Polène handbags

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#376
Hi lovelies, I've been thinking of giving into temptation and buying myself the Numero Un in Trio black, burgundy or camel! I need an everyday bag again - I run mine ragged and they give up on me every couple of years at most, which is why I don't buy very expensive ones. My Kate Spade tote finally breathed its last - currently using a backpack until I find another bag I love - and I'm sick of buying bags that fall apart (looking at you, MK tote). I discovered Polene on PF actually, so I think you all are the right ones to ask!

The only thing kind of stopping me (or at least making me think twice) is that a friend of mine who I showed the bag to said something along the lines of "are you really going to spend $400 on a bag no one will recognise and/or realise how much you paid for it? They'll think you're cheaping out. Its not that cheap either, for that price you can buy something from Coach or KS or MK." which is true, but I don't think the quality of those 3 brands is necessarily worth it for the price either. I don't really care that much about brands - of course, I do a little, but I don't buy something solely for brand name unless the quality is also there, and from what I've seen, the quality of the Polene is worth the price even if it isn't a well known brand. Besides, I kind of like that its still a little unknown, the whole story of it being a small store in Paris and handcrafted etc etc. But I guess the question is, is it worth it? Have you found that the "trade-off" between quality and relative obscurity of the brand is acceptable for you?
 
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#377
MagpieInTraining said:
Hi lovelies, I've been thinking of giving into temptation and buying myself the Numero Un in Trio black, burgundy or camel! I need an everyday bag again - I run mine ragged and they give up on me every couple of years at most, which is why I don't buy very expensive ones. My Kate Spade tote finally breathed its last - currently using a backpack until I find another bag I love - and I'm sick of buying bags that fall apart (looking at you, MK tote). I discovered Polene on PF actually, so I think you all are the right ones to ask!

The only thing kind of stopping me (or at least making me think twice) is that a friend of mine who I showed the bag to said something along the lines of "are you really going to spend $400 on a bag no one will recognise and/or realise how much you paid for it? They'll think you're cheaping out. Its not that cheap either, for that price you can buy something from Coach or KS or MK." which is true, but I don't think the quality of those 3 brands is necessarily worth it for the price either. I don't really care that much about brands - of course, I do a little, but I don't buy something solely for brand name unless the quality is also there, and from what I've seen, the quality of the Polene is worth the price even if it isn't a well known brand. Besides, I kind of like that its still a little unknown, the whole story of it being a small store in Paris and handcrafted etc etc. But I guess the question is, is it worth it? Have you found that the "trade-off" between quality and relative obscurity of the brand is acceptable for you?
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I just purchased the numero un mini in burgundy and to be totally honest with you that thought has also crossed my mind. I am in between caring and not caring about brands and being recognized. I do sometimes think that if I spend that much, I would like it to be somewhat recognizeable. BUT, after thinking about the bag for about 2 months, I finally decided on pulling the trigger. I realized that I really love how the bag looks and its worth purchasing. In terms of being recognizeable, just think that those who know will “know”. It definitely doesnt look like a cheap bag imo so if you really love it, buy it and wear it proudly... but if you are still having second thoughts about it maybe just wait a little longer, $400 is not a cheap amout to buy a bag that will not be worn. Hope this helps a little
 
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#378
MagpieInTraining said:
Hi lovelies, I've been thinking of giving into temptation and buying myself the Numero Un in Trio black, burgundy or camel! I need an everyday bag again - I run mine ragged and they give up on me every couple of years at most, which is why I don't buy very expensive ones. My Kate Spade tote finally breathed its last - currently using a backpack until I find another bag I love - and I'm sick of buying bags that fall apart (looking at you, MK tote). I discovered Polene on PF actually, so I think you all are the right ones to ask!

The only thing kind of stopping me (or at least making me think twice) is that a friend of mine who I showed the bag to said something along the lines of "are you really going to spend $400 on a bag no one will recognise and/or realise how much you paid for it? They'll think you're cheaping out. Its not that cheap either, for that price you can buy something from Coach or KS or MK." which is true, but I don't think the quality of those 3 brands is necessarily worth it for the price either. I don't really care that much about brands - of course, I do a little, but I don't buy something solely for brand name unless the quality is also there, and from what I've seen, the quality of the Polene is worth the price even if it isn't a well known brand. Besides, I kind of like that its still a little unknown, the whole story of it being a small store in Paris and handcrafted etc etc. But I guess the question is, is it worth it? Have you found that the "trade-off" between quality and relative obscurity of the brand is acceptable for you?
Click to expand...
It's a really common conundrum! My mom would never spend a lot of money that has no "wow" value in terms of brand recognition. If you like the bag and the style, you should go for it! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they do free returns but it is possible to return within 14 days, so you can change your mind! For me, I think the best thing is carrying a bag that is a great style and looks like such good quality that it makes me people stop and ask where it's from. Ultimately, you should buy what makes you happy because your opinion for what you wear is the most important one! :flowers: Hopefully others on TPF can speak to the quality and wear and tear!
 
