Good things come to those who wait, right?
You are absolutely right! After placing a Couture Order at Belen Echandia a few months ago, my Taupe Matte Rock Me has arrived...and I think I have found my new love.
Here she is in all her beauty. This shot is taken in natural lighting so you can see how amazing the taupe leather is. It transforms depending on the light...

This picture is taken with a flash. I had not seen this color in real life prior to ordering so was hoping it would be what I wanted. My hopes? I didn't want grey or brown and this looked like one color that could meet the needs of both. It exceeds my expectations!

Here is the rear side of the bag - identical to the front aside from the BE tag. Having easy access pockets on both the front and the back is wonderful.

Side shot of the Belen Echandia Rock Me. The base is deeper on the Rock Me, which I prefer. Sitting like this in its smooshy glory, it stands on its own. Keep in mind that the base appears larger in this shot than it is.

There are so many unique details on the Rock Me, one of which is how it looks from the top. There seems to be a tad more leather at the top edge and the way it naturally lays is just so "Rock Me". Everything about this bag is different, edgy, and making its own statement. Hmmm...I can't imagine why I would love it so much? ;)

A close up picture in natural lighting of the detailing on the BE tag.

Oh my goodness. I look at this and could drool right here. LOVE the details on the Rock Me!

Belen Echandia planned this bag thoroughly. So I open the box and as I planned, the Rock Me is a larger handbag. The pockets were a huge selling point for me so I immediately thought, "Oh oh...the pockets will wrap underneath the bag when it sits and it will be hard to fish things out." And then I remembered who designed this amazing bag. Jackie Cawthra knows bags. She knows what works, what doesn't, and listens intently to her customers to constantly refine features of her bags. So naturally...she had the fabric cut shorter than the pocket looks like from the outside of the bag. The result? Not a thing will get lost in these pockets! Thanks Jackie!

Here is a picture of the straps on the Rock Me. They sit so comfortably on the shoulder and the detailed stitching keeps them from sliding - perfect!

Now to the interior! After all, every woman needs to visualize how any handbag can fit their belongings. The custom water bottle holder is really a nice touch. I was not sure I needed it and am so thankful I added it. It keeps bottles upright and secure, while still being easy to get in and out.
For some reason, the purple called to me with the Taupe Matte leather and guess what? Yep, I love it! You can see pictures of my Hug Me to see the signature fuchsia lining.
On one side of the lining is the secret pocket. It has magnetic closures so it stays secure and the inside of the pocket looks like...
this. I have papers in here. It can fit any random odds and ends you need to organize in your bag as well. Papers can fit without being folded, which makes the Rock Me a fab choice for a work tote.

On the other side is a zippered pocket, the two slip pockets, and my custom bottle holder.
So, now onto some pictures that will help Belenistas better understand the size of the Rock Me. When I was trying to determine if the Rock Me was right for me, I seemed to always come back to comparing it to the Take Me Everywhere Midi or the Whisper to Me Midi. The TME Midi has since moved onto another BE lover, so that leaves me with the WTM Midi.
So, just how does the Belen Echandia Rock Me compare to the Whisper to Me Midi?

Here are the Whisper to Me Midi and Rock Me from the bottom. As you can see, they are pretty similar in width, but the base of the Rock Me is deeper.
(On a total side note, isn't the pewter just gorgeous?)

