Barbour Cavalry Fleece Lined Vest, size US 6 (UK10) | c/o Amazon Amazon Essentials Women’s Fleece Pullover Hoodie, size XS | J.Crew Factory Cropped Everyday Leggings, size XS (also love these) | Poléne Numero Un Mini Backpack | Banana Republic Factory Sneaker (review here)
I’m back with a few new reviews this week. It’s been busy at work and we’ve been doing a lot of research since the vet thinks that Ralphie may have chronic kidney disease. Working on this blog post has been a welcome distraction this weekend.
Similar to the other Barbour Wray vest (review here) that I own the Barbour Calvary style vest has a slim/narrow fit and I found that it runs two sizes smaller. I originally ordered size 2 but I ended up taking size 6 (UK10) so that I could layer comfortably underneath. The chest is loose on me due to sizing up (and I’m 34AA in petite bras) but I don’t mind the relaxed fit. The measurements of size US 6 / UK10 is as follows: 37″ chest, 32″ waist, 40″ along the bottom hem, 25.5″ total length in the front and 27″ total length in the back.
I also ordered the Poléne Numero Un Mini Backpack on December 1th when Poléne was offering free shipping for the holidays. This is the only time they offer complimentary shipping and they do not offer discounts or promotion codes. I received the bag promptly via DHL Express on December 21st and it comes with a dust box and dust bag. I previously ordered the Polène Numero Un Nano crossbody bag (review here) but I sold it on Poshmark last year since the smooth leather did not work out for me. I should have ordered the convertible backpack since it was the style that I was personally leaning towards but I was swayed by the poll results in my Instagram stories.
The Poléne Numero Un Mini backpack is only offered in full-grained leather which is more scratch resistant. I like the slightly larger/taller size. It’s roughly 8″ height, 7″ width (on the bottom), 9″ width (at the widest part in the middle of the bag) and 3.5″ depth. (It’s 20.5 X 18 X 9 cm according to their website). It fits my dog’s 12 ounce water bottle (8.5″ long and 9.25″ diameter at the widest part of the bottle) at an angle as well as my other essentials (iPhone, key chain, sanitizer, m dog’s snacks and extra roll of poop bags).
The exterior has a flat pocket in the back that fits my regular size iPhone 12 and the interior also has one flat wall pocket. The flat pockets are the perfect size for a phone or a small/medium wallet. The magnetic closure is a little fussy to close with one hand at first (due to the stiffness when the bag is new but it gets easier with use) and the two pleats that give the bag its unique look are difficult to unbutton. For this reason, I keep one or both of the pleats unbuttoned for easier access when reaching inside the bag.
The quality of this bag is comparable to other luxury brands that charge a lot more. I love the versatility of the backpack because you can adjust the thin straps to wear it as a shoulder bag and crossbody bag for two additional styles. I found that it’s easy to figure out how to adjust the straps and it comes with printed instructions on a card but Em’s YouTube review here is also very helpful if you need visuals.
Poléne Numero Un Mini Backpack worn as a backpack – currently $360 USD | LOFT Turtleneck Poncho Sweater, size XXS regular (review here)
The bag arrives as a backpack since that’s the style that’s advertised by default. On this setting the straps are very short at the maximum length (30″ for a 15″ drop) so the backpack style would only be comfortable if you’re petite and/or have narrow shoulders. For size reference, I’m 5′ 2.5″ and the bag sits higher on my back (as seen in my short YouTube review here) when it’s worn as a backpack.
Poléne Numero Un Mini Backpack worn as a shoulder bag
When the straps are doubled to be carried as a shoulder bag the maximum length is very short at 27″ for a 13.5″ drop as pictured above. Once again, the maximum drop length is very limiting and it’s best for someone petite when worn as a shoulder bag.
Poléne Numero Un Mini Backpack worn as a crossbody
The crossbody style is best if you’re taller since it has the largest range for the maximum drop length. When the straps are adjusted to be worn as a crossbody it has a maximum length of 60.5″ for a 30.25″ drop and a minimum length of 36.5″ for a 18.25″ drop. I have it on the second hole in the photo above for a 40″ length (20″ drop) but if I was wearing the bag over my winter coat then I would adjust the strap to the third hole for a 43″ length (21.5″ drop). The bag looks a bit puffy/bulky over my puffer coat so I prefer to wear it as a crossbody over a thin jacket or vest as shown above.
Below is a link to my YouTube review of the bag. Let me know if you have any questions that I did not cover in this review.
A FEW OTHER QUICK REVIEWS
Orolay Hooded Down Long Puffer Coat, size XS (review here)
Click here for full outfit details from my Instagram reels. I have been bundling up on my walks with Ralphie so the fleece lined vest keeps my body cozy on days when we have negative windchill below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. I’d swap the sneakers for tall boots to keep my legs warm.
c/o Amazon Essentials Women’s Fleece Pullover Hoodie, size XS | Click here to view the clip from my try-on
I love neutrals and for my gifted items from Amazon this month I picked a few items including this sweatshirt which is so comfortable (it also washed well in cold and lined dried).
c/o Amazon Essentials Women’s Faux Shearling Mixed Media Jacket, size XS | Polene Cyme Mini in camel (review here) | Click here and here to view the clips from my try-on
I also picked this jacket as one of my other gifted Amazon items. I thought this jacket was cute when I saw it online and size XS is a relaxed fit on me. You can cinch in the jacket at the waist (toggles inside) for more shape. It’s very cozy and the mix of the quilted puffer and sherpa textures is interesting.
Thanks for stopping by!
