K/R Gunmetal bag

One of the few items (besides gear and undies and a few footwear options) available at the Canadian sale was the Kurt Geiger gunmetal bag. I ordered it to see if it might work for me. 

The verdict? Undecided. And that is odd for me. I usually know right away. 

What I like: 

  • The colour works in my closet. 
  • The structure -- I tend to prefer structured bags visually. 
  • The size. It is a small bag, but proportionate to my own size. It is small enough to fit in my bike pannier if I am going downtown. Whip it out and I have a nice looking bag instead of a schlumpy backpack. :)
  • It is crossbody. -- practical. 
  • It is well made and looks durable. I love my Minkoff backpacks but the finish on my gunmetal one is already worn on the base and my blue one is coming apart at the seams. I use these bags hard. The leather ones are much more durable but also very pricey. I might spring for another if I find one on sale, but not at full price. 

What has me on the fence: 

  • The price. Although on sale, it is still a pricey bag for me, considering, especially, that I have barely used a bag in the last year at all, and the Delta variant has me worried that we'll be locked down again pretty soon and going almost nowhere. 
  • The size/ shape. Yes, I prefer structured bags visually, but the way the zipper is positioned on this one makes me feel like I can barely get my hand into the bag to pull out what i might need. It fits my things (barely) but might be a pain to use. 

So...I don't know! It's really good for my style, but I guess I'm just unsure I will use it enough to justify the price. Only I can decide that, I realize. But all thoughts on the subject welcome! 

PS none of my other items (bras and socks) have arrived. This was the only "fun" item in my order. 

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28 Comments

  • Janet replied 3 years ago

    Well, I'm not much help, as I have bought the same bag, and have already used it twice! Or maybe that is a help. ;-) My experience so far is that it functions similarly to another crossbody bag I own -- the Aimee Kestenberg bag shown in my Finds below. It's a very similar size and weight, and they work well for me to carry only the essentials, which is particularly great for a day when I'll be walking around a lot, and also good for travel, when we can do such things again.

    The KG bag is a little bit more stiff and slightly more difficult to use, but not horribly so. Certainly not to the point where I don't want to use it. 

    As for price, I know that the exchange rate makes prices in Canada signifcantly higher than in the US. I can't speak to whether it's worth it for you, because that is so subjective. The color is unusual enough that I found the sale price appealing for my purposes and my budget. I really don't see many bags that I like in this metallic color. 

    I tend to keep my bags for years, and this style doesn't seem terribly trendy, so I'm not bothered by the prospect of it not getting a lot of use right away if we end up in another round of months not going much of anywhere (but I really, really hope we avoid that!). 

  • Irina replied 3 years ago

    Maybe you should put your things in a bag, wear it crossbody and get stuff out to try a comfort level. Top zippers sometimes are a pain to use.

  • replied 3 years ago

    I get the most use out of my smallest, essentials only bags so with all the other positives, the size would push it into the keep zone for me.

  • unfrumped replied 3 years ago

    You’ve already outlined pros & cons so not sure I can help , but;
    Thought I’m not really a handbag person, I’ve ended up with more than I am using. But can say, functionality is really important to me- get easily annoyed if zippers stick, slots don’t hold my new larger phone. Wallet hanging up in too- small opening has happened, so culled that bag. I had a great suede bag with top zip but it was curved over top so by the time I got enough room unzipped to get something out, the sides of the bag flopped open and my stuff fell out. Took me about 5 years to figure out that I only liked looking at it and not actually using it.
    Handbags to me need to have a kind of “ sensual functionality “, meaning, I like the fasteners, zips, feel of leather ( or fabric), and clever ways my stuff fits in.
    That really goes for hand luggage and gear bags, too.
    Since you have it at home, maybe put things in and out and okay with it a little more.
    I also get the pandemic is so- right now I wonder if I “ need” 90% of my wardrobe. But I would not let that dissuade you if the bag feels like “the one”— it’s in your style and color wheelhouse and should have longevity. However, your concerns about how it functions and how you will “ feel” using it are a better guide.

