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ryrybaby12 · Sep 19th, 2009, 11:50 PM

Hey all,

So, could you give me the good, bad and ugly on BV? I am new to the line, and went into my local boutique today...was enamored by the Sloane (Ferro) and the Cabat (Barcelona).

I almost fell over at the price of the Cabat, but thankfully, I knew going in that it was over $5k...but still.....

I typically buy Prada, Chanel, YSL, Choo, and LV....so this is a very new line for me.

I am a working mommy, and think the cabat would be SOO practical....but the cost is killing me, so thought I would start maybe with the Sloane to see if I even like these bags....and just use some of my other bags that I already have.

Why is it that I never cared for BV and then all of a sudden it hit me?? This darn forum.

Your thoughts would be appreciated....and I know we are all great enablers

jburgh · Sep 20th, 2009, 12:33 AM

Well, this is the BV forum, so you'll have to forgive me my opinions.

. I have lots of bags, and many brands (except Chanel). The materials and workmanship are far better than most brands. The cost is high because of the quality materials and meticulous sewing.

You may want to look at the Pyramid style. It has the boxiness of the Sloane, but a zip top for security. The Sloane has a flap top, and you must wiggle your hand in to retrieve items.

ryrybaby12 · Sep 20th, 2009, 01:46 AM

Thanks JBurgh! I saw the Pyramid, but liked the Sloane a little more for me. I agree that the quality was impeccable in BV....

Will keep you posted....but really liked the Barcelona Cabat in Occidato and also would contemplate it if they still had the Ferro, but did not ask the SA. She gave me the Fall and Winter catalog, but it did not have anything that stood out. Loved the Ferro color!

ssc0619 · Sep 20th, 2009, 08:28 AM

HI ryry!

I have the sloane (actually 2) and it is one of my favorite bags. Occasionally the flap top is a tiny bit irritating because you'll have to pull the two sides apart to really get into the bag to get what you want. But really it is only every now and then that I have any trouble at all.

I am also looking at that same cabat, but am going through the very slow process of selling bags I don't use to raise the funds for it. When I got to $2,000 I was thinking "this is crazy--I'm not even halfway there". But I got over it and am still working on it!!

kroquet · Sep 20th, 2009, 08:55 AM

SLoane is great bag and holds alot. What color are you thinking of?

Welcome to BV!!!

ILYNN · Sep 20th, 2009, 09:26 AM

I agree Sloane is a great bag to start with.

blueiris · Sep 20th, 2009, 09:30 AM

Welcome to BV! I have both bags--the Barcelona calf platino ossidato Cabat and the Sloane (in nero). I love both, but because you asked for the good bad and ugly, so I'll do my best to give you that.

Barcelona calf (platino ossidato) Cabat: it's more expensive than a typical nappa Cabat, and it's heavier than a nappa Cabat. The weight might be more significant depending on what you intend to carry inside it--it can add up quickly. The calf leather is not as supple and has more structure than nappa, but it is still quite pliable and softens with use. I have no worries about using it in rain or setting it on the ground if I have to. Because it has a weathered appearance already, I think it will age well in terms of not showing scuffs or dirt. I tend to wear colors in the neutral/cool range with platinum/silver jewelry, and I find the platino ossidato to be easy to wear. I think it can go year-round.

Sloane: I don't find the top flaps any more inconvenient than having to use both hands to open a zipper top, but many people hate the flaps. Try it at the store and make sure it doesn't bother you. I also don't have a security issue with the flaps, but then again, I carry an open-top Cabat with no qualms. The Sloane flaps have a magnet, and they've never flown open, and the bag is always tucked under my arm, anyway. But you have to be comfortable with it.

The ferro Sloane is nappa umbria, which is treated slightly differently than the nappa capri of my nero Sloane. So while I can't speak to how the ferro will wear, I will say that my experience with my other nappa BVs is that while beautifully crafted, they do require ordinary care. The nappa will soften with use, and some lighter colors will show soiling and wear more than darker colors would. Like most leathers, they will show abrasions. I'm not suggesting that you would be particularly careless, but I'm just trying to present a realistic scenario with nappa. Again, I love my BV nappa bags and SLGs and really enjoy them, but what one person might consider "character with age," another might consider to be a shortcoming.

You mentioned wanting the Cabat in the ferro, but I've been advised that the Cabat was never produced in ferro except as a special order, which would incur a 10-30% surcharge, if it is approved at all, and it would involve a several-month wait to be made.

This is probably more than you wanted to know!

