THE ROW Handbag Line
- Thread starter iluvmybags
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
Does anyone own, or has anyone seen, The Row’s Sophia bag (10)? It doesn’t look all that practical to me with the short handle and relatively small, boxy style… but I just love the look of it! Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts or experience with it - whether you like it or not and whether it’s a good bag functionally. It would be a bit of an investment for me right now so I’m nervous about just purchasing it. Thanks for any thoughts!
That's lovely but if you don't think it's "practical" probably best to pass or just wait and see.
FWIW a largish chunk of my own collection is top-handle bags but almost all of them have a strap option (which with this bag will distort or damage the handle based on these photos). Also personally I really don't "get" the intent of accordion-style bags since they waste quite a bit of interior capacity.
Just my two cents, your mileage may vary.
So here finally my reveal: first time unpacking and packing the Margaux! Off the cuff observations:
- the curved shape and seam goes up and around into the top so it’s not as easy to fill as I thought: the volume in the bag is bigger than the access from the top (if that is clear?)
- the suede lining has friction with some things like my laptop (which might be good)
- if laptop not fitted properly, the bottom of the bag will sag
- the smell, the leather, the feel, the color are AMAZING.
Am a bit scared to bring her on my commute on Monday (train etc), but also excited. I packed a rain cover and might pack an easy bag to put it in just in case (almost took a black cotton one and then imagined the color transfer when wet and died inside). Recommendations for cover bags?
Anyway, hit me with questions and enjoy!
- the curved shape and seam goes up and around into the top so it’s not as easy to fill as I thought: the volume in the bag is bigger than the access from the top (if that is clear?)
- the suede lining has friction with some things like my laptop (which might be good)
- if laptop not fitted properly, the bottom of the bag will sag
- the smell, the leather, the feel, the color are AMAZING.
Am a bit scared to bring her on my commute on Monday (train etc), but also excited. I packed a rain cover and might pack an easy bag to put it in just in case (almost took a black cotton one and then imagined the color transfer when wet and died inside). Recommendations for cover bags?
Anyway, hit me with questions and enjoy!
Gorgeous and congratulations on that lovely bag!
I am a fan of Baggu fold-up bags. I think the super big one would fit your tote. They fold up into a pouch and are great for emergency rain protection or carrying other items one tends to collect throughout the day.
No they are rock solid and perfect for carrying a leather bag to protect from rain. (I have a bunch in different colors so I can match my outfit/bag. I am bagnut!
)So I am test driving her and have so far managed commuting on the train and biking to work at home, I have conditioned her after consulting with @docride and have even caught some rain. Have also scratched her with my fingernails while packing, which is easily buffed out with a clean finger, have overpacked her (like, seriously heavily loaded her) and am finding my way around. What are your do’s and dont’s with investment bags?
Hello everyone!
I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with The Row Bourse bag/clutch?
I have been looking for a small minimalistic bag that would work well both for casual everyday outfits, but also for special events (although with my lifestyle, even special events mean I don’t dress up too much or too formal, I still stay minimalistic and simple). I have a Marni Trunk for such purposes, but every time I wear it, it just annoys me for several reasons:
1) It’s so structured and rigid, that it just feels like carrying a box under your arm; and if I wear it crossbody, it just keeps hitting me in a very awkward way;
2) Also because it’s very structured, it doesn’t fit as much as I would expect, especially if I need to fit anything bulky - it's always a hassle to close the bag;
3) Lastly, the version I have is not the one I actually wanted: I liked this bag for a very long time and then one day there was a 30% off promo on MyTheresa, so I went for it, but with this promo I could only get the smooth leather version, although I always like the patent version better, so now every time I wear my Marni Trunk, I sort of regret it’s not the patent one.
So as I’m not getting much wear out of my Marni Trunk as I would like, I was thinking about selling it and replacing it with something which is similar in size and style, but is a bit less structured and softer.
As a replacement, I've been considering the Celine Trio bag for awhile, but after seeing The Row Bourse bag, I thought that it might actually be an even better option:
1) Celine Trio has been discontinued, so it can be only purchased pre-loved - and it’s always a risk that you might receive it in a worse condition than expected; Bourse clutch is currently (still) available new at several retailers and in the official The Row online store;
2) Based on the reviews I’ve seen, Celine Trio is very flat - so if you put anything bulky into the front compartment - its shape will be visible, whereas the Bourse has a softer structure, so in theory it shouldn’t have this issue;
3) Again, based on the reviews, because Celine Trio consists of three separate pouches, some people say that when putting something into the bag it’s very easy to miss the pouch and that your hand might just slide between the compartments, and that way you're risking to simply drop the item you’re trying to put into the bag (if that makes sense); since The Row Bourse has only one compartment, this also shouldn’t be an issue with this bag.
