My dear friend asked for a fair assessment of both the Marcie vs. Paraty. Its a war, I tell you!
Just got both bags, and have been buying bags long enough to know what I like when I like, and what will eventually bother me about a particular bag. So here it goes. (And let me say again, how very awesome both bags are. I'm keeping both and I don't care of all [ok, most...] my bags turn into either a Marcie or Paraty.)
Hardware: The hw on the Marcie is this brushed gold, so even the warmer hues of the gold hw look somewhat muted. So cool, so classy without screaming for attention. Compared to that of the Paraty which has the shiny, bright gold hw. Since all I ever wear is silver and white gold jewelery, I much prefer the hw of the Marcie.
Handles (so important!): The handles of the Paraty are easier for me to carry because they're flat. Unlike that of the rolled handles of the Marcie which make for a "big grab." I would say the rolled handles are even a little bit too big, if even by a few centimeters. Also, I don't know who else has this issue but me, but the Marcie handles don't stay put on my shoulders without some fussing. And even though, the front one usually falls off at some point. The Paraty's handles' drop is too short for me to wear on the shoulder. But that's fine - there's a strap!
Shoulder strap: Duh! The obvious win here is the Paraty. And the newer Paraty's have that flattened piece in the center which is supposed to allow for easier wearing; but doesn't. Not for me anyways. Still, if I get the Paraty on a good way - it stays.
The opening of both bags are slightly too small for me cause I'm used to huge openings with Balenciaga. But it helps with the Marcie that the zipper comes completely off at one end, meaning it doesnt have to cinch closed like you think it would. (I only just discovered this today when it popped off and I thought it broke. Taking a closer look, this design is genius). The zipper slides all the way off and you can leave it hanging on just one end. Ive found with the Paraty, leaving the two sets of side clasps open makes the make smooshier and slightly bigger, meaning easier to get in and out of. So there are ways around the smaller openings for both bags.
Interior of both bags are really nice! Luxurious, even, when compared to Balenciaga (my ex-handbag obsession). Marcie wins b/c the inside of Ash is this lovely green khaki color that compliments the bag very well. Its like a nice surprise when I reach inside my bag. Like: oh! So pretty in here! I dont use the outside pocket under the flap of Marcie, b/c lets face it its difficult to reach. But besides that, Marcie has TWO inside pockets (one on each side) which I MUCH prefer to that of the Paraty which only has ONE pocket anywhere.
The outside seams/corners of the Marcie are like that of the Proenza Schoulder PS1. Kinda smashed together and then sewn together and finished with sealant. The seams/corners of the Paraty are sewn inwards and completely finished. And I much like finished corners/seams of the Paraty better since theres less chance for splitting, kwim? But I can see why the Marcie HAD to have open seams, to get the shape of the horseshoe.
Whoa! Look at that! All this time typing and not enough pictures. Sorry for the rant, but hopefully this can help some of you who are deciding between the two...
Bottom-line: GET BOTH.
Just got both bags, and have been buying bags long enough to know what I like when I like, and what will eventually bother me about a particular bag. So here it goes. (And let me say again, how very awesome both bags are. I'm keeping both and I don't care of all [ok, most...] my bags turn into either a Marcie or Paraty.)
Hardware: The hw on the Marcie is this brushed gold, so even the warmer hues of the gold hw look somewhat muted. So cool, so classy without screaming for attention. Compared to that of the Paraty which has the shiny, bright gold hw. Since all I ever wear is silver and white gold jewelery, I much prefer the hw of the Marcie.
Handles (so important!): The handles of the Paraty are easier for me to carry because they're flat. Unlike that of the rolled handles of the Marcie which make for a "big grab." I would say the rolled handles are even a little bit too big, if even by a few centimeters. Also, I don't know who else has this issue but me, but the Marcie handles don't stay put on my shoulders without some fussing. And even though, the front one usually falls off at some point. The Paraty's handles' drop is too short for me to wear on the shoulder. But that's fine - there's a strap!
Shoulder strap: Duh! The obvious win here is the Paraty. And the newer Paraty's have that flattened piece in the center which is supposed to allow for easier wearing; but doesn't. Not for me anyways. Still, if I get the Paraty on a good way - it stays.
The opening of both bags are slightly too small for me cause I'm used to huge openings with Balenciaga. But it helps with the Marcie that the zipper comes completely off at one end, meaning it doesnt have to cinch closed like you think it would. (I only just discovered this today when it popped off and I thought it broke. Taking a closer look, this design is genius). The zipper slides all the way off and you can leave it hanging on just one end. Ive found with the Paraty, leaving the two sets of side clasps open makes the make smooshier and slightly bigger, meaning easier to get in and out of. So there are ways around the smaller openings for both bags.
Interior of both bags are really nice! Luxurious, even, when compared to Balenciaga (my ex-handbag obsession). Marcie wins b/c the inside of Ash is this lovely green khaki color that compliments the bag very well. Its like a nice surprise when I reach inside my bag. Like: oh! So pretty in here! I dont use the outside pocket under the flap of Marcie, b/c lets face it its difficult to reach. But besides that, Marcie has TWO inside pockets (one on each side) which I MUCH prefer to that of the Paraty which only has ONE pocket anywhere.
The outside seams/corners of the Marcie are like that of the Proenza Schoulder PS1. Kinda smashed together and then sewn together and finished with sealant. The seams/corners of the Paraty are sewn inwards and completely finished. And I much like finished corners/seams of the Paraty better since theres less chance for splitting, kwim? But I can see why the Marcie HAD to have open seams, to get the shape of the horseshoe.
Whoa! Look at that! All this time typing and not enough pictures. Sorry for the rant, but hopefully this can help some of you who are deciding between the two...
Bottom-line: GET BOTH.
Thanks for the comparison thread!
Totally agree about the interiors. So lush especially when compared to that of Balenciaga. Just plain black. All these years I was missing out. I'm pissed I didn't get into Chloe sooner, lol. When does Miss Marcie arrive? 
