topic Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag in Handbags

G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Chi-town girl — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:54:14 GMT

Did anyone watch the presentation of the Roma3 handbag today? I recorded it but haven't watched yet. Thoughts???

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

gramygram — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 01:04:06 GMT

I didn't watch it but saw the video. I thought it looked much smaller than I anticipated and much smaller than my GILI stirrup that was the TSV last month. If they would have offered ivory or blush I would have been tempted though.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Chi-town girl — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 01:12:27 GMT

Hi gramy-I think a smaller version of my fav Roma2 might be nice a nice option for evenings/weekends. Glad all color options are still available, will watch the show later to see if it helps me to make a decision.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

MsLomo — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 01:26:07 GMT

I happened to catch it just as it started. It was not very good, in my opinion, because the bag didn't look good. I thought it was a choppy presentation. Although "GILI Jill" has a great figure and a sparkly personality -- someone you'd laugh with and have fun with in a group -- she seems to me to be OK only in very small doses. The voice, the physical animation, the jumping around -- it's all too much for me to watch on TV.

I don't usually watch the Q presentations "live," so I'm not used to the host (Amy) referring to a Roma 3 as "she." I kept looking around to see who "she" was. The "she" stuff got on my nerves.

The strap looked too long for the bag. Perhaps they could have belted the long strap to a smaller size to keep it from hanging so low with too much visible "airspace" between the strap and the bag. I thought everyone looked rather awkward carrying the bag, as if they hadn't had any practice with the Roma 3. They looked unsure whether to try to "push in" the outside corners, as Lisa R instructed to "train" our Roma 2s, or pitch it as a great-looking tote bag -- the option that the host took and ran with. The tassel on the lavendar croc had two extra long strands hanging -- someone should have clipped those. That made me question the quality control in general. The tassel on all the bags looked too long and they hung too low below the bag. No one, not even "GILI Jill," could get the short handles of the bag to "behave" to make the bag look "normal" when employing the shoulder strap. One model removed her long strap altogether and put it away in the bag.

The color selection was fair at best. Having said that, I was on the fence about buying this bag -- maybe in metallic or lavendar -- but the presentation today put me solidly on the side of saving my money. Not even slightly interested now, especially adding the continuing odor problem to all the other issues.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Chi-town girl — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 01:35:46 GMT

Hi MsLomo-thx for the details! I know many think it's ugly, but I'm interested in the camo option. Roma3 is not as compelling as the Roma2. I paid less for the Roma2 than the listed price for Roma3 so that dampens my enthusiasm even more.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

MsLomo — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 01:53:58 GMT

Hi, Chi-town girl, I agree with you about the price! All GILI is overpriced, I think. I got my Roma 2s "as is," the ivory ostrich and the black, and they look real attractive to me -- a balanced shape. And the price for each was excellent. I think the camo looked good in the presentation today with the neutral colors the model wore. If you wear those colors or even want a stand-out bag to wear with black, I can understand why you'd want the camo. And it's different, too (which is good).

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

nycgirl79 — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 02:52:52 GMT

I watched and while I like the no frills of this bag (and own a Roma 2), I thought it was very small and I really didn't like that the handles are not long enough to get it over my shoulder comfortably. Living in NYC, I favor bags that have zippers or that I can tuck under my arm in place while on the subway. The Roma 2, while big, I fell secure with. I do not need or want a satchel. Colorwise, I thought the lavendar croco was quite striking but the previous reviews of the chemical smell that won't go away give me pause. I wasn't wowed with the camo but according to Jill there is A LOT of camo coming down the GILI pipeline so if you miss this one, there sounds like a chance to pick up something else. The other colors all have a sort of been there, done that feel to me -- how many iced metallic or white bags with the exact same hardware can one person really have?? It also is pretty pricey for the size, at least in my opinion, but I'm glad to have seen it in a presentation as now I will stop thinking about it. For those that do get it, hope you enjoy!

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

nycgirl79 — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 02:55:52 GMT

PS - I noticed the two longer strands on the lavendar tassel as well. That was really noticeable and did nothing to assure anyone that the quality issues in the GILI line have been addressed. Gave me a laugh though!

