Givenchy Pandora or Balenciaga Velo?

[catsinthebag]

Hi lovely tPFers. I'm hoping you can help me resolve my current purse dilemma.

For almost a year, I've been on a hunt for an everyday bag that has certain specifications:
- It must be large enough to carry my everyday stuff, including a water bottle, but not be overwhelmingly huge.
- It must zip shut.
- It must be high quality and feel luxurious.
- It must have a cross-body strap, plus have a handle or handles that go over the shoulder.

The last one is really tough to find. The last bag I had that filled these specs was a Chloe Marcie years ago, but I sold that bag for a variety of reasons (including that the long strap was too thin and dug into my shoulder, the handles were too bulky and one always fell off my shoulder, and the opening was too small to use the bag easily).

Last week, I bought a Givenchy Pandora in pebbled goatskin. It is a bit of a departure for me, stylistically -- I will admit I hated the bag when it first came out, and it took a LOT of photos of mod shots and several try-ons to convince me. But when I did try it on, I loved it -- both how easy it was to use and the edgy-but-expensive look. It's the only bag I've found that ticks every one of the boxes I listed above.

But now, I'm having second thoughts. My DH says it looks "unwieldy," and it is a little bulkier than I want. I'm wondering how the goatskin Pandoras break in over time. I've been thinking about the Bal Metallic Edge Velo (like the Pandora, I didn't love the ME look at first, but I do love goatskin). The Bal is a prettier, more elegant bag, but still has a bit of edge, and may be more stylistically versatile than the Pandora. OTOH, the handles aren't long enough to wear it over the shoulder. Also, I tried the Velo in Angeau years ago and found it way too deep and slouchy. I'm hoping that the Metallic Edge version solves this issue because the goatskin is more structured, but I don't know.

What do you ladies think? Maybe I'm just having buyers remorse, but it's not like me to second-guess a purchase like this -- usually, I do all the hashing and re-hashing before I buy, not after! I have a little over 2 weeks before the window to return the bag closes. I'd love to hear any of your experiences with either of these bags, or any other recommendations you might have.
Thanks!

 

[soramillay]

Massacessi does a few bags that fulfilll your criteria, like the Angel and Minerva. It's not a premier brand but they are handmade in Italy and you can choose your leather/lining/hardwear. This is a pic of my Angel Midi which is a great everyday size. The handles are long enough for shoulder carry in summer but not over a winter coat. You can always ask for them to be extended.

 

[catsinthebag]

Massacessi does a few bags that fulfilll your criteria, like the Angel and Minerva. It's not a premier brand but they are handmade in Italy and you can choose your leather/lining/hardwear. This is a pic of my Angel Midi which is a great everyday size. The handles are long enough for shoulder carry in summer but not over a winter coat. You can always ask for them to be extended.

View attachment 3289703

Thanks for the recommendation! I'll have to check out the Massaccesi thread. I have to admit, I haven't considered them because there is no way to go to a store and try them on first. But everyone does seem to think highly of the brand.

 

[Rocket_girl]

Hi lovely tPFers. I'm hoping you can help me resolve my current purse dilemma.

For almost a year, I've been on a hunt for an everyday bag that has certain specifications:
- It must be large enough to carry my everyday stuff, including a water bottle, but not be overwhelmingly huge.
- It must zip shut.
- It must be high quality and feel luxurious.
- It must have a cross-body strap, plus have a handle or handles that go over the shoulder.

The last one is really tough to find. The last bag I had that filled these specs was a Chloe Marcie years ago, but I sold that bag for a variety of reasons (including that the long strap was too thin and dug into my shoulder, the handles were too bulky and one always fell off my shoulder, and the opening was too small to use the bag easily).

Last week, I bought a Givenchy Pandora in pebbled goatskin. It is a bit of a departure for me, stylistically -- I will admit I hated the bag when it first came out, and it took a LOT of photos of mod shots and several try-ons to convince me. But when I did try it on, I loved it -- both how easy it was to use and the edgy-but-expensive look. It's the only bag I've found that ticks every one of the boxes I listed above.

But now, I'm having second thoughts. My DH says it looks "unwieldy," and it is a little bulkier than I want. I'm wondering how the goatskin Pandoras break in over time. I've been thinking about the Bal Metallic Edge Velo (like the Pandora, I didn't love the ME look at first, but I do love goatskin). The Bal is a prettier, more elegant bag, but still has a bit of edge, and may be more stylistically versatile than the Pandora. OTOH, the handles aren't long enough to wear it over the shoulder. Also, I tried the Velo in Angeau years ago and found it way too deep and slouchy. I'm hoping that the Metallic Edge version solves this issue because the goatskin is more structured, but I don't know.

