If I can name one bag from Louis Vuitton that flies off the shelves like cakes hot out of an oven, it is the Neverfull. It comes in 3 sizes and depending on who you talk to, it is either “OMG I love the shape, design and how much I can put in it!” or it is “Erm, everyone and their aunty is carrying one. People use it as a school bag! No!”
Or if you ask my bag buddy as I did over chat, the answer was “NOOOOOOOOOOO!” which does sum up my sentiments about it 🙂 As I said, its either love or hate.
Yet I can understand the appeal of the design (if we’re talking design and not the canvas). I have manhandled the Neverfull in store and the silly thin straps aside (an SA confided in me that they are too thin on the bigger bags and were prone to snapping) this is really a nicely designed bag. It is large and roomy and really, fits a ton so it gets you value for money. Yet if you want it to look a little more streamlined, the sides can be folded inwards so it becomes a trapezoid shape.
Yet, the Neverfull comes only in monogram canvas or damier canvas which does not appeal to me. So, I happened to look around, and I found similarly designed bags that come in leather and would be about the same price. Some less, one markedly more but they are leather and for me, that matters a lot 🙂 Here are the alternatives to the LV Neverfull that I found. Please don’t hit me if you like the Neverfull 😛
Don’t the designs look remarkably similar? 🙂 If you are a design girl vs an LV girl then you could look at these.
- Bottega Veneta – This one’s a splurge option of course, but the shape is there. Bottega Veneta does beautifully soft and buttery woven leather bags that feel so comfy that you just want to lie down and sleep on them. Some day, I hope to be able to own one, but until then, I’ll lust after it from afar 🙂 This one was picked out of Net-A-Porter.com and is £2791.25 (ouchies!)
- Michael by Michael Kors Jet Set Textured Tote – I love the colour of this one and on Net-A-Porter.com it comes also in a navy blue or black for the slightly less adventurous 🙂 Like the Neverfull, there is just one large roomy compartment. Unlike the Neverfull, the inner compartment has a zip so you can keep valuables and this one’s textured leather. The bag can be worn over the shoulder or held in hand or in the crook of your arm and its a good size. I adore this one and at £209 at net-a-porter.com I think its an amazing price for a lovely leather bag.
- Longchamp LM Cuir Leather Tote – I spotted this one in the Longchamp store window at The Gardens mall here and noticed how remarkable the resemblance was to the Neverfull. The difference again is that this is leather and it comes with a separate pouch and a magnetic closure. The Longchamp name elicits a lot of sneers and grimaces I know, thanks to the proliferation of the Le Pliage so Longchamp’s leather bags are often overlooked. I find them of good quality and simple, not very exciting but classic designs and aren’t as expensive as many other luxury brands. I’m not sure of the price of the LM Tote locally but on nordstrom.com its US$795
- Louis Vuitton Neverfull comes in 3 sizes – Needs no introduction, I’m guessing 😛 The body is coated canvas (LV’s canvas is very good quality but its still canvas) trimmed with vachetta leather that starts out a pale cream and ages over time to a honey brown. For a bag that is mostly canvas with only a tiny bit of leather around the edges, I find it incredibly expensive. Prices start from over RM2,000 locally and even if you get it in Paris, its still close to RM2,000. Personally, I’d get something in leather for that price 🙂
Of the 3 alternatives I spotted, I picked this one for my favourite
The Michael Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Medium from here grabbed me with its simplicity, colour, material and price. The burnt orange is eye catching which suits me (I like bright bags) and I like that its leather! It looks like the textured Saffiano leather used by Prada and if so, it would be hard wearing and look good for a long time. I saw it at the MK store here (in brown, not Tangerine that you see here) and its RM1339 which, if you’re eyeing something in leather and in a largish bag, isn’t too bad, but I’d suggest you get it online where its cheaper (and there’s sometimes free stripping shipping!)
So yes, I’m eyeing that MK tote and since I don’t own anything by MK… 😉
Are you a fan of the Neverfull? Do you own anything by Michael Kors and have any thoughts on their bags?
