Outfit details: Similar top, cap toe heels, boater hat
Happy Thursday guys!
So, I’ve been getting a LOT of questions lately about Cult Gaia’s “Gaia’s Ark” bag–that I wear in, ahem, approximately every other post. (I’M SORRRYYY but it’s just so cute! Also I own like 4 bags total. This is one of them, so you know it’s worth it–promise.) I figured, why not do a little Q&A on it so you can get ALL your questions answered in one place?
Outfit details: Trench coat, cap toe heels, lipstick (in “Lady Danger”)
How can I get my hands on it when it sells out so fast?
This is a great question. Certain retailers do stock it from time to time but they sell out like HOTTT cakes. The best way to get your hands on a Gaia’s Ark bag is to pre-order one through their website directly. It looks like the latest order will ship out before mid-July, so you don’t have to wait too long! I would order ASAP so you can still get in on the next shipment.
Do you have the large or small size?
I have the large size! I think it’s the perfect size because I can fit my full-sized wallet, sunglasses case, and a little makeup bag in it with no trouble. The smaller size I would equate to more of a clutch. Update: Diana says that she has the small and it fits more than a clutch–her phone, wallet, keys all fit no problem!
Is it fragile?
Despite how it looks, it’s actually very sturdy. I haven’t had any problems with it, and I’m kind of clumsy, so if anyone were going to break it, let’s be honest–it would probably be me. The bamboo is pretty thick so I don’t think you have to worry about that!
Outfit details: Floral dress available here, similar here, similar sunnies
Does stuff fall out of it?
I mean, don’t throw your loose credit cards in it–then you might have problems, but other than that–no, nothing falls out of it. I throw loose lipsticks in there all the time and the slats are far too close together to let anything slip through.
Can you see through it and see all your stuff?
Actually, you can’t! It looks like it would be see through, but it isn’t! In half these photos, my wallet and phone and keys were in the bag, but I bet you can’t tell which one’s, can you? 😉
How do you pack it in your suitcase without damaging it?
Super easy trick! Pack it in the box that it comes in. You can be super efficient and pack socks, undies, scarves, t-shirts, anything small in the back and stuff them around the bag inside the box so you don’t lose any space. I’ve even packed it this way in my carry-on and was still able to fit everything I needed in it!
I can’t decide–is it cute or does it look like a hamster contraption?
Ah, this is the question. I believe both. Your husband will probably only think the latter, but you don’t dress for him anyway, do you?
Will I actually use wear it on a regular basis?
Yes! I really do use this for just about every occasion. I’ve worn it to weddings, out to dinner, to brunch–pretty much everywhere! (I promise I don’t only wear it as a prop for photos, haha!) I love love this bag, and I think it makes any outfit look so much cuter!
Outfit details: Polka dot top is sold out, but available in white, white jeans, similar shoes
That’s all folks! If you want to pull the trigger, you can pop on over here to pre-order yours–the next shipment goes out in July (And no, haha! They aren’t sponsoring this in any way!)
Ah- I love your answer to the hamster contraption question! Most of the times when I see the ark bag styled it doesn’t look like there is ever anything inside. So, mostly I just picture bloggers walking around with this cute, empty bag. 😉 Glad to know you’re putting things in your bag. It really is cute and seems to go with everything!
Hi Britney! Actually, often times when I photograph it there is stuff inside! (I added a question about this, so thanks for bringing that up!) It looks see through, but it isn’t! The slats are close enough together where you really can’t tell. I mean, if you’re up close and staring at it in person, of course you can tell, but it’s not noticeable at a glance or from far away!
I LOVE this post!! I feel like everyone has had these questions about the bag. It’s SO CUTE and I love stealing it from you. 😉 XOXO
YAYY!
This is so funny! And so true! The hamster cage comment made me LOL! My husband probably would be confused, but on the other hand, I have a Kate Spade bag in the shape of a glittery whale, so he has learned my style. I couldn’t tell in pics, but can you see through the bag? It really doesn’t look like you can! Do you know anything about the acrylic ones? I saw a blush acrylic one, and I was super intrigued. Thanks for your honesty and help on the bag! They’re everywhere! And so fab.
xxoo
Mary
http://www.BelleOnTrend.com
HAHA one girl once said, “I can totally put my chinchilla in there!” I don’t know about the acrylic ones, but I also think they’re ADORABLE. If you get one, you have to let me know what you think!
I love that bag! It’s so chic and classic, and it appears to go with everything. That’s a total A+ in my book. Thanks for the informative post, Jess!
Thanks Cristina!! Glad you liked it!
I bought the small version back in March and I’m obsessed! I honestly would say it holds more than a clutch — I can fit my full size wallet, phone, sunglasses and keys in it no problem! (It’s full, but it’s all in there! And I’ve seen you mention your tip about packing it in the bag it came in before, and it’s been such a lifesaver! Totally fits in a carry-on or a bigger suitcase. So thank you!!!
Amazing! I just updated the post and let people know that you love your small version too! 🙂 Thanks Diana! So glad you liked the packing tip, too!
I’m dying at the hamster joke! So true
Your review is very complete and helpfull for the ones still hesitating !
Even though it might not be the most practical one (especially for moms), It is really nice to see a popular bag at an affordable price, showing that style is not (always) about having a luxury piece but about knowing how to combine things.
What sizes does the Gaia Ark come in?
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I’ve heard people say that the ones that have the plastic tubes at the top instead of the beads are fakes, but I see that yours has the plastic tubes, so is that a myth?