I saw the Malena in burgandy patent at Nordstrom. It stopped me dead in my tracks and made me gasp. It was beautiful! The color was amazing. It was big but I love big bags. The problem with it is that in my opinion, it just isn't functional. It's too hard to get in and out of. I think I'm picky about bags that way. In fact, that is my complaint about lots of bags now that I think about it, including bags I own and love. The Malena is really big and roomy on the bottom but the opening to the bag is narrow and small at the top. That was my big dislike about it. However, it is so gorgous IRL. The color is just amazing.
To make a long story short, I say go for the blue Mahala.
To make a long story short, I say go for the blue Mahala.