That being said, Celine Trio is just so beautiful and has such a timeless design, that I’m really not sure which one I prefer. And then there are also days when I look at my Marni Trunk and think that it’s also very pretty and maybe eventually I would regret selling it…
So I was just wondering what you guys here think of The Row Bouse bag - on its own and in comparison with Celine Trio (or Marni Trunk). And if you don’t have any experience with either of these bags, I’d still be very curious to learn your opinion - which one would you choose? So any thoughts and opinions will be highly appreciated!
P.S.: I know The Row has the Nu Twin bag that is even more similar to Celine Trio, but actually precisely because it looks so much like Celine, I’m kind of put off by it.
P.P.S.: this is not my Marni Trunk in the photo (although I have the same model), - just a random photo I found on Instagram while I was obsessing over this bag.
The Row Bourse
Celine Trio:
Marni Trunk:
I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with The Row Bourse bag/clutch?
I have been looking for a small minimalistic bag that would work well both for casual everyday outfits, but also for special events (although with my lifestyle, even special events mean I don’t dress up too much or too formal, I still stay minimalistic and simple). I have a Marni Trunk for such purposes, but every time I wear it, it just annoys me for several reasons:
1) It’s so structured and rigid, that it just feels like carrying a box under your arm; and if I wear it crossbody, it just keeps hitting me in a very awkward way;
2) Also because it’s very structured, it doesn’t fit as much as I would expect, especially if I need to fit anything bulky - it's always a hassle to close the bag;
3) Lastly, the version I have is not the one I actually wanted: I liked this bag for a very long time and then one day there was a 30% off promo on MyTheresa, so I went for it, but with this promo I could only get the smooth leather version, although I always like the patent version better, so now every time I wear my Marni Trunk, I sort of regret it’s not the patent one.
So as I’m not getting much wear out of my Marni Trunk as I would like, I was thinking about selling it and replacing it with something which is similar in size and style, but is a bit less structured and softer.
As a replacement, I've been considering the Celine Trio bag for awhile, but after seeing The Row Bourse bag, I thought that it might actually be an even better option:
1) Celine Trio has been discontinued, so it can be only purchased pre-loved - and it’s always a risk that you might receive it in a worse condition than expected; Bourse clutch is currently (still) available new at several retailers and in the official The Row online store;
2) Based on the reviews I’ve seen, Celine Trio is very flat - so if you put anything bulky into the front compartment - its shape will be visible, whereas the Bourse has a softer structure, so in theory it shouldn’t have this issue;
3) Again, based on the reviews, because Celine Trio consists of three separate pouches, some people say that when putting something into the bag it’s very easy to miss the pouch and that your hand might just slide between the compartments, and that way you're risking to simply drop the item you’re trying to put into the bag (if that makes sense); since The Row Bourse has only one compartment, this also shouldn’t be an issue with this bag.
That being said, Celine Trio is just so beautiful and has such a timeless design, that I’m really not sure which one I prefer. And then there are also days when I look at my Marni Trunk and think that it’s also very pretty and maybe eventually I would regret selling it…
So I was just wondering what you guys here think of The Row Bouse bag - on its own and in comparison with Celine Trio (or Marni Trunk). And if you don’t have any experience with either of these bags, I’d still be very curious to learn your opinion - which one would you choose? So any thoughts and opinions will be highly appreciated!
P.S.: I know The Row has the Nu Twin bag that is even more similar to Celine Trio, but actually precisely because it looks so much like Celine, I’m kind of put off by it.
P.P.S.: this is not my Marni Trunk in the photo (although I have the same model), - just a random photo I found on Instagram while I was obsessing over this bag.
The Row Bourse
Celine Trio:
Marni Trunk:
Last edited:
I will try and answer some of your questions. Though I do not have experience with the Marni bag nor The Row bag, I have had the Celine Trio for nearly 8 years.
