Alma BB- Monogram, DE or Epi

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

firstlouis21

Member
Jan 18, 2021
14
16
Hi ladies,

I posted a while ago about getting my first LV, but after much consideration between a mylockme chain bag and an LV classic I decided to go the safe route and pick an alma bb.

This is as I've heard issues regarding the structure of the mylockme (denting in the middle of the flap) and hardware issues (scratches on the turn lock etc.).

So now I'm considering the alma bb- in monogram, DE or epi (black).
Please let me know which you think is best as I prefer bags that are low key and easy maintenance and will easily dress up or down.

Also please let me know what alma bb bag you went with and why?


FYI:
My style is: fitted tee, jeans and sneakers for a casual look, or if i'm dressing up it will be a mini skirt, boots and a nice top with an overcoat.

My currents thoughts are:

Monogram:
- super cute with the flowers
- difficult to maintain as the vachetta will patina
- iconic print, great resell value
- potentially difficult to match with clothing given that it's a busy print
- I don't usually like brown bags, but mono is a heritage print and a classic

1613460788849.png

DE:
- a lot more low key, easier to maintain than monogram
- iconic print, great resell value
- potentially difficult to match with clothing given that it's a checkered print
- I don't usually like brown bags, but DE is a heritage print and a classic

1613460804082.png

Epi (in black):
- very understated, least maintenance compared to all others
- resell value isn't as great
- potentially may be difficult to style with casual clothing? More business like/ will age me?
- I prefer black bags more than anything else
- will be easy to match clothing colour scheme wise

Caveat: I already have a bag in this shape (but bigger with a front zip) from another contemporary designer

1613460829170.png

TIA xx
 
Hi ladies,

I posted a while ago about getting my first LV, but after much consideration between a mylockme chain bag and an LV classic I decided to go the safe route and pick an alma bb.

This is as I've heard issues regarding the structure of the mylockme (denting in the middle of the flap) and hardware issues (scratches on the turn lock etc.).

So now I'm considering the alma bb- in monogram, DE or epi (black).
Please let me know which you think is best as I prefer bags that are low key and easy maintenance and will easily dress up or down.

Also please let me know what alma bb bag you went with and why?


FYI:
My style is: fitted tee, jeans and sneakers for a casual look, or if i'm dressing up it will be a mini skirt, boots and a nice top with an overcoat.

My currents thoughts are:

Monogram:
- super cute with the flowers
- difficult to maintain as the vachetta will patina
- iconic print, great resell value
- potentially difficult to match with clothing given that it's a busy print
- I don't usually like brown bags, but mono is a heritage print and a classic

View attachment 4992222

DE:
- a lot more low key, easier to maintain than monogram
- iconic print, great resell value
- potentially difficult to match with clothing given that it's a checkered print
- I don't usually like brown bags, but DE is a heritage print and a classic

View attachment 4992223

Epi (in black):
- very understated, least maintenance compared to all others
- resell value isn't as great
- potentially may be difficult to style with casual clothing? More business like/ will age me?
- I prefer black bags more than anything else
- will be easy to match clothing colour scheme wise

Caveat: I already have a bag in this shape (but bigger with a front zip) from another contemporary designer

View attachment 4992224

TIA xx
From the three and your comments on what you prefer I would chose the Alma DE. I think it can be dressed up and down and looks unique to every outfit. It looks great to all black outfit but also to light colors in summer. I have different bags in all three prints and colors and DE fits to all and is my most used bag.
My LV monogram I only use when it‘s not raining and my black LV mostly in winter with dark clothes.
 
Hi ladies,

I posted a while ago about getting my first LV, but after much consideration between a mylockme chain bag and an LV classic I decided to go the safe route and pick an alma bb.

This is as I've heard issues regarding the structure of the mylockme (denting in the middle of the flap) and hardware issues (scratches on the turn lock etc.).

So now I'm considering the alma bb- in monogram, DE or epi (black).
Please let me know which you think is best as I prefer bags that are low key and easy maintenance and will easily dress up or down.

Also please let me know what alma bb bag you went with and why?


FYI:
My style is: fitted tee, jeans and sneakers for a casual look, or if i'm dressing up it will be a mini skirt, boots and a nice top with an overcoat.

