Saturday, November 1, 2014

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.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are so thorough and detail-oriented. I love it. Thank you so much for the comprehensive review!

iloveorlakiely said...

You're welcome! :) I love being as detailed as possible for my readers!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful side-by-side analysis you've provided. The rarity of the multi-color cars tote alone justifies the price. The Target car tote is also somewhat rare -- I have not seen it in any of the 4 Targets I visited, but ordered mine online, and received it within 4 days of ordering. I was a little disappointed with the interior lining -- it's a somewhat wrinkled and shiny polyester, but you get what you pay for and the $49.99 price is a wonderful value for this piece. The Yoga bag has a cute print too (reminiscent of Marimekko's iconic poppy design), and a cute contrasting (albeit polyester) interior lining. 2 of the 4 Targets in my area had the full Yoga collection up and on display by October 30 of last week. For reference purposes, I am in Ventura County, California.

Anonymous said...

BTW, I love your blog devoted to all things "Orla"!!!

iloveorlakiely said...

Thank you so much! :) The Target tote is also difficult to find in stores, so it's great that Target is offering free shipping right now on all items. I agree about the lining - I wish it was a bit more substantial, but at least the print is super cute! I love that you mentioned Marimekko - another fantastic prints designer (I actually have a Marimekko show curtain that I purchased from Anthropologie years ago). All of the Targets I've been to had most of the yoga collection - the yoga bag was missing, but I just ordered that online. I'm slowly starting to get all my items in as I made several separate orders - excited to get everything in so I can write more reviews!

Anonymous said...

Boy, thank you! You helped me very much! I haven't used this line before, and can't wait to start.

iloveorlakiely said...

Wonderful! I'm so glad I was able to help :)

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