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chunkymonkey · Oct 10th, 2008, 01:42 AM

Mine is arriving tomorrow.. I can't wait!!

kimmels · Oct 10th, 2008, 06:55 PM

Enjoy, Chunkymonkey!
I got my Rachel last night - my first Kooba, and I'm in love! The color is wonderful - I am pretty conservative and lean toward neutrals, especially when I am going to splurge like I did on this bag, but this color is both gorgeous and practical - not too shiny and not too bright - but just an amazing, rich dark purple.
I love the strap, love the size - it's perfect! It is slightly smaller and lighter than I had envisioned with the measurements, (the measurements are right, but somehow it still seems a little smaller) but not fragile. I can fit a book or a magazine in there easily with other stuff, too.
My boyfriend loves it. My nephews, who are 7 and 10 and were over when I opened the box, both thought it was a "really cool" bag and said I needed to keep it. Trust me, we're talking about a tough crowd when it comes to what I'm wearing! :)
Thanks to everyone who posted info about this bag! And if you are considering it, I have to encourage it!

chunkymonkey · Oct 11th, 2008, 12:50 AM

Got my Rachel today and it's lovely. The leather is gorgeous and the color us tdf.

One question to other Rachel owners, is the strap that goes through the buckle supposed to be a different color than the rest of the bag? Mine is a bit more purple than the rest of the leather, so I'm just wondering if it's my bag or whether they're all like that.

kimmels · Oct 11th, 2008, 07:10 PM

Hey CM,
Congrats on your bag!
My buckle strap is the same color as the rest of my bag. I don't think my bag has a lot of variation in it at all. It doesn't sound like defect to me, but if you don't like it, maybe you can exchange it?
Kimmels

chunkymonkey · Oct 11th, 2008, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by kimmels

Hey CM,
Congrats on your bag!
My buckle strap is the same color as the rest of my bag. I don't think my bag has a lot of variation in it at all. It doesn't sound like defect to me, but if you don't like it, maybe you can exchange it?
Kimmels

It's not super-noticeable and it doesn't really bother me, so I decided not to bother with the exchange.. Guess it gives it a bit of "character". I wore it for the first time today and i LOVE it!!

SassySarah · Oct 11th, 2008, 10:54 PM

I have had the Kooba Rachel in black for about a week now. I love it, every day I carry it I like it even more than the day before! This is my first Kooba and now I think I am becoming obsessed with them. I've usually been an LV & Prada girl, I think Kooba tops them!

aimala00 · Oct 13th, 2008, 12:21 PM

chunky monkey, my strap on the buckle is the same color as the rest of the bag. I'm glad it doesn't bother you and that you decided to keep it!!

SassySarah · Oct 19th, 2008, 11:23 AM

Does anyone have any tips on how to care or treat this kind of leather? I bought my Rachel at Nordstrom and asked the sales lady, she said it shouldn't need anything and just use a damp cloth if something gets on it. Did any of you guys do any kind of leather treatment for your new Rachel bag?

kimmels · Oct 22nd, 2008, 12:47 PM

I did not, and I'm not going to - I'm really wary about using stuff like that. So many times I have treated my leather and suede shoes and bags and altered the look of them! I try to be really careful about keeping my leather bags out of the rain (to the point of stuffing them in my coat in a pinch), and I don't put my bag on the floor ever, even if it's not anything special.) I did get a couple of raindrops on my Rachel the other day and they ran right off, no harm apparently done.
As the Rachel was my first Kooba, I was surprised that the tag did not include any care tips or suggestions. Does Kooba have any "official" instructions for the care of their bags?
One thing with this bag is that I think a clear protective spray would *probably* not alter the appearance, but I don't really think it needs it, so I'm not going to risk it. Any other thoughts?

aimala00 · Oct 23rd, 2008, 10:25 AM

re: protecting the Rachel, I agree w/ Kimmels. I am not going to spray or treat my Rachel in purple at all. I'm too nervous about affecting the color or the treatment of the bag -- because it's so gorgeous and unique. I would treat other bags (like say, my blonde Elisha). But I don't want to mess up this unique bag, my Rachel.

So far I have, just like kimmels, gotten a little rain on my Rachel and wiped it off immediately and it didn't do any damage to the leather. It seems that the Rachel already has some treatment to it and is not as delicate as some of the other koobas I've had (like my sienna). But when I got caught in real rain I tried not to use my Rachel at all.

deb118 · Oct 30th, 2008, 04:07 PM

I saw the Rachel in purple (plum) today at Neimans and it is gorgeous! Love this bag!

Avalon Bleu · Nov 5th, 2008, 12:51 PM

I just got this bag two days ago directly from Kooba and I have to tell you ladies that it is my favorite Kooba, ever.

