Von Holzhausen bags - opinions from those who already own

[iluvbagsnshoes]

I'm having a hard time choosing which bag to order! At first I was sure I wanted the mini duffle or the handheld- but the shopper and the mini bucket are so intriguing. It's so hard to know without trying them out! I know it depends on my needs, and probably a larger bag would be better... In other news, there was a black shopper on eBay the other day at such a good price! I hesitated, and it was gone when I checked again. Anyway, I hope to have an update soon when I purchase something!

 

[southernbelle43]

I'm having a hard time choosing which bag to order! At first I was sure I wanted the mini duffle or the handheld- but the shopper and the mini bucket are so intriguing. It's so hard to know without trying them out! I know it depends on my needs, and probably a larger bag would be better... In other news, there was a black shopper on eBay the other day at such a good price! I hesitated, and it was gone when I checked again. Anyway, I hope to have an update soon when I purchase something!

If it is any help: I bought a shopper and loved it but, I am retired so I have no need to carry large loads now. It is very large. I gave it away. I have the handheld. It will carry a lot, but looks fine if there is not much in it. I had the shoulder bag which is really cool. It is a typical shoulder bag and would not serve to carry a lot. The duffel looks great and it would probably be like the handheld. It would hold a lot but is still usable for smaller loads. Show us what you end up with.

 

[Missaggie]

I got the tote. It’s really very pretty, but I found it extremely large and cumbersome. Heavy and very bulky as well. I am never going to carry it again as it is just too much. I’m out and about walking in the city and thought this would be great due to water resistant and room to spare. But there is no way I can make it work. Unfortunately I cannot return it, so off to Goodwill it goes. I wish they would make some smaller size tote options.

 

[southernbelle43]

I got the tote. It’s really very pretty, but I found it extremely large and cumbersome. Heavy and very bulky as well. I am never going to carry it again as it is just too much. I’m out and about walking in the city and thought this would be great due to water resistant and room to spare. But there is no way I can make it work. Unfortunately I cannot return it, so off to Goodwill it goes. I wish they would make some smaller size tote options.

You got the regular size tote, not the medium one? I always thought it looked really big. I had my eye on the medium one for over a year, but then got into Massaccessi bags and have too many big bags now. BUt I am shocked that it was heavy. Both the Technik material and the calf leather are listed as only weighing 12 ounces. However, I drag bags around that weigh 4 pounds so what do I know about what feels heavy, lol.

 

[Missaggie]

You got the regular size tote, not the medium one? I always thought it looked really big. I had my eye on the medium one for over a year, but then got into Massaccessi bags and have too many big bags now. BUt I am shocked that it was heavy. Both the Technik material and the calf leather are listed as only weighing 12 ounces. However, I drag bags around that weigh 4 pounds so what do I know about what feels heavy, lol.

Yes there is only one size now - it is not the zippered market tote. I don’t think they have traditional leather anymore. I know I thought it was going to be light. Maybe because it is so big and bulky it was heavier. My husband thought it looked awkward also.

 

[southernbelle43]

Yes there is only one size now - it is not the zippered market tote. I don’t think they have traditional leather anymore. I know I thought it was going to be light. Maybe because it is so big and bulky it was heavier. My husband thought it looked awkward also.

Sorry it did not work for you. Sometimes bags just don’t. They still have some leather pieces left at good discounts. You go to the site and do a search for “leather” tote or whichever one you are interested in.

 

[TotinScience]

Through mostly ebay hustle I managed to accrue a pretty nice VH collection at this point . While the denim TL shopper remains my one big love (and probably my most favorite bag in general), I also adore the mini caged crossbody in caramel TL. As I was telling @southernbelle43, to me, other TLs feel like their own thing - leather-like, but definitely more of a futuristic performance fabric. However, caramel one is incredible - it is super smooth and silky to the touch like a good Nappa leather, while retaining all the TL qualities. The crossbody is small - essentials only (and not big ones at it too), but it's so chic it works both as a casual bag and as a date one all the same. I really wish for the black medium crossbody, but have to wait till they at least throw some promo bone to justify the cost in my delusional mind.
The only bag that did not work at all for me from VH so far was the zippered tote - it was supposed to be my big Christmas present from myself and the husband, but I ended up returning it. It had a really awkward shoulder drop that made it look suitcasey and bulky. For that price, I was not happy with the design. The market tote, on the other hand, is a perfect summer out and about bag.

