
I decided to go with the new one -- the biggest reason being that this is the ONLY bag I've ever paid full price for. It's also the 2nd bag I've ever paid more than $1k for & I just wanted it to be worth it -- If I had found the other bag on sale or marked down or at the Rack or NM Last Call, there'd be no doubt that I'd buy it w/the flaw. But paying full price for a bag, I don't think it shouldn't be flawed.
The leather on this new bag is soft -- especially on the ends & the bottom, & I imagine the rest of the bag will soften & become more distressed with age & use (I even plan on "mushing" it up a little to help it along!!) My only problem with this bag is that on the flap of the coin pocket, there's this dark streak that looks black -- it's not a stain or anything, it's just the way the dye deposited in that one spot (there are more dark areas on the backside too) -- I just wish it wasn't right there smack on the front where you can see it so easily. Hopefully it fades in time (you can see it in the pics). I also think this bag is a little shinier (or more glossy) than the 1st one I had -- again, hopefully this dulls down a little & becomes more matte-like w/age & use.
So here she is, my new Heloise who is finally home to stay -- I'll be putting her to use tomorrow and I can't wait!! I know the 1st pic is cut off at the bottom, but that's it's TRUE color, which is why I've included it. You can see in the 3rd pic, how nice the bottom of the bag is sewn.




