crushing on the bucket bag


As so many crushes do, my crush on the smaller of the two sizes of the J.Crew Bucket Bag ended when I got to know it better.

First the good: I still love the color - I got it in the tan or tannish shade, and it is delightfully neutral, hasn't turned pink in daylight or orange-yellow in evening light. So it goes with almost everything, colorwise, that is, it's not a dressy bag. It's nicely made, no major complaints with stitching, no noticeable flaws in the leather. Surface is textured, minimizing possibility of scratches. And I got it in the smaller of its two sizes, but it still holds a lot. Finally, it's not heavy when empty.

The just OK: the strap is a non-adjustable shoulder strap. After a day of errands, I caught sight of myself in a mirror and understood the reason I felt so tired and irritated: I'd been walking with one shoulder hunched seriously higher than the other all day. Had I focused on self earlier, I would have figured this out before the crick in the neck set in. I can't see how to shorten the strap without spending way too much for what I'd have when the project was done, either.

Don't like: this is my first experience since 10th grade with a bag that has depth. It has not been a happy few days. I like an organized bag, and if you do, too, this is not for you. There are also security issues, because the top is open. I know, I know, that's the style, and I should have known better.... A cute little clasp brings the top edges together, but the bag doesn't really close. Even with the clasp doing its best, I had to put a seatbelt on the bag to prevent my daily life from spilling out all over the car during normal driving. Normal driving out at Flintstone Manor does include a few swerves to avoid cars driven by people who believe their entitlement to the road outranks mine, but still...  There's one zip pocket and two open pockets in the lining, but with an open top, they're not much help.
Conclusion: I'm keeping it, because it's sporty and summery, but I'm annoyed with myself because despite my very best intentions I have wound up with still another bag of very limited usefulness.


Update: My friend KnitYarns asked why getting the bag altered is such a big deal. Ooh, lots of reasons - everything costs more around here, and although I got the bag on promo, I still paid more than I would have had I waited, so I don't feel like investing any more in it. And here's why I don't want to take it into any old shoe repair guy:
The center of the strap is a contoured insert which can't be fussed with.

On each end, the insert connects to a thinner strap, which is fixed closed with a rivet or grommet (or both?) assembly, as well as stitched shut.

The little tab on the bag that holds the loop can't be fussed with.
That leaves the non-insert end of each thin strap.
And another grommety-rivety thing ... Oh, well.

25 comments:

  1. I hate it when I discover that once again I've chosen a bag that looks the part but doesn't perform to my exacting standards. I want a bag that looks great, wears well and organises my entire life for me. Is that too much to ask?

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Sulky, what you're really asking for is a Personal Assistant, who is cute but not as cute as you. I need one too.

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  2. Ugh I hate it when this happens. Why would they make the strap NOT adjustable. Maybe you should get that fixed, this will not be good if you get a Bag Migraine!

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    1. Bag Migraine -- oh no just when i was thinking that tryptans have given me my life back!

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  3. I understand why you bought it--classic style, beautiful color. But the lack of an adjustable strap and no zip/flap/closure on top would make me crazy! Especially the open top--I am paranoid enough about pickpockets as it is.

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    1. Hi, Danielle, I guess I was hoping that the little clasp would be more effective. Well, no.

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  4. Noooo! What a nuisance. Thanks for the honest review. I was considering it as a replacement for my 7000kg mulberry bag that has cost me a fortune in Physio appts.
    Now I know this will not do as a replacement.

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  5. I was thinking about that bag too but I am a security nut and didn't think I could deal with the open top. I suppose you could put a large cosmetic bag inside to keep the small stuff from spilling out. It is really cute looking though and I can see why you were drawn to it. I love the color too.

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    1. Hi, cate, I'm afraid I'm not the kind of person who can remember which cute little bag has what in it. A trail of dicarded suitcase "organizers" marks my non-learning curve.

