Street Style: Gabor Vintage by Hobo

When a fashionable friend of mine showed up wearing this beauty, we had an immediate photo shoot.  This is the Gabor Vintage by Hobo in Jade.  I'm loving this for a few reasons:

My favorite part of this bag is the side zip pocket, which of course I neglected to get a photo of.  You can see it in a video here.  The zipper is on one side just under the hardware (a big silver circle, making the strap super flexible).  The pocket is just big enough for keys or a phone, or maybe both.  As someone who continually loses these items in large bags, I particularly appreciate this feature.

The Gabor is a great size for everyday wear.  You could easily carry an iPad, clutch, and a pair of flats.  The wide single strap is incredibly comfortable and doesn't fall off your shoulder, a must-have for any amount of walking.  There are several inner pockets (including a zipper pocket) and the lining is just gorgeous.

The "vintage" refers to the leather, which looks like it will age beautifully.  This is the same leather used in the Lauren wallet I previously reviewed (and loved).  It's smooth to the touch and has a rich visual texture.  If you're wondering, it's much more reflective in photos than in person.

Of course, the Jade is now sold out.  Tomato, Magenta and Black are all still available on the Hobo website.  I'm partial to the Mocha and Stone colors available at 6pm.

Do you have a Gabor? What do you think?

Review: Hobo "Lauren" wallet

I've been eyeing the Hobo Lauren wallet for quite awhile, and was recently lucky enough to get my hands on one.  This wallet gets a ten out of ten.

I was hesitant to take the $110 plunge because, really, do I need another clutch?  Turns out I did.  This has become my summer go-to, an easy piece to carry that fits all the essentials.  Keys, lipstick, my phone and a few cards all fit in the two snap-close side pockets, with extra room in the middle zipper pocket for any extra small things I pick up.

Great color options are available too.  I'm particularly fond of Sunflower and Tomato.  I carry Magenta, and the color has become more alive with wear.

I've heard the magnetic closure is sometimes not strong enough to keep the clutch closed, but I haven't encountered this problem.  I think this may actually be other brands copying the structure but not the quality.  I'll follow up on this after some time and give a report.

This is a classic piece you'll find yourself returning to again and again.  The Lauren goes into my work tote in the morning, transfers well to night, and comes with me everywhere on the weekend.

Review: J.Crew Biennial Hobo

The J.Crew Biennial Hobo is a downright gorgeous bag.  Soft pebbled leather, handy pockets, and rich colors get this bag and eight out of ten.

My favorite here are the outside pockets.  The zipper enclosures can be stubborn at first, but relax with use.  They open to roomy space for wallets, sunglasses, iPads, and plenty more.  These pockets have the added bonus of extra security - with three separate compartments, it's harder to pickpocket or slash open.

The straps on this bag also get a big thumbs up.  The smaller strap is the perfect length to swing onto your shoulder, and it stays put when you need to use both hands.  The unexpected buckle for the longer strap is a lovely detail.

The middle of the bag can be an issue.  Side pockets (one zipper, two open) allow plenty of space for pens, lip gloss, business cards and other quick grabs.  The area inside is large enough to hold a notebook, magazine and small makeup case.  But the slouchy structure makes this part of the bag hard to access, and I find myself fighting to reach hair clips or whatever else has inadvertently fallen to the bottom.

I bought this bag in navy blue on sale and wore it everywhere.   The $325 full price is a bit hefty, but with the right sale I'd grab a this bag in a second color.