I own approximately 8 kooba bags. Rachel in purple is drop dead gorgeous. The leather is awesome, the color TDF, go out and get it...now!
Ps. the color on mine is 2 different shade variations, one side of the bag is darker, the other lighter, but I

it.

divabeadz · Nov 5th, 2008, 02:29 PM

I've been wanting this bag for ages but kept talking myself out of it. I finally took the plunge and ordered it. I am so psyched. I feel a tad bit guilty as I *just* got mbmj faridah in the mail yesterday and have already ordered a new bag...as if I needed $1000 worth of new bags (counting both of them) in just one weeks time! Must go on no-buy for rest of year...or maybe just rest of the month. Aaaaah...I need a wallet for my 2 gorgeous new bags. I guess the LV Insolite is out of the question right about now -- DH'll kill me if I buy another h/e item right off. It's my money but....

Can't wait for my purple Rachel to arrive. Yay!

LindaP · Nov 5th, 2008, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by divabeadz

I've been wanting this bag for ages but kept talking myself out of it. I finally took the plunge and ordered it. I am so psyched. I feel a tad bit guilty as I *just* got mbmj faridah in the mail yesterday and have already ordered a new bag...as if I needed $1000 worth of new bags (counting both of them) in just one weeks time! Must go on no-buy for rest of year...or maybe just rest of the month. Aaaaah...I need a wallet for my 2 gorgeous new bags. I guess the LV Insolite is out of the question right about now -- DH'll kill me if I buy another h/e item right off. It's my money but....

Can't wait for my purple Rachel to arrive. Yay!

You will LOVE it, it's so beautiful and perfect! I hesitated for a long time due to the price, all the while I would gaze at it's picture at Luna Boston adoringly. Now that I have one I'm so glad I took the plunge, I was able to get it at a good price on Ebay though I was a little worried about no returns. Nothing to worry about though, this bag is a keeper.

Linda

LindaP · Nov 6th, 2008, 07:12 PM

I want to give a follow up as far as treating this bag goes. I used Apple Leather Care on it today and OMG the leather just became more beautiful before my eyes. I started with a test spot on the bottom and soon was doing the entire bag. It brought out it's natural tonal variation and the leather become sooooo soft and squishy and the color looks so lovely. I didn't think it was possible for this bag to become even more beautiful but it did, it took to the apple care very very well.

I have the apple spray as well that you're supposed to use as a follow up but I do feel slightly hesitant to try this one. I don't want to mess with this gorgeous soft finish I have going right now and the leather care says it does provide some water protection. Maybe I should leave well enough alone.

I wrote to Kooba and asked if the bag should be treated in case I were to get caught out in the rain - spray from a sink, etc. and here is what they had to say -

We can only suggest that you may want to try a leather protector. Someone here sprayed 3 coats on their handbag before use and rain did not damage it. It's truly on a case by case basis. But it is a softer leather and we can suggest to protect it against weather conditions

Linda

Oct 10th, 2008, 06:55 PM	#32
kimmels Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 13	Enjoy, Chunkymonkey! I got my Rachel last night - my first Kooba, and I'm in love! The color is wonderful - I am pretty conservative and lean toward neutrals, especially when I am going to splurge like I did on this bag, but this color is both gorgeous and practical - not too shiny and not too bright - but just an amazing, rich dark purple. I love the strap, love the size - it's perfect! It is slightly smaller and lighter than I had envisioned with the measurements, (the measurements are right, but somehow it still seems a little smaller) but not fragile. I can fit a book or a magazine in there easily with other stuff, too. My boyfriend loves it. My nephews, who are 7 and 10 and were over when I opened the box, both thought it was a "really cool" bag and said I needed to keep it. Trust me, we're talking about a tough crowd when it comes to what I'm wearing! :) Thanks to everyone who posted info about this bag! And if you are considering it, I have to encourage it!
kimmels Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 13

Oct 11th, 2008, 07:10 PM	#34
kimmels Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 13	Hey CM, Congrats on your bag! My buckle strap is the same color as the rest of my bag. I don't think my bag has a lot of variation in it at all. It doesn't sound like defect to me, but if you don't like it, maybe you can exchange it? Kimmels
kimmels Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 13

Oct 13th, 2008, 12:21 PM	#37
aimala00 OP Member Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 182	chunky monkey, my strap on the buckle is the same color as the rest of the bag. I'm glad it doesn't bother you and that you decided to keep it!!
aimala00 OP Member Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 182

Oct 22nd, 2008, 12:47 PM	#39
kimmels Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 13	I did not, and I'm not going to - I'm really wary about using stuff like that. So many times I have treated my leather and suede shoes and bags and altered the look of them! I try to be really careful about keeping my leather bags out of the rain (to the point of stuffing them in my coat in a pinch), and I don't put my bag on the floor ever, even if it's not anything special.) I did get a couple of raindrops on my Rachel the other day and they ran right off, no harm apparently done. As the Rachel was my first Kooba, I was surprised that the tag did not include any care tips or suggestions. Does Kooba have any "official" instructions for the care of their bags? One thing with this bag is that I think a clear protective spray would probably not alter the appearance, but I don't really think it needs it, so I'm not going to risk it. Any other thoughts?
kimmels Member Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 13

