Bals you want to buy, plan to buy and those you can't quite make up your mind about

[jeanstohandbags]

Hi all, haven't been around in ages! Just popped on to see what I've been missing. Here are a few shots of some blues -- I love comparison shots so I thought I'd throw these into the ring - clockwise from top left (first pic): 05 Indigo, '15 bleu obscur mgsh, 09 officier clutch, 04 dark turquoise (all have been sold save for the clutch). Lighting isn't fabulous... the bleu obscur doesn't have any green in it as it appears in some of these and for me was an absolutely fantastic wear-with-anything navy that I loved with the silver hardware. @muchstuff I will always and forever lust after your marine courier and day Hope ya'll are well!View attachment 3709148 View attachment 3709149 View attachment 3709150

These are all such beautiful bags, even more so grouped together! It's always lovely to see you pop in x

 

[SomethingGoodCanWork]

I don't think these pics represent the true colors. I remember seeing Bleu Obscur and thinking it was gorgeous. I even considered selling my Bleu Mineral because I wanted Blue Obscur so baldy and couldn't justify two blue bags. Kicking myself now for not getting.. ahh well.

Do you think that the pics of Bleu Obscur bags that Gringach and s.tighe posted in the thread are more representative? #64 and #85 I agree that they look different and I like the colour in their pics much better than in Bal's own. Maybe they're not the exact same shade from year to year?

 

[BPC]

Hah, you're the one who piqued my interest in Bal blues...All of your blues are gorgey...the leather on the clutch...

Yes, without any green though (I'm seeing a touch of green on my screen as well.)

This is as close to the original color that I was able to get. The one I saw had GGH.
It's a navy color.

 

[SomethingGoodCanWork]

Hi all, haven't been around in ages! Just popped on to see what I've been missing. Here are a few shots of some blues -- I love comparison shots so I thought I'd throw these into the ring - clockwise from top left (first pic): 05 Indigo, '15 bleu obscur mgsh, 09 officier clutch, 04 dark turquoise (all have been sold save for the clutch). Lighting isn't fabulous... the bleu obscur doesn't have any green in it as it appears in some of these and for me was an absolutely fantastic wear-with-anything navy that I loved with the silver hardware. @muchstuff I will always and forever lust after your marine courier and day Hope ya'll are well!View attachment 3709148 View attachment 3709149 View attachment 3709150

More amazing blue Bals Thank you s.thighe!

I like all of these blues but the Dark Turquoise really stands out, beautiful! It's almost a bit unfair to the other blues how it pops Gringach also recommended the Bleu Obscur as a good neutral that fits with most everything so I'll have to take a closer look. But yes, muchstuff's Marine Courier #27 looks like blue perfection and would be a serious contender if it was possible to find a City in that colour.

I wonder, are the Indigo and Marine colours similar at all?

 

[SomethingGoodCanWork]

Yes, without any green though (I'm seeing a touch of green on my screen as well.)

This is as close to the original color that I was able to get. The one I saw had GGH.
It's a navy color.
View attachment 3709455

Thank you again for pics! It's hard to believe from Bal's own site that Bleu Obscur is a navy. On my screen it looks maybe a little green but also very greyish. I wouldn't even had considered it if it wasn't for how so many of you describe it and seem to like it.

 

[Kendie26]

Hi all, haven't been around in ages! Just popped on to see what I've been missing. Here are a few shots of some blues -- I love comparison shots so I thought I'd throw these into the ring - clockwise from top left (first pic): 05 Indigo, '15 bleu obscur mgsh, 09 officier clutch, 04 dark turquoise (all have been sold save for the clutch). Lighting isn't fabulous... the bleu obscur doesn't have any green in it as it appears in some of these and for me was an absolutely fantastic wear-with-anything navy that I loved with the silver hardware. @muchstuff I will always and forever lust after your marine courier and day Hope ya'll are well!View attachment 3709148 View attachment 3709149 View attachment 3709150

GIRL!!!!!! You have been missed BIGTIME!! So awesome to see your lovely avatar pop up along w/ your ever useful info & pics! Those blues are phenomenal. Hope all has been wonderful in your world.

 

[BalenciagaKitte]

I'd love a red or black Hip, they're gorgeous, but I got to get a grip and stay on my plan which at the moment does not (repeat to self DOES NOT) include a Hip

I have a black Hip already... I know what you mean, I am saving for some Louboutin shoes so my red Hip will have to wait...

 

[s.tighe]

to you all . In de-acquisition mode I need to limit my exposure to temptation so I've been studiously avoiding indulgence in tpf except for occasional peeks. RE: Bleu Obscur.... Link below to a purseblog from 7/15 that featured my bleu obscur... scroll down three or four images for the full picture. This photo is true to the B.O. color. No green, a dead-on and very pretty navy IMO. I absolutely loved it with the contrast of the silver hardware, and at the time I think it was my only non-classic/RH City so I also enjoyed the fuss-free-ness of no tassels. I'm actually not really sure why I sold it, I was just in a mood I guess (though weirdly I don't regret it either).

http://www.purseblog.com/purseforum/purseforum-roundup-july-31/

 

