Brahmin Bags - your opinion? - YouLookFab Forum

Lately Brahmin handbags have caught my eye. I like the simple shapes, the textured crocodile-look leather. I'm tempted by the rich brown tones (Cocoa, Toasted Almond, Pecan, Truffle) and the vivid/dusky jewel tones (like the new Peacock). They look like they come in iPad-friendly sizes. I could fold one into my contemporary/retro/steampunk style mix really well. But...I'm in New Zealand, and I'd be using mail order. So it's a big purchase for me.

Has anybody got any feedback on Brahmin bags, especially on the Anytime Bag (smaller cousin of the Anytime Tote)? What's the feel/durability of this bag line? I'm 5'2" and I don't want to be swamped by a bag. I'm an hourglass, so I like a shoulder bag that sits nicely in the curve of my waist. No kids, so I'm not hauling the universe around in my bag (mondo respect to all the moms out there who DO), but I would like to add an iPad/tablet when I want to. And I don't have to worry about pickpockets in NZ.

Any comments are helpful and appreciated!

12 years ago

April

Veteran

I love these bags. Although I don't own one and can't speak to how well they actually hold up with use, I think that in terms of their looks, they are true classics.

Kari

Alison from Wardrobe Oxygen has a breathtaking one in cobalt blue that I adore!

MNsara

I can attest to their quality and durability - they are great! Mine have held up very well, and have shown much less than usual wear and tear on handles, edges, finishes, etc.

Is this the bag you're considering?:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/br.....r:keyword={keyword}&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=255120F2-92C3-E011-8116-001517B1882A&origin=pla
It has very favorable reviews.

Brahmin mixes it up a little bit more lately with colors and styles, but I adore them for their browns, taupes, and reds.
Regarding size, I'd highly suggest measuring some bags you already own, or stop at a store to find one similar to its dimensions. I'm often surprised by how large a bag is IRL!

shiny

I have a Brahmin satchel. I picked it up at last year's NAS (or was it year before last? time escapes me!!!).

SIZE: I am 5'0 and I also hate to be swamped by a bag. The Brahmin I have is large. It's not a tote, a satchel. But I wanted the oversized look, except "to scale" if you know what I mean. This worked perfectly. My best recommendation? Measure a bag you already own that you think is perfect, then compare to the measurements online.

FEEL: It feels luscious. I am a sucker for a well-constructed bag. This is why I bought it in the first place. (I saw it in person at NAS, fell in love right away). Mine is a raisin color, by the way. I love the detailing on it, like having feet so I can set it down on the counter or floor. The inside is made of a soft suede material.

DURABILITY: It has held up quite well. I use it a lot for business and travel. Yes, it's big enough to stow an iPad. I can cram a lot into it, and I do. I will tell you -- it has worn on the edges. But -- it looks "classy worn" not shabbily worn. If that makes sense? It has weathered/aged very nicely. Note, I do not use it every day-- I switch bags often. But I also don't store it as well as I should when not in use, as we're limited on space, so it gets thrown in and crammed with all the others...

Just found a similar one on their site: the Sadie dome bag. I can't link to it directly. Except raisin, not black. I can take pics of my bag if you like.

ONLY CRITIQUE: it can be heavy to carry in my hand. I don't like to use the cross-body strap. I will for traveling. I just don't like cross body straps in general. So, if I take this bag to the mall, by the end of the trip my arm is tired of holding it. Esp because I inevitably wind up overloading it with water bottle, umbrella, etc, since it can pack a lot.

But, you're looking at a tote, not a satchel, so that is different. Just saying that I prefer lightweight bags -- and this one is fairly lightweight but not as light as my other bags. For comparison, I have a gorgeous cracked patent leather Furla tote that is even larger than this, and it's lighter.

Hope that helps!

Now you have me checking the Brahmin site... I really want a bright red crackled leather bag, and I'm seeing some beautiful options. I am just not sure what style would be best.

Jenava

(website)

I own this one:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_RQ.....atchel.png

It's a great bag, but my ipad 1 didn't fit in it with it's case on (although an ipad 2 empty case did fit, when I tried it out in the store. Since then I've traded out for a kindle fire, so now it's no problem!

I like the adjustable strap and sturdy handles. And the color is fab and goes with everything sort of like a pair of blue jeans. I also have a brahmin wallet. My boss has a brahmin wallet she's been using since the 90s, so that says something! my wallet looks brand new and I've used it non stop for a year. As others have noted, the quality on these bags is high. IMO they are one of the best values out there. Although, they are leather, so yes they CAN feel a bit hefty.

EmilyC15

Active Member

This is tremendous, thank you! I tend to get "stuck" on one or two bags, so my bags get used heavily, and it sounds like Brahmin can take it, along with being stylish. There is definitely a Brahmin in my future... maybe even two.

MsMary

I have the same one Jenava has, only with a leopard print calf hair panel on the front. I love it to distraction. My iPad fits (barely, but it fits) but it's a bit of a challenge to get it zipped. I did find that the brass fob was rubbing on the calf hair and matting it a little, so I just switched it to the other side of the bag and that solved the problem.

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biscuitsmom

I have 2 shoulder bags that Ive used near daily (one spring/summer -light tan croc w/dark accents- the other fall/winter-rich cognac croc w/dark accents) for about 2.5 yrs and they both look and feel almost new yet They have a 12 inch drop thick double strap, are appx 13 inches wide, 11 inches high and would easily hold a Ipad. I tend to stuff my bags and sling 'em. Held up extremely well and I believe if you register your bag w/Brahmin, there is a 2 yr warrantee. Its the best money Ive ever spent on a purse, hands down. Soft leather, velvety inside. Dont see my purse on the website anymore (been over 2 yrs, of course) but if you are hard on bags, I would definitely look here and try and get one with a thick strap- I would guess it might hold up longer- good luck! Isabel has Brahmins too and loves them!

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