Whipping Post tote?

[gummy]

Does anyone have the Whipping Post Vintage Tote?  I'm really torn between it and the Madewell Transport Tote.  It looks like the inside pocket of the Whipping Post is larger and it has a sturdy bottom and the leather might be thicker.  I'm not sure if I want the sturdy bottom or not though!  I was pretty set on the Madewell until I saw this one and now I'm torn!

Thanks!

link

[phoenixrising]

I ended up ordering the BR Larkin tote because one of the reviewers said it could fit a 15" MacBook Pro, and I need to carry mine to and from school.

That said, I don't think there's ever a time when a solid bottom isn't a better option. If I were you, I would go with the Whipping Post.

[jane6672]

That leather is SO gorgeous.

I prefer a sturdy bottom, personally. If you buy the Whipping Post tote, post a review!

[aak0517]

I didn't know of this WP tote. It's gorgeous in the pics and love that it has a sturdy bottom! let us know what you think if you pull the trigger on it!

[gummy]

Sept 2, 2014 14:05:03 GMT -5 jane6672 said:

That leather is SO gorgeous.

I prefer a sturdy bottom, personally. If you buy the Whipping Post tote, post a review!

I know!  That's why when I came across it I was immediately torn! 

Thanks ladies!  I'm going to think on it for awhile since it's a lot of money for me but if I buy it I'll post a review!

[amywrites]

I really like my Transport but it has zero structure, which makes it seem like a bottomless pit, and the straps are floppy. I like it but I'd be nervous about putting a laptop or anything heavy in it, tbh. I'm eyeing the Whipping Post bag, so please do post a review, it looks great!

[sa]

I have a bag very, very, very similar to this. Mine is a tad bit smaller and slimmer, and it has no hardware, but otherwise it looks the same (looks like the same leather, same straps, construction, etc). I bought it at a fair in Italy and paid 30 Euros.

The leather is really great and I get a lot of compliments on the bag.

The straps are soft and floppy, but I find them very comfortable to wear - more so than stiffer straps.

If the whipping post bag truly is as similar to my bag in person, I'd say it's a good buy (though knowing what I paid for something similar and shelling out $200 for this may sting a bit).

[FormerCityGirl]

I just googled for reviews. They seem favorable on TPF and YouTube. Apparently, it now comes in black too. I'm really intrigued. They also make an $800+ leather guitar case that seems to sell out. That has to be a good sign too since it's an acoustic gig bag and the high end Gibsons are around $3500 and up. I wouldn't pack gear like that in a bad bag. I think I want the tan now. It may be my I finally got my own studio to paint in present.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=JfEQlD9x-Ho

I also found this one too. I actually like the differences in leather on the strap(s). It also looks like it stands on it's own and the board bottom is removable.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=iwmNB_C4TFs

[cransplash]

I am seriously considering getting this W+P tote. I love that it has a sturdy bottom, and it seems to be made so well. Thanks to FormerCityGirl for also posting the YT video reviews. I emailed the company this evening to see what kind of guarantee it has (Lifetime guarantee? How much can the bag hold?)

Another one I wanted to throw out there is the Duluth Lifetime Travel Tote (reviewed by jchokie79). It's $160, has a zipper on top, and more pockets. It also seems to be thick(er?) leather too (not sure if it has a study bottom though). I also love that it has a lifetime guarantee. Just thought I'd recommend that one since she seems to love it: women.duluthtrading.com/store/product/womens-lifetime-leather-travel-tote-bag-30005.aspx

For me, I'm contemplating b/w the 2. Both are roughly the same size (a bit smaller than the MW Transport).

[jchokie79]

I do love the Duluth tote linked above since it has side pockets and most importantly a zipper top for me. However my work laptop doesn't quite fit in it all the way. I was eyeing the WP tote as well since the leather looks so beautiful. I did read that they just has a price increase last week. It was $175 and went up to the current price.

If you do end up getting it, def post a review!

