Bag K/R: Both, none, one - YouLookFab Forum

I returned the Bed Stu bag I'd posted here and have two more candidates. Caro had very reasonably asked why I was looking at bags when I had other more pressing items. Well, good question! I do need t-shirts and gearish things for summer. I don't plan on spending good money on any of them (tees I'm hoping to pick up at my neighborhood Goodwill, which gets in some nice stuff) because I just don't see myself investing in items as I'm still hoping to lose at least a few sizes. That leaves me with sandals and accessories like bags.

One of these, a recent Angie pick, I immediately loved at first sight. The Botkier crossover. The other one I saw on lastcall.com. I do have a secret posh side to me and a fascination for a certain high-end look. That doesn't mean the look is right for me, so I'm asking you.

Let's assume both are affordable, of a practical size (functionality-wise) and both are in colors I could match with existing wardrobe items. Do either or both look right for me? Is the size right? I am now worried about the scale and wondering if the Botkier bag is big enough for me. (The strap is non-adjustable; that's as long as it goes.) The Furla has great craftmanship and of course if I ever want to sell or consign it, it's a Furla.

I would need either of them to be excellent, like "OMG you have to keep this" excellent.

Over to you all fab women. Thanks in advance.

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12 years ago

Eliza

Veteran

Those are both beautiful bags and the scale of either one could work for you nicely. I like to have bags of different sizes so that I can vary the look, degree of formality and function needed for any given purpose. Do they both work to carry your essentials? Can the Botkier also be used as a clutch? I really like the crossover. The Furla is a classic shape in a fun color. It is hard to see what is going on with the belt-like feature in the photo. Does it tuck into the metal loop, allowing the hardware to fit in the center hole? It looks like it should.

I have owned several Furla bags over the years and have been satisfied with the quality of all but one of them that was too delicately made (poor choice of leather for straps according to my shoe repair man). However, it wasn't fabricated at all like the orange one. Recently, I have seen some that were not lined, even at higher price points, and for me, that was a deal breaker as raw leather interiors did not beckon.

These could be versatile for you and are each attractive in their own right. Good luck with your decision.

Anonymous

Hmmm. I think the Botkier looks a little short on you, and the Furla is lovely but I just don't see it with what little I know of your style.

I know that isn't much help -- the bags themselves are lovely.

Transcona Shannon

Oh dear Mochi - I like both! I think they have completely different vibes so it's difficult to compare, you know? I love the color, shape and size of the Botkier. A great bag when you don't want to carry too much stuff and can keep your arms free. The Furla is a beautiful color and also a fab shape - great when you want a brighter pop of color and need to carry more. Both of these can be used in dressy or casual outfits.

I think it probably boils down to which you would use more. I'm sorry this probably hasn't been that helpful.

Mochi

Yes, Eliza, the Furla is lined. I can figure out how to better manage those flaps at the top. I'd never thought I wanted an orange bag either, until very recently. Generally speaking, the Botkier is more my primary style direction, but I am also very eclectic.

Thanks, everyone. Then again, the answer could be "neither." That's fine too.

ETA: I think a part of me is influenced by my Zara shopper totebag. It is far and away the most complimented item I own, and I'm probably wanting a lazy-easy way of upping my style quotient. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

missvee

Neither of these is jumping off the page for me, but choosing a handbag is so hard - size, colour, shape, weight, and function all come into play. . The colour of the Botkier looks very murky in the photo, and the Furla is seems really big and bulky. Hmm, sorry.

I'm interested in how low people think cross-body bags should be. I wouldn't want it much longer than Mochi's photo from a function standpoint (may be 2-3 inches), although perhaps it is a good idea to test these also with the heaviest outerwear you could pair the bag with to be sure there is "clearance". If the bag can also be used as a clutch, then perhaps the straps could be easily swapped out with a longer one from another bag that would coordinate.