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Chi-town girl — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 03:13:40 GMT

@nycgirl79 wrote:
I watched and while I like the no frills of this bag (and own a Roma 2), I thought it was very small and I really didn't like that the handles are not long enough to get it over my shoulder comfortably. Living in NYC, I favor bags that have zippers or that I can tuck under my arm in place while on the subway. The Roma 2, while big, I fell secure with. I do not need or want a satchel. Colorwise, I thought the lavendar croco was quite striking but the previous reviews of the chemical smell that won't go away give me pause. I wasn't wowed with the camo but according to Jill there is A LOT of camo coming down the GILI pipeline so if you miss this one, there sounds like a chance to pick up something else. The other colors all have a sort of been there, done that feel to me -- how many iced metallic or white bags with the exact same hardware can one person really have?? It also is pretty pricey for the size, at least in my opinion, but I'm glad to have seen it in a presentation as now I will stop thinking about it. For those that do get it, hope you enjoy!

Hi nycgiril-thx for the details. I do like the camo. It's not that popular with some of the older/conservative gals on the board but it will prob be the 1st or 2nd to sell out. Nice to see some more trendy/chic options at Q. I agree with you about the pricing-all or most of the GILI items have increased, but in some cases prices are still competitive/lower than b&m. It does help with impulse control, lol.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

NycVixen — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 04:55:41 GMT

I was in Marshall's last week and saw that they had the olive green Gili tassels on sale for $9.95 from what seems to be the Roma 3. They were identical to the new Gili tassels. I have the Roma 2 so I'm familiar. Unless another manufacturer is using the same tassels... But I recognized them immediately.

I think the Roma 3 looks nicer than I thought it would look like. This size is a purse not a tote. I use my Roma 2 to travel as an additional carry on and for school. The Roma 3 seems nice as an everyday purse when you do not need to carry a lot. So many of the reviews kept asking for a smaller Roma so here it is!

But I'm not buying one because I have enough leather bags in that silhouette. I'm also gravitating towards more of a boho style (fringe) for leather bags and nylon totes to use to carry my jewelry making tools and supplies where I need a much lighter bag.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

tsj178 — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 06:01:25 GMT

I love the new camo print, but the new size is not for this big bag girl. The handles look to short to carry on the shoulder and the new tassel looks cheap

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Serendipity — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 01:58:05 GMT

@Chi-town girl: That camo print seems very popular. Did you end up ordering? You'll have to share how you like it. I ended up ordering an AK in camo. Love it as an accent.

@Krissie2: How's that lavender doing? I envision it being pampered outside on a patio taking in the scenery with plenty of sunshine and fresh air. Kind of like celebrity rehab resort. I'm thinking of asking my mom if she wants my black Roma 3, or maybe the incoming Ivory Roma 2. One is the right size for her, the other a better color choice, but neither is both. The lavender, ahem, grey, she might have gone for.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Serendipity — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 02:48:23 GMT

That's so interesting that they would have the tassels for sale! And you're right, there's no mistaking them.

@NycVixen wrote:
I was in Marshall's last week and saw that they had the olive green Gili tassels on sale for $9.95 from what seems to be the Roma 3. They were identical to the new Gili tassels. I have the Roma 2 so I'm familiar. Unless another manufacturer is using the same tassels... But I recognized them immediately.

I think the Roma 3 looks nicer than I thought it would look like. This size is a purse not a tote. I use my Roma 2 to travel as an additional carry on and for school. The Roma 3 seems nice as an everyday purse when you do not need to carry a lot. So many of the reviews kept asking for a smaller Roma so here it is!

But I'm not buying one because I have enough leather bags in that silhouette. I'm also gravitating towards more of a boho style (fringe) for leather bags and nylon totes to use to carry my jewelry making tools and supplies where I need a much lighter bag.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Chi-town girl — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 03:27:00 GMT

@Serendipity wrote:
@Chi-town girl: That camo print seems very popular. Did you end up ordering? You'll have to share how you like it. I ended up ordering an AK in camo. Love it as an accent.

