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Let’s talk about espresso brown. From music to fashion to Pantone’s latest picks, espresso seems to be taking over – and it makes sense. There’s something about this rich, deep brown that feels consistent, comforting, and clean. That’s because espresso, quite literally, comes from the earth. It’s grounding – steady in a way trends often aren’t.
I’ve personally been on a mission to pare down my wardrobe to pieces that make getting dressed feel both effortless and intentional. Sure, it may be about having less on the surface, but it’s really about having better quality. And that’s where the Chrystie Bag in Espresso from Freja New York comes in.
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Behind the Bag
Jenny Lei founded Freja New York when she was just 22-years-old and interviewing for her first job. After realizing she didn’t own a bag that felt right for the occasion, Lei made one. What started as a personal solve quickly turned into something much bigger…

Since launching in 2020, the brand has built a loyal following by staying small on purpose – crafting bags in limited runs, prioritizing fair wages and sustainability, and maintaining a design POV that’s both timeless and editorial.
The brand’s Chrystie Bag pairs well with almost everything, and it’s a compliment magnet. I firmly believe that a great bag is one of the easiest ways to level-up a basic wardrobe, and the Chrystie earns top aspirational-girl marks. On top of great structure, the Espresso tone is everything I want in a neutral: rich, bold, and versatile.

Best of all, this bag is built to last. I’ve taken it from work days to dinners, fitting my phone, keys, makeup pouch, and water bottle without issue. Yes, I said water bottle. The bag’s rolled strap is thick and soft, designed for comfort, with a clasp that condenses the strap so you’ll never deal with the one-strap-off-the-shoulder again.
And like everything Freja makes, it’s mindfully constructed from vegan ultrafiber leather and lined with recycled polyester, so it feels just as good ethically as it does aesthetically.
I’ve been following Freja New York for a while now, and they somehow keep outdoing themselves. Their newly released Jane Bag is the latest jaw-drop moment – a set of bold, rounded silhouettes inspired by vintage vanity cases. They’re available in Freja’s classic rich, signature tones (the Oat and Butter are chef’s kiss) with the same elegance and a slightly more structured attitude.

Proof That Practical Can Still Be Chic
It’s refreshing to see a brand that doesn’t feel the need to plaster their logo across every piece. With Freja, the silhouette and quality speak for themselves. It’s the ultimate “if you know, you know” bag brand. Some who know me might say I’ve started keeping tabs on every new drop… and they wouldn’t be wrong. But when a brand consistently delivers timeless designs that hold up – literally and stylistically – it’s hard not to pay attention.
Freja’s bags aren’t just beautiful, they’re actually functional. It holds what a bag should, keeps its structure, and never feels too flimsy to actually wear. Because at the end of the day, a great bag isn’t meant to sit on a shelf – it’s meant to move with you.