I’m afraid I’m not a fan of the Neverfull but I won’t knock anyone for owning or liking one because hey, we’re all entitled to our own tastes and preferences 🙂 I am rather keen on that Michael Kors one so I’ll be watching out for free shipping and sales over at net-a-porter.com! No need to thank me 😛
Paris B
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I have similar MK bag but with zip top because I can be super clumsy especially when I carry my baby with me. So I need a bah with zip. Oh! Yes its the same Saffiano leather used by Prada 😀 Definitely worth it! I’m another MK Selma bag at the moment for work 😛
I just realised I have typos in my post :/ Anyway, my bag is similar to LV Totally and currently I’m *eyeing on MK Selma 😀
Haha… let me guess – phone? 😉 I had a typo in my post too – “Free stripping” anyone? LOL!
Oh yes, I think I’ve seen the zip top MK bag too and its definitely handier in terms of security! I had a feel of the leather and it is most definitely the Saffiano style leather so its like getting Prada leather at a steal! 😉
Haha definitely not a fan of the “school bag” :-P. Having said that, I do like the size and the kitchen sink you can put in there. Which is why I’m on the lookout t for something similar that’s not the Neverfull.
The one thing I don’t understand, along with similar totes like the Neverfull, is why the straps are so thin. If it’s meant to carry quite a lot of things (eg laptop, iPad etc) given the size, then I’d expect sturdier, thicker straps. To carry a heavy bag of your arm or shoulder with such thin straps is just too painful.
Having said all that (again!), my favourite of the lot you’ve pictured would also be the Michael Kors one. Love the colour and saffiano texture 🙂
I think the thinness of the strap has something to do with the design. If it was thicker, I don’t think it’d look as nice. That said, that’s part of the reason I prefer something like the Michael Kors that has buckles where the straps are, and the leather for the straps are thick and sturdy despite the width. Its not as uncomfortable as all that, to be honest. The buckles take the weight and distribute it better than the LV style of sewing the leather straight on the bag. Also, vachetta leather isn’t very thick nor very sturdy which actually surprises me why they use it. But oh well, one of those things 😛 I’m really torn over the orange but I think I’ll pass. Already committed to another >.<
I’d totally pick the MK too. Incidentally, I have quite a bit of love for MK designs – neat and sleek, the way I like my bags. I’m one of those who really dislike monograms on my bags. Besides, I am quite intrigued by the possibility of receiving “free stripping” as well! LMAO!!! Gave me a lovely giggle on a Sunday morning (although it gave my mom a bit of the scare).
OMG Isabel, do you know that I never noticed that I was promising “free stripping” until you mentioned it?! I’m mortified! But you made me laugh too LOL! I think some MK bags are really promising in terms of design. I’d do away with the dangly logo though. Bugs me 😛
I dont own any MK or LV but my next purhase would most probably be a personalised Goyard.
Ah Goyard! I’d forgot about that one which is quite the dupe for the Neverfull isn’t it? 😀 A personalised one sounds absolutely lovely! I hope you get it soon 🙂
Hi! Wow, eye candies on a beautiful sunday morning! I like the one from MK out of the lot. OK, maybe I should rephrase that. I LOVE the one from MK! 🙂 Like wow, the colour definitely got me attracted to it, and also… because it’s leather! Yes, yes, yes.
Yay *high 5* I think the MK one is quite value for money if someone really wanted something like the Neverfull. Practically, I’d do something with a zip but then that wouldn’t be the Neverfull wouldn’t it? 😉
I really like the design and functionality of the Neverfull! Totes i general didn’t appeal to me before, but this bag definitely changed my mind.
And I don’t know why, but I just can’t seem to get over this one experience I had. I once knew this girl who owned a Neverfull, and her friend accidentally spilled some water on it. The owner FREAKED OUT and was demanding compensation if there would be lasting damage! I was like, honey, this bag is canvas coated with plastic; it’s a workhorse meant to withstand that stuff! Didn’t tell her though since it obviously would have made everything worse 😀
Haha what a story, V! Indeed, the owner should have realised that coated canvas can hardly have lasting damage unless it was torn or burnt 😀 Besides, LV canvases, despite being quite overdone, are, I have to admit, very sturdy and nice quality.
I’m with you on this! I’ve seen the Michael Kors version in person and it’s quite lovely. The leather is nice and has a good weight and texture to it, and there’s a lot of fun, unexpected colorways, including a striped version! Though I haven’t seen the LV in person, I can attest to the fact that the MK bags are minimalistic and lovely.
