Stella Soomlais
Escape Essentials Vegetable-Tanned Leather Handbag – Handmade in Estonia
Escape Essentials Vegetable-Tanned Leather Handbag – Handmade in Estonia
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- HANDMADE IN EUROPE
- 30 DAY HASSLE FREE RETURN
- FREE SHIPPING
The Escape Essentials is a compact leather handbag — 25 × 20 × 5 cm — handcrafted in Estonia from responsibly sourced vegetable-tanned leather, with a top-zip closure, interior pocket, and an adjustable strap that converts between shoulder and crossbody wear. Made to order in a small Estonian workshop under Stella Soomlais's circular production system — a bag you buy once and keep for a decade.
Vegetable-Tanned Leather
Vegetable tanning is a traditional process that takes weeks rather than the days required by chrome tanning, using plant-based tannins rather than chemical baths. The result is leather that is firmer and denser, more naturally water-resistant, and — most importantly for a bag you carry every day — capable of developing a patina over years of use rather than degrading from the surface. It looks better at year five than on day one; the marks and wear patterns of regular use become part of the material's character. The leather is responsibly sourced with traced supply chains and environmental tanning standards, built into the brand's Round 2 circular production system.
Made to Order
The Escape Essentials is made after you order it, with production taking up to two weeks before shipping — not a supply-chain delay but how a genuine handmade leather bag is produced: cut, assembled, stitched and finished after your order is placed, not pulled from a warehouse shelf. Inside each bag, the craftsperson who made it marks their name — a signature that tells you exactly who made what you're holding.
Dimensions, Function and Fit
Size: 25 × 20 × 5 cm — a compact bag that fits a phone, wallet, keys, small notebook and everyday essentials, with an interior pocket to separate smaller items. Closure: top zipper — secure, clean and easy to open one-handed. Strap: adjustable, worn as a shoulder bag or lengthened for crossbody carry, keeping the bag stable during movement. Hardware: nickel or brass, both solid metal (not plated over base metal, which discolours on cheaper bags). Weight: light — the compact dimensions keep it practical for everyday carry.
Stella Soomlais
Stella Soomlais is an Estonian leather accessories brand led by designer Stella Runnel, producing all work in a small Estonian workshop under the Round 2 circular design system — products designed for repair rather than replacement, with material waste minimised at source (larger offcuts become smaller accessories). Recognised by the Estonian Design Act of the Year, the BRUNO Product Design Award, the Golden Needle Chamber Award, and Gold Level in the Estonian Responsible Business Index.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 25 × 20 × 5 cm |
| Material | Responsibly sourced vegetable-tanned leather |
| Closure | Top zipper |
| Interior | One inside pocket |
| Strap | Adjustable — shoulder or crossbody |
| Hardware | Nickel or brass (solid metal) |
| Production | Made to order — up to 2 weeks before shipping |
| Made in | Estonia, Europe |
Care
Let the bag dry naturally at room temperature if it gets wet — never apply direct heat, which cracks the leather; stuff loosely with paper to hold its shape. Apply a wax-based leather conditioner (such as Saphir) two to three times a year to maintain suppleness. Small marks and darkening where the bag is handled most are a natural characteristic of vegetable-tanned leather, not damage. Store in a dust bag out of prolonged direct sunlight when not in use.
Shoe Size Guide
Size Guide — Find Your Perfect Fit
🧮 Samelin Size Conversion Chart
Use this chart to find your size based on your foot length (in centimeters).
All Samelin boots are unisex unless stated otherwise.
| Foot Length (cm) | EU Size | US Men’s | US Women’s | UK Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23.0 – 23.5 | 36 | 4 | 5.5 | 3.5 |
| 23.6 – 24.0 | 37 | 4.5 | 6 | 4 |
| 24.1 – 24.5 | 38 | 5.5 | 7 | 5 |
| 24.6 – 25.0 | 39 | 6 | 7.5 | 5.5 |
| 25.1 – 25.5 | 40 | 7 | 8.5 | 6.5 |
| 25.6 – 26.0 | 41 | 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 |
| 26.1 – 26.5 | 42 | 8.5 | 10 | 8 |
| 26.6 – 27.0 | 43 | 9 | 10.5 | 8.5 |
| 27.1 – 27.5 | 44 | 10 | 11 | 9.5 |
| 27.6 – 28.0 | 45 | 11 | 12 | 10.5 |
| 28.1 – 28.5 | 46 | 12 | 13 | 11.5 |
| 28.6 – 29.0 | 47 | 13 | 14 | 12.5 |
Note: Sizes may vary slightly depending on the model and leather type. For a secure fit, refer to model-specific notes below.
