Small Oslo BagClick here for product page
Item 10075
Regular: $295.00
Now: $139.99
Bug Pin was kind enough to share her review of the Large Oslo Bag in an earlier post (click here). I thought the purse looked great and was curious about its smaller counterpart.
Luckily for us, Anon at 3:34 PM (in this post) was kind enough to share her review of the Small Oslo Bag.
Small Oslo bag:
I have the small Oslo bag and I love it. I can easily open and close the clasp with one hand. The bag is open on the top and the side pockets are also open so you can get most items without opening if the closure gives you trouble. Or just throw the strap over the top and the weight will keep it in place.
The leather is thick yet soft and the unstructured design gives it the slouchy look, which may be too much on the larger version but it is cute on the smaller version. It can easily be filled to give it a firmer shape as it is a smaller bag. I love the Borge Garveri leather and I totally love this bag. The champagne color will transition nicely with the new spring palette as well. "Thanks!" again to Anon at 3:34 PM (in this post) for sharing her great review with us! :)
What are your thoughts on the Small 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! :)
I ordered the Large Oslo last January in Honey Glaze. It was slouchy but beautiful. However, I did not keep it because I scored a Marigold Marc Jacobs Stam in almost the same exact color and I couldn't justify keeping both.
ReplyDeleteThe Oslo is definitely one of the best bags at JC.
I have the small Oslo in champagne and I get compliments every time I use it. It is a beautiful bag and being neutral will work with almost anything.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone purchase the small Thompson Tote bag #99189?, it is on sale for $100.00. Is this bag heavy? I am looking for a lightweight functional tote, any comments would be appreciated.
ReplyDeletere: Casual-Crew:
ReplyDeleteThe small Thompson is fabulous. It's not heavy at all and you can't go wrong with this gem-of-a bag. I just purchased the Odile Bag in Champagne from my Honolulu store for only $49.99!! I'm in love.
I ordered the small Oslo during one of the before christmas promos. Even before I had it all of the way out of the plastic it came in, I knew it was going back to the store. As I began opening the bag, I noticed the entire piece of the closure was ripping away from the leather. I guess either the glue isn't strong enough to hold such a heavy piece, or I was on the receiving end of a poorly processed return. The leather, however, was buttery soft and yummy which made it a sad moment when I had to take it back. I agree that the champagne is a fantastic neutral and that it doesn't seem like a huge deal to keep closed (if you have a bag that isn't ripping apart!) The only part that I truly didn't like IRL was the gaping open side pockets. I feel like that design renders a third of the bag nonfunctional as I wouldn't put anything of value or necessity in a pocket that doesn't close at all!
ReplyDeleteWhen I returned the bag, my SA mentioned that I could get a returned Odile instead, but I passed. That partial chain handle just isn't me, and for practically the same price as the small Oslo you can get the large Odile which is a better deal. Later in the promo I got a large bright yellow tote with dark brown interior which I can't wait to bust out this spring! The leather is the same texture in that is pebbled like the Oslo, but it doesn't seem as soft since it is meant to be structured. This is the second Borge leather bag I've gotten (first was the Frankie) and I no longer feel like a bag isn't "finished" without a distinct fabric lining.
Have fun with your new bags, all!
I have the small Oslo bag in the bright pink and really like it- I grabbed it for about $115 while my store was having some deep discounts.
ReplyDeleteThe leather is nice and soft and smooshy; and the shape is really darling! I just love it. There are only two downfalls: the bag isn't lined (not a huge deal to me) AND the front clasp can be tricky to open and close at times. Again, not a huge deal (it's just a bit fussy is all).
Thanks for Anon for sharing her review too. I can't wait to check out some of J. Crew's other bags now! :)
I have this bag in grey and love it. It's really easy to get things out of the bag without opening it. The leather is so rich and soft!
