Handbags

[Shanus]

Watched yesterday's GILI show and bags were around $250.  Yes, they were leather, but didn't look substantial like other leather bags in that price range.

Anyone have a GILI bag and what do you think of the quality, inside organization, finishing, etc.?

[millieshops]

@Shanus Never ordered GILI, so I have no idea and I really don't think I get much factual info even here on the boards about that whole line.  It always seems to me that some love almost everything GILI and the rest would never order it to begin with.  Not a whole lot of help for me.

As for those substantial leather bags -  I have several from my past and they will virtually never wear out.  That's partly because of the inherent quality, but it's also because they are far too heavy to carry anywhere except occasionally out to dinner.

[culebra]

I own 4 GILI Roma 2 bags and they wear very well.  They are substantial.  

I own the natural ostrich, cream snake, espresso brown as well as black.  When I go on a trip, I take one these bags to carry my kindle, I phone, I phone charger etc. 

[aggravated]

I did not order the Roma handbags.  My GILI handbag was a disappointment.

[Gram W]

I have 3 large GILI styles.  On a Roma the hardware on 1 side broke just after the 30 days.   I did not overload my bag.  I have had cervical surgery with replacement and fusion so I can not put much weight in my bags thus pulling on my shoulders in any way.  The other 2 have held up well but their hardware is sturdier.  The large bags have little organization so I use a Pursfection to give it body and pockets.  I have an off white leather backpack.  I don't remember what the texture was called but white flakes comes off on my clothes when I wear it.  It converts to a crossbody as well so it is very useful when going to craft shows and flea markets. I keep it light taking only essentials for the occasion.  It could hold more.   I keep hoping it will run out of flakes as I do like it otherwise.

 I have not been impressed with the latest clothing pieces I purchased.   The skin tight fit and short jacket are not my style and the vest did not fit my body proportions as per the garment measurement chart.  Those were returned.

[stevieb]

Initially, maybe... More recently, in a word, no...

[Katcat1]

Gili bags look cheap to me. They have a trendy look and they are still using tassels.  OMG!   Look at Radley if you want excellent leather and a reasonable price and a bag that is timeless.  

[Favorite Son]

I own three of the early Romas - large natural ostrich, medium natural ostrich, and black pebble. I haven't found another bag with as much functionality that doesn't look exactly like a tote all the time.  The Patricia Nash Monte camel and brown guitar strap goes back and forth off of the ostrich ones, to better distribute the weight when loaded with all of my stuff.

That said, I wouldn't purchase another GILI bag and all of the ones that I do own I purchased off of eBay.  I don't think they are worth QVC prices and the colors and patterns have become, in my opinion, garish since LR is no longer guiding the design effort.  I might change my tune about that if they offered the Roma in a straight black ostrich with the current folded/stitched carrying handles.  But other than that, I'm done with GILI and GILI bags.

[Pecky]

I have ordered two and sent them back as the leather looks like plastic and they are heavy.  I don't care for the gold hardware at all.  To answer your question, no I don't think they are worth the money. 

[SahmIam]

I also have 3 of the original Roma and I love them. The leather is amazing and just buttery. They are a workhorse in my group of bags. Worth every penny.

Based on that reputation, I've ordered a few other GILI bags and all went baorik.