Mochi- As to a quick way to up one's style, I agree that there is no easier way than a bag. Shoes can work, but for me, there is nothing easy about pleasing fussy feet. Those 2 bags have very different personalities and while my bags may overlap in function, I love having diversity in the styles and colors to amp things up. I admit it, slight obsession here.

kellygirl

I really like the metallic cross body for some reason. It's posh looking but in a subtle non-flashy way. The orange one is gorgeous too. I can't pick a fave.

I agree about diversification, Eliza. And also wondering why people seem to find these cross bodies short on me. I'm extremely short-waisted--of something's too short on me, who else can wear it? I could be wrong. I just am puzzled.

Suz

(website)

These are both great bags. I am zero help, because I am a bag ignoramous. I would say, style them up with some outfit and see which one feels best.

rae

Ooh, the Furla stands out to me. I could see it with your oxfords and blazers as a wonderful feminine counterpoint, much like Angie's post today discussed. I vote for that one!

RE: the length of the crossbody, I think it's because you have a high waist but a longer torso (whether it's truly long or lengthened by your long tops I'm not sure, but the effect is the same). We're used to seeing crossbody bags hit on the hips right now (I don't know if that is the end-all to how they should fit or just Fashion's current mode) and this one hits you well above the bottom of your tops.

texstyle

I much prefer the Furla for you mochi. I think the brighter color looks great on you and I like it's more feminine, stylish and classy look. I also like the size. The other bag has a much more rugged or RATE vibe to me and I don't think that's what you are going for - but maybe I'm wrong.

I like cross body bags to hit on my hip or slightly lower. When they are shorter they feel really awkward and get in the way, especially with winter coats.

kkards

is the Botkier empty? i was wondering what it would look like with everday "stuff" in it.
l prefer the furla, becuase i think it can be dressed up or down. but thats more my style.

abc

I love the Furla. Even when I entered the post and just saw the thumbnails, it was speaking to me and once I saw the bigger photos it just confirmed it for me. But it could be bc I love a good pop of color!

I agree with what Rae said about bag length, all of my crossbody bags tend to hit way lower than where the first bag hits you. I think it is just the current style, but the longer length does seem more flattering to my eye.

Good luck and let us know your decision!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Love the Botkier as a clutch - not as a crossbody.

Love the Furla as is!

Well, Angie, you talked me into the Zara bag and look how it's worked out for me.

I'll post a pic or two of me using the metallic bag as a clutch. I've never used clutches and am not sure how I feel about having one (basically, I'm somehow afraid of leaving it behind somewhere--head not attached to body syndrome). But chime in, please. It was not expensive. (Here it is on amazon for $65! http://www.amazon.com/botkier-.....8;qid=1368 )

I have a feeling that if I kept the Furla, it would also get praised a lot too. It is, unfortunately, almost five times expensive, and the most I would probably be willing to ever pay for a bag (unless I fall into extremely high-paying employment someday), so it would really need to pull its weight stylistically and be my It bag for a long while. I think it could, but will have to mull it over.

Thanks again, ladies.

catgirl

I almost ordered the Botkier in silver, but I ADORE the Furla for you (and me, ha ha)... It's bright, it's classy, and it's useful. The Botkier is cute but doesn't have the same wow factor for me.

Isabel

Hm...I thought that the whole thing about a crossbody was to adjust it and wear it how you liked. Oh know, that is how I do it.

I am not sure either Mochi. I do like the orange and I can see it with your trench, sneakers, nice jeans....or a jacket and jeans and even a T. I like the bright color.

BTW, your toes look hot !

Caro in Oz

What AG said.

Another vote for the Furla.

Day Vies

I love color but the orange isn't doing it for me. I love the shape and the styling. Hmmm. Maybe I need a little help with styling on that one.
The crossbody is lovely. I love the subtle bronze shimmer. It is certainly a safe way to make a statement but I feel like I'm steering you into "safe" territory. I think the orange would look great with a navy and white outfit. Go with your gut.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I love the Botkier, but that's because it's very "me," and I don't know your style that well. I love muted metallics, for their edge and their way of not looking too fussy.
The Furla looks very classy.

MsMary

THE ORANGE ONE! OMG YOU MUST KEEP IT!!

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