Keep Alma BB DE or exchange?

[ggirl]

I bought this online and picked up in store. I haven’t worn her yet- really pretty, but I’m wondering how practical it is for an everyday bag.
I was thinking of exchanging for a Neverfull DE (I know-almost everyone has this) or the Speedy B 25 DE.
I don’t carry a ton these days - 6 key holder, mini PA, key pouch, gift cards and business cards-but this bag is tinier than I thought-and it smells!
It’s so pretty- that’s what attracted me in the first place-but I don’t want buyers remorse. Any help/enabling/advice would be sincerely appreciated!!

 

[HarlemBagLady]

I say keep her. She's a beauty and since you don't carry a lot she's perfect.

 

[Leo the Lion]

It is really pretty, you bought it since you really wanted it plus it is made in France!! How is the zipper? On my Alma bags they were very stiff and difficult to open and close. I use my Neverfull the most and the speedy is also used a lot but you need to know yourself what will work for you. Maybe think about it a few more days but my vote goes to Neverfull MM if you can only have one.

 

[Strep2031]

My vote is to keep the Alma BB. It is a great everyday bag for what you plan to carry. I have attached pics of my daily essentials (contents include Lysol wipes, sun glasses, LV pocket organizer, LV 6 key holder, Dior compact mirror, a mask, feminine product and my alma bb strap) inside my Alma BB. I have had this bag for a month now and I wish I had purchased it a lot sooner. You can the zipper is not distorted from the many items in the bag.

 

[EverSoElusive]

In terms of size, sure, it fits everything that you carry daily. However, if you're unsure about it, then it might be best that you return it and get a different bag

I was interested in Alma BB DE too. And then when I tried it in store (it was a MiF!!), I didn't like the way the positioning of the long strap when worn as crossbody. I wish the strap hooks on the sides instead of the handles' hardwares. That aside, I found it hard to open and close. For those reasons, I pretty much decided against getting one as pretty and as MiF it was.

I like the NF MM but I vote for the Speedy B 25 because it's simply more secure with a zipper (sorry, I'm boring like that ) Not to mention, a Speedy B can be handheld, crossbody carried or shoulder carried.

Some other styles you could consider... Siena PM and South Bank Besace.

 

[ggirl]

It is really pretty, you bought it since you really wanted it plus it is made in France!! How is the zipper? On my Alma bags they were very stiff and difficult to open and close. I use my Neverfull the most and the speedy is also used a lot but you need to know yourself what will work for you. Maybe think about it a few more days but my vote goes to Neverfull MM if you can only have one.

The zipper seems ok but I haven’t really touched it much- I figure if it goes back I don’t want to mess with it too much. I was actually thinking of buying the NF MM DE as my next bag- still not sure.
Thanks for the reply!!

 

[ggirl]

I say keep her. She's a beauty and since you don't carry a lot she's perfect.

She is really pretty- thanks!!

 

[ggirl]

My vote is to keep the Alma BB. It is a great everyday bag for what you plan to carry. I have attached pics of my daily essentials (contents include Lysol wipes, sun glasses, LV pocket organizer, LV 6 key holder, Dior compact mirror, a mask, feminine product and my alma bb strap) inside my Alma BB. I have had this bag for a month now and I wish I had purchased it a lot sooner. You can the zipper is not distorted from the many items in the bag.

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Your BB looks like it holds so much- I guess I’ll have to play with it a little more to really see if it fits all my daily stuff- thanks!

 

[Islandbreeze]

I think the Alma bb is beautiful- unfortunately for me it just doesn’t work. It holds everything I need I just find it more difficult to use than I like. I always admire them tho on others.

 

[ggirl]

In terms of size, sure, it fits everything that you carry daily. However, if you're unsure about it, then it might be best that you return it and get a different bag

I was interested in Alma BB DE too. And then when I tried it in store (it was a MiF!!), I didn't like the way the positioning of the long strap when worn as crossbody. I wish the strap hooks on the sides instead of the handles' hardwares. That aside, I found it hard to open and close. For those reasons, I pretty much decided against getting one as pretty and as MiF it was.