  • Peri replied 3 years ago

    Coming from a "not a bag person" perspective, one that might be a pain to use probably will be a pain to use, and that would be a deal breaker for me. I recently made this mistake and kept the bag because it was pretty, but practicality is winning. I don't like it much and wish I hadn't kept it, and I'm using an older one again. For me, it has turned out that pretty is not a good enough reason for keeping something where the main function is usefulness. 

  • Gaylene replied 3 years ago

    Something Helena said on Irina’s  thread about walking away from a perfect piece really hit home for me. Helena’s words were 

    I guess my big question is, do I really see myself getting lots of use out of it. If not, 9 times out of 10, I leave it behind.

    If I’m totally smitten, that’s one thing. But, if I’m undecided, maybe that question is the one I need to think about before grabbing my credit card. 


    This past year has seen so many changes in our day-to-day lives that I’m not sure that past behaviors are necessarily a good indication of what I will be doing in the future. If I doubt I will use something NOW, then maybe it’s a purchase I can hold off making until I get a better sense of what “normal” is going to look like in the upcoming year. I have a hunch maybe this pandemic has changed us in ways we have yet to discover. 

  • Janet replied 3 years ago

    I’d try giving it a little trial run. Put your usual stuff in it and try putting it through some paces at home, or even out to run an errand (you can probably tuck the tag into the bag). I’ve done that before when I wasn’t sure about usability.

  • JAileen replied 3 years ago

    It looks like a great bag.  I thought about it, but  I already have a gunmetal crossbody.  How a bag specifically works for you, such as the zipper, is really important.  Don’t rush in evaluating it.


    I should add, I have so many bags it’s kind of embarrassing.  Granted, most of them are thrifted.  But I read The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, and I think about my son dealing with all of my stuff, and I feel bad.  

    Re the Pandemic, I think we will go places again, someday.  


  • replied 3 years ago

    Gaylene - exactly .

    If it’s not filling an immediate hole , I’d hold off . Also - top- zippered bags that scratch my hands when putting things in and taking them out are complete deal breakers for me . Also - do you have footwear that works with it , and jewellery in the right colour ? I realize I might be off on my own planet with those thoughts but gunmetal needs matching gunmetal in my world ;)

  • Angie replied 3 years ago

    Exactly what Janet said.

    The bag MUST function practically as a bag. So the bit about you barely getting your hands in is the part that worries me. Trial run for sure. If that does not work - return.

    As for the next lockdown - and the Delta-Plus variant on the way (*very sad face*) - a good bag is a good bag, and you will eventually use it. At least, that is my personal experience and bag philosophy.

    FWIW, this new bag is smaller than what I usually use, but after a bit of practice (and maneuvering of stuff!), I manage just fine with it.

  • Joy replied 3 years ago

    Ask yourself if you keep the bag, will you still be looking for the ideal bag, if so, return it.  The right one will turn up.  

    Just some random thoughts…That said a pewter leather bag has been my most used bag of all time but I had pewter booties and flats that were also pewter.  I prefer it to black as a neutral.  I wore the bag out and did find a leather pewter replacement,  it it took awhile.  It is my go to winter bag.   Now I need to find a replacement pair of pewter boot/booties..

  • CarolS replied 3 years ago

    If you're going to be frustrated by not being able to get things in and out comfortably, then I'd say there's a better bag out there for you. So, the suggestions to do some testing might help you decide if the price is worth it. (would price be an issue if the size/shape/ease of use was NOT a factor?)

    Good luck!

