Comparison: Orla Kiely Large Car Medium Tote Versus Target Large Cars Overnighter

The main question I get asked is how does the quality of these Orla Kiely collaborations, whether with Target, People Tree, Belkin, etc, compare to the original line? So I've decided to write a detailed post to compare my Large Car Medium Tote from Orla Kiely's original travel line to Target's Overnighter. Hopefully, this post will help you decide whether to splurge on the real deal, or buy the bargain.

Similarities

1. Size

Both measure approximately 23" wide x 6" deep x 16" high.

2. Pattern

Both have the same Large Cars Print.

3. Accents

Both have a detachable, adjustable strap made of nylon webbing.

Both have two carry handles.

Both have two snap-down sides to adjust the size.

4. Pockets
Both have one zippered exterior pocket.

Both have one zippered interior pocket.

Differences

1. Color and pattern

The main thing I love about my original is the multicolored cars. The Overnighter, while still boasting the same bold pattern, only has a simple navy background with all white cars and red/orange headlights. There is a multicolored version in the Small Cars Print available at Target, but the smaller cars pattern doesn't quite give off the same effect that I love so much about my original. Also, the scale and pattern placement of the cars isn't quite the same - on the original, they appear larger and have slightly more space in between.

2. Materials

My Medium Tote is made of a thicker coated canvas, while the Overnighter is made of a thinner polyester. Also, my original has brown leather accents throughout, while the Overnighter has navy blue man-made materials.

3. No elasticized interior pocket.

My original has an elasticized pocket on each side of the interior, while the Overnighter has none.

4. Interior logo tag.
Original Orla Kiely Travel logo versus Orla Kiely for Target.

5. Lining

The original has a Linear Stem-printed cotton lining, while the Target version has a Small Cars-printed polyester lining.

6. No luggage tag or logo patch
My Medium Tote has a leather Orla Kiely logo patch on one side and includes a leather luggage tag. These details are missing on the Overnighter, but you can still purchase a luggage tag separately.

7. The bottom
The Large Cars Print continues to the bottom on my Medium Tote, and has four feet, while the Overnighter has a solid polyurethane bottom with no feet.

8. Strap
My original has a padded strap with the same Large Cars Print.

9. Price

So ultimately, all of these factors lead us to price. It's been a few years, but I believe my original tote retailed for about $265, and this Target version is only $50. If you consider everything above, I think these prices are justified, and the Overnighter is an awesome alternative at a great price point.

10. Availability
Something else to think about is the rarity of the Medium Tote. The Large Cars Travel line used to be readily available on Orla Kiely's website, but not anymore. It's difficult to find these pieces unless you're in one of their stores (and there's only four of them in the entire world - one in New York and three in London). Occasionally you can find them on eBay, but again, it's rare. So the fact that the Overnighter is so available, especially right now with Target's free shipping, is in and of itself a great deal.