I like the NF MM but I vote for the Speedy B 25 because it's simply more secure with a zipper (sorry, I'm boring like that ) Not to mention, a Speedy B can be handheld, crossbody carried or shoulder carried.

Some other styles you could consider... Siena PM and South Bank Besace.

I saw someone with SBB yesterday- it was nice! They never have them in the boutique to try on-so frustrating-

I also like the zipper- not boring at all- I had my wallet stolen a few years ago from my Coach Swagger that always seemed to be unzipped (because of the bag design) and it’s the worst feeling.

Thanks for the advice!!

 

[bbkctpf]

If it smells like chemicals, it goes away within time. My bag I got last year had a chemical smell and it went away within time.

 

[KimTX]

The chemical smell goes away.

I had an Alma BB in Epi Noir and while I liked it, I sold it within about 2-3 years of owning it. It's a little hard to get in and out of, and when you want to carry just a little more, you can't, if you know what I mean. When you want something out, you have to take out items to access something on the bottom, if you put sunglasses on top for example.

After years and years and of buying and selling, I'm happiest with a NF or Speedy (non-bandolier). Give it a few days, but if you aren't smitten with the bag, return and get something else that rings your bell.

 

[ggirl]

The chemical smell goes away.

I had an Alma BB in Epi Noir and while I liked it, I sold it within about 2-3 years of owning it. It's a little hard to get in and out of, and when you want to carry just a little more, you can't, if you know what I mean. When you want something out, you have to take out items to access something on the bottom, if you put sunglasses on top for example.

After years and years and of buying and selling, I'm happiest with a NF or Speedy (non-bandolier). Give it a few days, but if you aren't smitten with the bag, return and get something else that rings your bell.

Thanks for the advice regarding the smell- my mono SLGs I bought last year didn’t smell like this.
I know what you mean about having to move everything to get stuff out- I have a Pochette Felicie Empreinte that I have to do the purse shuffle with (but I won’t get rid of that since DH bought it for me).
Thanks again for the opinion!

 

[mmmariexg]

I had a similar dilemma as you back in September! I thought I was set on the Speedy when I went into the store. But the zipper was wavy and my SA showed me the Alma and I loved it immediately!

I’ve had my Alma BB for a couple of months now & love it! It’s so easy to dress up and down. I recently started looking at the Speedy again just because I wanted to really add another classic to my collection so I ended up picking it up 2 weeks ago!

I love both equally! But I am slowly realizing my Speedy B is a black hole - I find myself having to dig around to search for items in my Speedy vs my Alma where the opening gives me an easier view to see inside the bag. I carry the same daily essentials as you & it fits perfectly in my Alma while in my Speedy, I don’t carry enough for the space inside the bag

I am waiting for my Zoomoni organizer to come in for my Speedy so maybe that’ll help with organization.

 

[ggirl]

I had a similar dilemma as you back in September! I thought I was set on the Speedy when I went into the store. But the zipper was wavy and my SA showed me the Alma and I loved it immediately!

I’ve had my Alma BB for a couple of months now & love it! It’s so easy to dress up and down. I recently started looking at the Speedy again just because I wanted to really add another classic to my collection so I ended up picking it up 2 weeks ago!

I love both equally! But I am slowly realizing my Speedy B is a black hole - I find myself having to dig around to search for items in my Speedy vs my Alma where the opening gives me an easier view to see inside the bag. I carry the same daily essentials as you & it fits perfectly in my Alma while in my Speedy, I don’t carry enough for the space inside the bag

I am waiting for my Zoomoni organizer to come in for my Speedy so maybe that’ll help with organization.

Thanks for the opinion- I’m still on the fence about it and I’ll look at her with fresh eyes the next few days.
I think I’m having an issue since I’m not a big “returner”. I like to buy stuff and love it forever lol.
Speedy B is beautiful too and you’re lucky to own both!!