What do you ladies think? Maybe I'm just having buyers remorse, but it's not like me to second-guess a purchase like this -- usually, I do all the hashing and re-hashing before I buy, not after! I have a little over 2 weeks before the window to return the bag closes. I'd love to hear any of your experiences with either of these bags, or any other recommendations you might have.
Thanks!

I have both Pandora and Velo. I use them in different ways- find myself using Pandora a lot in summer, necause the goatskin is indestructible (black goatskin w/ silver hardware). I don't worry about having it on the ground (picnic blanket) at a concert or at a backyard bbq or getting jostled at a festival. Also don't worry about getting caught in the rain- it handles it all.

The Pandora goatskin breaks in beautifully- it wears like steel yet feels like velvet and develops a gorgeous, luxurious patina. It melts into your body no matter how you carry it. The Velo is also delicious, but i have never quite felt one with the Velo the way i do with Pandora.

I've been using the Velo more in winter (it's black w: g21 rose gold hardware and smooshy yet not at all delicate). It holds more (gloves, scarf...) and feels perfect for winter yet a bit much in summer.

Also depends on my mood- sometimes one calls to me, sometimes the other (i also have several other bags in regular rotation). I think if I HAD to choose one it might be the Pandora- it is objectively more functional (more carrying options, better compartments),but mercifully, i haven't had to choose just one.

They're both great choices- both tick the box for luxury and elegance- you'll have lots to love about either one. Have fun deciding and enjoy your bag either way. Do let us know what you choose!

 

[Metope]

I'd say return the Pandora. If you've never had this kind of buyer's remorse before it means the bag doesn't live up to your expectations, and it probably never will. I personally love it, but it's definitely odd looking and not for everyone!

Sounds like you might not be too into the Bal either, but maybe find a shop and try it on first? Maybe it's better than you think, and if you see yourself using the longer strap a lot then the shorter handles might not be an issue. If you really need a handle long enough to go over your shoulder, you should forget about both of these bags and keep looking. Good luck!

 

[Rocket_girl]

I'd say return the Pandora. If you've never had this kind of buyer's remorse before it means the bag doesn't live up to your expectations, and it probably never will. I personally love it, but it's definitely odd looking and not for everyone!

Sounds like you might not be too into the Bal either, but maybe find a shop and try it on first? Maybe it's better than you think, and if you see yourself using the longer strap a lot then the shorter handles might not be an issue. If you really need a handle long enough to go over your shoulder, you should forget about both of these bags and keep looking. Good luck!

^^^^+1. Yes, agree. Unless one of them gives you butterflies, keep looking. The search can be as much fun as the discovery!

 

[BPC]

Hi lovely tPFers. I'm hoping you can help me resolve my current purse dilemma.

For almost a year, I've been on a hunt for an everyday bag that has certain specifications:
- It must be large enough to carry my everyday stuff, including a water bottle, but not be overwhelmingly huge.
- It must zip shut.
- It must be high quality and feel luxurious.
- It must have a cross-body strap, plus have a handle or handles that go over the shoulder.

The last one is really tough to find. The last bag I had that filled these specs was a Chloe Marcie years ago, but I sold that bag for a variety of reasons (including that the long strap was too thin and dug into my shoulder, the handles were too bulky and one always fell off my shoulder, and the opening was too small to use the bag easily).

Last week, I bought a Givenchy Pandora in pebbled goatskin. It is a bit of a departure for me, stylistically -- I will admit I hated the bag when it first came out, and it took a LOT of photos of mod shots and several try-ons to convince me. But when I did try it on, I loved it -- both how easy it was to use and the edgy-but-expensive look. It's the only bag I've found that ticks every one of the boxes I listed above.

But now, I'm having second thoughts. My DH says it looks "unwieldy," and it is a little bulkier than I want. I'm wondering how the goatskin Pandoras break in over time. I've been thinking about the Bal Metallic Edge Velo (like the Pandora, I didn't love the ME look at first, but I do love goatskin). The Bal is a prettier, more elegant bag, but still has a bit of edge, and may be more stylistically versatile than the Pandora. OTOH, the handles aren't long enough to wear it over the shoulder. Also, I tried the Velo in Angeau years ago and found it way too deep and slouchy. I'm hoping that the Metallic Edge version solves this issue because the goatskin is more structured, but I don't know.

What do you ladies think? Maybe I'm just having buyers remorse, but it's not like me to second-guess a purchase like this -- usually, I do all the hashing and re-hashing before I buy, not after! I have a little over 2 weeks before the window to return the bag closes. I'd love to hear any of your experiences with either of these bags, or any other recommendations you might have.
Thanks!