[BPC]

to you all . In de-acquisition mode I need to limit my exposure to temptation so I've been studiously avoiding indulgence in tpf except for occasional peeks. RE: Bleu Obscur.... Link below to a purseblog from 7/15 that featured my bleu obscur... scroll down three or four images for the full picture. This photo is true to the B.O. color. No green, a dead-on and very pretty navy IMO. I absolutely loved it with the contrast of the silver hardware, and at the time I think it was my only non-classic/RH City so I also enjoyed the fuss-free-ness of no tassels. I'm actually not really sure why I sold it, I was just in a mood I guess (though weirdly I don't regret it either).

http://www.purseblog.com/purseforum/purseforum-roundup-july-31/

Yes, that's the color! Gorgeous.
Nice to see ya s.tighe

 

[SomethingGoodCanWork]

to you all . In de-acquisition mode I need to limit my exposure to temptation so I've been studiously avoiding indulgence in tpf except for occasional peeks. RE: Bleu Obscur.... Link below to a purseblog from 7/15 that featured my bleu obscur... scroll down three or four images for the full picture. This photo is true to the B.O. color. No green, a dead-on and very pretty navy IMO. I absolutely loved it with the contrast of the silver hardware, and at the time I think it was my only non-classic/RH City so I also enjoyed the fuss-free-ness of no tassels. I'm actually not really sure why I sold it, I was just in a mood I guess (though weirdly I don't regret it either).

http://www.purseblog.com/purseforum/purseforum-roundup-july-31/

That's an absolutely amazing blue... the one on Bal's website doesn't even look like it's the same colour. I'm so glad you posted s.tighe. Very helpful

 

[helenNZ]

I've always been a massive fan of the cornflower blue 06 - I had it in the twiggy back in the day - it was my first and i have such massive regrets letting it go! That colour went well with everything. I also like the Bleu Liz? Nice bold pop of blue.
And as for a bbag that I'm always thinking about: HIP! I like how compact it is! It's so cute looking but still am on the fence about it.

 

[SomethingGoodCanWork]

I'm about ready to buy a City in Caramel from 2005, a Z. It's in lovely condition as far as I can see and it's been approved by authenticators here. No warming of handles, no marks/spots besides a minor one on one corner, nothing. But I think it's only been used a couple of times which might explain the great condition.

If I buy it I will be using it at least every week, not every day, once or twice a week I guess. But another thread on light coloured Bals got me thinking, if it's such a great idea? This Caramel is beautiful but seems quite light. I take care of my bags, never put them somewhere dirty (but I have kids and situations unplanned for do occur), carry my other City mostly on the shoulder with the strap, only use the handles for moving the bag about before putting it down somewhere or on my shoulder. But this Caramel will be one of my everyday basics together with my black City and a blue City I'm also hoping to find/buy.

I'm not hesitant about the bag or colour, just about the maintenance. I'm also thinking since it's a light caramel it won't matter much if I'll have to use Leather Honey at some point and the bag darkens a bit from it. It would still be a light to medium cognac I think?

Do you guys think it can take regular use? What's been your experience with light Caramel or similar colours? Grateful for any advice!

 

[ksuromax]

I'm about ready to buy a City in Caramel from 2005, a Z. It's in lovely condition as far as I can see and it's been approved by authenticators here. No warming of handles, no marks/spots besides a minor one on one corner, nothing. But I think it's only been used a couple of times which might explain the great condition.

If I buy it I will be using it at least every week, not every day, once or twice a week I guess. But another thread on light coloured Bals got me thinking, if it's such a great idea? This Caramel is beautiful but seems quite light. I take care of my bags, never put them somewhere dirty (but I have kids and situations unplanned for do occur), carry my other City mostly on the shoulder with the strap, only use the handles for moving the bag about before putting it down somewhere or on my shoulder. But this Caramel will be one of my everyday basics together with my black City and a blue City I'm also hoping to find/buy.

I'm not hesitant about the bag or colour, just about the maintenance. I'm also thinking since it's a light caramel it won't matter much if I'll have to use Leather Honey at some point and the bag darkens a bit from it. It would still be a light to medium cognac I think?

Do you guys think it can take regular use? What's been your experience with light Caramel or similar colours? Grateful for any advice!

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View attachment 3710479

remember Kevin from Home Alone?? what's the point of having a heart, if you are afraid to use it, because someone might break it?

 

[SomethingGoodCanWork]

I never saw that film but I get your point. And you are right.

I didn't consider it before because other cognac bags I've owned (like my much missed darker cognac Mulberry) didn't have that problem. It was just when reading that thread on light coloured Bals that I realised, oh no, what if this Caramel is high maintenance? If it is, I sadly won't be buying it because I already have one gorgeous Bal (my Rouge Vif m-u clutch) just lying around doing nothing but looking beautiful all day because I'm too mesmerised, attached and lazy to sell it.

So the question then is this: Is Caramel 2005 a high maintenance bag colour? Anybody with experience of Caramel or similar?

 

[BPC]

Light color bags will show wear and dirt quicker than darker ones. There's no way to avoid it with regular use even if you're careful.
If you're worrying about it now, ask yourself how comfortable you would be using it.
I have a Cumin Bal that I use in the summers. I don't baby it, but it is in rotation. Still, it has a couple of scratches, and marks on it that you can see if you look closely, but I'm fine with it. How would you feel though if the marks and scratches were were on your caramel?