Hello GlamFam! It's been a while since my last " What's in My Bag?!" review, and I have a new bag to share with you - the Bottega Veneta pouch clutch. When this bag first came out, I was obsessed with the different and unique shape as well as the "smooshiness" of it! Because of a recent campaign, I was able to use part of a stipend to purchase this and cannot wait to share all about it. Keep scrolling to read my honest Bottega Veneta Pouch Clutch review.
BOTTEGA VENETA POUCH CLUTCH REVIEW
A luxury brand born in the 60's in Vicenza, Italy, Bottega Veneta was founded by Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro. With true leather as the brand's main focus, Bottega Veneta ensures each piece is of the highest quality and melds into the buyer's lifestyle seamlessly. By the 1990's (and the logo craze was on the rise), Bottega Veneta started offering more trend-driven designs and saw a decrease in popularity due to the competitive market. It wasn't until the brand was acquired by the Gucci Group in 2001 that Bottega regained some traction.
Fast-forward to modern-day Bottega Veneta with Daniel Lee as the creative director. He took the position in 2018, and since then - the brand, the company has become highly sought-after and pushed into the spotlight of must-have fashion. Lee has received multiple fashion awards, including Brand and Designer of the year.
SIZE and PRICING
The Bottega Veneta pouch was one of David Lee's very first designs upon taking on his creative director position. The pouch is an oversized clutch made with soft folds of smooth butter calf leather that envelope the bag's frame and create a voluminous rounded shape. It's a chic and functional bag that is offered in 10 different colors and 6 different leathers to choose from - ranging from brights to neutrals. It's a bag that reflects Bottega Veneta's heritage of luxurious leather with a modern sensibility.
The Bottega Veneta pouch is available in 3 different sizes, large (or Maxi), medium (or Pouch 20), and mini. Today, I'm featuring the standard/large Bottega Veneta pouch in Plaste r. The dimensions of this clutch are approximate 7.1″ x W 15.7″ x D 7.1″ and currently retails for $2790. As you can see by the dimensions and above picture, it is quite roomy.
AESTHETICS and CONSTRUCTION
The Pouch features an oversized frame clutch in smooth butter calf that's soft beyond compare and made of 100% calfskin. It's lined in Nappa for a clean finish with a logo that's discretely embossed inside. The gold interior hardware includes a ring to attach a matching card case (sold separately), although I have not used the D-ring yet. The Bottega Veneta pouch is one of David Lee's most ingenious creations.
The size makes it so unique and very sophisticated. I really adore the simple and refined silhouette. I was concerned about having a lighter-colored bag made 100% of calfskin however, I have been pleasantly surprised with how well the color has held up. I do not baby my bags or pretreat them. I am careful to avoid color transfer with lighter leather and darker colored jeans. I'm so glad I got the neutral/lighter color because it's so versatile and will take me from Summer to Fall easily.
This is my first Bottega Veneta bag. Although it's very simple, I do love the solid construction of the bag. It was actually the "demo model" on the floor but the last one that Neiman Marcus had in this color. It was in great shape so I decided to purchase it. The magnetic closure feels very secure and tight even though it's been "test out" by others looking at the bag. In general, I ADORE the smooshiness of the bag!
FUNCTIONALITY
Even though this bag is technically a clutch, it is large enough to hold all of your night-out essentials and more. It's functional for day and night, and depending on the color you choose it can easily fit into your year-round wardrobe. Also, it perfectly complements any outfit dressy or casual.
Because it's such a large pouch, it's easy to fill it with the kitchen sink and more! That can make it heavy, and the bottom falls down since it's unstructured. I've tried wearing it with my Chanel 19 insert in it for protection and structure, but the organizer is too skinny and falls over if the clutch isn't held a certain way. Apparently, there is a Bottega Veneta bag insert by Samorga but I didn't want to pay the $30 shipping. I ordered this bag organizer on Amazon and will update this post after use!
When I carry just a few items as shown above, it is perfectly fine and so easy to carry. I had a conversation with my friend while trying to decide if I should get it. Technically, it has no shoulder strap or handles. I have little kids. Is it really practical? In reality, NO!! But I find that if I LOVE a bag, I tend to wear it whether or not it's practical and I think that is the case with this bag.
SOS RATING
THREE and THREE QUARTERS GOLD STARS {out of five}! I took a star off because of the price and another quarter star off because of the general large interior. I have a Mansur Gavriel cloud clutch that was 1/4 of the price with an interior pocket which is useful. If money were no object, then this bag would be a 4-star bag. This bag is very polarizing - some love it and some do not! I LOVED it when it came out and still LOVE it. I believe it will stand the test of time and be a classic; After all, it is a re-iteration of a previous Bottega Veneta bag.
LOOK FOR LESS
I've gotten requests for more budget-friendly options so I'm rounding up a few of my favorite Bottega Veneta dupes below. I did purchase a designer-inspired bag just to see what the quality was like, and I took the plunge after some of my friends did before me. It was really pretty, but I didn't think it was worth the price. Honestly, I'm not even sure if what I received was real leather as stated on the website.
YOUTUBE VIDEO COMING SOON! (currently editing)
Happy Friday Thursday GlamFam! It's been a while since I've done a blog post, but I'm slowing it down during the Summer since BOTH kids are home more! I will be posting on Instagram/Facebook so you can always follow along there. Anyhow, the kids have almost finished their first week of Summer camp. We are enjoying the sunshine and lack of such a structured schedule although we are on one since camp starts at 8:15am. It's not as crazy as the usual school year. I cannot believe both children will be in school next year. I was just looking at the photos of when we were placed with Little M in 2013!!! He is almost eight years old! Time goes by SO QUICKLY!! And now Baby M is starting Kindergarten!!! It almost makes me want to cry!! I am trying to enjoy every moment of it while I can!
Anyhow, we are looking forward to Friday!
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Bottega Veneta Pouch Clutch Reviewstay glam, do good
