Celine Sangle or Phantom Cabas? (with mod pics)

[Tote Ali]

Hi lovely PFers - I tried on the natural calfskin Sangle & the black small Phantom cabas today and would love your opinion on which you prefer for an every day bag.

Sangle
Pros:

• love this look - summer or winter, day or night, rich color, unique shape

• structured but light

• the natural calfskin is the most buttery thing in the world, I want to touch it all day!

Cons:

• the strap! it kept falling off my shoulder which is a real shame. However I could swap it out for another strap by another designer - has anyone done this?
• it gapes quite a bit, both the pockets and the main area, even if clasped, which makes me worry about security. Wondering if this will be better once the leather softens, has anyone experienced this?

....basically, gorgeous to see and feel but potentially less practical?

Phantom Cabas
Pros:

• all around all star - comfy, roomy, classic, elegant, understated, cinchable

• would like to grab this as it may be discontinued soon (TBC)

• price (though both this and the Sangle are in budget)

Cons:

• there are so many black totes in the world that this just seems less unique than the Sangle, but potentially more practical?

...would love your thoughts on these two -- and if you have a Sangle, if you found a different strap if you had issues with it slipping or if the gape got better in time? Thank you! )

 

[deathflight]

I think we're on the same wavelength because this was just the debate I had a few weeks ago between the two bags (but I was looking for a black one ).

I ended up going with the Cabas, because the gaping of the Sangle had me worried. I work in NYC and would much rather not risk having a bag that gapes open that much with me on the subway. Also, I like how the Cabas is a little softer and less structured, but that's more personal preference.

The website has a lot of beautiful colors now - love the green one! In store a few weeks ago, I saw a natural colored Cabas, but I wanted a pebbled leather that would hold up to wear and tear well.

Hope this helps!

 

[tiffanyann510]

I actually had the same struggle a couple of months ago. I tried on both and was looking for a bag that I could take to work, but also stuff extra stuff in (i.e. gym clothes, lunch, etc.). Ultimately, I went with the Sangle. I LOVED the structured look of it and how it stood up without anything in it. I live in SF and had some of the same concerns with security, but I just put something bulky at the top and it makes it almost impossible for anyone to try to steal something from it.

 

[Tote Ali]

I think we're on the same wavelength because this was just the debate I had a few weeks ago between the two bags (but I was looking for a black one ).

I ended up going with the Cabas, because the gaping of the Sangle had me worried. I work in NYC and would much rather not risk having a bag that gapes open that much with me on the subway. Also, I like how the Cabas is a little softer and less structured, but that's more personal preference.

The website has a lot of beautiful colors now - love the green one! In store a few weeks ago, I saw a natural colored Cabas, but I wanted a pebbled leather that would hold up to wear and tear well.

Hope this helps!

Yes I hear you on the opening of the Sangle, glad that you're enjoying the Cabas. Wow yes the green is gorgeous - all these new colours are so delicious how we will we ever decide!

 

[Tote Ali]

I actually had the same struggle a couple of months ago. I tried on both and was looking for a bag that I could take to work, but also stuff extra stuff in (i.e. gym clothes, lunch, etc.). Ultimately, I went with the Sangle. I LOVED the structured look of it and how it stood up without anything in it. I live in SF and had some of the same concerns with security, but I just put something bulky at the top and it makes it almost impossible for anyone to try to steal something from it.

Ooh that's good to know, thank for sharing! Also love the structure of this bag. Not to mention the soft touch. Decisions, decisions!!

 

[Deleted member 629947]

Hahaha, this was my exact dilemma recently! I like a lot how Sangle looks on you, cabas - ok. Now, I have a cabas and absolutely adore this little leather perfection. So comfortable to carry, fits loads and soooo well made! That said, I’m still shopping for a Sangle even though heard some criticism eg strap, some issues with trim/finishes. Sangle is so cool and can add understated elegance to any outfit.

 

[tiffanyann510]

Ooh that's good to know, thank for sharing! Also love the structure of this bag. Not to mention the soft touch. Decisions, decisions!!