I love Bal, and have a Velo. But it's like a black hole. Once you throw something inside, good luck finding it. I started using small m/u bags when I use it to keep things somewhat organized.

 

[llalaill]

Hi lovely tPFers. I'm hoping you can help me resolve my current purse dilemma.

For almost a year, I've been on a hunt for an everyday bag that has certain specifications:
- It must be large enough to carry my everyday stuff, including a water bottle, but not be overwhelmingly huge.
- It must zip shut.
- It must be high quality and feel luxurious.
- It must have a cross-body strap, plus have a handle or handles that go over the shoulder.

The last one is really tough to find. The last bag I had that filled these specs was a Chloe Marcie years ago, but I sold that bag for a variety of reasons (including that the long strap was too thin and dug into my shoulder, the handles were too bulky and one always fell off my shoulder, and the opening was too small to use the bag easily).

Last week, I bought a Givenchy Pandora in pebbled goatskin. It is a bit of a departure for me, stylistically -- I will admit I hated the bag when it first came out, and it took a LOT of photos of mod shots and several try-ons to convince me. But when I did try it on, I loved it -- both how easy it was to use and the edgy-but-expensive look. It's the only bag I've found that ticks every one of the boxes I listed above.

But now, I'm having second thoughts. My DH says it looks "unwieldy," and it is a little bulkier than I want. I'm wondering how the goatskin Pandoras break in over time. I've been thinking about the Bal Metallic Edge Velo (like the Pandora, I didn't love the ME look at first, but I do love goatskin). The Bal is a prettier, more elegant bag, but still has a bit of edge, and may be more stylistically versatile than the Pandora. OTOH, the handles aren't long enough to wear it over the shoulder. Also, I tried the Velo in Angeau years ago and found it way too deep and slouchy. I'm hoping that the Metallic Edge version solves this issue because the goatskin is more structured, but I don't know.

What do you ladies think? Maybe I'm just having buyers remorse, but it's not like me to second-guess a purchase like this -- usually, I do all the hashing and re-hashing before I buy, not after! I have a little over 2 weeks before the window to return the bag closes. I'd love to hear any of your experiences with either of these bags, or any other recommendations you might have.
Thanks!

So I bought a Givenchy Pandora years ago (I think 2011 or 2012) and used it almost daily over the next couple of years despite buying other designer bags. I think it fits everything that you want, holds a ton of stuff, and travels well. As someone above said, it's nearly indestructable. I am not nice to my bags at all, and my Pandora withstood all of my abuse. I do agree that it's a little bulky at first but it does slouch down as time goes by and it really molds to your body. I also love that you can wear it on your shoulder comfortably even with a winter coat on or cross body. My only complaint with this bag is that it's really heavy because of the leather.

If you're having second thoughts, though, you should really consider getting something else that you love. Have you seen the Alexander McQueen small zip padlock bag? I just got this bag a couple weeks ago and love it. The leather feels substantial, and it's pretty light. It can be worn cross body and fits quite a bit of stuff also (my regular sized iPad, makeup bag, wallet, phone, etc.).

 

[catsinthebag]

I have both Pandora and Velo. I use them in different ways- find myself using Pandora a lot in summer, necause the goatskin is indestructible (black goatskin w/ silver hardware). I don't worry about having it on the ground (picnic blanket) at a concert or at a backyard bbq or getting jostled at a festival. Also don't worry about getting caught in the rain- it handles it all.

The Pandora goatskin breaks in beautifully- it wears like steel yet feels like velvet and develops a gorgeous, luxurious patina. It melts into your body no matter how you carry it. The Velo is also delicious, but i have never quite felt one with the Velo the way i do with Pandora.

I've been using the Velo more in winter (it's black w: g21 rose gold hardware and smooshy yet not at all delicate). It holds more (gloves, scarf...) and feels perfect for winter yet a bit much in summer.

Also depends on my mood- sometimes one calls to me, sometimes the other (i also have several other bags in regular rotation). I think if I HAD to choose one it might be the Pandora- it is objectively more functional (more carrying options, better compartments),but mercifully, i haven't had to choose just one.

They're both great choices- both tick the box for luxury and elegance- you'll have lots to love about either one. Have fun deciding and enjoy your bag either way. Do let us know what you choose!

Thanks, Rocket_girl, this is all really great info. The funny thing is, I've been wondering about the Pandora for summer because I don't tend to wear black bags in warm weather, and I'm afraid the black Pandora will look heavy. Good to know it works for you. Also good to know it breaks in so well. I think part of what is throwing me off about this bag is the one I tried on in the store was amazingly slouchy, but the one they brought out from the back for me that I took home is brand new. It hasn't broken in yet and still feels a little stiff and bulky.

