I need your opinion on this bag! - YouLookFab Forum

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I need your opinion on this bag!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I am such a bag newbie! I have 2 bags in total: tan hobo and teal tote. I find it very difficult to buy bags and fall in love with them. Maybe because this is such a new concept for me that bag is the part of an outfit and not just the way to keep stuff.

My mom gave me a gift certificate for my birthday and I decided to spend it on a new bag. I have been looking for 2 month without results but yesterday I have spotted this bag and somehow it resonated with me. It happens so rarely that I decided to buy it and mule it over - I have 10 days to return it.
It is leather and made in Italy but I have never heard of the brand - Cromia. The color is bright warm red - is it tomato red? The picture #2 has the most accurate color. It is quite rigid and structured, holds the shape well and I can fit all my work stuff in it.
What do you think? It is not overly expensive but not cheap either - $100 so I want to keep it only if it is a winner. Do you think it fits my style? I am used to soft bags and this one is not - but I have never owned a satchel bag before so I don't know if it is supposed to be like that.
I have shown it to my husband and at first he was not sure - I guess because it is so bright. Then he told me that this bag should be worn with structured clothes only! How do you like this? Looks like my hubby becomes a style expert!:-)
Thanks for your help!

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Shopping

26 replies

Latest reply was from Deb

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Sveta, this bag is gorgeous! I love the bright color and the structure. I see why hubby thinks it needs a structured outfit but I don't think the structure of the bag needs to be taken literally. This bag would add a lovely "ladies that lunch" vibe to a casual outfit, don't you think? I love it with the outfit pictured. the combination of the gold and reddish color (seems more pinkish than orangish red to me?) is really great!

MNsara

Veteran

I REALLY like it and I REALLY like it on you! The shape is interesting, the size good (not too large nor too small), the handle drop works for you on your arm or over your shoulder (that is a bonus).

Love that color (and it does look like a tomato red to me). The leather also has a good, durable look in the pic. Like it should wear and clean up nicely.

I say if it spoke to you and you are still on speaking terms after a week, you will probably have a very happy relationship together

(The way I think, Hubby had a hint of accuracy there -- if I wear all boho, unstructured clothes and grab a structured satchel it does look out of place -- on me. If I add a structured bag to a very classic outfit *I* feel too done up -- almost costumey -- on me. But most of my outfits just have *some* strucure to them with a jacket or pencil skirt, so a structured bag works fine. . . )

There you go -- my .02

Lisa

Veteran

This bag gets my vote. I like when bags have structure to them, then I don't have to worry about how full they are, or them toppling over. The color is nice, and don't you wear a lot of purple? Red and purple would be lovely. I like this size on you, it's not overwhelming but looks like a daily use size (not a tiny teeny going out only bag). Nice choice!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I like it! Your style seems to have plenty of tailored jackets and clean lines, so I don't think Hubby has to worry too much. I think you might regret it if you pass it up and then spend months looking for something else that resonates with you.

catgirl

Veteran

I LOVE this bag! I prefer structured simple bags in general. This shape and color will never go out of style, and it looks very well-made for that price range. It has a Kate Spade vibe to it, don't you think?

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Una, the bag reminds me of Kate Spade. I think $100 is a very good price for a bag like that, and you say it is made in Italy and all of my Italian bags are well-made with decent leather. I say keep.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Yep, I totally agree this has a Kate Spade vibe to it!

wilson

This bag is beautiful! Beautiful!!! I can see why it appealed to you. And the price is amazing!!! You might find that it isn't what you carry every day with every outfit but that it does add the finishing touch for certain outfits. If you are just starting to put together a bag assortment I think it is a wonderful bag to begin with. You'll probably add bags as you go and as you find others that speak to you. I haven't heard of the brand either but I like bags that don't shout designer names; there is a certain classiness to a discreet leather bag that is very quality looking.

elpgal

Veteran

That bag is great, Sveta and I love your pose in that last pic! So this is what a 'satchel bag' looks like. I am on a bag hunt myself.

