Gah i had written a big long response i lost it.
Ok basically long story short.
I have the small grace in tribe(which ive been meaning to write a review about but been a bit busy with different things) and the olivia in black prince. I love them, however i don't think i will go for a tribe leather bag again.
I find that my bag picks up dyes and colours really easily. The side i wear inwards against my body is significantly darker than the side that faces out. I can only guess that this is from the black pants that i am usually wearing for work but at the same time they are not new pants and have been washed hundreds of times so there shouldn't be any colour transfer. That is the only thing i can think it is from though. I will also be honest and say that it is possible that this problem has been happening to my previous bags as well but seeing as i usually go for dark(black) bags i could just not be noticing it. Don't let this frighten you though I have spoken and read about this in person and online(including on this forum) and no one seems to share this problem so perhaps i just have a bad one... or perhaps it's me(my pants).
I saw someone wearing the little edie a few weeks ago and it was really cute, small yes, but very cute. If you're into small bags then it would be a really cute addition. I also agree with what HesistantShopper said about not fitting a wallet inside. You may be able to fit a small flip size wallet but definitely not any large wallets. It's very small maybe the size of a postcard or so maybe slightly bigger.
The Karly bag is very cute too. It looks like a baby grace bag. I don;t recall seeing this one in person at the store... it's probably just slipping my memory though.
Regardless of your decision i think you will be really happy as the leather from roots is top notch and you will have it for years to come. In my opinion their leather stuff is a steal considering the price and quality.
The Olivia bag i had i used for about 3 years straight everyday and it still looks the same as it did the day i bought it. I only recently got the small grace bag but aside from the colour problem it still is in excellent condition.
Let us know if you have any more questions.
I have read this before from you, i wonder if it's the leather darkening from it rubbing onto your body? not dismissing transfer, just i noticed when pulling mine out how it was darker in the places i touched most often.
I do know this leather develops a patina and will darken in places not all across the hide in a uniform manner.
Again, so not dismissing you! have you spoken with CS? Couldn't agree with you more on the value of Roots leathers... My mothers old purse is still in pretty top form despite over 10 yrs of constant use and she's not nice to it at all, i finally lent her my edie since it won't fit my large wallet lol
I looked up Roots leather info and i wonder if this part plays a role in your darkened area..
"Tribe leather is at the heart and soul of Roots. This leather is tanned using a hand-made process, ensuring it will never fade or crack, and hand buffed to create a vintage effect no two hides will ever be the same. Its worn-in appearance shows off just how much you love it, and will become softer (and better) with age. info.roots.com/leathercareinfo/tribe1.jpg?1431608438677
"
Are you able to post a pic? reason i ask is because i worry about my tribe one lol