🥾 Fit Notes by Model
Each Samelin model has a slightly different fit due to its construction and materials.
| Model | Fit Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 511 Leather Boots (All Colors) | Runs large | Size down ½ size |
| 511 Winter 2.0 | True to size | Order normal size |
| 598 Desert Boots Davos | Runs large | Size down ½ size |
| 590 Desert Fury Sole | Runs large | Size down ½ size |
| 739 Winter Military Boots | True to size | Standard fit |
| 749 Vibram Outsole Boots | Slightly roomy | Use thicker socks |
| 582 Light Street Boots | True to size | Standard fit |
| 2077 Combat Boots | Runs large | Size down ½ size |
| 424 Chukka Boots | True to size | Standard fit |
Boot Care Guide
How to care for waterproof nubuck boots with membrane lining?
Proper care extends the lifespan and keeps your boots looking good. Avoid wearing the same pair of boots on consecutive days. Always dry and clean them thoroughly before wearing them again. When putting on the boots, fasten all closures (buckles, laces, Velcro, etc.) properly.
After purchase and before first use, perform basic care using products meant for nubuck leather. Depending on the weather, apply water-repellent sprays as well. Nubuck care products are available at well-stocked shoe stores.
Store boots in a dry, well-ventilated place. Do not dry them near heat sources.
Clean your boots daily from dust and mud, and brush the sole edges and tread. Never wash boots in a washing machine or with lots of water. Use nubuck-specific products (ask at shoe stores) or a damp cloth. Use shoe deodorant if needed.
Avoid getting sharp objects inside the boots – they can damage the membrane lining.
How to care for leather boots?
Proper care extends lifespan and maintains appearance. Avoid wearing the same pair of boots for multiple days in a row. After use, always dry and clean them. When putting them on, first undo all closures (buckles, laces, Velcro, etc.), put your foot in, and then fasten properly.
After purchase and before first use, treat them with full-grain leather care products. Depending on the weather, use water-repellent products as well. These can be found at better shoe stores.
The leather pull loop at the back of the high and low Aviator boots is decorative and not meant for pulling on the boots. A broken pull loop is not covered under warranty. If it does break, we can repair it as a paid service.
Store the boots in a dry, well-ventilated space. Never dry near a heater.
Clean daily from dust and mud, brush the sole edges and tread. Never machine wash or soak in water. Use proper leather care products (ask at shoe stores) or wipe with a damp cloth. Use shoe deodorant if needed.
How to care for insoles?
After long wear, remove insoles and let them air out in a well-ventilated place.
You can wash the insoles by hand or in a washing machine on a gentle cycle at up to 30°C. Do not spin-dry, and avoid using strong detergents.
Dry at room temperature. Avoid sudden temperature changes as they can damage the insole materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping take?
Delivery times can vary depending on your country.
Once your order ships, we’ll send you a tracking number by email so you can follow it every step of the way.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes! We offer free shipping on all orders within Europe.
What is your return policy?
You can return items within 30 days from the delivery date, as long as they’re unused, in their original packaging, and meet our return eligibility requirements.
To start a return, contact our customer service.
Visit our Refund Policy.
Are your products covered by a warranty?
Some of our products include a 2-year warranty. You’ll find warranty details for each product that comes with a warranty.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, American Express, Bancontact, EPS, iDEAL, Klarna, Maestro, Shop Pay and Union Pay.
How can I track my order?
Once your order ships, you’ll receive a tracking number by email.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship to international destinations. International delivery times may vary, so please check our Shipping Policy link for details.