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#379
tasjaa said:
I just purchased the numero un mini in burgundy and to be totally honest with you that thought has also crossed my mind. I am in between caring and not caring about brands and being recognized. I do sometimes think that if I spend that much, I would like it to be somewhat recognizeable. BUT, after thinking about the bag for about 2 months, I finally decided on pulling the trigger. I realized that I really love how the bag looks and its worth purchasing. In terms of being recognizeable, just think that those who know will “know”. It definitely doesnt look like a cheap bag imo so if you really love it, buy it and wear it proudly... but if you are still having second thoughts about it maybe just wait a little longer, $400 is not a cheap amout to buy a bag that will not be worn. Hope this helps a little
Click to expand...

Thank you for your thoughts! I swing between really wanting it and wondering if its worth it as well. A part of me feels that for an everyday bag, what I need is quality and durability, not necessarily brand recognition. Also brands come and go into public consciousness, especially in this price range. For example, MK has gone from being an unheard of brand to a luxe brand to a cheap brand in 5 years where I live, and I see Coach kind of heading in the same direction. So really, does it matter?

I do love this bag. I think it looks so classy and elegant and has a "I don't need to flaunt it because I'm secure in the fact that I have it" vibe. It's got a very effortlessly fashionable look to it. Ahhhh I really love it! If I buy it I will definitely wear it - I'm not one to waste $400 like that! :D

I think I'll take the weekend to think about it and decide on Monday. I'll update you ladies :)
 
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#380
bellebellebelle19 said:
It's a really common conundrum! My mom would never spend a lot of money that has no "wow" value in terms of brand recognition. If you like the bag and the style, you should go for it! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they do free returns but it is possible to return within 14 days, so you can change your mind! For me, I think the best thing is carrying a bag that is a great style and looks like such good quality that it makes me people stop and ask where it's from. Ultimately, you should buy what makes you happy because your opinion for what you wear is the most important one! :flowers: Hopefully others on TPF can speak to the quality and wear and tear!
Click to expand...

Thank you for your thoughts! I'm not too fussed about the return policy, to be honest. If I buy it, I will wear it - I don't like the hassle of returns so I never buy something unless I'm 100% sure. I do like the idea of being ahead of the curve to be honest with you.

I'll take the weekend to think about it, and then take a call! :D
 
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#385
kipp said:
Someone asked this a few posts ago, but I didn't see an answer. Will the numero six hold an iphone 8 plus? Thank you in advance!
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waddleod said:
So with the six you are definitely in it for the cuteness factor, not functionality. I don’t think an 8 plus phone would fit. I have iPhone X, keys w/ fob, a tiny lipstick, and some kleenexes in here. There is an inside pocket that CC and cash can go in.
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I came on here to see if I could get the answer to this question. I also have the Iphone 8 Plus. I'm super bummed to see it won't. It's such a gorgeous bag. :crybaby: Is there any chance it might squeeze in if I put it in exactly corner to corner? Looks like there's some room to move yours a little so it's not so close to the middle.

I've been looking at the Numero Un for a while but I cannot seem to decide on the color....
 
#386
FYI for people considering Polene bags like myself: minks4all on YouTube has done reviews for the Un, Un mini, and six. It’s the first high quality video review I’ve seen of these bags. Really helpful to see the leather quality in detail. I think it’s helped make up my mind on color. Was wavering between burgundy, gray, and green trios, but that burgundy is just glorious! Will be in Paris next week, hopefully they will be in stock at the store.

And
 
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#389
Does anyone's bag any any irregularities? I was in Paris in October and purchase a Numero Un in Rouge. I didn't realize it at the time but I notice that on the front of the flap, the leather has "lines" going across it. They're not scratches as the leather is perfectly smooth. I emailed them and they said it's natural irregularities in the leather but I feel like this is poor quality control and it's driving me nuts. Has anyone else experienced this? They said i can ship the bag back for a exchange but I'm in Canada and it'll cost me over $200 to ship it back and they are asking for a $25 USD to ship me the replacement. This is adding up to almost what I paid for the bag. Really disappointed and not sure what to do now. How bad does it look (it looks much more pronounced than the picture in real life).
 

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#390
elisa_p said:
Does anyone's bag any any irregularities? I was in Paris in October and purchase a Numero Un in Rouge. I didn't realize it at the time but I notice that on the front of the flap, the leather has "lines" going across it. They're not scratches as the leather is perfectly smooth. I emailed them and they said it's natural irregularities in the leather but I feel like this is poor quality control and it's driving me nuts. Has anyone else experienced this? They said i can ship the bag back for a exchange but I'm in Canada and it'll cost me over $200 to ship it back and they are asking for a $25 USD to ship me the replacement. This is adding up to almost what I paid for the bag. Really disappointed and not sure what to do now. How bad does it look (it looks much more pronounced than the picture in real life).
Click to expand...

The veining exists on different types of leather; the Coach smooth glove-tanned material is prone to this kind of streaking. Their Nomad bag had a $495 retail and does exactly what you pictured. Personally I don't think it looks that bad, but maybe others can chime in.
 
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