My Ella bags finally arrived - Pics added

[Momof3Labs]

I ordered four - two for myself (one Elaine, one Caroline), and my mom ordered one for herself and one for SIL (both Elaines). My biggest complaint is that two of the bags weren't what we ordered. One bag came with a blue interior instead of pink, and one came with a magnetic snap instead of a button loop closure. I have e-mails to Aimee asking for what I wanted, so I know that I didn't goof and tell her the wrong thing. I have another e-mail in to her to see what to do about these bags (I don't want the two mistakes as they are) - though my e-mails often go without a response, so I'll probably call her tomorrow.

The bags themselves are cute, except I'd prefer a more substantial strap, though maybe that won't bother me so much once the bags have stuff in them. The paci pouch is MUCH bigger than I expected - it will be good for containing little pieces in the bag. And the workmanship overall is very nice.

But you know how it is when you wait wait wait for something and when it finally arrives, it isn't what you ordered. Boo-hoo, disappointing. I'm sure that I'll have better things to say in a few days, once this is worked out.

ETA: Further thoughts, the paci pouch was a great deal for $6.50, I like it better than the makeup pouch. The key loop is a waste - I'd get a paci loop (with the snap) next time around. The Elaine really isn't that big once you pack it with the requisite toddler snacks and book or two, plus I *really* like to keep diapering stuff far away from eating stuff, and you can't do it easily in this bag - I have to work on this one some more.

Okay, here are some pics (sorry they are so big!):

First, my SIL's bag.



http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/2395.jpg

And my bag, with makeup pouch and paci pouch:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/2396.jpg

My bag packed for a "quick trip" - note that the magnetic snaps won't close (thus the reason I ordered a button in the first place):

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/2397.jpg

My Caroline and Elaine next to each other:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/2398.jpg

Insides of the Caroline and the Elaine:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/2399.jpg

My mom's bag - looks cute so far!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/2400.jpg

My mom's bag with the offending blue lining (the pink that I ordered would look soooo much better):

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/2401.jpg

And my mom's set with the paci pouch (she's using it for knitting):

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/2403.jpg

[cchavez]

I hope Aimee fixes things up for you. I am sorry you are disappointed. :(

[houseof3boys]

Ooooh, that stinks. Maybe the bags just got confused with another order?

I might confirm mine via email too just in case.

I'm sorry that happened Lori and hope she gets it resolved asap. I can't wait to see the pics though.

[bluej]

Bummer about the mix-up! I would LOVE to hear about the Caroline. How is it on size? Did you get three or six pockets in it? I'm thinking that would be a nice size for a church bag. Any input?

[kathsmom]

Lori,

What a bummer! I am so sorry that mistakes were made with your order. Hopefully, Aimee will respond quickly to correct the error. I can't wait to see what the bags look like. I look forward to the pictures! Let us know what happens.

[papal]

Oh Lori! Sorry you didn't get exactly what you ordered and thanks for your honest review. I REALLY liked all the bags but have to say I loved your mom's the best of all. It would be perfect for knitting. I hope you enjoy your bags!
After reading your review i might add a button-loop closure. Right now i am getting the zipper but if it is overpacked i would like to use the button-loop. Maybe i can get the magnetic snap also... (trim =zipper, medium=magnetic snap, overpacked = button loop). The paci-pouch is huge!!! I am sure more than a paci can fit in there!

Rashmi
(mom to Leela, born 10.17.03)

[khakismom]

Oh Lori, that stinks. I know how you mean when you really look forward to receiving something after waiting for weeks, and then it's not what you wanted at all. I hope you get everything straightened out with Aimee. The bags look beautiful--you guys picked some great combinations! :)

[parkersmama]

Ooh, Lori! I love them all! The Rocket Pals bag is super cool and I even love the kitties/girls one (I'm *so* not a cat person!)...the monogram is great. Also, the gingham linings on these look terrific! I really like your Paris bag, too. The button loop is definitely better than the mag. snap. And, I have to agree, the pink lining would look infinitely better on your mom's bag! The blue looks good with the Bag fabric but not when you've got the burgundy and pink accents on the bottom. It just clashes! The paci pouches are nice...kinda wish I'd gotten one myself. :)

[houseof3boys]

Hmmm, I think I might add a paci pouch to mine too. It is nice. I'm sure for anyone that just ordered one in the last week, it wouldn't be a big deal to add it. :)

[cinrein]

Oh Lori, I'm so sorry your order got screwed up! I know how disappointed you must be. DH is always forbidden from opening any packages that come to me cuz I love to open them up---it's like getting a present that is exactly what I wanted! LOL! I feel so deflated when it isn't quite right.

The bags are beautiful, though I agree your Mom's bag would look 1000 times better with a pink interior. Let us know how they handle the mistake(s).

Cindy and Anna 2/11/03

[houseof3boys]

Lori - I really like your bag, it's really cute. I love your mom's bag too despite the boo boo, the purses are great. They are all gorgeous and I am eager to hear her response to you to correct it.

[Momof3Labs]

Jen, I got three pockets in the Caroline, intending to use it as a purse for myself. But I just packed it with Colin's diaper bag stuff (since my rocket babies bag is going back for now - sniff, sniff) and I was surprised at how much it held! I have a sippy cup, formula dispenser with snacks, ziploc bag with snacks (yes, Colin snacks a lot when we are out), plastic pacifier case, receiving blanket (for diaper changes), wipes container, two size 3 dipes, toy car and two small board books in there. That pretty much covers us for a 2-ish hour trip. With the button closure, it closes up nicely and even has a bit of room to spare. It definitely wouldn't close with a magnetic snap or zipper, but would with a ribbon.

HTH!

[Momof3Labs]

Okay, here's the resolution. Aimee didn't get either of my e-mails (sent to two different accounts - she needs to work on her e-mail reliability, and I mentioned that to her) so I left her a voice mail and she e-mailed me back telling me to send the bags back and they will fix them and reimburse my postage. I'm perfectly happy with her response!

Now I'm debating ordering a jungle parade bag but can't decide what size! Colin loves giraffes, elephants, zebras and lions. Maybe I'll just wait until the next discount.

http://www.kellyrightsell.com/products/wallpaper/pages/images/200306/fabrics/jungle-parade.jpg

[khakismom]

Lori, I thought about getting something with this fabric too! It's so cute! And I'm glad to hear about your resolution. Aimee actually emailed me with all the details about fabric choices and extras before they were getting ready to stitch it together. It made me feel a lot better. Even now, I emailed her about my second bag to verify what I ordered.

Let us know if you get another one! :)

[bluej]

Thanks for the info Lori!

[Melanie]

Lori, those are gorgeous, but I'm so sorry that they were not what you wanted. I can only imagine how disappointing that must be. I am glad she is remedying it for you.