Zum, Zuma

(with apologies to Mazda’s ad campaign…)

My eggplant (really?  I thought eggplant was darker, maybe with brown undertones?) Zuma finally arrived yesterday.   Maybe it was the roughly 6-week wait for the new bag in the special color, but I was underwhelmed.  I’d call the color “grape” and I finally know what some Namaste customers have complained about with the odor.   I have had FIVE other Namaste bags pass through my hands, and this is the first one that has smelled like new plastic.

Then, there’s this funky accordian-style front pocket.  (Go to the website linked above and click on “view photos” for some use ideas.)  I haven’t had time to switch over to this bag yet, but I’m not sure more is better.  I can’t imagine what I’ll put in there, but when I figure it out, I’ll take a picture for you.

Natalie had asked to see how it compares to my beloved Newport.  Keep in mind, the Newport is stuffed and the Zuma isn’t, but…

One obvious difference; when I fail to carry a portfolio of some sort with me, my friendly Newport allows me to slide papers or other roughly 8×11 materials inside.  Sometimes the snap won’t shut, but those killer magnets grab hold of each other and it works.  Zuma isn’t going to be so accomodating.

They’re roughly the same height, but while it doesn’t matter if I have on a sweater and my heaviest coat, Newport slides up to my shoulder, again, Zuma won’t extend that courtesy.  It didn’t even stay put yesterday while I “wore” it on my shoulder, into the house, empty. 

Worst case, I think Zuma will be an awesome large project bag.  I tried to get a cute photo of Gretchen inside the dividerless main compartment, but she wouldn’t cooperate.  I don’t know if it was because it was cold outside or if the smell was too much for her, but trust me, the wee fur-girl could curl up inside, with a little blankie, and if those magnets weren’t so strong AND all around the wide opening, I’d try it as a Gretchie tote.

Stay tuned.  My plan is to switch over tonight and give this bag a whirl.