Current Good Quality Fair Price but Little Known Recommendation Thread

[piosavsfan]

Well, after several weeks, my Cesaire return is being sent back to me. I have no idea why. French post has refused to communicate with me this whole time stating that they received everything they need from Cesiare but for some reason are now sending the bag back. Needless to say, I won't be purchasing from Cesaire again.

 

[southernbelle43]

Well, after several weeks, my Cesaire return is being sent back to me. I have no idea why. French post has refused to communicate with me this whole time stating that they received everything they need from Cesiare but for some reason are now sending the bag back. Needless to say, I won't be purchasing from Cesaire again.

I am sending you a private message.

 

[TotinScience]

Well, after several weeks, my Cesaire return is being sent back to me. I have no idea why. French post has refused to communicate with me this whole time stating that they received everything they need from Cesiare but for some reason are now sending the bag back. Needless to say, I won't be purchasing from Cesaire again.

That is SO frustrating, I am really sorry you are having such a bad experience!

 

[Kimbashop]

I'm considering a bag from Deadly Ponies thanks to totinscience, and I'm also considering a bag from an Aussie brand called Status Society. Does anyone have experience with their bags in terms of quality, craftsmanship, wear, etc? I'm particularly interested in their Force of Being Bag and also a new cross body they recently advertised.

 

[TotinScience]

I'm considering a bag from Deadly Ponies thanks to totinscience, and I'm also considering a bag from an Aussie brand called Status Society. Does anyone have experience with their bags in terms of quality, craftsmanship, wear, etc? I'm particularly interested in their Force of Being Bag and also a new cross body they recently advertised.

I think you mean Status Anxiety . I was into their stuff for a bit and was tempted by a few bags (also Force of Being!), but would never pull the trigger on a bag due to a steep cost of returning back to AUS. I settled for getting a continental size wallet on sale and honestly, I was not blown away. The quality is OK, but really nothing special about the leather or craftsmanship. Deadly Ponies is vastly superior based on this experience, I'd say, but of course, they are at times over twice as expensive.

 

[Kimbashop]

I think you mean Status Anxiety . I was into their stuff for a bit and was tempted by a few bags (also Force of Being!), but would never pull the trigger on a bag due to a steep cost of returning back to AUS. I settled for getting a continental size wallet on sale and honestly, I was not blown away. The quality is OK, but really nothing special about the leather or craftsmanship. Deadly Ponies is vastly superior based on this experience, I'd say, but of course, they are at times over twice as expensive.

Yes, I meant Anxiety !
That's really good to know. I LOVE the shape of FoB as it is handdown my favorite bag shape, but I will not buy a bag that is just so-so. SO.... questions for you: Do you find the reg size Mr. Gator too big to carry as a daily bag? I'm going back and forth on size. The mini seems fairly big (about 13.7"x9 ") and I was thinking about that size because it looks like it would fit my 13" laptop just fine. But I do appreciate large drapey bags, so I'm wondering what you think of yours as an everyday bag (versus travel).

Also thinking about the Fill n Zip (the newly released one in Bovine), so if anyone has experience with that style I'm all ears.

 

[TotinScience]

Yes, I meant Anxiety !
That's really good to know. I LOVE the shape of FoB as it is handdown my favorite bag shape, but I will not buy a bag that is just so-so. SO.... questions for you: Do you find the reg size Mr. Gator too big to carry as a daily bag? I'm going back and forth on size. The mini seems fairly big (about 13.7"x9 ") and I was thinking about that size because it looks like it would fit my 13" laptop just fine. But I do appreciate large drapey bags, so I'm wondering what you think of yours as an everyday bag (versus travel).

Also thinking about the Fill n Zip (the newly released one in Bovine), so if anyone has experience with that style I'm all ears.

I'd say yes on the Mr. Gator Gang as a daily bag. Especially if you close the bottom zipper, it becomes a fairly slim profile bag that is perfect for a casual daily use. I can't compare directly, but I'd say it's smaller than Arayla's Hepburn by my memory. I am not sure if the Mini would fit a laptop? You can always ask DP themselves, they are pretty responsive to emails during weekdays (of course keeping in mind a huge time zone difference vs the States).