Oct 23rd, 2008, 10:25 AM	#40
aimala00 OP Member Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 182	re: protecting the Rachel, I agree w/ Kimmels. I am not going to spray or treat my Rachel in purple at all. I'm too nervous about affecting the color or the treatment of the bag -- because it's so gorgeous and unique. I would treat other bags (like say, my blonde Elisha). But I don't want to mess up this unique bag, my Rachel. So far I have, just like kimmels, gotten a little rain on my Rachel and wiped it off immediately and it didn't do any damage to the leather. It seems that the Rachel already has some treatment to it and is not as delicate as some of the other koobas I've had (like my sienna). But when I got caught in real rain I tried not to use my Rachel at all.
aimala00 OP Member Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 182

Oct 10th, 2008, 01:42 AM	#31
chunkymonkey Member Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 566	Mine is arriving tomorrow.. I can't wait!!

Oct 11th, 2008, 12:50 AM	#33
chunkymonkey Member Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 566	Got my Rachel today and it's lovely. The leather is gorgeous and the color us tdf. One question to other Rachel owners, is the strap that goes through the buckle supposed to be a different color than the rest of the bag? Mine is a bit more purple than the rest of the leather, so I'm just wondering if it's my bag or whether they're all like that.

Oct 11th, 2008, 10:54 PM	#36
SassySarah Member Joined: Oct 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 97	I have had the Kooba Rachel in black for about a week now. I love it, every day I carry it I like it even more than the day before! This is my first Kooba and now I think I am becoming obsessed with them. I've usually been an LV & Prada girl, I think Kooba tops them!

Oct 19th, 2008, 11:23 AM	#38
SassySarah Member Joined: Oct 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 97	Does anyone have any tips on how to care or treat this kind of leather? I bought my Rachel at Nordstrom and asked the sales lady, she said it shouldn't need anything and just use a damp cloth if something gets on it. Did any of you guys do any kind of leather treatment for your new Rachel bag?

Oct 30th, 2008, 04:07 PM	#41
deb118 Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 114	I saw the Rachel in purple (plum) today at Neimans and it is gorgeous! Love this bag!
deb118 Member Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 114

Nov 5th, 2008, 12:51 PM	#42
Avalon Bleu =^.^= Joined: Nov 2008 Location: House of Mouse! Posts: 300	Best Kooba Ever! I just got this bag two days ago directly from Kooba and I have to tell you ladies that it is my favorite Kooba, ever. I own approximately 8 kooba bags. Rachel in purple is drop dead gorgeous. The leather is awesome, the color TDF, go out and get it...now! Ps. the color on mine is 2 different shade variations, one side of the bag is darker, the other lighter, but I it.

Nov 5th, 2008, 02:29 PM	#43
divabeadz Member Joined: Nov 2006 Location: RI'er living in Maine Posts: 725	I've been wanting this bag for ages but kept talking myself out of it. I finally took the plunge and ordered it. I am so psyched. I feel a tad bit guilty as I just got mbmj faridah in the mail yesterday and have already ordered a new bag...as if I needed $1000 worth of new bags (counting both of them) in just one weeks time! Must go on no-buy for rest of year...or maybe just rest of the month. Aaaaah...I need a wallet for my 2 gorgeous new bags. I guess the LV Insolite is out of the question right about now -- DH'll kill me if I buy another h/e item right off. It's my money but.... Can't wait for my purple Rachel to arrive. Yay!
	__________________ My Wish List: SC bag in Jasper Leather...my dream bag! If you see these on eBay, please let me know. Champs Elysees scarf in pink (my avatar) Broche Miroir Casse My Glass Art on Facebook

Nov 6th, 2008, 07:12 PM	#45
LindaP Member Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia USA Posts: 3,790	I want to give a follow up as far as treating this bag goes. I used Apple Leather Care on it today and OMG the leather just became more beautiful before my eyes. I started with a test spot on the bottom and soon was doing the entire bag. It brought out it's natural tonal variation and the leather become sooooo soft and squishy and the color looks so lovely. I didn't think it was possible for this bag to become even more beautiful but it did, it took to the apple care very very well. I have the apple spray as well that you're supposed to use as a follow up but I do feel slightly hesitant to try this one. I don't want to mess with this gorgeous soft finish I have going right now and the leather care says it does provide some water protection. Maybe I should leave well enough alone. I wrote to Kooba and asked if the bag should be treated in case I were to get caught out in the rain - spray from a sink, etc. and here is what they had to say - We can only suggest that you may want to try a leather protector. Someone here sprayed 3 coats on their handbag before use and rain did not damage it. It's truly on a case by case basis. But it is a softer leather and we can suggest to protect it against weather conditions Linda
	__________________ Kooba Rachel!

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