The Trio and the Bourse for that matter, is a casual, cross-body bag and I certainly wouldn't consider it for special events. For me, personally, I prefer the shape of the Trio compared to the Bourse. Not once have I slipped and accidentally dropped an item in between the three compartments and the corners are still in immaculate condition. There have been times where I have stuffed the bag with sunglasses, reading glasses, keys and it did not distort the bag nor have these items permanently imprinted the leather. I do not baby my bags and have travelled with it and it still looks good. I would never consider a patent bag as I don't think they age well in my opinion. The Marni bag also looks more formal than the other ones you are considering but still not an evening bag in my opinion. Evening and special event bags for me don't need to carry much and so long as they look appropriate for the event and look good with my outfit, I am happy to relegate them as evening only and not expect to use them daytime as well.
I cannot tell you whether you should sell your Marni and replace with another bag, but perhaps try it again as an evening and daytime bag to see how it might work better for you. Hope this helps.
The Trio and the Bourse for that matter, is a casual, cross-body bag and I certainly wouldn't consider it for special events. For me, personally, I prefer the shape of the Trio compared to the Bourse. Not once have I slipped and accidentally dropped an item in between the three compartments and the corners are still in immaculate condition. There have been times where I have stuffed the bag with sunglasses, reading glasses, keys and it did not distort the bag nor have these items permanently imprinted the leather. I do not baby my bags and have travelled with it and it still looks good. I would never consider a patent bag as I don't think they age well in my opinion. The Marni bag also looks more formal than the other ones you are considering but still not an evening bag in my opinion. Evening and special event bags for me don't need to carry much and so long as they look appropriate for the event and look good with my outfit, I am happy to relegate them as evening only and not expect to use them daytime as well.
I cannot tell you whether you should sell your Marni and replace with another bag, but perhaps try it again as an evening and daytime bag to see how it might work better for you. Hope this helps.
Thank you so much for your input! Very helpful information about the Celine Trio bag - most of the reviews I've read mentioned the issue with the compartments, so I had an impression it's a very common problem with this bag.
I probably shouldn't have used the term 'special events' in my post, because honestly there's nothing special in the occasions that I meant by it, they even don't necessarily take place during the evening. By 'special' I only meant everything that happens outside work and daily errands, - like going out with friends to restaurants or bars; going to museums, exhibitions, or theatre; some occasional office parties, etc. Where I live, it's not very common to actually dress up for any of those things, so I don't feel like I need a dressy, formal, proper evening bag - so in my opinion either one of the three bags I mentioned are totally fine for all those types of events. It's probably indeed not how most people would describe an evening bag, but for me it's just a bag that won't fit a laptop (like my Celine Sangle) and that's not 100% casual (like my The Row Slouchy Banana), so that it can go with a dress. And I would still expect my "evening bag" to fit a phone, a cardholder, keys, some makeup, maybe even a sunglass case.
I think I would probably have to sell my Marni eventually: I just know myself well enough, to know that if I have several bags in similar shape and size, especially if they serve me for the same purpose, I will end up having a favourite which I will use all the time, and never even touch the other one.
Hey I have no experience with The Row bags unfortunately, but am learning from this thread.
I have owned both the Celine Trio and the Marni Trunk!
I had exactly the same reservations as you about the Marni Trunk. I got the Marni Mini Soft Trunk, and I sold it quickly (at a significant loss) about 3 months after, as I also found it barely fit anything. I found the flap and buckle very fiddly and tiresome. I learnt that accordion style pockets are not for me. I hated having to compartmentalise too much, and anything wider would make the bag feel awkward and annoying for me. I also found the buckle scratched very easily, and the leather I had (soft nappa leather I think) faded easily. I don't miss it at all.
The Celine Trio- the one you've pictured from IG, is I think, the Large size. It looks beautiful. I owned the smaller standard sizes, in two of the Old Celine colours, and I really regret selling them, because for sure I would still use either/both of them today, about a decade after their release. I was newer to luxe then and thought I was wasteful and frivolous for buying in seasonal colours. Whereas I still wear those exact same colours today, and would certainly not find them at a great price in new condition today.
