Cole Haan: BV for Less?

Can Cole Haan give you the woven Bottega Veneta look?

So, we all love designer handbags and have our wish lists. However, let’s be honest, we can’t all spend thousands of dollars on each handbag we purchase. Sure, there are special occasions, but more often times than not, we might need to try and capture a certain look for less. Over at Purse Blog, we’ve talked about the fabulous Bottega Veneta Bags before. In my mind, there is no other way to describe them other than gorgeous. Yet, they are definitely on the pricey side. Luckily, I think I may have found an alternative, the Cole Haan Marigold Woven Leather Small Hobo. No, it’s no Bottega Veneta, but it is an option. The shape is similar and both bags boast woven leather. Plus the woven leather shoulder strap has the same look, shape and overall feel as the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo Slouch Bag. I know, I know, the Cole Haan bag doesn’t have suede lining and it doesn’t have the Bottega Veneta label, but I don’t think it is a bad choice. The question remains, do you think while saving up for the Bottega Veneta bag, the Cole Haan hobo will do the job? Buy the Cole Haan Hobo through Bluefly for $177 or if you are ready to splurge, buy the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo through Net-a-Porter for $2,450.

admin

The price difference is so HUGE! I know that BV has the most amazing woven leather, but compared at a bag under $200… makes sense to go with Cole Haan!
Anilu Magloire

I love Cole Haan, but would never buy this particular bag.
If you ever see me sporting a woven leather bag, you better believe it will be a BV!
serena

Actually the Cole Haan looks more like the Veneta than the Sloane you have pictured. The medium Veneta starts at 1450 which is still a lot but a lot less than the Sloane.
Kaytey

You know, Bag Snob recently had a discussion about chic versus cheap that I think applies here. Almost everyone over there thought that chic was better, and didn’t mind saving up. But I suspect that saving up for a $2000 bag for them maybe took 2 – 3 months, whereas for many people that might take 2 – 3 years. Do you really want to wear only one bag every day with every outfit for 3 years?

Additionaly, most people don’t have a “bag fund,” they have “luxury funds” – money that goes towards things like vacations, eating out, clothes, makeup, DVDs, non-essentials. Bag Snob readers are primarily wealthy, and probably don’t know / remember what it’s like to be anything else.

So, for someone making anywhere from little money to moderate money, a bag like Cole Haan’s, which has a similar look to the BV, is a good option. It’s cheap, and allows some variety into your wardrobe. That way, you cancontinue to save up over the years for a big splurge purchase (of any variety) and still get a “pretty bag fix.”

My two cents. :)
el

i have mixed feelings about these cole haan bags. they’re such blatant copycats! and yet they’re so much more affordable. for the beautiful leather, i still love my bv :)
jaffa

Something else of interest to point out about the Cole Haan woven leather; it is done in a pattern they call “Optical Weave” which is exclusive to them. Instead of the strips of leather all being woven in the same diagonal pattern as on the Bottega, the pattern is curved in two directions going out from the center of the bag.

I have the tote version of this Cole Haan bag in Estate Blue with a matching card holder, and I love it. The leather is stiffer and glossier than the Bottega (obviously the buttery-ness of BV leather contributes to the much higher price tag) but still very nice. Definitely a bargain for the hobo at $177 on Bluefly :)
boxermom

I love many Cole Haan items–many of my shoes are CH. But the CH bag isn’t going to feel like BV, drape like BV, or get softer with age like BV. There are reasons for the higher price. BV has lots of options less expensive than the Sloane if someone wants the Nappa intrecciato leather of a Bottega Veneta.

Having said all that, Cole Haan makes a lot of nice looking bags that are great value and quality for the price–better than many higher-priced designers.
Grace

This is a reply to El’s comment on Cole Haan being “blatant copycats”

IMHO in the fashion world, everyone ends up copying someone. Gucci will come out with an exclusive style, then Coach will copy the style and then Guess will copy that style. Its just how it goes. Just like the dresses you see at the Emmys, their over $10 000 dresses, yet the next morning you have different companies “copying” the exact designer dress for under $1000.
Bag Fashionista

For moderately priced stylish and classic bags I turn to Cole Hann.
Jen

I actually really like that Cole Haan bag you have pictured, but not because it’s like BV. Yes that woven leather look is the definition of BV, but Cole Haan did something unique with it by varying the width of the weave. It’s really intricate and creates a nice optical design of a wave. I like the other colors and shapes on this ligne better than the one you have pictured though.
Cheryll

I own a BV and the leather is much softer than the one of CH. I would not buy a CH bag but I do have CH shoes, lambot hehehe!
mugsy

I agree with Jaffa. The weave here is a collection called Genevieve, I have the small hobo in a delicious Saddle color and I love it. The handle looks more like the BV than the one shown in the picture. It is a great little bag! sits up by itself (most hobo’s flop over), fits nicely under the arm, the inside is sweet for organizing and the leather is smooth and yummy for the price. Looks great with a pair of Frye boots. Need I say more?
p.s In case you are wondering I do have some nice purses to compare it with: the City BBag, Minkoff, Kors to name a few.
Salmonella

My mom and I have the silver version of the Cole Haan bag, love it!