ReplyDeleteAs I stated in another post, I really loved the Oslo bag. However, I found 3 returned small Oslo bags at the Santa Monica, CA store(!!!) Even the SA, who struggled with the closure herself, admitted that the closure would be difficult to deal with if the owner is in a hurry. (As I stated in another post, I attribute this to the fact that the horn closure, while beautiful, weighs slightly less than I do. Anon @ 2:31 also emphasized the heft of the closure.) The Oslo recon ended in disappointment, with the SA actually agreeing with my assessment that the purse would be difficult to deal with.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad, because I really loved that bag. As Chloe said, it's really beautiful. It's probably worth the sale price if you resign yourself to dealing with the closure.
Anon @ 2:31 - that is too bad about your bag. Quality control is definitely lacking at JC this year. How they could let something like that out the door is a mystery.
ReplyDeleteAs for the open pockets, I keep gum, lipstick, lip balm, compact, sunglasses, sunscreen solid (in a large tube like chapstick), cell phone (clipped to the side) and my sticky note shopping lists in the side pockets. Nothing has fallen out so far.
The closure on the bag has a magnet. It helps in that if you have the turnlock in the open position, you just have to get it close and the magnet snaps it right into place through the opening. It has never been a problem for me to get the bag open or closed.
All the JCrew bags I have are Borge Gaveri leather. I have really grown to love the finish and texture. It looks like they are moving in a new direction with the Odile and Editor bags and I'm not sure they hold the same appeal for me and it's not just the different leather. Both Odile and Editor look like old-lady bags to me. Just not cute enough, although the Odile on the website Handbags/Odile splash page appears to be built much the same as the Oslo with open pockets on each side and a magnetic closure in the middle, no zipper.
I noticed the magnet "helper" on the clasp as well. It kinda surprised me, but it works well.
ReplyDeleteThe small Oslo is very similar to a Prada bag I pined for during spring/summer 2007. It was not nearly as cute as the Oslo though, and it was not worth the $1000+ price tag either. It was also unlined and had open pockets at the ends. Like the Odile bag, it had gold chain links and leather handle. The color was more of a very very light grey rather than ivory and the gold links just didn't work well with the grey IMO. I ended up talking myself out of the Prada bag and when I saw the small Oslo this fall I had a flashback and bought it in both beige and pink.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm out and about I just put the strap over top the bag opening rather than open and fasten all the time. It is heavy with the resin piece, so with the help of gravity it stays wherever you put it. I thought the large Oslo would make a nice overnight bag or market tote but I guess I missed the boat on that one. I'll be watching for the new line of bags. I'm not crazy about the editor bag either, hopefully there will be some pebble-leather available as well. And please JCrew, start showing some alternate views of your handbags, especially the inside!
I just received my Oslo bag in Terra Cotta last week and love it. The color is fabulous and the size is just perfect. I do agree with others that the clasp is not particularily easy to close quickly, takes a bit of finigaling.
ReplyDeleteProbably not a good bag for those that carry tons. Overall I am really pleased with it.
Slastena gives an excellent review of the Odile bag on her blog, IRL photos included.
ReplyDeletehttp://jcrewchick.blogspot.com/2009/01/product-review-large-tumbled-leather.html
She mentions that the Odile did not come with a dustbag. I'm disappointed to read that as I have so many bags and always keep them stuffed and in dustbags when not in use. I hope that is just a one-off case.
i was tempted to get this oslo bag but when I got my hands on the Owen bag with the same leather from Borge and the horn handle...it just outdid the urge to get the oslo so try to look into the Owen bag its just absolutely gorgeous!!!
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owww :( tried to call hawaii store for the odile bag that was mentioned but they dont have any left *sigh*
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ReplyDeleteThe Owen is a cute bag, but appears to be sold out. A few JCAs mentioned they had issue with the handle getting in the way of accessing the bag, which is what put me off. Such a stylish bag though, I love the buttercup and terra cotta colors, so nice!
Chloe sums it up nicely:
ReplyDeleteThe leather is nice and soft and smooshy; and the shape is really darling!
Smooshy 4 sure! Love it.
anon 9:19 am I have both the buttercup and terracotta colors. I was lucky enough to get them since someone had written that they only made 80 per color. i wish i had the champagne color as well but im counting my blessings :) I havent had a problem with the issue that the JCA's had mentioned. I absolutely love the Owen!!! :) it was the purchase of the year for me last year... ok maybe not ;) but I hope you'll get lucky and someone returns theirs or one of the stores still have a display unit that they are getting rid of coz its one of those purchases that you would just want to share with your sister since its really great! good luck!
