topic Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo? in Shoes

Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

toril — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 17:31:05 GMT

Thinking about a purchase of one handbag. Any comments on the bags:

Gili Roma 2: A239484

Isaac Leather Hobo with turnlock closure: A234628

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

Lavenderjunkie — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 18:51:22 GMT

I don't own either handbag. But I remember when the Roma 2 came out there were lots of post about the sealant on the handles cracking.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

Irishrose136 — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 05:44:56 GMT

Also remember that, lavanderjunkie. I lot of people were returning bags and complaining on the boards and facebook.

No indication, op, that the maker ever acknowledged the problem and made necessary changes in production. Read the reviews carefully. I would be wary and do research before purchasing.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

Georgiagrama — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 05:47:14 GMT

I've read so many complaints about the GILI Roma until I am actually surprised that it is still being offered.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

10grands — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 06:23:28 GMT

Definitely the Isaac - many complaints on the other one.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

MeganRose — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 11:48:49 GMT

Definitely Isaac's hobo. His BRIDGEHAMPTON leather bags are a good quality leather. GILI bags are made of a lower grade leather. They crack at the handles. Many of us have returned the bags. Not worth it. I have one of Isaac's satchels. I adore it. Have had it for over a year now. It has held up really well, with no stains or cracks. I highly recommend his handbags!

The bag that I have and recommend is: A-225686. I have it in Cognac.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

stevieb — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 11:54:49 GMT

It depends on what you want. The Roma is a beautiful, more substantial bag, is deeper, front to back, and is a true tote, but there were initially some quality control issues they claim to have resolved and it also offers no real closure. It does offer both handles and a strap. On the other hand, the Issac bag is beautiful and while large, it is more narrow and is less structured but does offer a zipper closure. It is a true hobo with only a shoulder strap. The Issac is the lighter of the two, I believe, if that matters. I love Issac's bags, but sent this one back, though I have several others of his. It wasn't substantial enough for me and I also felt it was too narrow. Initially, I ordered two Roma II totes, but sent one back, as I didn't care for the color and decided one really was enough. Issac offers more color choices in this bag.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

Jtdmum — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 13:03:27 GMT

I haven't seen the GILI in person but I do like the style. I have seen the Isaac bag, leather is beautiful. not sure if you have a TJ, or Marsh nearby, but they were loaded with Isaac in my area. Check there if for no other reason, the quality.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

toril — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 13:59:45 GMT

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I do have some stores in the area I can check out for Isaac as well. I saw the Roma 2 tote on last night. Do you think the issues have be resolved?

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

willdob3 — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:08:11 GMT

No contest. They are not even in the same league. Isaac's bags are high quality & get rave reviews. Great hobo, BTW!

GILI seems to be poorly made and many people have had serious problems with bags falling apart before they even use them. I'd never consider a GILI bag.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

ilovedaisies — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:13:22 GMT

I have never seen either bag in person, but just looking at them on tv, I prefer the Roma bag. I like it for a silly reason - I love that huge tassel!

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

Nadjalu — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 01:51:55 GMT

I have an IM hobo and LOVE it!!! Don't have a gili, it doesn't appeal to me. So I will speak to the IM bag. It is a very quality leather, soft, supple and isn't that heavy. The hardware on mine is sensational. And the strap is just as soft, very equestrian quality! Would get another without hesitation.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

Tinkerbell3 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 07:09:26 GMT

NEITHER- Put your $ towards a Michael Kors, Coach or Dooney!

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

Tinkerbell3 — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 07:11:08 GMT

Do you think the issues have be resolved? Why take a chance on a poorly constructed bag (bad reviews) when you can find a bag very similar elsewhere

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

Luvtoshopathome — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 10:08:46 GMT

I loved my Gili bag but I couldn't deal that it had no real closure because the first time I used it the bag fell on my lap and my I phone fell out How I hated to return it, the leather was excellent very soft, I bought the black (I don't understand the bad reviews about the leather unless they're from the Lisa haters). I believe the problem has been fixed with reference to the cracking. That bag looks so high end and sophisticated and love the tassel. As a matter of fact someone thought it was the very high end designer bag. I am so hoping she will make a Roma 3 which will have either a magnetic snap or a zipper. I too ordered an Isaac m hobo. I'm really not a fan of hobos since I like 2 strap bags but the leather was excellent also. The problems I had was the zipper was not sewn in properly, it wàs wavy and got stuck at a certain point and the bottom did not have feet and since I ordered the ivory I wanted something with feet. If you like the look of a more sophisticated bag, I would go with the Gili roma2 , as long as you don't mind it just having a strap closure on the inside. I am looking into something that I could possibly make the Gili tote stay closed because I would buy more than one. I really love that bag.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

Sunnycorle — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 15:16:16 GMT

On 3/11/2014 toril said:
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I do have some stores in the area I can check out for Isaac as well. I saw the Roma 2 tote on last night. Do you think the issues have be resolved?

Two of my friends have the Gili and both love it. No problems with either of them. I am going to buy it myself sometime soon. Good luck with your decision.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

Acf11 — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:29:13 GMT

I'm still waiting for someone to create a large, glove leather satchel/tote with at least a 10 " handle drop along with a shoulder strap that is organized and has a secure closure. The GILI II didn't have those features although it is a beautiful bag. I had to send it back.

Re: Gili Roma 2 or Isaac Hobo?

HULAGIRL — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 14:03:53 GMT

I wish they would just come out and tell us if the Roma's (both sizes) that they're selling now are a new batch and the problem some have had with past Roma bags has been taken care of.......it would put a lot of questions to rest and probably up the sales a lot because those who are afraid to buy or buy again are not going to do it because they don't want the cracking handle sealant.