Juda · Sep 20th, 2009, 10:01 AM

They are both beautiful bags but also very different - so it all depends on what you are looking for in a handbag.
IMO, you can't go wrong with either especially since they are both icon BV handbags

Thank you blueiris for your input, it is very interesting to know

boxermom · Sep 20th, 2009, 12:29 PM

The Sloane is always one of BV's most popular styles so it must work well for a lot of people! The price of the Cabat is initially startling, but it's double sided--so twice the intrecciato (woven leather) for this market bag style.

Most BV's will be lighter weight than many brands due to minimal hardware. That's a big plus for me and my arthritis.

I have a Ferro Pyramid and am very happy with it. Not too large, but it has lots of room. Color goes with everything.

Happy BV hunting!

MarvelGirl · Sep 20th, 2009, 12:55 PM

^^blueiris, your review rocks and totally hits the spot! I agree with everything you wrote.

ryrybaby12, I am a Chanel girl as well and only buy BV and Chanel exclusively. I just purchased the Barcelona Platino Ossidato Cabat from the Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive boutique and LOVE it. As blueiris detailed, it is extremely versatile (with gold or silver jewelry) and appears to be very hearty and durable.

BV's workmanship and quality is top notch. I don't have a Sloane because I do not like the way it wears on me but I have a few others, including the Cabat, that I absolutely adore (i.e. Maxi Veneta in Nero, Ebano Capri, Matita Belly Bag, Nero New Ball and Ebano Intagli Veneta). These are my go to bags when effortless chic is top of mind. You simply can not go wrong with BV. Welcome!

Mid- · Sep 20th, 2009, 01:15 PM

Welcome to the BV sanctuary, ryrybaby12!

Well, if I had to choose only one bag for the rest of my life, it would definitely be my cabat. I'm becoming a broken record saying "I don't need any other bags any more" since I got my mini.

And yet, sloane is a beautiful bag, love it in ferro so much!!

jmcadon · Sep 20th, 2009, 09:09 PM

I need to stay out of this forum, lol! I think the sloane would be a super hot first BV! I love the pyramid too, tho. Not so much the cabat, thank goodness! And these bags are so soft and light weight and yummy...

ats16 · Sep 20th, 2009, 09:17 PM

I have a Cabat and absolutely love it. It is a classic, and it's particularly great for carrying around kids' stuff. You can fit so much in it. The price tag is large, but I've found it to be totally worth it. In my humble opinion, you should go for it!!

aaa_1188 · Sep 20th, 2009, 11:25 PM

I don't have a cabat, but I own a Ferro Sloane, I am a little bias here, almost everyone in the BV tpf forum will tell you how long I have pined for a Ferro Sloane, I simply adore the Ferro color, it goes with almost everything, I have no problem with the flaps and love the Sloane shape and size, also I have large veneta, i have to put both bags down somewhere to get into them, so they are the same for me.

I have this insecurity due to where I grew up, so I am not really into cabat openness, having said that I also own a little origami tote that opens up and am quite comfortable with the small tote (I am blessed and thankful that I'm currently living and working in a very very safe country), but would not be wearing it when I am going to places that I am not familiar with.

ryrybaby12 · Sep 21st, 2009, 12:15 AM

Wow...first of all, let me just say, "thank you" for the warm welcome. I am impressed with all of your knowledge, and big thank to BlueIris for the lenghty but wonderful review.

I am torn on what to do, as I really love all of these bags....and like so many of you, have found a love for this brand all of a sudden.

I will re-visit the boutique this week and try to figure this out. My concern is that I invest in the Cabat and then want another bag later....can't do that as it is way too expensive to not use.

I had a funny conversation today with my DH...I keep losing my keys due to the amount of different bags I carry...he was like, "can't you just love ONE bag??".....hmm....what a question! So, if I were to get the Cabat.....then no more bags for a while...and one to love...

The Sloane is not an issue....that is almost normal these days (how sad is that??)...

So- stay tuned, and keep the opinions coming! REALLY appreciate all of you and your help!

Sep 19th, 2009, 11:50 PM	#1
ryrybaby12 OP Member Joined: Aug 2008 Location: 112 Degrees... Posts: 1,316	Prada girl looking at BV bags..Sloane and Cabat....are they worth it? Hey all, So, could you give me the good, bad and ugly on BV? I am new to the line, and went into my local boutique today...was enamored by the Sloane (Ferro) and the Cabat (Barcelona). I almost fell over at the price of the Cabat, but thankfully, I knew going in that it was over $5k...but still..... I typically buy Prada, Chanel, YSL, Choo, and LV....so this is a very new line for me. I am a working mommy, and think the cabat would be SOO practical....but the cost is killing me, so thought I would start maybe with the Sloane to see if I even like these bags....and just use some of my other bags that I already have. Why is it that I never cared for BV and then all of a sudden it hit me?? This darn forum. Your thoughts would be appreciated....and I know we are all great enablers

