I can understand the fear of buying on the first release. I feel the same way, and its so true, as some of the posters have stated above, there are always changes,, ie the Boy. I myself hated the look of the Gabrielle when it first saw it, then I saw someone at the boutique trying it on while I was buying my Cerf tote, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. I went back for the handbag on Tuesday of this week and they didn't have the medium in all black. Its a different kind of a bag, I would say that I am planning on using it when I travel or when I run errands. The Chanel handbags that I have right now are either too big or I hate using my double flaps when I need to get into it frequently. The Gabrielle has the top zipper so that allows me to leave it open. But we shall see. I am supposed to get mine any day now. Having second thoughts...darn it.