Ljubica

I'm sorry to spoil it for you - but...The bag is beautiful, it looks high quality and excellent design, and it is indeed a very good buy, but the color seems very difficult to pull off for a person of your coloring (and mine). Somehow, in the pictures I see the bag, but don't see you.
If I were you, I would go for the same bag, but in a different color - deeper red, berry or burgundy, or maybe a neutral.
Of course, I could be completely wrong about this, so if you like the bag and feel that it works for you, please disregard what I have said.

rute

Veteran

Cromia has the most amazing bags! Your bag is WOW! So chic! The perfect upgrade to any outfit!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love the color!

Louise

Veteran

I love it, great size, shape and colour. We'll make a bag lady out of you yet!! Talking of which I really need to make a start on paring down my collection!!! x

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thank you for the feedback!
Looks like so far this bag meets almost universal approval on YLF.
Ljubica, your comment about the color being too bright for my complexion made me thinking... When I was looking for a red bag I was drawn to this particular shade. Burgundy or muted, darker red may be easier to match with more outfits but these colors do not have the same appeal to me as this bright one in the bag. They seem more predictable, safe.
However I should reconsider if this color is too overwhelming on me...
Rute, so you know this brand? I have never heard of it before!
Una, CocoLion, Jenava - I also thought about Kate Spade bags when I saw this one. I even found a thread when Karli posted her yellow KP bag - and it does look along the same lines.

Queen Mum

Veteran

LOVE it! another vote for the keep side.

Stephanie

Veteran

I'm a believer! In structured bags and in this bag in particular.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER.

You definitely have a Kate Spade gene

The Bag President welcomes you to the wonderful world of handbags.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I love the bag and it is an incredible price!
I also think think this an occasional bag for someone with your coloring. The outfit needs drama. All black would be great with this bag.
I think if you are looking for a bag you wear everyday, I would stick with a more neutral bag.
I hope I am not a spoiler. Bright colored bags go with contrast and drama. Every bright colored bag sits in my closet except for that occasional outfit.
However, I am probably more earthy than you.
If you love it, that is what matters.

MNsara

Veteran

You might be pleasantly surprised by the color. Take it into your closet and hold it against your clothes and see what you think. How much of your clothing would look good/bad with? What about with your winter & spring jackets?

I think with spring and summer around the corner (they are, AREN'T THEY?), you'll love the way the bag brightens up an outfit -- sort of like wearing shoes in a bright color. Very happy

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

The Bag President has spoken with approval!
Jean, I do not plan to use this bag as "everyday go with everything" one. I already have a tan one which fits this purpose. So I am fine if this bag will not work with ALL my outfits but I definitely want to use it with a number of outfits.
I think it should work with all neutral colors like black, cream, grey, ink blue and brown, right?
IMO it should also work with other strong colors like deep teal, cobalt blue, maybe purple. I think muted colors will not work as well with it and although I do wear muted colors they do not prevalent in my wardrobe. I also think that this bag may be too strong for pastels but i do not wear them at all.
I think I need to do a photo session to see what it works with. Stay tuned!

Jonesy

Veteran

This is a very good-looking, eye-catching bag! I personally love the color and shape, and it looks very luxe. I can't help noticing that it seems to exactly match the color of the flower on your icon--you must be drawn to this color!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Lovely! I'm looking for a similar colored bag for spring. So fun and fresh. Enjoy!

MsMary

Veteran

Oh, I swoon! LOVE the shape, LOVE the color, LOVE your sassy attitude with it!! Keep!!

san

Veteran

It's a beautiful bag and I love the structure. Your husband has great taste, amazing that he said that you should wear a structured bag with a structured outfit. I had never thought of that.
I actually have way too many soft squishy bags and would love to have a more structured one. No more for me for a long while though.

Bookarella

Veteran

I reallly like the bag, Sveta. Seems just the right size for you, too. I think everyone needs some special "wow" accessories in their closet, whether it be shoes or bags or whatever. I vote yes.

Aida

Veteran

Yay a red bag! I love the style and the color is very pretty. Also love the outfit you've got on with it in #3/4

Deb

Sveta - The bag "speaks" to you! It makes you happy, and you love it. Right there are all the reasons in the world to keep it. It will make your world a little bit brighter - and put a spring in your step!

Enjoy!