@southernbelle43 and I traded some bags back in the day and I had her Mr Fill and Zip medium size. It was a great bag that I ended up gifting to a relative, and I occasionally still miss it lol. If there were 2 things I'd change about DP overall, it would be
1. Strap drop. They tend to be in a "neither here nor there" territory of length for me. Meaning, on a Mr. Gator Gang the long strap is much too short to wear crossbody, but too long for a shoulder carry of my liking. It might be my gait, but bags tend to bounce about on my shoulder if not secured by an elbow and I can't STAND the feeling of a bag sliding off (first world problems, I know). So with this bag I mostly end up carrying it on my shoulder with the top straps, which are a tad shorter than my normal preferred strap drop of about 10-11 inches. Alternatively, I wear it as a super short crossbody by swinging the bag on my back if I am just walking somewhere for a bit. It's really not that big of a deal, but something to consider if those things bother you.
2. Their lining is a super utilitarian black fabric - I wish they would use other colors for better visibility. It is very similar to Balenciaga linings in that regard.
All that being said, both of my DP bags, Mr. Mini Armadillo and Mr. Gator Gang, are most definitely among huge favorites due to their versatility, leather quality, and overall excellent construction and style . If you end up getting one of their bags, do make sure to use a 10% off code, it goes a long way with more expensive models.

 

[southernbelle43]

I'd say yes on the Mr. Gator Gang as a daily bag. Especially if you close the bottom zipper, it becomes a fairly slim profile bag that is perfect for a casual daily use. I can't compare directly, but I'd say it's smaller than Arayla's Hepburn by my memory. I am not sure if the Mini would fit a laptop? You can always ask DP themselves, they are pretty responsive to emails during weekdays (of course keeping in mind a huge time zone difference vs the States).

@southernbelle43 and I traded some bags back in the day and I had her Mr Fill and Zip medium size. It was a great bag that I ended up gifting to a relative, and I occasionally still miss it lol. If there were 2 things I'd change about DP overall, it would be
1. Strap drop. They tend to be in a "neither here nor there" territory of length for me. Meaning, on a Mr. Gator Gang the long strap is much too short to wear crossbody, but too long for a shoulder carry of my liking. It might be my gait, but bags tend to bounce about on my shoulder if not secured by an elbow and I can't STAND the feeling of a bag sliding off (first world problems, I know). So with this bag I mostly end up carrying it on my shoulder with the top straps, which are a tad shorter than my normal preferred strap drop of about 10-11 inches. Alternatively, I wear it as a super short crossbody by swinging the bag on my back if I am just walking somewhere for a bit. It's really not that big of a deal, but something to consider if those things bother you.
2. Their lining is a super utilitarian black fabric - I wish they would use other colors for better visibility. It is very similar to Balenciaga linings in that regard.
All that being said, both of my DP bags, Mr. Mini Armadillo and Mr. Gator Gang, are most definitely among huge favorites due to their versatility, leather quality, and overall excellent construction and style . If you end up getting one of their bags, do make sure to use a 10% off code, it goes a long way with more expensive models.

That Fill n Zip was also in deer nappa which is the most incredible feeling leather. Wonder why they have started using far less of that? Maybe they cannot get as much of it. The bovine is also fabulous, so no problem. I agree with everything she said about DP.

 

[Kimbashop]

I'd say yes on the Mr. Gator Gang as a daily bag. Especially if you close the bottom zipper, it becomes a fairly slim profile bag that is perfect for a casual daily use. I can't compare directly, but I'd say it's smaller than Arayla's Hepburn by my memory. I am not sure if the Mini would fit a laptop? You can always ask DP themselves, they are pretty responsive to emails during weekdays (of course keeping in mind a huge time zone difference vs the States).

@southernbelle43 and I traded some bags back in the day and I had her Mr Fill and Zip medium size. It was a great bag that I ended up gifting to a relative, and I occasionally still miss it lol. If there were 2 things I'd change about DP overall, it would be
1. Strap drop. They tend to be in a "neither here nor there" territory of length for me. Meaning, on a Mr. Gator Gang the long strap is much too short to wear crossbody, but too long for a shoulder carry of my liking. It might be my gait, but bags tend to bounce about on my shoulder if not secured by an elbow and I can't STAND the feeling of a bag sliding off (first world problems, I know). So with this bag I mostly end up carrying it on my shoulder with the top straps, which are a tad shorter than my normal preferred strap drop of about 10-11 inches. Alternatively, I wear it as a super short crossbody by swinging the bag on my back if I am just walking somewhere for a bit. It's really not that big of a deal, but something to consider if those things bother you.
2. Their lining is a super utilitarian black fabric - I wish they would use other colors for better visibility. It is very similar to Balenciaga linings in that regard.
All that being said, both of my DP bags, Mr. Mini Armadillo and Mr. Gator Gang, are most definitely among huge favorites due to their versatility, leather quality, and overall excellent construction and style . If you end up getting one of their bags, do make sure to use a 10% off code, it goes a long way with more expensive models.