ReplyDeletecece
cece - I literally had a dream about the buttercup Owen. I know, I need help. :P Nice to hear they went to a good home.
ReplyDeleteanon 2:26 pm
ReplyDeletethat is so funny...well you never know you just might bump into one at a store or a factory outlet. lol
cece
ANON 2:31PM
ReplyDeleteif you dont mind, which store did you return your oslo and had the odile bag offered to you???
cece
cece, it was the Briarwood store in Ann Arbor, MI about two weeks ago. I haven't noticed that they put many online/ catalog returns out on the floor, and I'm not sure how often they send things back so good luck! The SA told me the Odile in the back from a return was the same color in the small size. Good luck if you're after the Odile! Anon from 2:31 yesterday
ReplyDeleteanon 5:39 pm thanks for the info.
ReplyDeletecece
Who was looking for:
ReplyDeleteDUCHAMP ASTOR SIZE 12
It is on the website now, good luck! Call and ask for priority shipping to ensure you get it.
HTH
Hahaha. I have dreams about J. Crew sometimes too. I always wake up thinking I need some serious help. :)
ReplyDeleteI received the Owen hobo in terra cotta and champagne last week, and I couldn't be happier. I tend to reach for them when making Polyvore outfits, so I was really hoping to add them to my outfits for real. I ordered both during the TURKEY promo, and when my box arrived, it was short both items (although, of course, I was charged for them). I saw the champagne one pop up during December, but I was on my iPhone and took way to long to navigate the site. By the time I was at the checkout page, it was gone. But then they popped up, on back to back days, in late December. Happy days!
I think the handle pulls up far enough from the body of the purse that you can get your hand in without a problem. I just practiced a couple of times pulling the handle up with one hand and reaching in with the other. There are easier purses to deal with, sure, but it's not bad, and it wouldn't be the first time I "sacrificed" comfort or ease of use for fashion. :)
kitchy7: Im envious of your champagne Owen!!! LOL I really wanted that color but ended up with the terracotta and buttercup coz those were the ones available. I figured get both since they were at one store and it was sooooo difficult to find them. Congratulations on your find! I love the Owen! They are very classic!
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Thanks cece! I really couldn't believe it when they popped up on back-to-back days. There was a free shipping promo for $150 on both days, but of course the Owen was $149.99 (doh!), so I added a tank top to one order and a skinny belt to another. I still ended up ahead!
ReplyDeleteKeep watching though -- I'll bet another one will appear at some point (that is, if you want 3 Owens!).
kitchy7 hahaha i think 2 out of 3 aint bad considering they claim to only have made 80 per color. so imagine fighting over only 240 units all over the US that is not many at all. so we are both lucky to have 2 of the Owens hehehehe
ReplyDeleteCECE
CECE-there were well over 80 Owens made per color. Not sure where you got that info but there were 99+for many days on sale plus all over the country in stores 100's more.sorry to burst ur bubble;(
ReplyDeletekitchy...LOL well I read it somewhere. I forgot where. I just really like the Owen and how different it is especially having the horn handle. I think it makes this bag really eye catching and one can tell its an expensive bag from the looks of the leather and the handle so great deal for not having to pay $395 per bag huh ;) smart spenders arent we kitchy :)
ReplyDeletecece
cece -- oh yes, I was thrilled to score one for way less than the initial price. And don't feel bad -- I also read somewhere that 80 of each color were made. Oh well, I still haven't run into another person wearing it!
ReplyDeleteI purchased the large oslo bag on sale for $280, which I thought was a wonderful deal considering the original price of $425. Much to my surprise it is falling apart in less than 3 months of use. The darts, for lack of a better term, are starting to pull apart and exposing the stiching, which I tried to ignore since I love the look of the bag so much. But then yesterday one of the rivets on the strap pulled out and I am left with one strap. I have to say I am extremely disappointed with the quality of the bag.
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