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  6. I like the shape and the neutral shade but the open top would be a deal breaker for me. It is not so much about the security but the fact that my stuff could spill all over the sidewalk when I bend and the rain water can get inside. I don't usually adjust the straps when they are adjustable but it has to be a correct length to start with.
    I feel for you because I hate when I (again!) fall for that far-from-perfect thing despite trying so hard not to :( I would return it, if I could.

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    1. Oh, ajc, i havent even thought about rainwater!

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  7. The color is a nice neutral and I know what you mean about changing color in different light. It's so important to get those undertones, or overtones for that matter, just right. I'm always tempted to wear a shoulder bag as a cross-body style for just the reason you mention but if the strap isn't long enough it would look ridiculous. You're pretty crafty, could you incorporate some type of fix to adjust the strap?

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    1. hi, xoxo, the strap would have to be cut open at each end, shortened, refinished and reattached. My good shoe repair guy gave a very high estimate, and that was assuming hardware could be reused. The folks at Artbag, Jackie's old favorite, don't think JC bags are worth remodeling or repairing. Sigh.

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  8. Bags that are taller than wide usually frustrate me-- the grope factor. I like the color ,though. The small Edie bag doesn't have adjustable straps either-- Ok for me due to my height but would an issue for some one shorter. Maybe this is another cost saving measure like polyester linings?

    I wish a good cross body bag for travel would magically appear.

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    Replies
    1. hi, Lane, I'm sure coat savings were a major factor.

      if I ever get the life where I buy appropriate clothing and accessories from the crafty woodland creatures who sell them on Etsy, I will study magic and magic up a cross-body for you.

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    2. Oh, yes, made by elven folk would be perfect.

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  9. WFF, I am surprised it is a costly repair- but everything seems to be costly today. When I saw the bag, I just assumed it was a cross body bag. My TB satchel is a crossbody bag, and as it is very chic, but ungodly heavy, I have started to wear it that way, and it is really a help. The open top wouldn't bother me. I switch my wallet out for a wristlet with lip balm, comb, phone, debit card etc. and put it in my summer bag. Then, I can grab it and go when we are out and about in the summer. I also fold a plastic grocery bag into a tiny square and place it in a zipped compartment. Among other things, it can be used to cover a hand bag in an unexpected rain. I think your bag is very pretty. Form vs function. If I really wanted function, I would buy a tried and true ergonomically correct bag from LL Bean or Lands end, but they really aren't for me.

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  10. I gotta tell you, that sounds like a lot of work.

    I updated the post with some more pics to show why shortening the strap is an event.

    I'm still hoping for an ergonomically correct Personal Assistant.

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  11. I like the color, it's a nice neutral. Getting the undertones and overtones too for that matter, is so important with a neutral bag because you want it to go with many things. It's too bad about the strap. Maybe you could buy one of those LV luggage straps and just do away with the original strap all together. The luggage strap could be used for other things so you get your money's worth out of it, assuming you would have other uses, like converting other bags to cross-body bags if only for short stints like in transit from the airport to hotel or walking home from the market with your arms full.

    I had a bucket bag in high school and dumped it out more than a few times. On purpose, because I couldn't find what I was looking for in the depths of the bag.

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  12. Madness, WFF. Oh well, it really is a very pretty bag. LOL about event. A costly one, I'm sure. ( Although- I still have this niggling concern that a leatherworker should not find trimming and re-stitching the thin part and re inserting a grommet/rivet to be tricky.) Sorry- enough said.

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  13. I would send your review to DL and ask for his guidance, you might just wind up with some money in your pocket and bid farewell to your bucket. You purchased a bag, not the task of retro-ergonomically adjusting the bucket bag. You really have nothing to lose.

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  14. well, after all this thought and hand-wringing, I took it back. Life is too short. Thanks to all of you for your comments!

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  15. I just received my bucket bag and the strap is adjustable 2 ways. There are 4 pieces to the strap. If you press the rings in towards the center the strap slides out. At least your have an option to wear it crossbody or use the short strap to carry the bag.

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    Replies
    1. wait a minute, how did I miss that? I had the medium (smaller) bucket bag home, that's the one in the pictures... really puzzled.

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