Sep 20th, 2009, 12:33 AM	#2
jburgh BV, Choo, Ferragamo Joined: Aug 2007 Location: where the Corgis frap Posts: 7,233	Well, this is the BV forum, so you'll have to forgive me my opinions. . I have lots of bags, and many brands (except Chanel). The materials and workmanship are far better than most brands. The cost is high because of the quality materials and meticulous sewing. You may want to look at the Pyramid style. It has the boxiness of the Sloane, but a zip top for security. The Sloane has a flap top, and you must wiggle your hand in to retrieve items.
	__________________ Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Sep 20th, 2009, 08:55 AM	#5
kroquet Banned & Menopausal Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 9,513	SLoane is great bag and holds alot. What color are you thinking of? Welcome to BV!!!
	__________________ Waitlist for Mulberry Alexa in Oak! Bella -Don't show me anymore bags!!!!

Sep 20th, 2009, 09:26 AM	#6
ILYNN Member Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 33	I agree Sloane is a great bag to start with.
ILYNN Member Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 33

Sep 20th, 2009, 10:01 AM	#8
Juda Member Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 965	They are both beautiful bags but also very different - so it all depends on what you are looking for in a handbag. IMO, you can't go wrong with either especially since they are both icon BV handbags Thank you blueiris for your input, it is very interesting to know
Juda Member Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 965

Sep 20th, 2009, 01:46 AM	#3
ryrybaby12 OP Member Joined: Aug 2008 Location: 112 Degrees... Posts: 1,316	Thanks JBurgh! I saw the Pyramid, but liked the Sloane a little more for me. I agree that the quality was impeccable in BV.... Will keep you posted....but really liked the Barcelona Cabat in Occidato and also would contemplate it if they still had the Ferro, but did not ask the SA. She gave me the Fall and Winter catalog, but it did not have anything that stood out. Loved the Ferro color!

Sep 20th, 2009, 08:28 AM	#4
ssc0619 Some 'Splainin to Do Joined: Mar 2009 Location: New York Posts: 6,038	HI ryry! I have the sloane (actually 2) and it is one of my favorite bags. Occasionally the flap top is a tiny bit irritating because you'll have to pull the two sides apart to really get into the bag to get what you want. But really it is only every now and then that I have any trouble at all. I am also looking at that same cabat, but am going through the very slow process of selling bags I don't use to raise the funds for it. When I got to $2,000 I was thinking "this is crazy--I'm not even halfway there". But I got over it and am still working on it!!

Sep 20th, 2009, 09:30 AM	#7
blueiris Member Joined: May 2008 Location: United States Posts: 1,387	Welcome to BV! I have both bags--the Barcelona calf platino ossidato Cabat and the Sloane (in nero). I love both, but because you asked for the good bad and ugly, so I'll do my best to give you that. Barcelona calf (platino ossidato) Cabat: it's more expensive than a typical nappa Cabat, and it's heavier than a nappa Cabat. The weight might be more significant depending on what you intend to carry inside it--it can add up quickly. The calf leather is not as supple and has more structure than nappa, but it is still quite pliable and softens with use. I have no worries about using it in rain or setting it on the ground if I have to. Because it has a weathered appearance already, I think it will age well in terms of not showing scuffs or dirt. I tend to wear colors in the neutral/cool range with platinum/silver jewelry, and I find the platino ossidato to be easy to wear. I think it can go year-round. Sloane: I don't find the top flaps any more inconvenient than having to use both hands to open a zipper top, but many people hate the flaps. Try it at the store and make sure it doesn't bother you. I also don't have a security issue with the flaps, but then again, I carry an open-top Cabat with no qualms. The Sloane flaps have a magnet, and they've never flown open, and the bag is always tucked under my arm, anyway. But you have to be comfortable with it. The ferro Sloane is nappa umbria, which is treated slightly differently than the nappa capri of my nero Sloane. So while I can't speak to how the ferro will wear, I will say that my experience with my other nappa BVs is that while beautifully crafted, they do require ordinary care. The nappa will soften with use, and some lighter colors will show soiling and wear more than darker colors would. Like most leathers, they will show abrasions. I'm not suggesting that you would be particularly careless, but I'm just trying to present a realistic scenario with nappa. Again, I love my BV nappa bags and SLGs and really enjoy them, but what one person might consider "character with age," another might consider to be a shortcoming. You mentioned wanting the Cabat in the ferro, but I've been advised that the Cabat was never produced in ferro except as a special order, which would incur a 10-30% surcharge, if it is approved at all, and it would involve a several-month wait to be made. This is probably more than you wanted to know!

