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monokuro · Oct 2nd, 2009, 12:40 PM

I've been eyeing a good shoulder bag for everyday use and I ran into this one on Nordies.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3030755/...bo=6024530&P=1
It looks cute on the website but definitely won't know til I see it in person.. but just wondering overall on how makowsky bags are in general use?
Are they good and long lasting? or do they have some problems? :(

I'm asking because I notice they don't have any B&M stores so any problems might occur I won't be able to go visit their store or anything. ):

mirdc · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:03 PM

I love my 2 makowsky bags, but I don't think they are really worth MSRP (you hear about a lot of broken hardware issues). If you find a style you love - check *bay (usually at least $100 cheaper than retail), your local TJ Maxx or Marshalls (have been getting in a lot of Makowsky bags recently), or ask your Dillards or Macy's sales rep to give you a call when they go on sale. Makowsky stock seams to be rotated out rather quickly and I frequently see styles on clearance after only a couple of months.

rainrowan · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:05 PM

They're quite nice and the customer service is excellent. I had a missing key ring and they sent one out the following week. The crossbody I have is made of a supple pebbled leather. I read somewhere they are Japanese drummed leather. BM has come out with different leathers since I bought mine, some feel like washed leathers, nice, thick and smooth.

I don't know who BM would compare to but I have felt similar bags in the Francesco Biasia leather bags... BM linings are some kind of synthetic satin material, they are fine but not hugely rugged, but quality overall is superior to his wife's line, Kathy Van Zeeland.

alwayspositive · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:08 PM

I have been looking at the same bag myself. I have seen it in person and it's okay. Today it was on sale for $107 and it sold out before I could buy it!! I would only buy B Makowsky bags on sale, but that's me. If you really like it go for it. I have one of his bags and I have not had any problems with it so far. Read the other threads about his bags because some of the ladies have had problems with his bags. Oh yeah, I don't believe there is a B Makowsky store. I think his bags are only sold in department stores and online websites.

mirdc · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by rainrowan

BM linings are some kind of synthetic satin material, they are fine but not hugely rugged, but quality overall is superior to his wife's line, Kathy Van Zeeland.

HA! Anything is superior to his wife's line ;-)

Armed with vinyl and a bedazzler, my 8 yr old could make a nicer bag than Kathy Van Zeeland!

I seriously don't know how she sells bags - they always look so tacky & over the top. I'd take a Makowsky anyday over her bags!

rainrowan · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:17 PM

^Lately, her bags are really very bling to me... the target audience is now a much younger crowd I think! I had a bag of hers years back and it looked nothing like what I see today.

PhantaBitten · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:25 PM

I love some of the B. Makowsky bags but I would try to find them cheaper than retail if I wanted to purchase one.

NagaJolokia · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:28 PM

I own 3 (one on the way). Compared to other bags in general, I think they're fairly priced for the materials and craftsmanship. However, you'll see them on sale a lot, and seeing as there are no fakes (yet anyway), I suggest getting the best prices for new/newish ones on Ebay (but with the seller's rep in mind).

xostephie · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:31 PM

Ya know, i hear a lot about the B Makowsky bags having problems with color rub off from denim and whatnot. I know that happens sometimes with leather bags, but that's usually the main complaint i hear about B.M. They actually get sold on QVC and this woman called in and questioned it, and of course he was like "oh, it's probably the jeans!' and im like "really, ALL those jeans are the problems, not your bags? Interesting...".

That being said, a friend of mine just happened to buy one on Tuesday, and I will admit, it's a gorgeous bag. I inspected it just this morning, and I might get one myself! haha

NagaJolokia · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:43 PM

^ I hear that as the main problem a lot as well. Colors rubbing off or having other colors getting transferred on to it. However, I've personally never had the problem, but I've only been using one a lot so far and for only 6-7 weeks as they are relatively new bags in my collection. It's sage green (a light but bland green) if that makes a difference.
As for the hardware issues, I haven't heard much about this and have had no problems. I do notice that his hardware, although not something to rave about, has a very satiny finish!