 

[catsinthebag]

I'd say return the Pandora. If you've never had this kind of buyer's remorse before it means the bag doesn't live up to your expectations, and it probably never will. I personally love it, but it's definitely odd looking and not for everyone!

Sounds like you might not be too into the Bal either, but maybe find a shop and try it on first? Maybe it's better than you think, and if you see yourself using the longer strap a lot then the shorter handles might not be an issue. If you really need a handle long enough to go over your shoulder, you should forget about both of these bags and keep looking. Good luck!

The way I'm feeling now, I probably will return the Panda. I was able to try on a couple of Velos today and really loved it. Still have to decide how important that shoulder strap is to me, but the Velo just felt better, even though I love the design of the Pandora.

 

[catsinthebag]

I love Bal, and have a Velo. But it's like a black hole. Once you throw something inside, good luck finding it. I started using small m/u bags when I use it to keep things somewhat organized.

Hi, BPC, I've seen your posts over the Bal forum so I know what a fan you are! I'm hoping a purse organizer will help solve the black hole problem. I don't do well with Black Hole Bags, but I do like the fact that I can put my large water bottle in the Velo and the whole thing fits, without sticking up out of the top of the bag. Love the Pandora design, but because of the way the bag tilts and smooches when you pick it up by the handle, using an insert is tough.

 

[catsinthebag]

So I bought a Givenchy Pandora years ago (I think 2011 or 2012) and used it almost daily over the next couple of years despite buying other designer bags. I think it fits everything that you want, holds a ton of stuff, and travels well. As someone above said, it's nearly indestructable. I am not nice to my bags at all, and my Pandora withstood all of my abuse. I do agree that it's a little bulky at first but it does slouch down as time goes by and it really molds to your body. I also love that you can wear it on your shoulder comfortably even with a winter coat on or cross body. My only complaint with this bag is that it's really heavy because of the leather.

If you're having second thoughts, though, you should really consider getting something else that you love. Have you seen the Alexander McQueen small zip padlock bag? I just got this bag a couple weeks ago and love it. The leather feels substantial, and it's pretty light. It can be worn cross body and fits quite a bit of stuff also (my regular sized iPad, makeup bag, wallet, phone, etc.).

The weight of the goatskin Pandora is definitely a concern of mine. It doesn't feel that heavy empty, but the couple of times I've prepared to wear it, I put all my stuff in it, picked it up, and then put it right back down and unpacked it. It is not a light bag! I thought the shoulder handle would help alleviate that, but now I'm not so sure.

That said, I really appreciate the design of this bag -- it seems like one of the few truly unique designs to come out in recent years, and it is so very functional. It's good to know yours has broken in so well -- I think a big part of my second thoughts have come out of the fact that the floor model I tried on was so soft and broken in, but the one I took home is brand new and considerably stiffer (including the handle, which is not as comfortable on my shoulder as the one I tried on in store was).

I've seen McQueen bags in passing but haven't really considered them. I'll have to take a closer look. Thanks for the advice!

 

[soramillay]

I just reread the title of this thread and realized you were asking for help to choose between the Pandora and the Velo (oops!). Honestly, it seems like the Pandora meets your requirements and you do like it. Were you thrown off by your DH's opinion of it? Full leather bags are not light. Balenciaga would be lighter but I think it will nag at you not to have the shoulder option. Maybe what you should do is rent both bags until you can decide what works better!

 

[Rocket_girl]

The weight of the goatskin Pandora is definitely a concern of mine. It doesn't feel that heavy empty, but the couple of times I've prepared to wear it, I put all my stuff in it, picked it up, and then put it right back down and unpacked it. It is not a light bag! I thought the shoulder handle would help alleviate that, but now I'm not so sure.

That said, I really appreciate the design of this bag -- it seems like one of the few truly unique designs to come out in recent years, and it is so very functional. It's good to know yours has broken in so well -- I think a big part of my second thoughts have come out of the fact that the floor model I tried on was so soft and broken in, but the one I took home is brand new and considerably stiffer (including the handle, which is not as comfortable on my shoulder as the one I tried on in store was).

I've seen McQueen bags in passing but haven't really considered them. I'll have to take a closer look. Thanks for the advice!

You know, you might be able to exchange yours for the floor model. I think they assume we all want one fresh and un-touched, but if it's the display bag that you love, they would probably be happy to sell you that one if you tell them that's the one you prefer.

 

[Prettyvogue]

You know, you might be able to exchange yours for the floor model. I think they assume we all want one fresh and un-touched, but if it's the display bag that you love, they would probably be happy to sell you that one if you tell them that's the one you prefer.

+1

I would just return for the floor model as that is the one you love!