This is kind of overdue! I got my first Botkier last week, and was definitely very pleased with the quality! I mentioned more in the "Botkier vs RM" thread, but this bag definitely meets all my expectations with regards to construction and leather quality for this price range. For a style where stitching detail is important as well (the zigzag stitching), it was definitely great to see that the stitching was all even and tight enough that nothing looks like it might come loose!
The James Hobo is definitely very soft and slouchy, though it winds up a bit "armpit bag"-ish when carried via the rolled handle.
When it's fully loaded with my stuff and weighed down, though, the top does slouch down a bit more and is more comfortable, although the main zipper is still a little hard to use. (It's possible to leave the bag unzipped when carried on the shoulder, though, without being too easy a target for pickpockets, IMHO.) The shoulder strap is also definitely a useful addition! The strap's not quite long enough to allow the bag to be comfortably carried crossbody, but it's definitely very comfortable to use the shoulder strap to carry it on one shoulder.
That's enough blathering, I think. Time for the pics! (All pictures taken under natural lighting; colour is pretty accurate too, I think.)
The James Hobo! Deep Purple is definitely a pop of colour that works well for me...
With the strap attached. The drop's about 20" according to Luna Boston, and that measurement seems pretty accurate to me.
Tassels... Always awesome...
Silver hardware!
And that impeccable zigzag stitching detail...
The James Hobo is definitely very soft and slouchy, though it winds up a bit "armpit bag"-ish when carried via the rolled handle.
When it's fully loaded with my stuff and weighed down, though, the top does slouch down a bit more and is more comfortable, although the main zipper is still a little hard to use. (It's possible to leave the bag unzipped when carried on the shoulder, though, without being too easy a target for pickpockets, IMHO.) The shoulder strap is also definitely a useful addition! The strap's not quite long enough to allow the bag to be comfortably carried crossbody, but it's definitely very comfortable to use the shoulder strap to carry it on one shoulder.That's enough blathering, I think. Time for the pics!
(All pictures taken under natural lighting; colour is pretty accurate too, I think.)The James Hobo! Deep Purple is definitely a pop of colour that works well for me...
With the strap attached. The drop's about 20" according to Luna Boston, and that measurement seems pretty accurate to me.
Tassels... Always awesome...
Silver hardware!
And that impeccable zigzag stitching detail...
I didn't know the James was a cross body! I can't wait to see modelling pics!! 