KMSNYC · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:47 PM

I don't own any, but I know QVC sells B Makowski bags (Bruce is always on there selling his stuff) and they will get exclusives and have special offers. Also, QVC has an excellent return policy. maybe check out their selction?

pinkshoulders · Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:48 PM

Makowsky bags are something that I would never pay full retail for. As mentioned, they show up at TJM relatively quickly. Macy's carries a lot of them and you can usually wait out the full price and still find them once marked down.

That said, I would not buy one that I have not seen in person unless it is returnable. Just yesterday I was looking at some recent additions in TJM and could not believe how ridiculously heavy some of the bags were empty. Others from his line were much lighter for their size. Makowsky changes their styles and materials rather constantly. I have never had a color transfer problem, but the only ones I have are darker colors.

ame · Oct 2nd, 2009, 02:59 PM

I like some of his bags, I love his leather, but I think they are REALLY overpriced.

DiorDeVille · Oct 2nd, 2009, 05:54 PM

I have one that I use for a throw-around bag or a fill-in bag when a label might cause hard feelings. It's held up like a pro and I got it for about $80, I think? More solidly constructed than many more expensive bags I've seen.

I'd get one from TJ Maxx, though. The price discount is great, and if hardware is fragile enough to break, it will likely be broken by the time it makes it all the way to TJ's and all that customer handling.

friendlyviper · Oct 3rd, 2009, 12:48 PM

In reply to are they worth the $$ IMO yes. But as stated before you can definitely get them for many $$ off retail through a web search. Love mine. They are fairly rugged and still a soft bag to carry.

Oct 2nd, 2009, 12:40 PM	#1
monokuro OP 051506<3 Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 2,116	are b. makowsky bags worth their price tag? I've been eyeing a good shoulder bag for everyday use and I ran into this one on Nordies. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3030755/...bo=6024530&P=1 It looks cute on the website but definitely won't know til I see it in person.. but just wondering overall on how makowsky bags are in general use? Are they good and long lasting? or do they have some problems? :( I'm asking because I notice they don't have any B&M stores so any problems might occur I won't be able to go visit their store or anything. ):
	__________________ my little collection my blog my website

Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:03 PM	#2
mirdc purse oracle Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 280	I love my 2 makowsky bags, but I don't think they are really worth MSRP (you hear about a lot of broken hardware issues). If you find a style you love - check *bay (usually at least $100 cheaper than retail), your local TJ Maxx or Marshalls (have been getting in a lot of Makowsky bags recently), or ask your Dillards or Macy's sales rep to give you a call when they go on sale. Makowsky stock seams to be rotated out rather quickly and I frequently see styles on clearance after only a couple of months.
mirdc purse oracle Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 280

Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:05 PM	#3
rainrowan INFJ Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,934	They're quite nice and the customer service is excellent. I had a missing key ring and they sent one out the following week. The crossbody I have is made of a supple pebbled leather. I read somewhere they are Japanese drummed leather. BM has come out with different leathers since I bought mine, some feel like washed leathers, nice, thick and smooth. I don't know who BM would compare to but I have felt similar bags in the Francesco Biasia leather bags... BM linings are some kind of synthetic satin material, they are fine but not hugely rugged, but quality overall is superior to his wife's line, Kathy Van Zeeland.
rainrowan INFJ Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,934

Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:08 PM	#4
alwayspositive Member Joined: May 2009 Posts: 166	I have been looking at the same bag myself. I have seen it in person and it's okay. Today it was on sale for $107 and it sold out before I could buy it!! I would only buy B Makowsky bags on sale, but that's me. If you really like it go for it. I have one of his bags and I have not had any problems with it so far. Read the other threads about his bags because some of the ladies have had problems with his bags. Oh yeah, I don't believe there is a B Makowsky store. I think his bags are only sold in department stores and online websites.
alwayspositive Member Joined: May 2009 Posts: 166

Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:17 PM	#6
rainrowan INFJ Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,934	^Lately, her bags are really very bling to me... the target audience is now a much younger crowd I think! I had a bag of hers years back and it looked nothing like what I see today.
rainrowan INFJ Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,934

Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:25 PM	#7
PhantaBitten Drive One. Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Where ZETTERBERG and OSGOOD reign Posts: 4,288	I love some of the B. Makowsky bags but I would try to find them cheaper than retail if I wanted to purchase one.
	__________________ On a mission SAVING SAVING SAVING for a Ford Fusion SE/I-4/FWD/white platinum tri-coat metallic exterior/charcoal black cloth interior

Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:28 PM	#8
NagaJolokia Soft Addictions Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,832	I own 3 (one on the way). Compared to other bags in general, I think they're fairly priced for the materials and craftsmanship. However, you'll see them on sale a lot, and seeing as there are no fakes (yet anyway), I suggest getting the best prices for new/newish ones on Ebay (but with the seller's rep in mind).
	__________________ 35 bags, 1 bag jewelry, 1 agenda/pic book, 1 coin purse, 1 wallet, 1 key chain, 1 money clip, and 1 business card holder in my collection.

Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:31 PM	#9
xostephie Member Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 294	Ya know, i hear a lot about the B Makowsky bags having problems with color rub off from denim and whatnot. I know that happens sometimes with leather bags, but that's usually the main complaint i hear about B.M. They actually get sold on QVC and this woman called in and questioned it, and of course he was like "oh, it's probably the jeans!' and im like "really, ALL those jeans are the problems, not your bags? Interesting...". That being said, a friend of mine just happened to buy one on Tuesday, and I will admit, it's a gorgeous bag. I inspected it just this morning, and I might get one myself! haha
xostephie Member Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 294

Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:43 PM	#10
NagaJolokia Soft Addictions Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,832	^ I hear that as the main problem a lot as well. Colors rubbing off or having other colors getting transferred on to it. However, I've personally never had the problem, but I've only been using one a lot so far and for only 6-7 weeks as they are relatively new bags in my collection. It's sage green (a light but bland green) if that makes a difference. As for the hardware issues, I haven't heard much about this and have had no problems. I do notice that his hardware, although not something to rave about, has a very satiny finish!
	__________________ 35 bags, 1 bag jewelry, 1 agenda/pic book, 1 coin purse, 1 wallet, 1 key chain, 1 money clip, and 1 business card holder in my collection.

Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:47 PM	#11
KMSNYC Member Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,572	I don't own any, but I know QVC sells B Makowski bags (Bruce is always on there selling his stuff) and they will get exclusives and have special offers. Also, QVC has an excellent return policy. maybe check out their selction?
KMSNYC Member Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,572

Oct 2nd, 2009, 01:48 PM	#12
pinkshoulders Member Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 1,098	Makowsky bags are something that I would never pay full retail for. As mentioned, they show up at TJM relatively quickly. Macy's carries a lot of them and you can usually wait out the full price and still find them once marked down. That said, I would not buy one that I have not seen in person unless it is returnable. Just yesterday I was looking at some recent additions in TJM and could not believe how ridiculously heavy some of the bags were empty. Others from his line were much lighter for their size. Makowsky changes their styles and materials rather constantly. I have never had a color transfer problem, but the only ones I have are darker colors.
	__________________ I've been shopping for years and still have nothing to wear.

Oct 2nd, 2009, 02:59 PM	#13
ame Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,843	I like some of his bags, I love his leather, but I think they are REALLY overpriced.
ame Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,843	__________________ Despite the high cost of living, it remains popular. I LOVE SEWNSATIONAL! Things I want.... -Balenciaga Twiggy -Anna Corinna Jetsetter/Jetsetter Jr. -More Anna Corinna Mini Citys -Mulberry Mabel -Rebecca Minkoff MA/MAM ...it's good to want things.

Oct 2nd, 2009, 05:54 PM	#14
DiorDeVille Member Joined: Apr 2006 Location: U.S. Posts: 614	I have one that I use for a throw-around bag or a fill-in bag when a label might cause hard feelings. It's held up like a pro and I got it for about $80, I think? More solidly constructed than many more expensive bags I've seen. I'd get one from TJ Maxx, though. The price discount is great, and if hardware is fragile enough to break, it will likely be broken by the time it makes it all the way to TJ's and all that customer handling.

Oct 3rd, 2009, 12:48 PM	#15
friendlyviper Newly Addicted Joined: Jun 2008 Location: The Beautiful Ever-Changing Ozarks Posts: 116	In reply to are they worth the $$ IMO yes. But as stated before you can definitely get them for many $$ off retail through a web search. Love mine. They are fairly rugged and still a soft bag to carry.
	__________________ Knowledge is Free The Ultimate Environmentalist: Has No Children.

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