You know, when it concerns handbags and the reviews we do here on PurseBlog, we can be all over the place. in some cases we (me, Megs, Amanda and Anna) can be in complete agreement and other times we don’t see eye to eye at all. This all makes sense, of course, because, well, we all have different likes and dislikes. (I know, I am stating the apparent here, just bare with me.)
However, I feel as though we tend to be many polar on our view points with some of the big time designers, like Valentino. But, when it concerns Valentino, Amanda said it best in her review of the Valentino Laceland tote when she said is not completely comfortable claiming she loves or hates a given Valentino creation. I feel the same exact way.
So, as I sit here contemplating how I feel about the Valentino Rouches Napa Hobo, I also wonder not only what my fellow PurseBlog writers think but also what you all think about this bag. There is a large part of me that really wants to like the bag, but there is a nagging part of me that thinks it is nothing much more than heinous. So, let’s break it down.
No matter what the state of the economy is, there is something to be said for possessing one of the big name brand bags – which Valentino is a part of. The leather itself is downright gorgeous. It is supple, beautiful and flawless. As a hobo, the dimensions are pretty much spot on: 13 1/2″H x 15″W x 8 1/2″D with a 5″ take on drop. I wish the drop was a bit larger, but I won’t make that a point of extreme discussion. I love satin lining, so the fact that this bag is lined with black satin, I certainly like it a bit more. Yet again, is that enough to make or break a decision – no.
The ruffles. The ruffles have me on the fence. When I think about really tapping into my feminine side, I like the ruffles. When I think about how borderline gaudy the bag looks, I hate the ruffles. but that is the thing. The ruffles are *supposed* to help the bag stand out; they are expected to make the bag distinct and one-of-a-kind.
Finally, the price. Yes, this is Valentino and yes the prices tend to be a bit inflated compared to the rest of the handbag market. However, would you throw down practically $2600 for this ruffled, leather, hobo? The price is what is making me quiver. If the bag was cheaper, I would go out on a ledge and purchase it. I need a statement piece and frankly, this bag is exactly that – a statement. but with everything being said, does this bag make so much of a statement that you would be prepared to throw down big time bucks? If so, purchase through Bergdorf Goodman for $2595.