Do you all remember when I was looking for a blue handbag? To go with both brown and black shoes? Maybe orange ones? As it turned out, in an act of extreme originality, I stuck with Bottega Veneta. Below, the brand’s Large Hobo, AKA the “Veneta.” The name suggests Volkswagen might name one of their cars “Wagen,” but why not?
As one might expect from a Sturdy Gal, the joys of luxurious materials and craftmanship are almost outweighed by sheer practicality. Look how it takes to suburban life. Say hi to the Rav4, Ms. Veneta, and wave to the white-flowered oleander.
The name of this dusty, grayed, a-little-mauve-in-some-lights hue? “Blue.” Not Electric, not Navy, just Blue. In fact it’s the color of denim, and registers very Southern Hemisphere to me. Think Florida, Texas. Were I buying now for fall I’d probably choose Aubergine. But I’ll carry my little bit of Imaginary Miami right through our rainy season. We have umbrellas in the suburbs, we have cars, we go in and out of buildings.
While I wanted no logo, I’m OK with the characteristic woven “intrecciato” leather as an identifying design element. And the shape works perfectly on the shoulder. So comfortable. Wear it behind you, on a slant. I’d tell you to be sure and zip it closed, but you all are smart.
The bag sits in comfort if not glamor on the passenger side of the Rav4.
Even a relatively short person like me can hold it in hand without the dreaded bag drag.
Finally, should you be headed to the airport, as I was recently, you can pack in an iPad, a book, and all modern cons. The bag’s interior is one large space (with a small virtually useless “phone flap” and a very useful zippered pocket for storing your keys as you travel far from home.)
The saleswoman at Neiman Marcus told me her customers reordered this year after year, because it is so comfortable. I have no doubt that’s true, probably in different colors every time.
Details
If you like this Southern blue, I find it online now only in the medium Veneta. However, Neiman Marcus carries all sorts of colors, even Fuchsia, and you can occasionally find the brand on MyHabit
Other stuff: Sunglasses | Costco, T-shirt | Banana Republic (they make a great tee on sale for $10), Shorts | UNIQLO (sold out online), Shoes | Rieker (similar at Zappos), Earrings | 20 years old from De Novo (not disssimilar), Wood watch | JORD, Jacket | UNIQLO de la Fressange (sold out online) Car | Toyota Rav4, profanely memorialized as the dorkiest car in the universe here, by Kanye West. Affiliate links may generate commissions, although not for Kanye, sorry dude.
46 Responses
Love the blue. I had that bag in brown awhile ago, but sold it and truthfully, don’t remember why and am sorry I did. I think it was not a great brown color?
Blue is great year round in California I think. I’ll be carrying my blue bag too!
Yes, I remember you have a Kendall Conrad in this color?
Very nice bag! What really got me was the picture of your oleanders. My mother loved them. Growing up in Burlingame our driveway was almost overrun with them. Thanks for a wonderful memory!
You are very welcome. This one may have been planted when the house was built, 60 years ago:).
That dusty blue was my mother’s favorite color; she would have loved the bag.
I have to say, though, I find it rather amusing that an item with such a price tag has the word “hobo” in its name. ;)
equally amused! ;-)
Well, “messenger?” “tote?” “satchel?” bags were all utilitarian, right? “Hobo” must come from the shape bags made when ostensibly tied on sticks?
We have twin cars!
Twinsies:). Is yours in the Pearl? Or White? I went with the Pearl, kind of holographic? Don’t know what came over me!
@AK,
Yes, we have it in pearl. Very nice car!
Completely unsexy, right? But totally lovable. Ultimate Sturdy Gal of vehicles!
Lovely color, I think it could be easy to wear with quite a number of things.
Thank you.
Love the color! It is a beautiful handbag and extremely classic, you will enjoy it for years! Congrats!
Thank you! Feels like I need to thank everyone for bearing with me in the decision-making process:).
Love the iconic Bottega weave…
nice shape and size to easily tuck under your arm.
You’ll have that bag for years to come.
:)
That is a perfect blue! I’m not a logo person either, but if there is a iconic pattern or weave, I’m all for it. I love the Dior quilting on my wallet.
Dior has quilting? I know NOTHING.
Very pretty. I love the weave on Bottega bags. The price is a bit steep for many of us. On the other hand, If I were the type of gal who stuck with one bag for a long period of time, I’d likely shell out for it, too.
Also noticed in the description how light the Veneta is at under 2 pounds.
Good catch on the weight specs – that really adds to the comfort.
It’s such a perfect bag for you! Damn, now you’re tempting me with that Aubergine…
Which, in my humble opinion, would fit your coloring perfectly.
It will soften as you use it … becoming more wonderful!
That sounds great.
It’s lovely! And the color is perfect for you. I am still traumatized by the time I spilled salad dressing on a lady’s BV handbag when I was first waitressing after college. Worst day of my life, ha!
xo Mary Jo
Oh I can imagine! I imagine she forgot long before you did.
@Mary Jo,
Hence, the current profession, Mary Jo? Penance in purses! ;-)
OK, the bag is beautiful. Love that you went out on the line and bought such a pretty color instead of black, beige or brown. You’re right this will go with anything. But, those Oleanders! They are magnificent specimens. Just gorgeous. Mine look anemic!
Maybe yours are still young? I am looking forward to wearing the bag with everything for a long, long, time.
What a great bag worn perfectly by you! Love the roominess – which might tempt me to carry a few too many items in it. Beautiful shade of blue, almost periwinkle-ish?
@Candace, Thank you. I think I might call it steel blue? But you’re right, on the periwinkle side of the steel spectrum?:)
That is one lovely shade of blue.
<3
May I point out that gorgeous shade of blue is perfectly stunning with your silver hair?
Why thank you ma’am!
I just purchased a mid-blue bag from m0851, a Montreal bag company. No logos, padded interior for protecting the electronics, beautiful soft leather. At half-off it made this sturdy girl very happy.
Yes, Mater has recommended that brand, I think they are great.
That’s very nice, Lisa, and your braid is looking great, too. So practical and low maintenance and no breakage as in a ponytail or other updo.
Thank you. I’ll have to do a post on the braid, it’s taking on a life of its own!
Thanks for next great post. Eliza. :))
I like that color bag for you. And you look nice in the white; pulled together yet casual and functional.
I know I’m late to the party but I just now came across your blog post when searching the web for pictures of the Veneta hobo and yours popped up. It is indeed a lovely bag and I hope it’s served you well since. The color, however is not just Blue. BV calls this color “Krim”. It’s a gorgeous bag nonetheless!
I live and Europe and yes its a great brand. Though a bit overpriced. Only the way the leather is made… is makes quiet a big differences in price to other high end bags in the same styles.
My personally: the most beautiful one it the Roma. But about the double in price of that one here.
Bottega Veneta – great.
Kimi
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