I'm looking for a good-quality leather crossbody bag that'll last, you know? I don't want to spend a fortune but I also don't want something that falls apart after a few months. I'm mostly interested in Italian or European brands - can you recommend something you've actually seen around?
For a leather crossbody bag that actually holds up over time without draining your wallet, go for Italian brands like Leather Factory or Gabs that you can easily find online, or check out French ones like Longchamp if you can catch them on sale. The key thing is making sure the leather is real (not that synthetic stuff that cracks after two years) and that the stitching is done well, because that's the part that takes the most abuse. If you want to spend less but stay European, Spanish brands like Desigual or Portuguese ones also make decent bags that last - maybe they're not the prettiest at first glance but the leather quality is solid.
I had a bad experience years ago with a bag from a brand that seemed solid, but after less than a year the strap started coming apart at the seams. Since then, I always try to invest a bit more upfront rather than throw money away on something that disappoints me right off the bat. What I've noticed is that serious European brands really do hold up, especially if you pay attention to the details: the stitching needs to be tight and even, the leather needs to have the right thickness (not tissue-paper thin), and the hardware (buckles, rings) needs to be sturdy and properly secured.
Italian ones like Gabs or Leather Factory are genuinely good, but honestly if you want something that lasts with minimal upkeep, also look at lesser-known brands you'd find in certain independent European shops. A lot of Spanish and Portuguese artisans make genuine leather bags at reasonable prices - they don't cost as much as the big names but the quality is surprisingly good. The trick is not to expect a decent leather strap to cost like 40 euros: around 100-150 euros you start finding serious stuff that'll last you years.
When you buy, check that the leather is natural (not synthetic passed off as leather) by touching it and smelling it, look closely at the stitching if you can, and pick a neutral color that goes with everything. Dark shades (black, dark brown) hide scratches and the natural wear of leather better.
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