Sep 20th, 2009, 12:29 PM	#9
boxermom Member Joined: Aug 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 13,705	The Sloane is always one of BV's most popular styles so it must work well for a lot of people! The price of the Cabat is initially startling, but it's double sided--so twice the intrecciato (woven leather) for this market bag style. Most BV's will be lighter weight than many brands due to minimal hardware. That's a big plus for me and my arthritis. I have a Ferro Pyramid and am very happy with it. Not too large, but it has lots of room. Color goes with everything. Happy BV hunting!

Sep 20th, 2009, 12:55 PM	#10
MarvelGirl Sadie, Married Lady Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 866	^^blueiris, your review rocks and totally hits the spot! I agree with *everything* you wrote. ryrybaby12, I am a Chanel girl as well and only buy BV and Chanel exclusively. I just purchased the Barcelona Platino Ossidato Cabat from the Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive boutique and LOVE it. As blueiris detailed, it is extremely versatile (with gold or silver jewelry) and appears to be very hearty and durable. BV's workmanship and quality is top notch. I don't have a Sloane because I do not like the way it wears on me but I have a few others, including the Cabat, that I absolutely adore (i.e. Maxi Veneta in Nero, Ebano Capri, Matita Belly Bag, Nero New Ball and Ebano Intagli Veneta). These are my go to bags when effortless chic is top of mind. You simply can not go wrong with BV. Welcome!
	__________________ My 2009 Chanels: Beige Clair Jumbo w/GH, Black/Grey Flap Portobello, Black Caviar Maxi w/GH, Metallic Grey Lambskin Jumbo, Black Bubble Quilt Bowler w/GH,Taupe Tweed Tote My 2009 Bottega Venetas: Platino Ossidato CABAT! Ebano Capri, Matita Belly Bag, Nero Maxi Veneta Giving GOD All The Glory! I've lost my mind in 2009 - someone stop me! LOL!

Sep 20th, 2009, 01:15 PM	#11
Mid- ありがとう Joined: Mar 2007 Location: ottone~chocolate heaven Posts: 3,567	Welcome to the BV sanctuary, ryrybaby12! Well, if I had to choose only one bag for the rest of my life, it would definitely be my cabat. I'm becoming a broken record saying "I don't need any other bags any more" since I got my mini. And yet, sloane is a beautiful bag, love it in ferro so much!!
	__________________ ~ I prefer to have very little, but it has to be exactly the right thing. ~ Tomas Maier ... still looking for a grape necklace from SS07 ...

Sep 20th, 2009, 09:09 PM	#12
jmcadon Member Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,490	I need to stay out of this forum, lol! I think the sloane would be a super hot first BV! I love the pyramid too, tho. Not so much the cabat, thank goodness! And these bags are so soft and light weight and yummy...
jmcadon Member Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,490	__________________ Jmcadon

Sep 20th, 2009, 09:17 PM	#13
ats16 Member Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 155	I have a Cabat and absolutely love it. It is a classic, and it's particularly great for carrying around kids' stuff. You can fit so much in it. The price tag is large, but I've found it to be totally worth it. In my humble opinion, you should go for it!!

Sep 20th, 2009, 11:25 PM	#14
aaa_1188 Member Joined: Apr 2009 Location: Singapore Posts: 490	I don't have a cabat, but I own a Ferro Sloane, I am a little bias here, almost everyone in the BV tpf forum will tell you how long I have pined for a Ferro Sloane, I simply adore the Ferro color, it goes with almost everything, I have no problem with the flaps and love the Sloane shape and size, also I have large veneta, i have to put both bags down somewhere to get into them, so they are the same for me. I have this insecurity due to where I grew up, so I am not really into cabat openness, having said that I also own a little origami tote that opens up and am quite comfortable with the small tote (I am blessed and thankful that I'm currently living and working in a very very safe country), but would not be wearing it when I am going to places that I am not familiar with.
	__________________ Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love Psalm 59:17, AMP

Sep 21st, 2009, 12:15 AM	#15
ryrybaby12 OP Member Joined: Aug 2008 Location: 112 Degrees... Posts: 1,316	Wow...first of all, let me just say, "thank you" for the warm welcome. I am impressed with all of your knowledge, and big thank to BlueIris for the lenghty but wonderful review. I am torn on what to do, as I really love all of these bags....and like so many of you, have found a love for this brand all of a sudden. I will re-visit the boutique this week and try to figure this out. My concern is that I invest in the Cabat and then want another bag later....can't do that as it is way too expensive to not use. I had a funny conversation today with my DH...I keep losing my keys due to the amount of different bags I carry...he was like, "can't you just love ONE bag??".....hmm....what a question! So, if I were to get the Cabat.....then no more bags for a while...and one to love... The Sloane is not an issue....that is almost normal these days (how sad is that??)... So- stay tuned, and keep the opinions coming! REALLY appreciate all of you and your help!

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