@Krissie2: How's that lavender doing? I envision it being pampered outside on a patio taking in the scenery with plenty of sunshine and fresh air. Kind of like celebrity rehab resort. I'm thinking of asking my mom if she wants my black Roma 3, or maybe the incoming Ivory Roma 2. One is the right size for her, the other a better color choice, but neither is both. The lavender, ahem, grey, she might have gone for.

Hi Serendipity! Yes, I watched the 1 hr GILI show last night (recorded)-love, love, love how they styled the models with the camo bag. This one is coming home to me!. I enjoyed the show-lots of new items. I think Jill & Amy did a good job with the presentation. Will post when I receive it.

Really unfortunate about the lavendar bag odor--many complaints, wonder if it is due to the process they use to create the texture. Anyone else make a buy? Anyone own a lavendar that does not have the odor?

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Chi-town girl — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 05:17:43 GMT

Early reviews are good. Looks like the only one with some quality issues, strong odor, is the lavendar.

Here are a couple of reviews:

"Just received this lovely camo bag, did I mention LOVE? I am not a normally a camo crazy person but this pattern is super sophisticated. The colors are gorgeous, love the olive green tassel and handles. It's different, that's what drew me to it. I also own two of the Roma 2's which are equally great, but more of a haul your life in them tote. This is an every day handbag. Still holds a ton. I don't mind the short handles as I prefer to wear the long strap as a shoulder bag, and it hangs perfectly. What a GREAT bag!!! "

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Chi-town girl — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 05:28:05 GMT

Reading these reviews....excited to get my Roma3 camo! The blue would be my 2nd choice-gorgeous tone. I wasn't as crazy about the lavendar after watching the presentation. I like the stirrup hobo hardware-not the hobo silouette as much as I love the Roma silouette in every size.

" I just got the blue and waiting on the camo. This is thee most gorgeous/perfect bag ever!! The size is perfect and the leather is as they say "like butta". Perfection!! "

" Ok, I got 3 and love them all. This is a great everyday size. The leather is the same Gili quality. This one is more structured than the stirrup one, which makes getting in and out of it easier. The Roma is definitely my favorite style of Gili handbags. I now have 2 in the Roma 2, and 3 in the Roma 3. I would like to see the Roma 2 come back, it is a great size for days when I need to carry more, or day trips. I do not have the original large Roma yet, but would like to get that in black, if it comes back in. Please keep the Gili Roma bags coming! "

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

retiredgal69 — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 12:39:35 GMT

Actually, I missed the Monday presentation but I did watch the video yesterday and I was really surprised at how much I loved the size and look of the #3. My two fav colors are the camo and black. And I am over 60 and a conservative (re: comments about older gals not wanting the camo). I will NOT pay $200 for this but will wait for the AS IS pricing to take effect with the returns on this bag which should be in a month or so. I think the GILI team had me in mind for this bag: medium size bag, two strap options, nice big opening on top and just a wow looking bag. I never ordered the earlier Roma's because they were too dang big.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Serendipity — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:57:02 GMT

@Chi-town girl Enjoy your bag! I am curious as to whether it's pebbled or smooth leather on the camo. Could you tell from the presentation?

The black one I received is gorgeous. The leather is more like that of the original large roma than the Roma 2.1. Rich looking. No quality issues whatsoever.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

TY — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 23:08:51 GMT

@nycgirl79 wrote:
PS - I noticed the two longer strands on the lavendar tassel as well. That was really noticeable and did nothing to assure anyone that the quality issues in the GILI line have been addressed. Gave me a laugh though!

A265121

Yes, I watched the video clip for the bag and the lavender croc bag had 2 long tassels that were obviously long. I wonder how this bag passed quality control? You would think that the behind the scenes stylists would have noticed and fixed this before airing the bag. Frankly the Roma 3 looks like it's made by the same company that makes the Aimee Kestenberg bags, they have many of the same colors and metallic finishes as her bags. I think the cobalt blue leather is exactly the same shade. A.K. used to work for Li and Fung before branching out on her own but I bet her bags and the G.I.L.I. ones are made by Li and Fung.

Re: G.I.L.I Roma3 Handbag

Neecole — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 03:04:41 GMT

Got my replacement black today, the first one had scratches, surprised to see a Dooney & Bourke inside the box? Dang it, they sent the wrong bag