Help me choose my next bag!

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Xelyar

Member
Nov 28, 2013
46
21
#1
Hi everyone, I'd like some help with choosing my next bag
My collection is still very small, and the bags I have right now are rather classic staples. I want my next one to be a little different and edgy, in black or maybe a dark neutral. I am quite small (5'3, 98 lbs) and don't carry too much, so I'd like it to be smallish to medium sized, good for everyday and travel. I'm not looking for something that's overly structured, and it has to have a shoulder wear option, and price should be under $1800. There are a couple I have my eye on. Images are attached.

Givenchy Pandora Small:
Like some others, at first I thought it looked strange, but somehow it grew on me. What I like the most about it is the wrinkled leather; the texture gives it a very special touch, I think. A little concerned about the shape though, I know that the medium size tends to slouch and lose its shape, especially when not fully stuffed. Not too sure about the smaller size. I was actually first considering the mini version as I heard that it fits a lot more than it looks, but I thought I might end up wanting a bigger version of it.

Alexander Wang Rockie:
I've been interested in the pebbled black with brass hardware for a couple years now. I've always liked it; it suits my style and the way I dress. Normally the weight issue would not bother me, but using it when travelling and walking around all day could be a different story. Another concern is the durability. I've heard of many people saying that the bag does not age well and needs to be babied. Knowing that, I'm unsure if the quality of the bag is worth the price.

Balenciaga City:
I know that I will eventually get this bag, as I've always been a fan of its classic edginess. I'm not sure if I should get it now though, since I don't love the way it looks with the shoulder strap and it's slightly out of my current budget. I think it looks best handheld and that's not what I'm looking for at this point. However, this bag is the most classic out of the ones I listed and therefore I am a lot less worried about growing out of the style as time goes on. I'm not the type to buy many trendy bags and/or sell them off eventually, so longevity is something I also consider, especially if the price is higher.

If you have any input or other bag suggestions, I'd love to hear them. TIA! :smile1:
 

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#4
I've heard the Rockie is also very heavy for its size, that might also be a thing to consider. I have the Pandora in medium, and the pepe leather is amazing! It will slouch, but I think the way it drapes when it does is really beautiful and can't wait till mine gets to that point (I got mine in November and haven't used it much yet, still breaking it in). Bal is also great, but it doesn't sound like you're completely convinced at this point, so if I were you I'd go for the Pandora.
 
#5
Balenciaga! I've been lusting over one for a while but can't decide on a color haha. I think it's a gorgeous bag. But I agree, I prefer the look of it on the crook of the arm not so much over the shoulder.
 
#6
I've had all 3 of these bags. Didn't get on with the Rockie at all: found it too heavy, stiff zippers, and difficult to find things in the bag. The other 2 I loved (but I had the large Pandora which was too big for me so sold it). I do understand what you mean about the Bal's shoulder strap... I wish it was longer.

Of the 3 I would def go for the Pandora :)
 
#7
Sounds like the first two work better for you at this stage of your life. I have seen both the Rockie and the Pandora on people around town and they look casual and easy to wear. I prefer the Rockie, it is very cute and a head turner. I guess the Pandora is more understated... but I am one of those people who doesn't get the design so enuff said.
 
#9
Ha! I guess there's no consensus out here in tPF land either! Because me... I'd go for the pandora, probably in size small. I'm just a bit bigger than you at 5'6" and 115lbs and I find medium or larger purses are too big for me.

I own a AW small Diego bag and while I love its edginess, I'll admit I fight with it constantly. The leathers on the newer generation Diegos and Rockies are somewhat stiff and all the zippers and studs, while cool looking, are heavy and need to be babied. Another issue with the weight and the studs (which you'll want to protect so they don't scratch) is that if you are getting into your car to drive and you have a passenger, you'll then want to toss your purse on the seat behind you (since you can't put it on the floor or in the passenger seat like you normally would) and it is HELL on your shoulder to do this without braining your poor passenger with the thing! (And I lift heavy weights and do plenty of shoulder presses, etc but that dang purse SLAYS me everytime!)

I've been wanting a Pandora and a Bal for ages. I think the Pandora looks a bit more classy just due to its being a Givenchy. So, if I had to choose.... Pandora all the way. Also, I LOVE that wrinkly leather.
 
#10
Bal or Pandora! I love how easy it is to carry the Pandora. I think the small size would be good everyday size for you- medium can look too big if you are petite! But Bal is better for day to night and if I have to travel with just 1 bag my black and gold Bal tends to come with me.
 
#13
For a long time, I had my eyes on rockie, eventually I've decided to leave it as I seriously can't handle the weight of the bag no matter how much I like its design. Then I moved on to Pandora and Bal city. I was torn between these two, after I've done a lot of search about them, to be honest I love the Pandora because the design is extraordinary compare to how the rest of "normal handbags" look, and I was't even a fan of bal bag at all, but after all the research from Internet and friends around me, I have to say(sorry to the Pandora bag owners, just my opinion) I haven't seen any one look "good" with the Pandora yet,it fades out(but it's a good thing if this is the result you want) but I have noticed no matter who's carrying the city(lady like, masculine style, younger or older girls) the style of the bag just instantly stands out and adding it's very own and strong style to its owners(if you know what I mean). So I've set my mind on Bal ME city is going to be my next handbag purchase, please let us know when you make up your mind, no matter which bag you go for, they are all gorgeous and one of the kind.
 
#14
Maybe get the Balenciaga First or Town instead of the City? They are both smaller in size and less common. Also, Balenciaga is a classic choice no matter what. I'm 5"7 but I carry the First and it is perfect because I can even fit an iPad mini in it. You can definitely fit essentials like keys, phone, wallet, card case, tissue pack and a lip balm.
 
#15
hikkichan said:
Maybe get the Balenciaga First or Town instead of the City? They are both smaller in size and less common. Also, Balenciaga is a classic choice no matter what. I'm 5"7 but I carry the First and it is perfect because I can even fit an iPad mini in it. You can definitely fit essentials like keys, phone, wallet, card case, tissue pack and a lip balm.
Click to expand...

I was going to suggest the same, or maybe even the Mini City. The Mini City fits similar amount as LV Alma BB.

And personally, I would recommend against the AW Rockie. I have one and it is super heavy. I am actually considering selling it to get a Mini Rockie which would suit my petitie frame more and is much lighter. I also use only a small amount of the room in the Rockie since I don't carry much with me. You sound a bit like me in not carrying much so a mini Rockie might better suit you then the regular size Rockie.
 
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