Viv: sometimes it's hard to know why you just aren't sure if you love a handbag enough to keep it.
And it may or may not have anything to do with the bag itself. There is no such thing as
'all other things being equal' in this life anymore. And if we are expecting a bag to look a certain
way or are super excited about it, then it might not live up to our expectations.
The more expensive the handbag is, the more we want to be sure we are making
the right decision.
With the Barlow and the Brenna (and the Flynn) the shape of the bag out of the
box doesn't show the bag to it's greatest potential. It's sort of a slouchy/structured mix,
with curves/ruffles, etc. And it's rarely stuffed enough to show all it's beauty.
With this kind of style, I really need to put my items inside to see how the bag will look
in real life. After all, I don't carry around styrofoam to perk up the shape.
It's taken me a while to come to appreciate the look, and I think for me,
the functionality of the design has made the style a good one. I try not to focus
too much on the lack of symmetry or the wrinkles that are part of the style.
I've learned that the zip Barlow and the large Barlow are too heavy for me now,
but the regular size Barlow and Brenna are good for me. The small and mini aren't
big enough to hold my stuff.
Also, very often the Florentine leather looks better after it has been handled and
softens up. Just out of the box, sitting in plastic, after being subjected to cold temperatures
and lots of jostling, the leather needs some TLC. I don't condition new Flo bags, but
I have been known to give them a gentle rubdown with a soft, dry, white cloth. It brings out
the natural oils in the leather, and improves the look and feel.
I've also discovered that when I get a new bag I'm very picky and notice every
little bitty thing. Once I start using a bag, many of those first impression defects
just seem to fade into the background and I no longer see them. So I've learned to try
to separate out major flaws and substantial issues from more minor cosmetic ones.
It's all subjective, and what bothers me someone else might not notice or care, and vice versa.
You are right to take some time to decide if the bag is a keeper.
If you package it up to return it and feel better, then that was a good decision.
If you package it up and then take the bag back out, then you know
you will probably regret returning it. The act of preparing the return often
helps me decide. If I feel relief that the bag is going back, I know that's the
right decision.
And it may or may not have anything to do with the bag itself. There is no such thing as
'all other things being equal' in this life anymore. And if we are expecting a bag to look a certain
way or are super excited about it, then it might not live up to our expectations.
The more expensive the handbag is, the more we want to be sure we are making
the right decision.
With the Barlow and the Brenna (and the Flynn) the shape of the bag out of the
box doesn't show the bag to it's greatest potential. It's sort of a slouchy/structured mix,
with curves/ruffles, etc. And it's rarely stuffed enough to show all it's beauty.
With this kind of style, I really need to put my items inside to see how the bag will look
in real life. After all, I don't carry around styrofoam to perk up the shape.
It's taken me a while to come to appreciate the look, and I think for me,
the functionality of the design has made the style a good one. I try not to focus
too much on the lack of symmetry or the wrinkles that are part of the style.
I've learned that the zip Barlow and the large Barlow are too heavy for me now,
but the regular size Barlow and Brenna are good for me. The small and mini aren't
big enough to hold my stuff.
Also, very often the Florentine leather looks better after it has been handled and
softens up. Just out of the box, sitting in plastic, after being subjected to cold temperatures
and lots of jostling, the leather needs some TLC. I don't condition new Flo bags, but
I have been known to give them a gentle rubdown with a soft, dry, white cloth. It brings out
the natural oils in the leather, and improves the look and feel.
I've also discovered that when I get a new bag I'm very picky and notice every
little bitty thing. Once I start using a bag, many of those first impression defects
just seem to fade into the background and I no longer see them. So I've learned to try
to separate out major flaws and substantial issues from more minor cosmetic ones.
It's all subjective, and what bothers me someone else might not notice or care, and vice versa.
You are right to take some time to decide if the bag is a keeper.
If you package it up to return it and feel better, then that was a good decision.
If you package it up and then take the bag back out, then you know
you will probably regret returning it. The act of preparing the return often
helps me decide. If I feel relief that the bag is going back, I know that's the
right decision.
.