Personally, I have my eyes set on the neoprene version of the jet set tote (I have seen it with and without the “jet set” so the naming is quite confusing since they’re totally different bags. Link here: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/michael-by-michael-kors-handbag-neoprene-tote?ID=695685)! The bevy of colors and the non-fussy nature of it appeal to me, but I, too, worry about the straps being too thin for a workhorse bag.
Oh yes, the MK tote is definitely really cute and I love the different colours they have plus the fact that its leather of course. I like that if I was paying that much money, I’d get a leather bag 🙂 The neoprene one you’re eyeing is certainly very interesting! I’d never seen it before and the idea of a neoprene is just amazing – I can imagine how light it must be and at least you know its somewhat waterproof 😀 Personally, I don’t think the straps are too thin and the buckles do take off some of the pressure off the seams so its a cute bag! 😀
Ah, the MK bag is nice! And guess what? The price is now £190!
That’s an awesome price isn’t it? 🙂 There are taxes for it shipped to Malaysia which might explain why its still £209 for me but hey, I can still live with that price for a nice leather bag 😀
I like the MK design but not the brand. Prefer the design, size and details in Samantha Thavasa’s.
I remember being quite interested in Samantha Thavasa quite a few years ago when it was primarily available only in Japan. But then I started to feel they were a bit young for me. I just took another look at their website and the new designs do look more like something I’d use 😀
I get what you mean. In fact, most of their bags are too frilly for my liking. But recently, ST has quite a few ‘classic’ designs which i’m liking. Such as the “Verre” in navy and “Azayle” in Magenta. 🙂
Pardon me and risk being stoned 😛 I thought it was the most chic diaper bag for the young and upcoming hot mamas with their lil tots in tow. Agree that while it’s big, spacious and sometimes shapeless (no longer hot mamas? lol), the fettuccine strap ain’t going to make it. So I have never liked it, full or empty 😀 But gotta say that this shape and size will be great for flying. Ahh Bottega Veneta, the signature weave that is just so alluring.
Haha I don’t think you’d be stoned here, Jennifer 😀 I love how you called it a “fettucine strap” because that describes it perfectly! I don’t quite know what was going through the minds of the designers. Maybe they’d never carried a bag before 😛 I would carry something similar to fly but I’d make sure there was a zip for security. This however would make a great… beach bag 😛 LOL! 😉
I was eyeballing that MK bag when i was in the US in December but did not get that model because I did not like feeling exposed, the content of the bag, that is. I carry a lot of crap so I like a little privacy with my bags. Also, I frequently take the LRT . When everyone is squeezing into the trains, the lack of zippers might encourage itchy hands. I did however buckle when I saw a similar shaped bag in the MK store but one that came with zippers. It was also much cheaper at $199 versus $300. What I like about the cheaper one is that the leather became really soft (thus shapeless) from daily use. It also came with 2 small pockets at both ends. I chuck the MK logo into on one pocket and my mobile phone on another for easy access. Mr Kors will have to pay ME to advertise his logo around town.
Hahahhaaa I love your last line 😀 If I got the MK tote, I’d actually remove the hang tag. I think it spoils the line of the bag and of course, I think the name plate on it is enough, no need to bling it up further 😛 I do have to agree with you on security factor when it comes to carrying open totes. I rarely do so too unless its a North-South sort of tote where its deep and therefore harder to stick prying hands into but I still go for something more than a hook and eye closure, preferring a magnet, button or zip closure. Your bag sounds nice and hey, for a cheaper price? Line me up for one please! 😀
Ahem. I like your bag buddy 😀
To be very honest, I did contemplate this many years ago. Wanted the tiniest one to carry shoes and lunch on my commute but decided to go for an Oroton instead.
Given the choices you have here, I am all for the BV. The soft supple leather will just get softer and more supple over the years. It’s such a delicious thought! But, the horrible thing about BV bags is that a lot of them are HEAVY on its own. This little beauty posted? 1.8kg empty. Sigh.m:(
Haha I like my bag buddy too for keeping me sane 😉 I think you did better with an Oroton – its leather 😛 The BV one is super nice isn’t it? I love how soft the material is (although I’m still not a fan of the weave) but I think it might be that weave that makes it heavy because more leather is used (or maybe I’m talking through my hat) 😛
I have the biggest Neverfull and its my go-to beach bag. Its the only one I take to Cannes with me, so practical! I dont like monogram but well, they dont really make different canvas patterns. I never use it in Paris- too risky and too common.
