Monday, December 15, 2008

Product Review: Large Oslo Bag

Large Oslo Bag
Click here for product page
Item 99990
Regular: $425.00
Now: $299.99

Although I have not seen this purse in person, I did think it was lovely. I also wondered how big the purse was and what the material was like.

Luckily for us, Bug Pin (in this post) was kind enough to share her review of this purse.

Large Oslo Review-inside wall has one zipper pocket that unsnaps (for what reason-I have no idea) this pocket is the equiv of any zipper inside pocket but not built into the bag lining as there isn't a lining. Just rough leather inside and no pockets inside..a weird/bad move IMO.

The leather is super smooshy in the large version and doesn't have ANY "body" or structure to it--it will collapse all over itself. It will work with a large "Purse-to-go" as that helps it hold a shape and offers pockets for your phone and other things inside. I do not recommend anyone orders it without having the purse-to-go or they will want to shoot themselves for bothering.

The champagne is very pretty and neutral but haven't seen the grey/ash IRL. Hardware is fine, has a heavy horn closure that you do not need to close but can just throw over. If you must lock it each time--it will be a PITA.-HTH. Overpriced


"Thanks!" again to Bug Pin for sharing her great review with us! :)

What are your thoughts on the Large Oslo Bag (do you like/dislike the style, design, material)? Are you considering or already have purchased this purse? Have you seen this purse at your local store? If so, please share with us your reviews too! :)

18 comments:

  1. Thank you - it is very interesting to me that that quality of bag is unlined and rough on the inside.

    I purchased a tote last year and returned it for the 2 reasons you expressed (1) unfinished inside and (2) its collapsing problem.

    I did not seek out a liner. I was in a store recently and saw the silver tote was lined, so maybe the company is making a change...

    ReplyDelete
  2. JINGLE for 30% off and FS for orders over $150. Good until Tuesday.

    ReplyDelete
  3. i cannot believe jcrew does not finish the inside of its handbags. that is the ultimate sign of poor design and craftmanship. like other aficionadas have said, the quality of jcrew products is declining. when i saw this season's winter coats in store, i could not believe how much thinner they felt from last year's.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I don't think JCrew leaves all purses unlined -- just these "Borghes leather" bags, I believe. I got the Frankie bag (I think that was the name of it) -- a decent size shoulder bag in a nice light pink color. I am bummed it's not lined, but I figure I can work with it. I even wondered if I could GET it lined, at a cobbler's or something, but figured it was probably not possible or more trouble than it's worth. I'm keeping the bag because it was a good deal ($100 down from $395, I think?), but I agree that leaving it unlined wasn't a good idea.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I agree with anon @1:33:

    I also have the Frankie in the same color-absolutely gorgeous color (got it for $129.99 with additional 30% off) but it's UNLINED. I think it's ok for uptown totes to be unlined but not for every other bag as well. Frankie should have been lined IMO...

    ReplyDelete
  6. My Hawaii store had the small Oslo in grey ash and natural colors on sale for $139.99 plus an additional 30% off! As I was checking out, a woman was just about to the buy the Ash color and I was soooo jealous. It's a beautiful bag. BTW, the unlined interior doesn't bother me at all. In fact, it makes the bag lighter in weight and more unique.

    ReplyDelete
  7. thank you for the review Bug Pin! i've been eyeing the oslo bag and was about to buy the small and large as a set (i have to carry two bags to work -- don't ask!) but after reading your review, i nixed that plan. thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely review, Bugpin! Why in the world would they not line their bags, though? Even bags from Target come with lining. That is just so disappointing. :(

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great review for the large Oslo. :) I wouldn't suppose anyone has one for the small one ... I am curious about that one as well!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh I love that champagne color! Thanks for the review BP! Did you end up keeping it? I have the calf hai & leather oslo from last year and love it. Interestingly the one I have is lined and has 3 compartments--2 sides and a center zip section. I don't think a lining is always necessary, esp in a bag like the Oslo.

    ReplyDelete
  11. supposedly those bags with superior leather, they don't want to line to show the leather

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Bug Pin here..I should have added, I cannot IMAGINE paying full price or the current sale price for this bag! The leather is nice but it is so floppy and unstructured. I tried it out and a few hours out, I was finding it to be rather a pain already. Even with the added structure of the purse to go. Also--no built in interior pockets (even with purse to go) is not serving me very well. I cannot get to my cell in a timely manner, digging and digging for keys etc..

    The smaller version may work fine as it's smaller interior will perhaps add to the structure?? Not sure.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I purchased the small Ash Gray Bag but found it too small for me. It also doesn't have a lot of structure. I think it looks somewhat poorly-made for its price. The big clasp is heavy and the weight seems disproportionate. Save your money.

    ReplyDelete
  14. i wanted the small oslo, but it sold out, no lining is odd for a quality bag.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I saw a question about the small Oslo -- it's a decent purchase for the present price ($139.99, less a 30% discount), but I'm returning it because I hadn't realized how small the drop was. This may be a personal preference; I don't like bags that sit in my armpit! I saw both the terra cotta & champagne colors, and my personal preference was definitely for the champagne. I must admit that the leather is beautiful. Like the large Oslo, it's unstructured, but that's less of an issue given its size. It is unlined, but actually still has several functioning pockets; they're simply made of leather, not fabric. The only other substantive critique that I had involved the external side pockets. They tend to slump out & look a bit goofy unless something's in them. That's especially annoying because it exposes the unfinished side of the leather. Overall, I would advise this purse for the $139.99 w/ 30% off price for anyone who doesn't mind an unlined bag that sits close to the shoulder. For me, the former issue was minor, but the latter will lead me to return it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have the large oslo and carry it every day. I personally don't mind the unlined bag- and the borge gaverti leather is the finest you can get; it doesn't need to be lined. (ps. they also tan leathers for hermes). the horn closure is unique and I love that the pocket in the interior unsnaps- I have used it to throw change and lipstick if I am just running a small errand. I would agree with others that it has little shape when not sat down, but overall it is a great bag. I found this bag to have a sort of rugged elegance to it, and would recommend it to anyone.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I just bought the small Oslo in the dark peony (hot pink) color. I take it back about J. Crew being stinkers over not lining their bags- I love this little thing! It's the perfect size (I'm petite and so big bags tend to swallow me up) and the leather is nice and smooshy. It'll be a great little bag through the rest of winter, even into spring.

    I'm glad I found it- it was just sitting prettily on a shelf inside the store, the last small oslo bag left and it was love at first sight- and such a great deal too! I ended up paying about $110 after discounts...

    ReplyDelete

Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)