Here they are from the side. According to the BE website, the Rock Me's dimensions are 15.2"H x 15" W x 5.5 "D. However, because of the extra gathering of fabric, the Rock Me has a lot more give in those dimensions.
You are absolutely right! After placing a Couture Order at Belen Echandia a few months ago, my Taupe Matte Rock Me has arrived...and I think I have found my new love.
This picture is taken with a flash. I had not seen this color in real life prior to ordering so was hoping it would be what I wanted. My hopes? I didn't want grey or brown and this looked like one color that could meet the needs of both. It exceeds my expectations!
Here is the rear side of the bag - identical to the front aside from the BE tag. Having easy access pockets on both the front and the back is wonderful.
Side shot of the Belen Echandia Rock Me. The base is deeper on the Rock Me, which I prefer. Sitting like this in its smooshy glory, it stands on its own. Keep in mind that the base appears larger in this shot than it is.
There are so many unique details on the Rock Me, one of which is how it looks from the top. There seems to be a tad more leather at the top edge and the way it naturally lays is just so "Rock Me". Everything about this bag is different, edgy, and making its own statement. Hmmm...I can't imagine why I would love it so much? ;)
A close up picture in natural lighting of the detailing on the BE tag.
Oh my goodness. I look at this and could drool right here. LOVE the details on the Rock Me!
Belen Echandia planned this bag thoroughly. So I open the box and as I planned, the Rock Me is a larger handbag. The pockets were a huge selling point for me so I immediately thought, "Oh oh...the pockets will wrap underneath the bag when it sits and it will be hard to fish things out." And then I remembered who designed this amazing bag. Jackie Cawthra knows bags. She knows what works, what doesn't, and listens intently to her customers to constantly refine features of her bags. So naturally...she had the fabric cut shorter than the pocket looks like from the outside of the bag. The result? Not a thing will get lost in these pockets! Thanks Jackie!
Here is a picture of the straps on the Rock Me. They sit so comfortably on the shoulder and the detailed stitching keeps them from sliding - perfect!
Now to the interior! After all, every woman needs to visualize how any handbag can fit their belongings. The custom water bottle holder is really a nice touch. I was not sure I needed it and am so thankful I added it. It keeps bottles upright and secure, while still being easy to get in and out.
For some reason, the purple called to me with the Taupe Matte leather and guess what? Yep, I love it! You can see pictures of my Hug Me to see the signature fuchsia lining.
On the other side is a zippered pocket, the two slip pockets, and my custom bottle holder.
So, now onto some pictures that will help Belenistas better understand the size of the Rock Me. When I was trying to determine if the Rock Me was right for me, I seemed to always come back to comparing it to the Take Me Everywhere Midi or the Whisper to Me Midi. The TME Midi has since moved onto another BE lover, so that leaves me with the WTM Midi.
So, just how does the Belen Echandia Rock Me compare to the Whisper to Me Midi?
Here are the Whisper to Me Midi and Rock Me from the bottom. As you can see, they are pretty similar in width, but the base of the Rock Me is deeper.
(On a total side note, isn't the pewter just gorgeous?)
Here they are from the side. According to the BE website, the Rock Me's dimensions are 15.2"H x 15" W x 5.5 "D. However, because of the extra gathering of fabric, the Rock Me has a lot more give in those dimensions.
Top shot of how the Whisper to Me Midi and Rock Me compare. The WTM Midi's dimensions are 11.5" H x 14.5 "W x 2.3" D. The WTM Midi is slightly less than 4 inches shorter in height, a half inch less in width, and 3.2 inches less deep.
Random not needed, but nice to have feature? When you are shopping, you can let one handle drape off while you pay, fish out stuff for the kids, or what have you. You can reach everything you need with total ease without taking it off of your shoulder.
Front shot of the Rock Me worn on the shoulder. The drop on the Rock Me is 11 inches. What does that translate to for me? I can get it off and on without my elbow getting stuck. For me, this is the perfect drop.
Side shot of the Belen Echandia Rock Me worn...
Full body shot of the Rock Me worn. For reference, I am 5'7" tall and a size 6.
Here you can see the loops and rings to attach the optional messenger strap.
Front shot of the Rock Me worn messenger style. I was honestly surprised to find this comfortable. I thought the RM might be too large to be worn this way, but was pleased with how it felt and hung.
And finally...a front shot of the Rock Me worn messenger style.
I will certainly post an update if my thoughts change, but I can tell you now that this is MY bag! :) I appreciate the little details and find them perfect for my life and needs.
I love hearing from readers so please leave a comment. I would love to hear what you think of the Belen Echandia Rock Me (and any other bags for that matter)!
(Disclosure: I was not asked to review this bag nor given this bag to review. My thoughts are just that...from one bagophile to another.
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9 comments:
It's fabulous! Looks great on you and it looks like it'll be a bag you can wear for many seasons! Thanks for the review!
It's awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for your always thorough review and pics - based on this, i think a rock me midi is definitely in my future! Loved the style when it debuted but it's so much prettier IRL :)
What a beautiful bag!!! The taupe leather looks amazing and I love all the details, especially the inside bottle pocket - such a great idea, the purple lining and the outside pockets. And I do really like and appreciate that you can open it with the one handle still on so you can grab things easily without fuss or taking it off - that is such a MUST when you have kids. :D
Thanks for sharing this and for the awesome review!
Thanks so much ladies! It really is an amazing bag and i know it will be my go to for a long time! It would be interesting to see the midi and full size next to each other to see how they compare.
Great review! LOVE your bag! I have a question...if it's not custom, can you get a messenger-strap separately, or do the attachment rings on the bag not exist? Do you use the messenger strap, or the regular shoulder ones most? Thanks again!
carolyn
ctreynard at yahoo.com
Carolyn - The messenger strap comes with most BE bags for a normal order. I use the shoulder the most, but the messenger is a great option! BE is having a sample sale that starts tomorrow so keep an eye out for a Rock Me! :)
Hi there! I love your bag reviews! After reading your Not Rational reviews, I finally bought the NR Hansel in Navy Atlas as my first "diaper bag"--I absolutely love this bag and it has been my one and only bag (wow!) for over 2 years--it's holding up great! I still love it, but am kind of in the mood for a change with baby #2 on the way. The Rock Me is the front runner right now. I know this is an old post, but I was wondering--do you still have/still love the Rock Me? How would you compare w/ NR bags. And maybe an overly specific question, but where do you keep your wallet in Rock Me? I keep mine in the huge outside magnetic closure pocket of my Hansel (along w/ my cell and chapstick)--I love how accessible, but still secure, it is. Do you find it easy enough to access the inside of Rock me while the bag is still on your shoulder? thanks so much for your excellent reviews!
Hi Kateye, Thank you SO very much for stopping in. I love knowing that my reviews help so I greatly appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Knowing you love the accessibility of the Hansel, I am not sure the Rock Me would work. It is deeper so you will have to remove one shoulder strap and go in to access your stuff. If you custom order it, you can have a deep pocket added to the outside that would accommodate a wallet, etc. The Make Me Smile, Charm Me, and Tote Me are my favorite styles because they are easy to access. The Indulge Me is another for you to consider because it has two zippered sections so you can separate yours and kiddo stuff and then a middle open one where you can have quick reach items. I have mine for sale here(not because I don't like it - I just need to sell something and thin the stash - lol). Take a look at pics to see what I am referencing.
http://www.bonanza.com/booths/MommyMentor/items/Belen_Echandia_Indulge_Me_in_Mustard_Pearlized_Pebbled
Thanks so much, this is super helpful! I am also considering the MMS (your review for that one is great as well), as I love the horizontal layout, but not sure if it is big enough or if the shoulder drop (even if I custom order longer handles) will be long enough. And still thinking about the RM with a deep outside pocket...I will check out your IM also...decisions, decisions! Thanks again!
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