 

[iluvbagsnshoes]

If it is any help: I bought a shopper and loved it but, I am retired so I have no need to carry large loads now. It is very large. I gave it away. I have the handheld. It will carry a lot, but looks fine if there is not much in it. I had the shoulder bag which is really cool. It is a typical shoulder bag and would not serve to carry a lot. The duffel looks great and it would probably be like the handheld. It would hold a lot but is still usable for smaller loads. Show us what you end up with.

Thank you so much for the advice! I was wondering whether the handheld would retain its shape, or if it would sag. I prefer a more structured bag, so this will help with my decision!

I got the tote. It’s really very pretty, but I found it extremely large and cumbersome. Heavy and very bulky as well. I am never going to carry it again as it is just too much. I’m out and about walking in the city and thought this would be great due to water resistant and room to spare. But there is no way I can make it work. Unfortunately I cannot return it, so off to Goodwill it goes. I wish they would make some smaller size tote options.

You could consider listing on ebay or poshmark- I bet it would sell right away!

Through mostly ebay hustle I managed to accrue a pretty nice VH collection at this point . While the denim TL shopper remains my one big love (and probably my most favorite bag in general), I also adore the mini caged crossbody in caramel TL. As I was telling @southernbelle43, to me, other TLs feel like their own thing - leather-like, but definitely more of a futuristic performance fabric. However, caramel one is incredible - it is super smooth and silky to the touch like a good Nappa leather, while retaining all the TL qualities. The crossbody is small - essentials only (and not big ones at it too), but it's so chic it works both as a casual bag and as a date one all the same. I really wish for the black medium crossbody, but have to wait till they at least throw some promo bone to justify the cost in my delusional mind.
The only bag that did not work at all for me from VH so far was the zippered tote - it was supposed to be my big Christmas present from myself and the husband, but I ended up returning it. It had a really awkward shoulder drop that made it look suitcasey and bulky. For that price, I was not happy with the design. The market tote, on the other hand, is a perfect summer out and about bag.

I envy your ebay skills! I've been checking regularly, and I should have bought the shopper right away. I'll keep looking! They do have 10% off for new customers, so that will help a bit. The leather items are 50% off on the website, which is a great deal, but I'd really like to try the TL. Thanks for the reviews!

 

[southernbelle43]

Thank you so much for the advice! I was wondering whether the handheld would retain its shape, or if it would sag. I prefer a more structured bag, so this will help with my decision!

I did not mean to mislead you. It is lightly shaped. I will take some pix shortly for you.

. I still have not conquered this quoting business. Mine ends up in your original message, lol

 

[southernbelle43]

Iluvshoesand bags, here are the handheld pix.

It seems I have a crease in the flap. I was not careful in putting it in a bag. I will use some leather conditioner and fix that.

 

[TotinScience]

As a die-hard secure top closure zealot I didn’t expect myself to enjoy this open market tote as much as I do. But it is just so carefree and easy on a hot summer day to run errands or go to work.

 

[southernbelle43]

I have two Von Holzhausens. They are works of art. I bought the shoulder bag in olive green and just last week got the handheld in taupe and black. The leather is soft, the handbags are so light you hardly feel them on your shoulder. If I had not discovered the Deadly Ponies Fill and Zip I would have ordered the Von Holzhausen tote bag. I love that they use the hides from steers that have been slaughtered for meat so that it is not wasted and that they donate part of the money from every bag sold to a worthy cause. I predict increasing sales for these purses!!

Just a note. VH is phasing out their leather and going strictly for what they call "technik" leather. This is some type of synthetic that is used in the higher priced cars, BMW's, Mercedes. I suppose it will wear like iron. I also had one of these bags until my daughter stole it.
Anyway, if you are interested in a VH leather bag there are still a few of them left on the site marked way way down.

