Botkier Sasha v. Sak Silverlake

[ellesee99]

Hi guys, trying to justify getting the Botkier Sasha but it's very similar to the Sak Silverlake convertible satchel being used by Miley Cyrus.

Any thoughts? I don't own a Botkier yet but I was able to check out the Sasha and it was gorgeous in IRL.

Help me decide please!

 

[mom2jerry]

Hi there-

Botkier sasha is very nice and gorgeous. The design is original. The sak version is more of a copycat. Even B. Makowsky has a similar design.

 

[NoraV]

I JUST got my first Botkier this Monday. Large Sasha duffle in black lambskin. I can't say enough great things about this bag. I am obsessing over it. If you're on a budget I would say go for the Sak version, but if you can spend the extra money I would definitely buy the Botkier, no question.

 

[tejava]

I own both. I have a Mini Sasha in Black Patent, and a Silverlake in Dark Amber. I actually feel the Silverlake is a good deal because the braided handles fall more naturally on the sides when carried as a hobo. The sasha handles are quite stiff, but I think it might be that the patent leather is more rigid than lamb leather.

Another thing that I like about the silverlake is that its zippers open and close more smoothly than the Botkier Sasha. I also own a Medium Bianca in Bronze, and both zippers are kind of hard to open and close. With the silverlake, I can open and close the zippers with one hand, even when I am driving.

However, I still can't deny that Botkier has better leather quality. I don't really mind that the Silverlake from The Sak is a copy cat, I buy all sorts of bags, expensive ones and inexpensive ones. I collect expensive bags, but I buy inexpensive bags to be my everyday bag, so I don't need to worry about damaging it, and when it comes time to give it away, it wouldn't hurt as much as with an expensive bag.

I would categorize Botkier bags as my collection bag, and Silverlake as my everyday bag.

 

[tonij2000]

I like the Botkier best.

 

[ellesee99]

Thanks mom2jerry, Nora V., Tejava and Tonij2000. I liked your inputs. I like the idea of the collection and everyday bag. I agree that the Botkier leather is very nice. More comments welcome!

 

[ellesee99]

By the way, what is your opinion about brands that copy other brands?

 

[NoraV]

The reality is that most people aren't going to know when a bag is inspired by a more expensive/high-end bag. I really don't think it's a big deal, but then again I also don't care if someone carries a fake bag. I'm not really a bag girl, but I prefer to have a few nicer bags because I want the bags that I do have to last. For me it's personal preference. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a bag at a lower price point if it could offer the quality and durability of the bag it was inspired by. I think brands that sell bags inspired by other designs make tasteful designs available to people that can't afford or don't want to spend $1200 on a designer bag. Those brands are just utilizing basic economic principles, so more power to them.

 

[tejava]

I agree with NoraV, it's all personal preference. My income actually allows me to indulge on designer bags if I want to, but I don't always buy designer bags because I am a career woman and a mom for a 3 year-old. I buy bags in different price ranges for different occasions.

I personally don't use fake bags, I would buy less expensive brands, I don't mind it is an high-end inspired bag as long as it is not FAKE.

I actually get more compliments on my Silverlake than on my Botkier sasha, because I don't live in the US, and people here don't know neither brands. However, I still love my Botkier Sasha in Patent because it looks and feels so elegant, while the Silverlake serves as my everyday bag for now.

 

[ellesee99]

Hi tejava! where you from? I actually agree with you. I really cannot agree with buying a FAKE bag even if no one else will notice. I consider it a disgrace to my other bags and I will never feel comfortable wearing it. I also buy no brand bags inspired by designer bags but I will not attempt to pass that off as the real thing

 

[h82bl82]

I own both. I have a Mini Sasha in Black Patent, and a Silverlake in Dark Amber. I actually feel the Silverlake is a good deal because the braided handles fall more naturally on the sides when carried as a hobo. The sasha handles are quite stiff, but I think it might be that the patent leather is more rigid than lamb leather.

Another thing that I like about the silverlake is that its zippers open and close more smoothly than the Botkier Sasha. I also own a Medium Bianca in Bronze, and both zippers are kind of hard to open and close. With the silverlake, I can open and close the zippers with one hand, even when I am driving.

However, I still can't deny that Botkier has better leather quality. I don't really mind that the Silverlake from The Sak is a copy cat, I buy all sorts of bags, expensive ones and inexpensive ones. I collect expensive bags, but I buy inexpensive bags to be my everyday bag, so I don't need to worry about damaging it, and when it comes time to give it away, it wouldn't hurt as much as with an expensive bag.

I would categorize Botkier bags as my collection bag, and Silverlake as my everyday bag.

I just ordered the Silverlake in dark amber and couldn't resist also ordering the Dakota tote. I've had bags from The Sak before and they are very well made and I too like the fact that the zippers run smoothly. Like you, I like to be able to get into my bag in a hurry and open it one handed.

 

[tejava]

Hi tejava! where you from? I actually agree with you. I really cannot agree with buying a FAKE bag even if no one else will notice. I consider it a disgrace to my other bags and I will never feel comfortable wearing it. I also buy no brand bags inspired by designer bags but I will not attempt to pass that off as the real thing

Hi ellesee99: I live in Chile. There are some high-end brands here like Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, and some Pradas in boutiques. I don't know how Tous is perceived internationally, but it is an interesting brand down here because all the rich women carry Tous.

Botkier bags are the first ones that I bought from US, and then the Silverlake from The Sak, and I will keep on searching and buying all these bags because I just can't resist!

 

[ellesee99]

Hehehe. I know what you mean Tejava. These bags are like candies!

 

[corrina]

They are both lovely! I think I like the Botkier best though.

 

[Ms.Lizardo]

Well I love the Botkier Sasha...I have one in pudding, and the first ones are few and far between it seems. I would love to get another one, but am stuck on the full sized ones. I love the Botkier leather, but I can ceratainly understand wanting a bag you don't have to worry about...=)