[cransplash]

Sept 4, 2014 23:34:05 GMT -5 jchokie79 said:

I do love the Duluth tote linked above since it has side pockets and most importantly a zipper top for me. However my work laptop doesn't quite fit in it all the way. I was eyeing the WP tote as well since the leather looks so beautiful. I did read that they just has a price increase last week. It was $175 and went up to the current price.

If you do end up getting it, def post a review!

What size is your work laptop?

[jchokie79]

Sept 5, 2014 13:18:05 GMT -5 cransplash said:

Sept 4, 2014 23:34:05 GMT -5 jchokie79 said:

I do love the Duluth tote linked above since it has side pockets and most importantly a zipper top for me. However my work laptop doesn't quite fit in it all the way. I was eyeing the WP tote as well since the leather looks so beautiful. I did read that they just has a price increase last week. It was $175 and went up to the current price.

If you do end up getting it, def post a review!

What size is your work laptop?

I want to say 14. 

[cransplash]

Sept 5, 2014 15:10:24 GMT -5 jchokie79 said:

Sept 5, 2014 13:18:05 GMT -5 cransplash said:

What size is your work laptop?

I want to say 14. 

Ok, so it sounds like it would fit my 13" MBA. Man, decisions decisions.
Is the Duluth bag heavy without anything in it? Is the bottom structured?

[cransplash]

Jenny from Whipping Post responded back to me and I wanted to update (if anyone wanted to know

Q1- What is your guarantee?
"As far as the guarantee, our official warranty is 30 days for returning the product, but if for some reason down the road the handle should break or you develop an issue, we will be sure to take care of you. Our success hinges on your happiness with the product. "

Q2- How much can the tote hold?
"We don't have a weight limit on the tote per se, but I would imagine if you see the straps pulling or it's too heavy to carry comfortably, you have too much in it. (I have two young children and cram mine full of stuff, and have had no problems with the weight being an issue.)"

[gummy]

Sept 5, 2014 15:15:58 GMT -5 cransplash said:

Jenny from Whipping Post responded back to me and I wanted to update (if anyone wanted to know

Q1- What is your guarantee?
"As far as the guarantee, our official warranty is 30 days for returning the product, but if for some reason down the road the handle should break or you develop an issue, we will be sure to take care of you. Our success hinges on your happiness with the product. "

Q2- How much can the tote hold?
"We don't have a weight limit on the tote per se, but I would imagine if you see the straps pulling or it's too heavy to carry comfortably, you have too much in it. (I have two young children and cram mine full of stuff, and have had no problems with the weight being an issue.)"

Thanks for asking those questions.  Let me know if you end up buying it!  I'm still thinking (dreaming) about it!

[cransplash]

Ordered mine last night!

[Nina]

i'm stlll eying the Whipping Post tote too.. i can't decide between the two colors. The cognac looks so beautiful but I usually go black for bags like that. I hope you share pics and revue cransplash

[cransplash]

Hi all,
Here is my complete review. I also had a few friends asking about it, so I did (my very first ever YouTube videos on it). I'm including it in the review. Tagging gummy and Nina who had asked for a review...

Shipping- USPS 2-day Priority. Super fast! I ordered my tote Tues evening, it was mailed out on Wed, and I received it today!

Packaging- It was packaged well. Lots of thick craft paper

Smell- This sounds weird, but it smells oh so good. Like real true leather. No chemical smells here

Feel/texture- Texture feels durable. I know jchokie79 got the Duluth Trading Co. tote, and it looks like her leather is thicker, but I think the WP leather is very good. It is soft (not stiff), flexible but has structure

Function- I didn't buy this tote for work, but more for casual wear, running errands on weekends, and an easy bag to throw stuff in for the weekends

Opening the Tote box and first impressions (video): 

