Advice for 1st everyday premier bag

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Based on your reference pics, I'd say we have the same taste haha. So although I don't have these bags (yet), I thought I'd give my two-cents.

I've been eyeing the YSL shopper tote as an everyday bag, and like you, a Chanel WOC for occassion wear (and also as probably one of the most accessible pieces to get the classic chanel vibes). I find the YSL tote to actually be reasonably priced, and the look is extremely minimalist chic.
 
I’m glad you like the bag :smile:
I think the pricing may have been affected by the different locations/currencies? The price is showing up on my screen as AUD$972 (Farfetch Australia site), and the current WOCs and mini bags are selling on the Ferragamo Australia site for around AUD $800 to $1.5k.
ah I didn't change the currency to USD. It ends up being $632 which is very reasonable.
 
what do you guys think? I think I've narrowed my choices down to these:
https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/givenchy-dual-strap-crossbody-bag/product/0400098098239
Pros:
-no branding whatsoever. I don't even think the Givenchy logo is embossed in gold, I think it's just been stamped on the bag.
-The chain makes it a little edgy, which I like. I don't think I'll ever carry it by just the chain but it is a possibility.
-It doesn't really look like the other GV3 bags because it doesn't have that clasp so it's even less recognizable than those.
Cons:
-I'm worried that I might outgrow the chain detailing in a couple years. I would assume it's removable, but then I would be left with just a plain leather crossbody bag. Nothing wrong with that, but am I willing to pay $$$ for that?
https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/bottega-veneta-chain-leather-wallet/product/0400098317387
Pros:
-chain strap is removable so I could potentially wear as a clutch
-The leather is beautiful and very classic BV, but I don't think it is loud at all.
-I am not sure what the chain color is based on the picture, but it doesn't look gold which is good because I'm not a fan of GHW (too dressy for me). The brass chain detailing on the Givenchy bag is fine though.
-this will never go out of fashion because of how simple and timeless BV is.
Cons:
- this is the smallest of the bags I am looking at. They do make a wider WOC, but I don't like the leather as much nor the look as much as this one.
-I know BV is great quality, but does anyone have firsthand experience? I've seen many aftermarket bags (like on ebay) that have the pieces of intrecciato leather coming apart and fraying. Is this just from bag abuse, or should I expect this after a few years with this bag?
https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/sai...ther-chain-shoulder-bag/product/0400093736456
Pros:
-I love the look of a black bag with black chain and logo. There is something edgy yet very chic about it.
-I am familiar with the quality of Saint Laurent bags and SLGs in the grained leather (to me it feels similar to Chanel's caviar, though I know caviar varies from season to season). They are very sturdy and I know this bag will last a long time and I won't have to baby it at all.
Cons:
-of the bags I am debating, this seems to be the most iffy for me. This is particularly because:
-the logo is so huge. It's not as noticeable in black but I still wish it was a teeny tiny Cassandra logo, or they just embossed Saint Laurent Paris like they do on their unlined tote bags.
-I'm worried that the black paint on the hardware will start to chip. This is beginning to happen to my card holder which I've owned for 2 years, but I just throw that in my bag without a care in the world.
Now for the McQueen box bag! I was thinking of getting it from TRR
https://www.therealreal.com/phoenix...ossbody-bags/alexander-mcqueen-legend-box-bag
but noticed it is still available full price, with many options
https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/ale...&P_name=Alexander+McQueen&Ntt=mcqueen+box&N=0
https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/ale...&P_name=Alexander+McQueen&Ntt=mcqueen+box&N=0
https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/ale...&P_name=Alexander+McQueen&Ntt=mcqueen+box&N=0
https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/ale...&P_name=Alexander+McQueen&Ntt=mcqueen+box&N=0
https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/ale...&P_name=Alexander+McQueen&Ntt=mcqueen+box&N=0
-according to the sizes in the descriptions, it seems that the one on TRR is largest in size.
-This bag seems a bit fussy with the opening, so I think I would prefer it in a bigger size rather than a smaller size just for ease of getting stuff in and out.
-I don't really have a preference when it comes to the croc embossed leather or not, which one do you guys think would be most timeless?
-I would be paying $580 for the one on TRR, and at most $1194 for one full price.

I know this post is super long and I already appreciate all your suggestions! Thank you guys for everything!
 