My currents thoughts are:

Monogram:
- super cute with the flowers
- difficult to maintain as the vachetta will patina
- iconic print, great resell value
- potentially difficult to match with clothing given that it's a busy print
- I don't usually like brown bags, but mono is a heritage print and a classic

View attachment 4992222

DE:
- a lot more low key, easier to maintain than monogram
- iconic print, great resell value
- potentially difficult to match with clothing given that it's a checkered print
- I don't usually like brown bags, but DE is a heritage print and a classic

View attachment 4992223

Epi (in black):
- very understated, least maintenance compared to all others
- resell value isn't as great
- potentially may be difficult to style with casual clothing? More business like/ will age me?
- I prefer black bags If you are looking for a casino follow https://qualitycasinos.cc/playojo-casino/ quality playojo casinos reviews. more than anything else
- will be easy to match clothing colour scheme wise

Caveat: I already have a bag in this shape (but bigger with a front zip) from another contemporary designer

View attachment 4992224

TIA xx
I vote for Epi
 
  • Like
Reactions: firstlouis21
If this is your first LV purchase, you should pick the most fuss-free bag so that you can enjoy for longer period of time. Unless you are a hardcore fan of the mono print and are not afraid of the tanning process/outcome of the vachetta leather, then you can go for it.

The DE print is not busy at all, and you'd be surprised how much it could work with many outfits/style. If you have an Instagram account, do a quick search with #almabb and you can see how others work their bags with their outfits. That said, DE print is not something I would personally pick for any night outing/dinner, unlike the black epi, which could be dressed up or dressed down. Also, the DE print now has a matte leather instead of the shiny coating, and I had only held it once at the boutique. Although I do not have any significant preference towards the matte or shiny leather on the DE, I believe there are already few unpleasant feedback in another thread about the matte leather on the DE, mostly affected from the rain. Therefore, you might want to read those reviews before deciding, too.

Since you had mentioned the caveat earlier, then you may not want to use the DE when there is rain. I think the DE looks more interesting than the epi due to the gold zip and hardware. Have you seen the new releases of Alma bb in Epi, each comes with a thicker strap? There are more pretty colours to choose from.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
I have it in Black Epi, it’s my most used bag. I have it for maybe 6 or more years still look like new! And I don’t baby my bags.

I have had it since I was mid 20, I wouldn’t think it will age you. But, it definitely more on mature look than the other two. I wear mostly jeans and t-shirt, I think the bag goes well with everything.

It’s my first Epi product, and it makes me want to get most things in Epi. Leather feels indestructible.

Quick snap of it! I do overfill it sometime and I don’t recommend doing it
 

Attachments

  • E713C455-E8DB-4447-8236-9D9B335E7CB7.jpeg
    E713C455-E8DB-4447-8236-9D9B335E7CB7.jpeg
    61 KB · Views: 105
I would go with Epi because being black it will fly under the radar when you want it to (if you don't want to show off you're carrying LV), with the neutral base of black also allowing you to dress it up if you wanted with a bag charm or twilly of any colour; you may not have this much versatility with the DE and mono prints.

Once you have used the Epi you may decide you have gotten used to the experience of using the bag and can get a BB in a different print to mix things up.

Hope this helps.
 
I would go DE. It's easier to care for, suitable for rainy days, classic and neutral. I also prefer the gold hardware, but you could find the black BB in gold hardware if you went the vintage route possibly. Epi is heavier but it is also very hard wearing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: firstlouis21
Have you considered the world tour alma bb? You won't have to worry about vachetta and I feel like the black trim makes it slightly more dressy than the regular monogram while still being casual.
I have already considered it, great point ! I feel like with the patches it's super cool but I might not be edgy enough to pull it off !
Maybe one day haha
 
If this is your first LV purchase, you should pick the most fuss-free bag so that you can enjoy for longer period of time. Unless you are a hardcore fan of the mono print and are not afraid of the tanning process/outcome of the vachetta leather, then you can go for it.

The DE print is not busy at all, and you'd be surprised how much it could work with many outfits/style. If you have an Instagram account, do a quick search with #almabb and you can see how others work their bags with their outfits. That said, DE print is not something I would personally pick for any night outing/dinner, unlike the black epi, which could be dressed up or dressed down. Also, the DE print now has a matte leather instead of the shiny coating, and I had only held it once at the boutique. Although I do not have any significant preference towards the matte or shiny leather on the DE, I believe there are already few unpleasant feedback in another thread about the matte leather on the DE, mostly affected from the rain. Therefore, you might want to read those reviews before deciding, too.

Since you had mentioned the caveat earlier, then you may not want to use the DE when there is rain. I think the DE looks more interesting than the epi due to the gold zip and hardware. Have you seen the new releases of Alma bb in Epi, each comes with a thicker strap? There are more pretty colours to choose from.

Good luck!
Wow thanks for the detailed reply and I had no idea about the shiny vs matte leather on the DE and upon reading the thread- wow, not sure if I want to risk water spots.

I totally agree with the gold hardware- it feel like it pops a lot more compared to black and silver hardware. To your point on the newer alma bb with the thicker canvas straps, I don't really gravitate to bright colours and I feel like it might be difficult to match with clothing but nonetheless super pretty !

I'll probably go with the black epi due to its versatility and ability to withstand wear/ tear :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: SpiceIsle Gal
Top