The Look for Less: Woven Leather Bag

The Look:
Bottega Veneta, $2250 Bottega Veneta, known their woven leather bags, in une femme’s opinion is among the most timeless and classy among all of the designer brands.

For Less:
Cole Haan “Delaunay” tote, $428 (Not as subtle as the BV, but really stunning!)

Cole Haan “Prudence,” $428 I haven’t seen this one up close yet, but really like the design!

Eileen Fisher Earth Conscious Leather Bag, $578. The feel of this leather really rivals the BV, very soft and luxe.

Cole Haan “Genevieve,” on sale for $249.95 The “optic” look of this weave adds a bit of visual interest.

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22 Comments

  1. Bought one BV bag at the NY shop and another at resale boutique: they have lasted phenomenally, worth saving for. Of these, I like the Genevieve best, as it has its own design; the EF is, well EF-ish: very conventional.

  2. These are some of my favorite bags. I have coveted a BV for some time, but have been debating about some of the Cole Haan weaves as alternatives since BV really isn’t in my spending limit. Thanks for posting.

  3. I just sourced one of those Genevieves for a British friend. It was delivered here & I sent it on to her on to the UK, but it almost didn’t make it out of the house. Dayum, that is one gorgeous bag. And different enough that it doesn’t read as a BV-wannabe — it really is stunning in its own right.

  4. This is what happens to a great bag. It is a bit sad, but understandable. Everyone wants to have a piece of the cake. But not everyone is willing to pay for the original. There are actually only few people who know about Bottega Veneta or others. But, like Duchesse posted in an earlier post this week about lingerie- you will know 😉 And that counts, at least for me.

  5. Wish I could force myself to shell out money for the first one. It would be such a treat! But other items are on my list, such as newer wheels, college, brace etc…. Maybe later I could splurge an not feel guilty. Maybe when the kids finally move out ;D

  6. I can’t say why, but I’ve been drawn to the Genevieve bag for ages. SO not my style, but just gorgeous nonetheless.

  7. I bought a Cole Haan at the Desert Hills Outlet this spring precisely because it reminded me of a BV. Can’t afford the real things although I would love to own one. Nice examples you’ve got here, Pseu.

  8. metscan – that’s why I could never carry a fake bag (not “inspired by” but actually counterfeit designer). Even if it looked good (and they so rarely do) I’d know. I see so many fake LV and Balenciaga bags, and they’re rather pitiful.

    Duchesse – from what I understand, because BV doesn’t have the recognition factor of other designer bags, one can get a good deal when buying resale (though I think people hang onto them; seems to be rare to find).

  9. Sher – I hear ya, sister! It’s hard to justify those prices when there are so many demands on our financial resources.

    Lisa – It would certainly look nice. Actually I’ve found that I prefer cross-body bags for most wandering-around time. They’re easier on the shoulders and feel more secure. Sometimes will carry a smaller evening bag if we’re going somewhere dressy for dinner and can walk there or take taxis.

  10. spacegeek – I think some of the Cole Haan weaves really stand on their own, due to the unique pattern in the weaving. The patent leather versions they have for fall are gorgeous.

    materfamilias – funny how we were on the same wavelength!

    Sal – they really are gorgeous bags. I’ve found CH bags to be of very good quality for the price, and they are quite functional too.

  11. Style Spy – that was nice of you! I’m sure your friend will really enjoy it.

    Frugal Scholar – thanks for the tip!

    WendyB – *sigh* me too. It never fails that I can walk into any store and seem to gravitate to the most expensive thing. We have such impeccable taste!

  12. Lisa – absolutely! I walk with one hand over the (closed) top of the bag whenever we’re near anyone else. I keep an eye on who’s around me and move away if anyone seems to be standing closer than space warrants. We’re also careful about pairs, one distracts you by trying to engage in conversation or sell you something while the other circles around behind. (We encountered this near Sacré Coeur on our first visit, waved the first guy off and moved away quickly with our wallets intact.)

  13. LBR – oh cool! The raspberry red in that print is really your color! I think you’re going to find that sweater really goes well with a lot; I’ve been surprised at just how well it plays with others.

  14. I really love the colour of the Deluaunay. I am not in love with any of BV’s bag colours.
    p.s. I ended up stopping at Talbot’s and I bought the sweater you were wearing yesterday. I promise never to wear it when we meet. But, it was so cute that I had to have it. Thank you again for a lovely doctors appt.;-)!!!
    xoxo

  15. A word of caution. Don’t get complacent about the cross-body bags, even though I agree with you that they’re generally more secure. I had a pick-pocket UNZIP mine and steal my wallet while in a crowded market a few months ago in Spain and all I felt was the slightest wisp of someone being near me.