Help Decide: Chanel GST or Balenciaga Papier A4

[soap117]

Hi, please help decide between a Chanel GST and Balenciaga Papier A4. Below are the photos:

Chanel:
https://www.google.ca/search?q=chanel+gst&tbm=isch&imgil=3M1LEKW5CbE61M%3A%3BcRay9MdVt8myfM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.purseblog.com%252Fnews%252Fchanel-discontinuing-grand-shopping-tote%252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=3M1LEKW5CbE61M%3A%2CcRay9MdVt8myfM%2C_&usg=__J8-1-xG9jaz8b-b8SpQGbc9FDGo=&biw=1240&bih=662&ved=0ahUKEwio3qKVltTUAhUo9YMKHZ-KAckQyjcILQ&ei=DSVNWeijPKjqjwSflYbIDA#tbm=isch&q=chanel+gst+silver&imgrc=Zc2a1hj2M1TVuM:

Balenciaga:
https://www.google.ca/search?q=bale...AUICigB&biw=1240&bih=662#imgrc=15m3MQxhH3dyvM:

I would say my style is in between the brands, I like classy/ feminine style and also edgy. I would save $500 getting the Balenciaga which is a big plus for me. I do think the Balenciaga will be better for work and interviews (as I am looking for a new job) but Chanel is also very nice. I'm a bit worried I'll feel self conscious about the logo but it's a gorgeous bag and it looks really good on others despite the logo. Let me know what you think ladies. Thanks!

 

[Mariapia]

Both are beautiful, but the big Cs on the front of the GST would be a big no for me.
The Balenciaga is much more discrete and under the radar.
I would go for the Bal Papier.

 

[kikirabbit]

Both are beautiful, but the big Cs on the front of the GST would be a big no for me.
The Balenciaga is much more discrete and under the radar.
I would go for the Bal Papier.

I agree.

 

[sonicxml]

Weight is one of my main concerns so I will choose balenciaga over chanel. Also I am not sure if chanel makes these any more, it would be really hard to find a new one

 

[serenityneow]

Agree on the Bal. The logo on the GST is just too much.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I love Chanel but haven't ever been a fan of the GST. I tried to love it but the logo is just too much. And, I've read that the straps fall off the shoulder too easily.

The Bal is beautiful with personality but still discreet. But the strap drop on the Bal seems short. Is it comfortable for you when carried on the shoulder (which is how I would carry a tote of this size)? I think this is more of an arm carry tote which I don't care for. Also, the straps are a bit thin which could be probematic when the tote is fully loaded.

I have been looking for the perfect black tote for a while and passed on both of these for reasons above.