I did take one of my Celine Trios overseas on holiday. It was awesome, but I did have that constant fear of sliding my phone in between the compartments and it smashing on the pavement. I prefer it when a bag i own is truly carefree, so you can unzip and slip stuff in or take things out without having to look at it if needed. But it's great that @wantitneedit hasn't found that issue, and I agree not everyone would have that issue. I still miss the Trio despite that issue. In terms of special events eg. outings, museums etc- exactly what i used my Trio for on holiday, and at home, too. It is so understated and beautiful! It is perfect for slipping into your larger luggage or larger handbag for travel (in its dustbag so the lambskin if you get lambskin doesn't scratch or wear). I know I mentioned I hate compartmentalising, and that goes for the Trio, too, but it's not so bad with the Trio. I would put my phone in one compartment, wallet/cardholder in another, and public transport tickets in a third. I used to have trouble figuring out which compartment for my sunglasses, which did distort the bag when carrying it- but didn't cause lasting damage. It might look awkwardly bulky when putting stuff in there, but it's all personal preference and still less finicky than the Trunk. The lining was a soft cloth fabric, which was wonderful, and my Trio got rained on a few times but no leather warping. It did have some mild, visible corner wear, and mild wear on the edges of the straps where the pressure would be from swinging the bag- you know, above the actual bag compartments itself? some of the paint peeled off, and that added to my feeling of stupidity and wastefulness. These days I wouldn't mind though as it's still a beautiful, functional bag. (It was a bright colour.) Also love that it's lightweight and can hold a phone (you'll need to check dimensions of course).
I love that it's understated and minimal branding. And if that's your style in the first photo, you will definitely love the Trio! (Or the Row, I'm sure!) It is a more relaxed bag to use than the Marni Trunk, in my opinion. But both have a similar beautiful understated look for outings and events. Hope that helps! And good luck deciding on the Bouse bag!
I have owned both the Celine Trio and the Marni Trunk!
I had exactly the same reservations as you about the Marni Trunk. I got the Marni Mini Soft Trunk, and I sold it quickly (at a significant loss) about 3 months after, as I also found it barely fit anything. I found the flap and buckle very fiddly and tiresome. I learnt that accordion style pockets are not for me. I hated having to compartmentalise too much, and anything wider would make the bag feel awkward and annoying for me. I also found the buckle scratched very easily, and the leather I had (soft nappa leather I think) faded easily. I don't miss it at all.
The Celine Trio- the one you've pictured from IG, is I think, the Large size. It looks beautiful. I owned the smaller standard sizes, in two of the Old Celine colours, and I really regret selling them, because for sure I would still use either/both of them today, about a decade after their release. I was newer to luxe then and thought I was wasteful and frivolous for buying in seasonal colours. Whereas I still wear those exact same colours today, and would certainly not find them at a great price in new condition today.
I did take one of my Celine Trios overseas on holiday. It was awesome, but I did have that constant fear of sliding my phone in between the compartments and it smashing on the pavement. I prefer it when a bag i own is truly carefree, so you can unzip and slip stuff in or take things out without having to look at it if needed. But it's great that @wantitneedit hasn't found that issue, and I agree not everyone would have that issue. I still miss the Trio despite that issue. In terms of special events eg. outings, museums etc- exactly what i used my Trio for on holiday, and at home, too. It is so understated and beautiful! It is perfect for slipping into your larger luggage or larger handbag for travel (in its dustbag so the lambskin if you get lambskin doesn't scratch or wear). I know I mentioned I hate compartmentalising, and that goes for the Trio, too, but it's not so bad with the Trio. I would put my phone in one compartment, wallet/cardholder in another, and public transport tickets in a third. I used to have trouble figuring out which compartment for my sunglasses, which did distort the bag when carrying it- but didn't cause lasting damage. It might look awkwardly bulky when putting stuff in there, but it's all personal preference and still less finicky than the Trunk. The lining was a soft cloth fabric, which was wonderful, and my Trio got rained on a few times but no leather warping. It did have some mild, visible corner wear, and mild wear on the edges of the straps where the pressure would be from swinging the bag- you know, above the actual bag compartments itself? some of the paint peeled off, and that added to my feeling of stupidity and wastefulness. These days I wouldn't mind though as it's still a beautiful, functional bag. (It was a bright colour.) Also love that it's lightweight and can hold a phone (you'll need to check dimensions of course).
I love that it's understated and minimal branding. And if that's your style in the first photo, you will definitely love the Trio! (Or the Row, I'm sure!) It is a more relaxed bag to use than the Marni Trunk, in my opinion. But both have a similar beautiful understated look for outings and events. Hope that helps! And good luck deciding on the Bouse bag!