are hand cut, allowing for a personalized touch on every piece — showing the skills of American leather workers that rival “made in Italy”
• only premium materials are used to honor the age long tradition of handbag making, with skilled artisans being paid fair wages
• limited edition dust bags are created every season — offering an always exclusive and incredibly cool touch — with this current season’s made of the naturally durable and wearable Eco-Twill fabric (also used in each handbag’s linings)

Read more about the essence of the name, leather 101, ethical manufacturing, details of the design
and why you deserve a better bag for under $1k on the F E R A L blog.

• 

• 

Elevate Your Everyday with F E R A L

To me, the product offered under the F E R A L name is the perfect complement to the modern day, style conscious woman on the go. She’s the gal who has shit to do, and somehow manages to get it all done while looking cool. She rocks elevated basics and loves throwing in a good statement piece here and there. She’s thoughtful about the items she adds to her wardrobe and the products she uses in her life. In other words, F E R A L creates cool bags for people who give a damn, and trust me when I say the product is all that and more.

Over the last month I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Shannon and her gorgeous line of handbags. Given my love for monochromatic and basics, I have been testing out two pieces from her signature collection that I felt would be the perfect addition to my everyday life.

// No. 5 Curve Backpack

As you can see from the set of images above, this backpack screams modern beauty. It’s minimal and function is exactly what I’ve been looking for in a leather backpack handbag — and believe me, I’ve been looking for quite some time. It’s the perfect grab and go bag when you’re running out of the house to head to barre, popping in to the market for some groceries or when you’re going into work and have plans following with your gals or boo. Literally versatility at its finest. I’m obsessed with the back pocket, which allows for easy storing and grabbing of your phone during wear. I also so dig the bold signature yellow lining — offering just the right amount of edge. I’ve tossed this bag in my car, wore it in the rain (and snow) and have used the zippers up and down for putting things in and out as needed. The status? It still looks beautiful and good as new. Swoon.

shop the no. 5 curve backpack on feralferal.com now + be sure to check out the samples on sale!

// No. 4 Handsfree Phone Sling

Modern women on the go don’t always want to carry a medium to large size handbag — which is why I fell in love with the phone sling. It offers exactly what you need to carry and no more or less — your phone, your cards, a key and something for your lips. The best part? It allows for your hands to be free at all times as you can wear the sling across your body, as a neck wallet, on your shoulder or even clipped around the waist as a modern belt bag — as I’ve styled with the series of images below. Something cool I recently discovered too was the ability to clip my sunnies on the signature d-ring, or if you have a set of keys, you can clip them there as well.

shop the no. 4 handsfree phone sling on feralferal.com now + be sure to lookout for this ivory colorway coming this spring!

Simply put, F E R A L bags are meant to be worn, not sit on a shelf — and that’s what I’ve set out to do with testing these two varieties from the signature collection. I’ve traded in my nylon tote to rocking these luxurious leather pieces and I have not been disappointed.

#ProTip : Be sure to follow along on Insta this month as I continue to rock and style the bags to elevate my everyday.

• 

• 

On Trend with F E R A L

It’s evident Shannon came from a background in fashion given her very on trend signature collection. Each bag is timeless, yet offers a relevant look that feels like it came straight off the runway — and it basically did!

During this recent Fall fashion month, we saw backpacks as a forecasted trend for spring, along with lanyards of all kinds and handbags as jewelry. And let’s not forget the beaded and woven trend that’s here to stay…

Speaking of, you’ve GOT to check out the newest member of the F E R A L family — the No. 6 Beaded Lady Bag that comes in an array of colorways (like this bright new beauty released last week).

And lucky for you, all friends of The Grey Edit can shop the beaded collection with a $25 discount using the exclusive code ‘TGE25’.

As we stalk the runways this upcoming week in NYC, be on the lookout for what’s in store for the cool seasons ahead. With handbags, I’m predicting minimal designs in compact sizes that pull from vintage and architectural inspiration. From what I’ve seen so far, I know one thing’s for certain… either of my elevated F E R A L bags would look absolutely incredible with any outfit from Tom Ford’s Fall 2019 collection full of sharp silhouettes and soft tones. #goals

• 

• 

Major thank you to the amazing female founder destined for big things this year, Shannon Fisher, for allowing me the opportunity to experience and share the product that is F E R A L.

I hope you explore the existing collection and keep watch on what’s ahead for spring.

Because each and every one of you is a cool girl that gives a damn who deserves to elevate your everyday.

// cb ✌????

use code TGE15 at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase at feralferal.com!