  • cat2 replied 3 years ago

    I am not sure the quality is there. I ordered a KG clutch back before we all stopped going out, and wasn’t impressed with the quality of the leather given the price point. I don’t like RM for similar reasons, so we may have similar views on how things should hold up.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 3 years ago

    I will add: There will be other pewter bags. It's not a super-hard color to find. So if this one doesn't have the functionality you need, you don't have to settle. Or if it would work but the price is going to bug you, you could see if it is still around for further markdowns. In the past, we've all seen NAS items marked down after the sale, before the end of season, and FURTHER reduced than the NAS price. This could be one of those items, and may be worth passing up now, if you don't mind the risk of losing out on it altogether.

  • Elle replied 3 years ago

    Love the bag and it seems to suit your style but it does have to be easy to use.  So, like many here, I think it's good to do the trial run with your essentials and if there is any awkwardness, return.

    Fingers crossed that you don't have another lockdown but this delta variant is worrisome.

  • kkards replied 3 years ago

    Shoes must be comfortable & bags must be functionable. Try it at home for a week… that will at least answer the 1st question. And I’ve found that when I’m on the fence a weeks cooling off to time often gives me better perspective

  • Suz replied 3 years ago

    On the run here with family visiting but wanted to thank you all for your great feedback! This is helpful. I'm going to try "using" it at home when I get a minute. 

    Quickly, Lisa P -- yes, I have all the accompaniments for a capsule, so that is not an issue for me. I always wear silver jewellery. Other items that would work with it, should I keep -- I realize some are shinier and more silver vs. gunmetal but for me that is okay, plus it works with greys, whites, reds, blues, black....

  • Laura replied 3 years ago

    The part about the zippered top and hard to get your hands inside - that is indeed an issue. I have a Marc Jacobs camera bag and it's definitely clumsy maneuvering it at times. I often pull my credit cards etc. out and leave my wallet behind, which makes it infinitely easier to reach into and find what I need. That said, I'm a daily handbag changer, so I don't mind making that adjustment. I know many others wouldn't be okay with that situation!

  • Janet replied 3 years ago

    Chiming back in to say, I pulled out a pair of grey booties today while rummaging through my closet, and held up this bag with them — it makes a great complement to grey, which was nice for me to see, as I am starting to rekindle my love of shades of grey, probably because it is now working with my new hair color. Just a note on the color and how versatile it is. Definitely a good smaller alternative to the silver/gunmetal Minkoff backpack when you want to carry something smaller. You just need to be sure the zipper and opening work for you!

  • Irina replied 3 years ago

    I tried this bag today in a store and can’t say I had issues with opening.
    The slightly round edges make it work better than some other bags with a zipper in a straight line.

  • Grace replied 3 years ago

    Camera bags do not work for me for the same issues Laura mentioned. It’s almost like I feel that I have to hold the bag open with a centered top zipper. I saw this bag in the store and think the finish is beautiful.

  • replied 3 years ago

    I actually prefer my zipper top bag, and find a flap much fussier! Yes to trying it out at home.

  • nemosmom replied 3 years ago

    Hmmm… when I read your initial post and see you have (unusual) amount of doubt, it seems like a return to me.

    Maybe the leather will soften a bit so it isn’t so difficult to get into, but there will be other pewter bags. Don’t settle!

  • Preppy Pear replied 3 years ago

    It’s such a pretty bag - definitely worth giving a go at home!

  • rachylou replied 3 years ago

    It goes so nicely with your shoes, but the trouble with the opening… that would defeat me.

  • Bijou replied 3 years ago

    Suz, I vote return.

    I have one camera bag and I will not buy another simply for the reason that you express. Whilst it holds all of my essentials because it is a tight fit and the shape and structure of the bag, it is not easy getting things out. If I want to get my phone out, I often have to unpack my wallet and sunglasses to get my hand in to grab the phone.

  • delurked replied 3 years ago

    I hate struggling to get in and out of handbags. For that reason, this would not work for me. Your own doubts fuel the doubts here.

  • Jonesy replied 3 years ago

    I would vote return because of the usability issues you mention, right out of the gate. 

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