Help deciding on Garda

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GoStanford

GoStanford

O.G.
Jun 28, 2012
2,213
2,951
#1
I need some input on whether to keep my Garda or not. This was my first BV purchase in a boutique, so it has sentimental value for me, but I have only used it a few times. Based on that fact alone, I think I should rehome it. In fact, I was about to pack it up for consignment but I couldn't quite bring myself to do it, so I decided to keep it at home, try to use it over the next month, and then decide.

I realized that the issue for me is the handles. The flat handles that pull out are not really working for me. And I haven't used it enough to have the handles loosen up. I would appreciate input from those of you who use it regularly or decided to get rid of yours - any thoughts are welcome.
 
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#2
I used to have one (also one of my first BVs!) and gave it to my mom (who by the way is also a BVette and has it God knows where) because I (we) preferred other totes (more specifically, I wanted a Cabat at the time and settled for the Garda for the price point and availability– more like scarcity at the time.)

I think it’s a lovely bag, but I just did not love it on me since the beginning and it did not make a lot of sense in my personal collection. Also, now that you mention it, pulling one or both handles, depending on how I wanted to use it, made me feel quite dumb. It’s all a matter of personal preferences in the end because I have seen some people loving it and rocking it.

Now, in case you reaaaally want your relationship to work, hanging it stuffed could help for the handles to become looser. I however think that most of the times, if you have to put effort for certain things to work (not only bags), they’re just not gonna work and you’re just fooling yourself. As for the sentimental value, do you need the money or do you have thoughts of what you could put that money into? If you don’t, then I’d say keep as a souvenir it or give it to someone close since you’re (unfortunately) probably only getting enough money for chinese takeout in case you sell it, no matter how pristine and gorgeous your bag is.
 
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#3
Thank you for your input. I think you have a good sense of the decision I'm going through. I also really liked your advice below - good general advice! I'm thinking over what to do.
monkeyjuju said:
I however think that most of the times, if you have to put effort for certain things to work (not only bags), they’re just not gonna work and you’re just fooling yourself.
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#6
The Garda is an icky bag when it is brand new. The straps are dorky and it feels awkward. But....
Give it 2-3 weeks of regular wear and then all sort of good things happen. Straps soften, leather schmooshes, and it becomes infinitely more wearable and functional.

I got a brand new Tourmaline Garda and it took two weeks of daily use.

Now I I’ll say that once the strap has softened, it can twist a bit. It’s an easy fix.

I like the Garda because it’s dressy enough for work and yet really relaxed. It’s lines are simple and I find the proportion really functional. But it’s has to work for you. What color did you get?
 
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#8
grietje said:
The Garda is an icky bag when it is brand new. The straps are dorky and it feels awkward. But....
Give it 2-3 weeks of regular wear and then all sort of good things happen. Straps soften, leather schmooshes, and it becomes infinitely more wearable and functional.

I got a brand new Tourmaline Garda and it took two weeks of daily use.

Now I I’ll say that once the strap has softened, it can twist a bit. It’s an easy fix.

I like the Garda because it’s dressy enough for work and yet really relaxed. It’s lines are simple and I find the proportion really functional. But it’s has to work for you. What color did you get?
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I fully second this. And I am obviously bias - I have two Gardas [emoji4] - Atlantic and Moss. My Atlantic is already fully stretched and soft - super comfortable and got praises from friends. My Moss is stretched but not yet as nice as the Atlantic - some ways to go.
 
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#9
GoStanford said:
Mine is Pacific - part of the reason I have a hard time letting it go is the color. Your post is motivating me to use the heck out of it for a while before I decide!
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Trust @grietje Her experience with it led me to visit the boutique to try it out. It really felt awkward when I first tried it on and it was a new piece. I felt it hung too high up below the arm, looked too boxy on me. I just didn't feel comfortable with it. I even went a few times but just didn't feel 100% sure. Then, I chanced upon Canard at the outlet and decided to give it a chance. I used it daily for a week, had my regular hydroflask inside which contributed to the weight and the straps softened, became more comfortable on the shoulder and under the arm... it was such an easy bag to use, literally throw on and go.

I'll say, give it a chance. If you don't feel comfortable hanging soup cans in it, hang it on the door knob with your usual load in it. It will become a joy to use. Btw, Pacific is a gorgeous color.
 
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#10
frenziedhandbag said:
Trust @grietje Her experience with it led me to visit the boutique to try it out. It really felt awkward when I first tried it on and it was a new piece. I felt it hung too high up below the arm, looked too boxy on me. I just didn't feel comfortable with it. I even went a few times but just didn't feel 100% sure. Then, I chanced upon Canard at the outlet and decided to give it a chance. I used it daily for a week, had my regular hydroflask inside which contributed to the weight and the straps softened, became more comfortable on the shoulder and under the arm... it was such an easy bag to use, literally throw on and go.

I'll say, give it a chance. If you don't feel comfortable hanging soup cans in it, hang it on the door knob with your usual load in it. It will become a joy to use. Btw, Pacific is a gorgeous color
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I love my Garda very much because I can wear it with one handle on my shoulder also with winter coats. I can’t wear my other BV bags like the Veneta or Campana on the shoulder in winter time.
 
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#13
GoStanford said:
Thank you all for the input. I agree, @grietje is a wonderful resource! I have indeed been carrying the Garda this week with my usual purse contents. I am getting more used to it and I’m impressed at how it holds a lot and stays upright so nicely.
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Wonderful to hear. It is a spacious bag, fits a lot but does not look too big at all. My friend just bought one in Dark Barolo. She likes it so much that she had been using it daily, despite being a person that changes her bag everyday.
 
#14
I’m late to the thread but I feel that I have the obligation to chime in since I’m a hardcore fan of the Bella/Garda. I have 4 (3 nappas and 1 goatskin). They all soften up nicely. Like Grietje said, the handles are a bit awkward at first but they will start working for you after a few weeks. I can fit in my MacBook in the Nappa ones. I love how the bag doesn’t look big but it carries a ton! I like traveling with it too.

Good luck with yours.
 
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