Thanks! super helpful review. Sounds like you and I share the same first world bag problems. I have the same annoyance with bags sliding off and I also prefer a 10-11 inch shoulder drop on my bags. And short shoulder straps annoy me because I always throw stuff crossbody when I walk (which is all the time). One of my attractions to the midi is that they advertise it as a crossbody, so hmmm. I think I will reach out to them.

Bag linings are something that both MM and Arayla do SO well. I absolutely love those linings. I don't know why companies can't do better than black canvas.

where do I find the 10% code???

 

[Kimbashop]

That Fill n Zip was also in deer nappa which is the most incredible feeling leather. Wonder why they have started using far less of that? Maybe they cannot get as much of it. The bovine is also fabulous, so no problem. I agree with everything she said about DP.

I was frustrated to learn that they are no longer doing this bag in Deer nappa. But the Bovine style is nice. I like the clean lines of this bag a lot. It also looks like they are only making a regular and mini size now.

 

[TotinScience]

Thanks! super helpful review. Sounds like you and I share the same first world bag problems. I have the same annoyance with bags sliding off and I also prefer a 10-11 inch shoulder drop on my bags. And short shoulder straps annoy me because I always throw stuff crossbody when I walk (which is all the time). One of my attractions to the midi is that they advertise it as a crossbody, so hmmm. I think I will reach out to them.

Bag linings are something that both MM and Arayla do SO well. I absolutely love those linings. I don't know why companies can't do better than black canvas.

where do I find the 10% code???

I think if you sign up with your email they send you one. And 100% agreement about MM and Arayla linings. Beautiful, sturdy, functional, and low maintenance. Bad lining wouldn't make or break the bag,but a good one sure adds bonus points to a company .

 

[southernbelle43]

As posted above Piosavsfan had a bad experience trying to return a bag to Cesaire Paris which was really unfortunate for her. I contacted her and bought it. This worked out well for both of us.

I can see how it would not work for her. Even though it is a very large bag, it does not hold much which does work for me. This is my second Cesaire bag and I am truly impressed with the quality. The leather is divine, the quality of the bag is impeccable. Stitching and edge painting are perfect. The lining is heavy duty and is a light color so you can see your things easily.

This one, the Ode, is bubble lamb which is incredibly soft. The ultra wide strap is oh so comfortable. The drop is about 12 inches which is perfect for shoulder carry, my preferred carry length. The prices are steep, so I will be watching for sales on their products. But I would not hesitate to buy from them again (being as sure as I could be that I would not have to return it). Here are some quick photos. I don't do mod shots, but will attach one in my cleaning clothes so you can see the size. I am not petite! A close up of the bubble lamb. Yummy.

Some shots showing how soft it is and the wide strap and buckle.

And the world's worst mod shot.

 

[missframton]

This one, the Ode, is bubble lamb which is incredibly soft. The ultra wide strap is oh so comfortable. The drop is about 12 inches which is perfect for shoulder carry, my preferred carry length. The prices are steep, so I will be watching for sales on their products. But I would not hesitate to buy from them again (being as sure as I could be that I would not have to return it). Here are some quick photos. I don't do mod shots, but will attach one in my cleaning clothes so you can see the size. I am not petite! A close up of the bubble lamb. Yummy.
View attachment 4679725
Some shots showing how soft it is and the wide strap and buckle. View attachment 4679727View attachment 4679728




This leather makes me think of the fend spy with its bubbly leather. Your bag looks great!. Thank you for sharing

 

[southernbelle43]

You are welcome.

 

[southernbelle43]

Follow up on my Ode bag. Today I noticed that I have managed to get a big gouge on my new bag. I have never done that before on any of my bags in 3 years. I am pretty careful. Needless to say, it made me sad and I changed into another bag that is not so fragile. The only thing I can think of that might have done it is the shopping cart at the grocery.


But my good friend on TPF put it in perspective for me and I immediately got it back out. It is one of my favorite bags and I love carrying it. I am going to use it, enjoy it and if it gets more scratches or gouges, so be it.
Life is too short and too precious to worry about things like this. Just wanted to share so when one of you has something happen, maybe you can say. "What the heck, it is still a gorgeous bag."
Thank you TotinScience for your sage advice.