The cabas also hurt my shoulder because of the skinny straps, whereas the sangle felt more comfortable for me (I stuffed both bags with a laptop and other stuff to see how they would carry). Not sure if that's just my shoulders being weird or not, but just thought I'd mention it.

 

[bootsandbags]

I just got the Cabas in licorice. I liked the sangle as a bag but hate cloth straps and didn't like the gapping pocket

 

[ztory]

I just got the Cabas in licorice. I liked the sangle as a bag but hate cloth straps and didn't like the gapping pocket

@bootsandbags Where did you get the cabas in Liqourice? Been trying to hunt it down in Europe but with no luck, sold out according to customer service,

 

[veevee1]

This thread makes me feel better - I’ve struggled with this decision and ultimately acquired both bags. My Phantom Cabas is a workhorse and looks great after a year, I bought a backup recently because I was scared that it would be discontinued.

My seau sangle in natural calfskin actually came with both cloth and leather straps - the cloth strap was a con for me but I couldn’t resist once I saw the leather option.

 

[Ladan Mrss]

Hi there!
I have Sangle and although it was love at first sight and I thought about it and did my research for two weeks before taking the bullet, I only used it a handful.
My biggest problem is that although it is not a rigid and boxy bag, but because of the structured base, it looks very gigantic.
I do not like how my items pile up on top of each other, but other than that, the bag is a true beauty. I would go for Mini though, maybe that would be a better option?

 

[bootsandbags]

@bootsandbags Where did you get the cabas in Liqourice? Been trying to hunt it down in Europe but with no luck, sold out according to customer service,

I got it at Neiman Marcus. I believe the SA said there were 7 left in the company as of last Friday

 

[ztory]

I got it at Neiman Marcus. I believe the SA said there were 7 left in the company as of last Friday

Ok Thanks! then those are probablt available only in like US or something. Just had to ask even though the customer service said these were out of stock. I have a weird experience with customer service in EU for Celine... emailed and asked if there were any Belt bag in black smooth calfskin with white thread available, was told they have never made that kind of bag and that belt only comes in grained leather. Weird since i actually tried that black bag in Celine store in Stockholm!!

 

[Kat Madridista]

I have both bags and love them both so maybe I can't really help here? Hahaha!

My Sangle strap doesn't actually slip, have you tried carrying it with something actually in the bag? Maybe if it's empty, it's more likely to shift around because there's nothing weighing it in place. I do have to adjust mine slightly sometimes but it's never fallen off.

As for gaping, mine does that too, but am not too concerned, since the bag is under my armpit, and there's little space for someone's hand to maneuver in without my noticing. Also, like someone else suggested, you could just put a scarf or sweater or on top and it will make it very hard for a pickpocket to wade through that without you noticing. But the pockets are another matter and I don't put anything valuable in there. A pack of tissues and my mints and maybe unimportant papers only.

If the only con for the Cabas is the fact that the black is common, then may I suggest another color? It really is a lovely bag! Mine is taupe!

 

[Tote Ali]

Tha

I have both bags and love them both so maybe I can't really help here? Hahaha!

My Sangle strap doesn't actually slip, have you tried carrying it with something actually in the bag? Maybe if it's empty, it's more likely to shift around because there's nothing weighing it in place. I do have to adjust mine slightly sometimes but it's never fallen off.

As for gaping, mine does that too, but am not too concerned, since the bag is under my armpit, and there's little space for someone's hand to maneuver in without my noticing. Also, like someone else suggested, you could just put a scarf or sweater or on top and it will make it very hard for a pickpocket to wade through that without you noticing. But the pockets are another matter and I don't put anything valuable in there. A pack of tissues and my mints and maybe unimportant papers only.

If the only con for the Cabas is the fact that the black is common, then may I suggest another color? It really is a lovely bag! Mine is taupe!

Ahh what a collection, congrats .... Yes unfortunately have tried with a laptop and items inside... Ultimately the gaping and slipping strap still weren't working for me on the sangle sadly. Would love to find another design in natural calfskin! How are both holding up for you?