I received my Alto Woven Shopper in black yesterday and the box was smashed. In fact, many of my deliveries lately have arrived with the tape hanging off the box, one flap open, or a hot crumpled mess. I took a bunch of pictures as evidence that I did not do such a horrible thing. Unfortunately the bag was severely damaged on the bottom and will be returned. I am not sure if I should return it in the same box or find a new one to ensure the box arrives at DB. The box is completely smashed in on 3 sides and sits awkwardly. But aside from the damage, it surprised me how much I liked this black bag…and I am not a black bag girl. The woven leather makes the bag interesting and I would use it in three seasons (probably not winter. Sorry not sorry winter.) I love how the stitching pops on the black, too. The size is perfect! And the floating inside pocket is not a deal-breaker as I do not carry much and use pouches to organize everything - meds, cash, self care. I think I may re-order today before the sale price expires.
I am happy you like the Large Woven Shopper, lavenderjunkie. Enjoy using and staring at your beautiful set of handbags. Like you, I only use an Alto on special and good weather days. But I can hear my mom in heaven saying, “Wear the bag!”
LID: so sorry your beautiful handbag was damaged during shipment. I would
send it back in a different box. I don't know if it will make any difference if you
include a detailed explanation or pictures with the return. But you might call CS
and explain the situation and ask how they want you to handle it. Either way you
will get your refund.... it's just a question of being sure you get reimbursed (with a minimum of stress) for the return shipping costs.
I love both the Alto large Woven shopper and the medium Woven Shopper.
If I had to choose 1... it would be the large and in the black color.
I think Alto leather in black is very elegant.... but it's understated and
an acquired taste. In the woven it has extra style and interest, much more than
a plain, matte, black Alto (of which I own many). The saddle color is lovely,
and certainly a popular neutral. It's also more casual, in my mind, than black.
Depending on your wardrobe and color preferences, you will gravitate to one or the
other.
Both the medium and the large Alto Woven Shoppers are very usable size
handbags. Neither is too large or too small to use as a handbag. I just prefer
the roominess of the larger one. (The 12" X 6" base is the ideal size for me in
handbags. I can put things across the bottom and not have to put them on their
sides. That way I can open a pouch without having to take it out of the bag and
then play Tetris to put it back into it's place). with the extra room and height of the
large, my wallet can be buried, so I'm less concerned about the lack of a
center zip pocket. And I'm not typically in crowded public spaces.
Another consideration on size.... the handles on the large are longer.
Depending on how you carry a handbag, that might be a consideration.
I hand carry, or arm carry, so the handles on the medium are just fine
for me and the longer handles on the large aren't a problem.
Both bags have detachable straps for alternate carry options.
