Sit down and get comfy because we're getting Up Close and Personal!

[TygerKitty]

Alrighty, here we go!!! I was ecstatic that my Up Close and Personal (fall 2008 - grape crunch leather) arrived on time from LB today! Luckily, the box was in good condition unlike my poor grape minilisa!

Of course, I had to take the requisite box opening pictures (pics 1-3). Pic 4 is a first look at the bag out of the box and pic 5 is a close-up photo of the leather (with camera flash).

 

[TygerKitty]

Pic 1 - The back of the bag
Pic 2 - Side view
Pic 3 - Hanging
Pic 4 - The top of the center pocket
Pic 5 - Required lining pic

 

[musicgirl]

Oh, I love, love, love it!!!

 

[TygerKitty]

All the pockets have orange lining too! There are two front flap pockets, one front zipper pocket, two sleeve side pockets, one top zipper pocket and an inside zipper pocket (in the lining) and two stitched sleeve pockets in the lining as well.

Pics 4 and 5 are comparisons between the UCAP and the MINILISA both in grape... minilisa is much wider, and the top of the actual bags (where the zippers are) the UCAP is taller.

 

[Fendi84NJ]

I love this color!

 

[Peeking_Around]

Oh. My. Gosh.!!!!! LOVE IT. That grape color ... the trim - the pockets ....

LOVE IT!!

 

[TygerKitty]

Modeling pics... I'm 5'6'' and "fluffy". This bag easily fits over the shoulder and hugs your body (it's super slouchy and soft right out of the box!).

Pic 5 - holding both the grape minilisa and the grape up close and personal!

 

[Peeking_Around]

^^ great modeling shots. I love that last one with you and both bags ... you look great!

 

[REYNALD0C]

Aw, I love it TK! Congrats! I love how you have a purple bag with S/HW and one with B/HW! So now you have so many options! Purple is THE IT color this fall.

 

[TygerKitty]

Alright... I absolutely adore the LOOK of this bag... the tote style, the grape leather, the black trim, the silver hardware, pockets, etc (and thanks everyone for the compliments already!) but I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it or not.

I originally bought this bag because I wanted it for a chic, sexy school bag. However, the zipper does not open completely NOR does it close the entire bag on the top (see pic below and one of the "top" pics above). Also, the pockets and hardware are all on the front of this bag so it doesn't sit quite right because it's forward heavy... but with slouchy leather that means the front of the bag pulls in towards the center (not very efficient when trying to grap something quickly for school or what not).

Lastly, it really isn't that big as far as a tote bag is concerned. Even my small little black target laptop case I use as my school bag is bigger (height and width!). I haven't tried putting my school stuff in yet because I'm still irked about the zipper deal... if the zipper doesn't close/open all the way then I'd rather just have a magnetic closure I think.

So... the jury is still out on this one but I do love the look of this bag. We'll see.... what are your thoughts?

 

[Peeking_Around]

The bag is great ... but the zipper would bother me also ... I'm so particular about bags.

I'd keep it though if you thought you'd get use out of it using it for other than a school bag (that's if your stuff doesn't fit in there right) - but ... if you don't - I'd send it right back and get something a tad different for a sexy school bag.

 

[REYNALD0C]

Id try to put my school stuff in it first and then see. That would bug me too it doesnt CLOSE or OPEN all the way hahaha.

I think it looks soo good on you though.

 

[musicgirl]

I can't remember because it's packed away but I think that's the same opening as my Cooped Up.

 

[knics33]

Thanks for all of the great photos TK! The bag is lovely! I def. agree that for school, ( I am a student as well) the zipper would drive me crazy. I would try putting your usual load of stuff in it and see what you think... If you aren't in love and you think it won't work then I would send it back and continue the quest for the perfect tote!

 

[TygerKitty]

Thanks everyone! She IS a pretty bag... I have to admit. I'm just so let down by the zipper situation.

I am definitely going to have to put my things in there and see how it goes. Luckily, these days I don't have to carry a whole lot for school. I'll let ya know how it goes when I stop being bummed out and maybe I'll even take pics! lol