Sunday, August 23, 2009

REVIEW: Namaste Hermosa, Mini Clutch, XXL Oh Snaps

Namaste Bags: Hermosa, Mini Cluth, XXL Oh Snaps
Where To Find:
Namaste Inc.

Namaste_809

My new motto: Have Hermosa, will travel! Seriously, this bag is big and if you've got lots of stuff to tote, Hermosa is for you! She is the largest handbag in Namaste's growing collection and truly has it all - including lots of pockets! The interior features 2 open-top pockets on one side and a zippered pocket on the other. The exterior features a front pouch with 2 separate zipped compartments, a rear open-top document pocket and two side pockets - one open-top for a water bottle and one that closes shut with a fold-down snap. You will not be longing for space or pockets with Hermosa, you're only question will be "now which pocket did I put my tape measure in???" I love the fact that I can place a magazine or pattern in the rear extreior pocket without having to fold it or worry that it'll get mangled in the main compartment. And, did I mention there's a water bottle pocket on the side, which means you can keep it away from your knitting? I'm thinking the other side pocket just might be perfect for dog treats...

Namaste_Hermosa

Made of the PVC-free, animal friendly faux leather that Namaste fans have come to know and love, Hermosa has a very solid construction, allowing the bag to actually stands up on its own with 5 metal feet on the bottom. There are 3 heavy duty magnets to keep the top closed and the drop handles are the perfect length at 10.5 inches. My only slight complaint (if you can call it that) was the protective plastic over the metal parts where the straps attach did such a great job that it was a little difficult to get completely off.

Besides toting around your current WIP (or five) or heading off to fill her up with purchases at the nearest fiber show, Hermosa also makes a perfect weekend getaway tote. She'd even be perfect for airplane travel, except that you really can't squash the top down to fit it under the seat in front of you (you'd have to put her in the overhead compartment) - for that purpose, I would probably choose Hermosa's sister Laguna.

Hermosa is currently available in 6 fabulous colors: Black, Eggplant, Olive, Peacock, Red and Saddle. She measures an astounding 18" wide x 14" high x 7" long.

Namaste_OhSnaps

Namaste recently released new sizes of two old favorites! I'm super happy to report that the Oh Snaps! are now available in larger sizes! Sold in a set of 2, the XL measures 14" long x 10" high and the XXL measures: 15.5" long x 13" high. I've been using my smaller Oh Snaps! often to house small WIPs as well as notions and other items I want to keep handy in my bag. It certainly makes changing bags quick and painless when you're most needed items are all corralled together in these easy to grab mesh bags! The new XL and XLL sizes are big enough to house your patterns or larger WIPs.

With the second old favorite, Namaste chose to go smaller as opposed to bigger by offering a Mini Clutch (see top photo). About half the size of the original Clutch, the chic and adorable Mini features a detachable shoulder strap, making carrying a breeze. One side folds out to reveal 2 interior snap-top pockets (great for crochet hooks, scissors, pens, or other small items), while the main compartment features credit card slots and a zippered pocket. The Mini Clutch is available in 5 of Namaste's signature colors: Black, Eggplant, Olive, Peacock and Saddle and measures 8" wide x 5.5" long.

Namaste_needlecozy

CONTEST! How would you like to win a Namaste Cozy in the Peacock color? To enter, simply leave a comment here telling me what your favorite review(s) of mine has been thusfar and if it influenced you to purchase that item (if your comment doesn't automatically link to your blog or email, please be sure to include a means of contact in case you win). Deadline to enter is Monday, August 31 at midnight. Winner will be selected by random number generator.

21 comments:

Nancy @ the Jersey Shore said...

Hey Nichole! I would say your reviews of Namaste products in general have helped my decision to purchase them. Although I am not a fan of the Hermosa, the more I see it, the more I'm inclined to say "maybe" it might be added to my collection. I will add a mini clutch soon, and will anxiously await the new wallet!

gMarie said...

I have really enjoyed your reviews on Namaste and now that I'm working again and in need of a supersized bag - I'll definately be checking them out more thoroughly. Thank you :) g

SissySees said...

Um, it's a tie between Namaste and Planet Dog I suppose, with a couple of books thrown in there too.

I'm still not liking Herm, and I tried out a mini clutch Tuesday, but with my Blackberry within, there was no room for anything else. The clutch is too big, but the mini is too small!

Elysbeth said...

Hmmn, Initially I was thinking "No" to the Hermosa-big bag=big shoulder problems, but your well thought out review, with the talk of pockets and division, appeals to the multisegment life organizer in me. After all, I don't have to fill it. ;)

Anonymous said...

Hey! This is knitkatz on Ravelry...

I loved your review on the Newport. It definitely influenced my decision on purchasing my own Newport several months ago, when I researched the bag. Since buying the Newport, I'm hooked! And the Hermosa looks great, too! :)

Robin said...

Gosh, don't make me pick just one review...I enjoy them all, whether it be knitting or doggie goodies!

Monica T said...

ok you got me...im on my way to order the hermosa! and thank you (i think:) now to pick a color, eggplant or olive~ thanks for the great review!~monica
memoe33@aol.com

Kathy R said...

I think my favorite review of yours was the review of the L.L. Bean tote with the paw and dog stuff inside. I tried to order one but they were backordered and it wouldn't arrive in time for Christmas. So this year I'll stalk their site early.

Grace said...

I too am a Namaste girl and can't wait to order one in red to go with my buddy case----Truth me told I want every color I just love them

Sue said...

I've bought several knitting books after reading your reviews. I also like all the dog products, either treats or toys that you tell us about. Keep up the reviews, they're great.

Unknown said...

great review! I love the Hermosa and the black is so sleek!

Denise said...

Your Namaste bag reviews are great! I have the same Zuma bag in eggplant that you featured previously!
denisenriley (at) gmail (dot) com

Bubblesknits said...

I love the Namaste bags, but the Hermosa is just a tad big for me. Besides, I have so many of the other styles in my closet, I feel guilty about ordering a new one! lol

Your review on the Signature Needle Arts Needles encouraged me to order a set for myself. Love 'em!

RedPanties said...

Great review...I thought they were leather since I'd never seen one in person...hmmm, might have to take the plunge!

Anonymous said...

This is the first review I've read, but I don't need much convincing to buy Namaste!

scubagirl said...

Howdy, thanks for such a thorough review of the Namaste Hermosa, Main clutch & XXl Oh snaps-I am adding all of these items to my Holiday list...Your Pet Projects-The Animal Bible and the Knit Kit reviews have helped me to purchase these items. Because of where I live I have to rely solely on internet sales and your reviews help me to make wise purchases without actually touching the items.

Deirdre said...

It was your review of the knit kit that saved me from wasting $20 Thanks for your reviews. Your latest one is enabling me to purchase the Hermosa!

Deirdre@ dc44me@yahoo.com

Gina House said...

I love the new Black Hermosa - and I'm dying to get a package of the Oh Snaps...but in the smaller sizes for my Zuma bag. Nice review! (I think this one is my fav)

Kristi ~ Ohio said...

I would say my favorite review is the Namaste Hermosa. I'll be purchasing this in red. Thanks, Kristi

StaceyKnitsIt said...

I may get a mini cozy in the future for crochet hooks. The Hermosa looks great, but might be too big. StaceyKnitsIt on Ravelry

Dianne said...

I'm a couple of weeks behind in blog reading, so am way too late for the contest, but I love your reviews of books & doggy items, but I think the Namaste ones are my favorites. I had to go out and buy my own Newport!

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