Handbags

[KentuckyWoman]

This Cara tote is going to be the QVC2 Big Deal tonight.  Saffiano leather in six colors.  I love the pale pink and dandelion colors but the bag has a center zip compartment and that is a drawback for me, plus the handles don't fold down.  I am tempted though.  I would love a colorful bag for spring and summer. 

[ItsME]

Pretty bag!  I use smaller bags, and only with fully close-able tops (zipper preferred!), and that limits my selection.  But I do love the style of the one you posted.  Enjoy it if you get it!

[JavaQueen]

We've been discussing this on another thread.

This is a pretty bag! 

Pluses:

Slightly lighter weight

Detachable shoulder strap

No water spotting! 

Better organization

Subtel branding on the clsap.  Hate the square Dooney and Bourke nameplate.

Minuses:

Saffiano leather still needs to be handled carefully, because it will develop "bumps" and creases that you cannot get out--unless you heat the bag. It also can become warped if caught in a downpour. (owner of three saffiano bags. Learned lessons the  hard way.) Keep a shaper or cardboard in the bottom.

Price. This is a Q-bag. They are doing a bait-and-switch and once the sale price goes away, this will probably be in the price range of the original Florentine version.  Macy's doing their Friends and Family thing. If a person really likes steel blue, it's $137. Of course, there is the water spotting issue, but the price makes it a daily wear for denim.

Pay attention to the strap. The width of the strap makes all the difference.

They are very pretty though.  Keep in mind that there won;t be as many available since it's a Big Deal. Based on that, it's likley there will be sellouts in some colors.

[queendiva]

I'm out.

Saffiano, center compartment and handles that do not fold down. All deal breakers before I even see the price.

[Kachina624]

@queendiva.  I agree.  Saffiano is a total turn-off for me.  Looks just like cheap vinyl.

[KentuckyWoman]

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@queendiva wrote:

I'm out.

Saffiano, center compartment and handles that do not fold down. All deal breakers before I even see the price.

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I think it is a pretty bag but have decided to pass.  The center zip compartment is the deal breaker for me.  Total waste of interior space in a handbag if you ask me.  I could live with the handles but prefer them to fold down. 

[faeriemoon]

As summer approaches and the world becomes more casual, I wish they'd do a coated canvas summer bag.  It's been a long time since they've done one.  I had to go on the bay and hunt down a paint splatter one that I admired but let get by me.

To me it's not just color that sets the tone for a summer bag, it's also the material.  Unless leather is woven, I tend to not use it in the summer.

I much prefer coated canvas/cotton to nylon.  As much as they say you can just "wipe your Italian nylon clean", you cannot.  It stains.  Sorry-- truth.

[libbyannE]

I saw that a cpl if days ago. I Like the bag but I avoid saffiano, because it feels like plastic.

[JavaQueen]

They're always a little behind with the bags. They used to do a bag in February for spring and then do a nice bag for Mother's Day. I think this Cara is not geared towards summer, but a nice Mother's Day gift. People are more likely to splash out that occasion.

They did have a few Trixie's. I sold off my coated cotton/canvas satchel. Thought it looked like a cheap knockoff, because of the handles.

The nylon is pretty hard to clean--whatever color. Not impervious to snags either. The cat took one look at my logo lock hobo and scratched it. It snagged just enough to leave a blemish. Right on the front, too.