Anyone ever buy a handbag from Etsy?

[ame]

I buy lots of things from Etsy, especially little cellphone pouches. My favorites so far are from SeasideSew, BlytheKing and Rockitbot (nerd herder!!! best name ever!)

I have gotten one handbag on there in the past, and lets say it was less than stellar. Mostly workmanship issues and for how much I paid for it, I was really unhappy with that. But after a few years, mostly stalking this person and her shop, I am splurging on one of her bags, slightly customized. The seller is ValhallaBrooklyn. I got to pick the lining, I got to pick the leather and dictate measurements. I am SO NERVOUS and super excited.

I normally use Linea Pelle Dylan bags because they're well made and the leather is DIVINE. Since Minneapolis and the little theft I encountered I decided I needed a similar style bag with a long adjustable strap I can add for when I am sitting in a restaurant like that again. I was all set to buy the crossbody verson of current Dylan, and then remembered these...so now I am awaiting it's completion so I can pay and get it

Anyone else buy a bag from Etsy? Or this seller?

 

[kelpie]

I bought 5 pouches from this seller and filled them with goodies for my bridesmaids. The quality was awesome, especially the lovely Japanese fabric.
http://www.etsy.com/people/charmdesign

Valhallabrooklyn has tempted me before but that is awfully pricey for me to buy online (I like to feel the leather and inspect the stitching and hardware quality.)

 

[ame]

I think luckily I can return or exchange if need be. Looking at the images of the leather we discussed made me feel a little more calm. and actually, the bag I was disappointed with from a previous seller was actually fantastic leather. Just poorly done. I think this one, or rather I hope, should hold up to my abuse. The price for THIS is a little nerve wracking, though my normal cost for a bag like this is about 400. So if it pans out, Im ok. If not, then I will be sad and have to return or exchange.

I THINK I got clutches from Upstyle before too but those were a little different, they were fabric and therefore my opinion of workmanship was I guess at a different level of concern.

 

[zoebartlett]

I have a bag from an Etsy seller and I love it. Her bags are made with upholstery fabric, so they're pretty sturdy and they hold up well.

I have the first bag shown on the page, but mine is all red. It's perfect for the essentials: wallet, checkbook, sunglasses, and a few other things. http://www.etsy.com/shop/aHelpingHandBag?section_id=7500936

I also like the seller's kindle cases/messenger bags. http://www.etsy.com/shop/aHelpingHandBag?section_id=10127712...

ETA: I just realized you're looking for leather, so my links probably won't help. Sorry!

 

[Supers]

Oooh yes. I love buying bags - especially from Etsy.

Here are a few sellers I like:

I bought this in purple leather - seller is in Thailand, great workmanship and price was good
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61281140/tanned-brown-leather-handbag-shoulder

Nice bags from the UK:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLeatherStore

From Hungary:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/farragobags

 

[ame]

Funny you mention the Leather Store. That's the seller that I had a bad experience with. My bag fell apart pretty much immediately, and she wouldn't take a return, let me send back for repairs or pay for repairs. She sent me a few matching studs but left me to figure out what to do with a $150 purse on my own. It cost me $30 to get it fixed and it pissed me off so bad I gave the bag away to good will.

 

[ame]

But thank you for the Ferrago link--I really dig their cases.

 

[Blackpaw]

Ive bought a handbag off etsy and i LOVE it i bought the baby botanist bag in tan leather from opelle creative. She's based in Toronto and i love her designs, they're modern yet classic. The bag is so versatile and well made, im quite enamored with it and havent quit using it since i got it in august

http://www.etsy.com/shop/opellecreative?ref=ss_profile

 

[Supers]

Funny you mention the Leather Store. That's the seller that I had a bad experience with. My bag fell apart pretty much immediately, and she wouldn't take a return, let me send back for repairs or pay for repairs. She sent me a few matching studs but left me to figure out what to do with a $150 purse on my own. It cost me $30 to get it fixed and it pissed me off so bad I gave the bag away to good will.

Oh wow - really? I've not bought from her, just thought her bags looked nice. May pass on buying her stuff then...

 

[ame]

Yay! I have her on my favorites list. Her bags look very well made.

 

[ame]

Funny you mention the Leather Store. That's the seller that I had a bad experience with. My bag fell apart pretty much immediately, and she wouldn't take a return, let me send back for repairs or pay for repairs. She sent me a few matching studs but left me to figure out what to do with a $150 purse on my own. It cost me $30 to get it fixed and it pissed me off so bad I gave the bag away to good will.

Oh wow - really? I've not bought from her, just thought her bags looked nice. May pass on buying her stuff then...

Yea I was EXTREMELY disappointed, more in her attitude than her workmanship. The leather was fantastic though, just a little thin. It looked really cute and I wanted it for months before I got it. I think if she showed an ounce of concern for her workmanship or having repeat business, it would've turned out differently and I might still use it. But I was so disgusted by her response that I got rid of it. I really hope this experience turns out differently bec this bag is TOTALLY my style.