Overall review- I love LOVE this tote! I've been looking for a cognac tote for awhile now and while I've tried on a lot (large dept stores, popular blogger styles, etc), I never felt like- "ahh, this it IT". Here are my thoughts:
- Weight: I had heard/read that the bag felt heavy even when empty. I didn't feel like this at all. Yes, absolutely it has a LITTLE weight- it is 100% leather and it has a leather structured bottom but definitely not a noticeable weight when empty
- Structure: This was really imp to me. When bags are empty, larger bags tend to collapse- not this (or at least, not now). When it was empty, it still stood up straight
- Structured bottom: This was one of the main reasons why I purchased this bag. I hate it when bags sag. It just looks nicer when the bottom is straight, and it is easier for me to locate items when there is a flat bottom. The bottom is structured and has a leather bottom so the bag looks "universal"
- Pocket: It has 1 pocket, and it appears to be sturdy. I plan to put my iphone in here where I can easily locate and grab it. Maybe also my keys. The pocket is perfect- deep enough to hold items, but not too deep where items will get lost. Wished it had another pocket on the other side (b/c who doesn't love more pockets?)
- Size: I am 5'2", so I like bags that are wider and not necessarily tall. I dislike having to put my entire arm's length into my bag to dig for something (aka. the black hole). Something that is wider and shorter in height is what I wanted, and is what I got from this tote. As long as I have my pouches (and the nice structured bottom), I feel I can find everything and anything easily in this tote due to the dimensions

Dimensions: 15” x 13” x 5.5”
Price: $195

What do/can I carry? I carry my 13" Macbook Air, iPad 3, folder (with a ton of paperwork inside), wristlet wallet, cosmetic cases (3),  keys, and iPhone. Fits all easily and didn't need to shove it. Now, the bag did feel heavy when I had this, but I imagine any bag would feel heavy with all this in it. I do carry a ton of stuff in my cosmetic case though

Here is what I carry (video): 

Communication- I've emailed Whipping Post a few questions, and Jenny has been quick to respond and honest. Here are the questions I've asked and her responses:

1. "What kind of maintenance do I need to upkeep this bag?"- our bags are pretty rugged pieces and don't require a lot of upkeep. Some leather conditioner (product similar to lexol.com) might be needed some years down the line if the leather starts to feel very dry. But again, this isn't something that needs to be done for quite a while.

2. "Is it necessary to waterproof the tote?"- For our personal bags, we don't do water-proofing. Heavy rain will darken the bag a bit, but its color and patina are going to change over time regardless, as it is exposed to the elements and the oils in your hands.



If you do use any products, we suggest you test a small dab on the back or underside to make sure there is no strange reaction. This is rare, but can happen depending on the product you use.

3. "What kind of guarantee do you offer with your product?"- As far as the guarantee, our official warranty is 30 days for returning the product, but if for some reason down the road the handle should break or you develop an issue, we will be sure to take care of you. Our success hinges on your happiness with the product

4. "How much can the tote hold?"- We don't have a weight limit on the tote per se, but I would imagine if you see the straps pulling or it's too heavy to carry comfortably, you have too much in it. (I have two young children and cram mine full of stuff, and have had no problems with the weight being an issue.)

Note:
I am not getting paid for this review, nor any kick backs for promoting it. Just love the Whipping Post Vintage Tote bag!
Here is the link if anyone is interested in reading more: www.whippingpost.com/collections/totes/products/the-vintage-tote-bag

Final thoughts- I love this bag, and am so glad I ordered it. I couldn't stop thinking about it, and am glad I pulled the trigger. This bag will be used a LOT and can't wait to wear it all fall  
If you have any questions, feel free to tag me or PM me Hope this review was helpful!

ETA: Forgot to add pics!

[texassmith]

I want this bag so hard.

[LoveBug]

cransplash, first off, you sound adorable! And I love your thorough review. This bag is now on my wish list. Thank you so much!

Eta: and I just saw your pics - it's confirmed....you're adorable!

[cransplash]

Sept 12, 2014 20:22:37 GMT -5 LoveBug said:

cransplash, first off, you sound adorable! And I love your thorough review. This bag is now on my wish list. Thank you so much!

Eta: and I just saw your pics - it's confirmed....you're adorable!

Aww thanks. I was just asking another GBCNer if the videos turned out ok. I can't listen to myself speak! Glad you liked the review. I rely heavily on consumer reviews, so this is the least I could do. 

[Nina]

cransplash thank you so much!!! great review and i love all the pics. my mind is made up.. i need this bag. Now what color. The cognac is so beautiful.