The best copy of Neverfull is Goyard, same canvas, tissue inside, thin leather straps and signature pattern. I hate the monogram of Goyard tho.
I can imagine that the Neverfull would be perfect for the beach or just strolling around on a relaxed weekend, not so much for city use where one can easily be pickpocketed 😛 Actually, I think it looks better in the monogram than in Damier and I quite like the Damier canvas usually 🙂 I’d forgotten about the Goyard to be honest but the it would have been another coated canvas and I just feel funny paying so much for… canvas 😛 I find the monogram a bit boring too.
Great choice babe! 😉
Thanks Jo, glad you agree! (ended up not getting it though 😉 )
Haha sue me! I own NF medium in Ebene. I love the practicality & yes indeed “never full” live up with its word. Plus it’s light cause it’s canvas as compare to leather & it’s a good toddler bag (yes I’ve graduate from heavy diaper bag). Also great for traveling too if you’re looking for lightweight bag as it hold it shapes w/o my bag organiser turning topsy turvy as compare to Longchamp.
:p
LOL! Won’t sue you la… just don’t hate me for not liking the Neverfull 😛 I think the design is really good but I didn’t think it practical for travel mainly because of the open top. That said, I suppose if one was carrying a sweater or scarf its quite easy to hide everything else underneath 🙂
PARISSSSSSSSSS, why why why???? You have just fed my desire to get this bag. he he he I was actually contemplating between this bag and another bag. Now, it became very certain which bag I am going to get. 🙂 Very timely post hehe 🙂 Thanks.
Hahaha which bag, Undraa? The Michael Kors? I’ve seen it and I think its a great bag at a great price. Plus its leather and very hardy so go for it! 😀
I’m no bag lady but RM2k for canvas? I rather pay for leather bag hence my decision to buy an oroton entourage tote. It’s fully leather and worth every buck. I really like this post and the way you’re thinking. I might be a minority here but I despise the notion of carrying bags with logos plastered all over. I like the idea of keeping people guessing what bag I’m carrying. And if they have no idea, all the better! 😉
Good choice on the Oroton Entourage bag! I saw that and contemplated getting it once too – good choice! 😀 I do have the odd monogrammed bag, but for the most part, I prefer going for something a little more unobtrusive. Those who know will know, those who don’t, well it doesn’t matter does it? 😉
I have a MK wallet! Long, black soft leather and gold zipper, it is so classic! I bought it over Reebonz.com (free shipping too!) and got a great deal with it! My relatives complimented the wallet alot and thought it was a pricey one, and gasped with surprise when I revealed the price was about RM500+ (I got it cheaper cuz I have some vouchers)! Loving it and may consider checking out MK’s bags.
The wallet sounds lovely! Glad you got it at a good price and for a full leather wallet too 😀
Yes, I would pick the Micheal Kors one as well, it’s available in many colors too. Hehe. LV Neverfull is way too main stream and many people are using it so MK is a better option.
Great minds, Evelyn 😉 Its quite a nice bag too – I saw and played around with it at the MK store in Pavilion and it felt nice
I never really got the appeal of the neverfull totes. I don’t know, i guess the design never seemed all that special to merit the price or the hype? i mean, it is just a basic tote… (right??) I’ve seen the MK tote and have a few coworkers that have them and love them, but they all have the one that zips with a laptop sleeve & ipad pocket, and a few have a red one that i think was exclusive to the apple store 🙂 i don’t love MK, but i think for the price, the MK tote is the better choice! plus the wristlets that hold smartphones in saffiano leather are pretty cute too. a friend of mine got that one after I showed it to her! 🙂 anyway, can’t wait to see what you end up getting!
I think the appeal of the Neverfull tote is the price. It’s one of the cheapest “entry level” LV monogram bags and its “value for money” because its big. At least that’s what I think people are thinking 😉 I’m not for it because I find it too casual especially in canvas. The MK totes while also looking casual, look better in leather. I’m not getting any right now – just got one of my lusts fulfilled so back on the ban 😉