Ohhhh these are all really lovely! I like them all.
My main considerations would be:
- I love how the Givenchy has a zip at the top - would be really convenient to open/close on the go. Personally I’m not sure about the chain (and it would probably add to the weight of the bag?), but as you say, the bag would be a bit plain if you take the chain off.
- The BV is perfect except it does feel a bit small (can you fit all your usual SLGs in it?) and probably needs a bit of maintenance. It would make such a classic and timeless little clutch for special occasions too.
- I’ve also heard that the black hardware on YSL bags chip after a while. That’s what kept me away from their black on black WOC (ended up getting the black with gold hardware).
- The Alexander McQueen box is so cute (also minus the chain) and definitely the most eye-catching! I like the black embossed version but would probably get the plain leather one for everyday use (can dress up and down).
 
Ohhhh these are all really lovely! I like them all.
My main considerations would be:
- I love how the Givenchy has a zip at the top - would be really convenient to open/close on the go. Personally I’m not sure about the chain (and it would probably add to the weight of the bag?), but as you say, the bag would be a bit plain if you take the chain off.
- The BV is perfect except it does feel a bit small (can you fit all your usual SLGs in it?) and probably needs a bit of maintenance. It would make such a classic and timeless little clutch for special occasions too.
- I’ve also heard that the black hardware on YSL bags chip after a while. That’s what kept me away from their black on black WOC (ended up getting the black with gold hardware).
- The Alexander McQueen box is so cute (also minus the chain) and definitely the most eye-catching! I like the black embossed version but would probably get the plain leather one for everyday use (can dress up and down).

If you mean the BV mini Montebello, it’s a little bigger than a Chanel WOC. I can fit a card case and a few other things like phone, lip gloss, gum, a few tissues. I wish it wasn’t divided into two sections — personally, I like smaller bags to be one open space on the inside. That said, I sold my WOC years ago because it was just too small. The mini Montebello is just that little bit more spacious. And as you said, you can remove the chain to make it a clutch. With the Chanel WOC, you can’t detach the strap and if you put it inside the bag, there’s no room for anything else.

I find all BV items to be super durable. I don’t think the mini Montebello would need any more maintenance than another bag, unless you were planning to get one in an exotic.
 
If you mean the BV mini Montebello, it’s a little bigger than a Chanel WOC. I can fit a card case and a few other things like phone, lip gloss, gum, a few tissues. I wish it wasn’t divided into two sections — personally, I like smaller bags to be one open space on the inside. That said, I sold my WOC years ago because it was just too small. The mini Montebello is just that little bit more spacious. And as you said, you can remove the chain to make it a clutch. With the Chanel WOC, you can’t detach the strap and if you put it inside the bag, there’s no room for anything else.

I find all BV items to be super durable. I don’t think the mini Montebello would need any more maintenance than another bag, unless you were planning to get one in an exotic.
Sounds like a pretty good option then!

I feel like this is a dangerous post... I came here to recommend a Ferragamo mini bag and now I’m interested in both the McQueen box and the BV mini Montebello (and I already have my eyes on the small Trio for my next crossbody bag...)
 
Sounds like a pretty good option then!

I feel like this is a dangerous post... I came here to recommend a Ferragamo mini bag and now I’m interested in both the McQueen box and the BV mini Montebello (and I already have my eyes on the small Trio for my next crossbody bag...)

I looked back and realized the link the OP posted was to the BV WOC, not the mini Montebello. I don’t have the WOC so can’t comment on that one, but the mini Montebello is a great small bag option!

The McQueen box bag looks interesting. It’s boxy shape makes it look more casual to me, but also means it will fit more!
 
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Sounds like a pretty good option then!

I feel like this is a dangerous post... I came here to recommend a Ferragamo mini bag and now I’m interested in both the McQueen box and the BV mini Montebello (and I already have my eyes on the small Trio for my next crossbody bag...)
It is quite dangerous indeed! My apologies. I cannot seem to favor any over the other between the box and the Givenchy bag and the BV since they're all so different. So for now I must just admire them all until I have the courage to pick one of them.
 
I looked back and realized the link the OP posted was to the BV WOC, not the mini Montebello. I don’t have the WOC so can’t comment on that one, but the mini Montebello is a great small bag option!

The McQueen box bag looks interesting. It’s boxy shape makes it look more casual to me, but also means it will fit more!
Ahh I see, I should have checked the name of the bag. Both the WOC and the mini Montebello look lovely though.

It is quite dangerous indeed! My apologies. I cannot seem to favor any over the other between the box and the Givenchy bag and the BV since they're all so different. So for now I must just admire them all until I have the courage to pick one of them.
Good discipline! Maybe try out the bags physically at the store and see which one feels the nicest?
 
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