 

[RW93]

Hi!

I'm really interested in buying the Handheld, but want to canvas people's opinions on technik leather and on the bag before dropping a fairly substantial amount of money on it.

Are you all finding the technik leather to be fairly durable? I'm a little rough on my bags so most of them are nylon (which I also prefer because it's much lighter than leather). I don't throw them around or fill them with heavy sharp objects or anything like that, but I'd like something that will last and that I won't have to baby too much.

How structured/flexible are these bags? I'm after something that isn't so soft it'll collapse in on itself when underfilled, but has enough give to occasionally accommodate a bit of overflow beyond the dimensions of the bag.

If anyone has the handheld, how do you find the flap? Does it adequately cover the top of the bag, without being unwieldy/getting in the way? I tend to prefer zippers because they're more secure, but a flap is more rain resistant and allows you to e.g. secure a large jacket to the bag or have a tall waterbottle poking out the side.

Finally and on a related note, for handheld owners, is the lack of any zippered pockets a big problem for you? I do carry around a lot of small things (tiny wallet, earbuds, pocket knife etc) and I'm slightly worried about them falling out of the bag if I'm not careful.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts/opinions!

 

[TotinScience]

Hi!

I'm really interested in buying the Handheld, but want to canvas people's opinions on technik leather and on the bag before dropping a fairly substantial amount of money on it.

Are you all finding the technik leather to be fairly durable? I'm a little rough on my bags so most of them are nylon (which I also prefer because it's much lighter than leather). I don't throw them around or fill them with heavy sharp objects or anything like that, but I'd like something that will last and that I won't have to baby too much.

How structured/flexible are these bags? I'm after something that isn't so soft it'll collapse in on itself when underfilled, but has enough give to occasionally accommodate a bit of overflow beyond the dimensions of the bag.

If anyone has the handheld, how do you find the flap? Does it adequately cover the top of the bag, without being unwieldy/getting in the way? I tend to prefer zippers because they're more secure, but a flap is more rain resistant and allows you to e.g. secure a large jacket to the bag or have a tall waterbottle poking out the side.

Finally and on a related note, for handheld owners, is the lack of any zippered pockets a big problem for you? I do carry around a lot of small things (tiny wallet, earbuds, pocket knife etc) and I'm slightly worried about them falling out of the bag if I'm not careful.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts/opinions!

Hi! My "oldest" TL bag is over a year old now and has been heavily used. The only changes I see on it is that it appears slightly shinier on the side of the bag that is against my body than in front, and the bag is slightly sloucher than it used to be when it's totally empty. It used to stand completely upright (kind of like paper - not rigid and structured, but light enough to not collapse under its own weight), but now it folds inward a little bit. As soon as you put something in it to push against the sides, it immediately stands back up. Overall, it basically looks about the same as when I took it out of the box brand new. My bag is the shopper in denim, I have no experience with the handheld. I do, however, consider saving up for a handheld in white, as I find it super chic and it is the only white bag I'd ever consider buying without having to fear for color transfer/damage etc.

 

[southernbelle43]

An update. The above lovely VH bag that TotinScience is modeling is now MINE! Yea for her and me. She prefers a zipped top and that option is not needed by me. I carry small Penelope Midi pouches for all that I use, so nothing is going to fall out.

The caramel color is delicious. My hubby simply cannot believe that it is not leather. I have looked at this bag for over a year now, but never pulled the trigger because it does not photograph as nice as it is. Soft and luscious feeling, light as a feather and so comfortable to wear. Here are some photos of the structure/slouch. And the inside with the Penny midis in them. I ended up with two red ones (thanks to MM sending me one after the other had a small leather issue), so I keep one unzipped in the bag and one zipped to differentiate what is in them.

Like TotinScience I have not had Technic long enough to really evaluate it, but so far it does not scratch at all, is advertised as non cracking etc., so I expect to get several years out of it. This will be my fourth Von Holzhausen bag, one gifted (too big) , one sold (too small) and still have two. I find VH to find very good quality bags.