Oddly enough, mine has the same crinkly leather on one half and smooth leather on the other, just like Christines! It's not very pronounced on mine though, probably because it's black.
The leather isn't super soft, but it feels very durable. My only complaint would be that the second strap doesn't stay on my shoulder very well (Texasgal reported the same IIRC), though I'm not sure that it would bother me enough to get rid of it. It stays better now that I unstuffed it and put all my crap in there 'cause it weighs it down a bit. The size is great though - small enough that's it's not overwhelming but still big enough to carry all the must-haves.
I'm not sure yet if I'm going to keep it or not. If I keep it, we're talking partial-shopping ban for the next month or so. If I get enough money for Christmas, I could get the Tano. Or I could return this now and get the Tano anyway. Gaaaaaah!
Question for the ladies who have been using theirs for awhile - Does it 'break in' at all?
SEE BELOW FOR THE VERDICT .....
-- Edited by LMonet at 13:59, 2005-11-20
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
now that you figured out your timer, why don't you post a picture of you holding it so we can see how big it is? Just cause I'm nosey, not because it will make a difference in your decision...
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Who do you have to probe around here to get a Chardonnay? - Roger the Alien from American Dad
I wasn't such a fan of that bag til I saw your pictures. I do like it, but which Tano are you talking about?
I was considering this one:
In brown. It's got almost the same measurements as the Handmaid, but I think because the strap's longer it might hit right at my hip, which may not be a very good thing .
Handmaid: 12.5 x 9.5 x 7 Tano: 15 x 10 x 7
-- Edited by LMonet at 18:40, 2005-11-18
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
I think it looks great in your pictures. It's got a nice, simple shape and it looks very classic in that respect, but it has enough detail so it's not boring. The size suits you well too--it looks perfect.
I'd carry it around for a few days and see if it grows on you at all. I think if you don't love it, you shouldn't keep it, but sometimes it takes a little while to get used to a new piece too.
LMonet - I go through the same series of guilt and indecision when I make purchases > $100. Honestly, that bag looks great on you! I vote that you keep it - limit your spending until the year's end to X-Mas gifts only (hard I know) and then treat yourself to the Tano with all your X-Mas money. Is this an option? The Tano that you are looking at has a completely different feel to it, and I seriously think you *need* both.
He eheee......I can't help but be an enabler in this instance b/c I love both of your bag choices!!!!!
I was considering this one: In brown. It's got almost the same measurements as the Handmaid, but I think because the strap's longer it might hit right at my hip, which may not be a very good thing . Handmaid: 12.5 x 9.5 x 7 Tano: 15 x 10 x 7-- Edited by LMonet at 18:40, 2005-11-18
LMonet, that Tano is beautiful. Aesthetically (sp?) speaking, I think you should get the Tano. But I see why you think it may hit at your hip...so that is a hard call.
But it doesn't sound like you are in love with this bag. I would look for something better.
Thanks for the thoughts (and enabling ) girls. I think I'm going to live with it for a few days and see how it feels - it's just more structured than I usually go so I think you are right about there being an adjustment period NCshopper.
If I do decide to keep it, I will defintely follow your 'plan' Tara - then I'd have one black and one brown, one structured and one slouchy. Perfect start to a collection, right?!
I resurrect this thread in a few days once I decide for sure .
-- Edited by LMonet at 18:50, 2005-11-18
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
Ditto what Tara said, LMonet. The bag looks perfect on you. You might need the Tano as well, when it's appropriate money-wise.
The more I look at mine and wear it (indoors only - I'm exchanging it for a non-half-wrinkly one) the more I fall totally in love with it. I don't even want to let it go for a week to ship it back for the exchange!! I totally it.
LMonet, I think the bag looks great on you! I know I'm a dork, but I was a little worried you guys wouldn't love your bags but I'm relieved that you guys seem to be happy. I vote that you keep the bag and save up for the Tano too..I know, I'm a bad enabler. But every girl needs a nice black and brown bag..duh. Anyways, my bag has broken in a bit...the leather is a little bit more soft and worn in...although, i tend to abuse my bags so...
TexasGal, I seriously LOVE my bag! I never would have gotten it if it weren't for you in the first place -- seeing those pics of you with your bag totally made me want one too!
Now, once I make the exchange, I'll be good to go!!
I am sooo totally keeping this bag! I used it when we went out Friday night, and shopping on Saturday and it's really comfortable to carry - you almost forget you're wearing it at all and the straps stay up better when you have some stuff in it. The shape is starting to loosen up ever so slightly . FH really likes it too - he says it looks kinda like a 'biker chick' bag, which I never thought before but after he said it, it does have a tough chick vibe to it.
Plus, when I walk by it sitting on the counter, it makes me smile .
-- Edited by LMonet at 17:08, 2005-11-20
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
jacL wrote: This is super corny but I could feel my anticipation rising as I was scroling down the page for you verdict. I am glad it worked out for you.
Oh, good, it wasn't just me! It looks great on you & I'm glad you are keeping it. i wouldn't have thought biker chic either but now that you say that...
And I love that it makes you smile when you see it - that is worth the price right there!
But I love that Tano bag as well.
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Who do you have to probe around here to get a Chardonnay? - Roger the Alien from American Dad