Please help me choose my first Bottega

[biggestbaglover]

I am heading to Europe next week and want to buy my first BV as the prices are better there. I usually buy one bag a year so I think carefully about my purchase. Trying to decide between the Andiamo Clutch or the Mini Wallace. I would get it in black. I may consider fondant but most likely will lean to black. For context, I am a 46 year old professional woman with 3 children aged 19, 17 and 10. I want something timeless that can use for years to come. Which bag would you choose?

 

[stacy_natalie]

I had to Google to see pics of both of these. I think the mini Wallace looks more practical for an every day bag but I guess it depends how you plan to use. After looking at the dimensions, it's pretty small and I wonder how big the opening is. Also, even though they call it a "shoulder bag" I didn't see photos of anyone wearing it on their shoulder and it appears handle drop only 4 inches. The clutch might actually be slightly bigger overall but I don't think it comes with a strap and I personally feel using only as a clutch or top handle is limiting, unless you were planning to use as more of an evening bag. Maybe it would help if you shared what your intended use will be?

ETA: Maybe you want to consider the mini hop? I think it's slightly larger than these and comes with a crossbody strap (and is in similar price range). Just a suggestion

 

[papertiger]

I agree the Wallace is a more practical bag, but it really looks like it says 'I went to BV and could only afford this' Out of the two, I prefer the Andiamo Clutch, at least it's chic and it's really hard to find non-OTT evening/occasion bags.

Spoiler: Warning: For new or potential clients

I've been a customer for over 15 years, and sadly I don't know if I would ever buy a BV again or recommended their products to anyone. Their aftercare is in theory only. I recently learned (from BV) they don't make their own component parts and change suppliers every 2-ish years - that's not at all what I expected from such a large company that spends a fortune on retail interior design and advertising. With their prices, I want more than a fashion piece, only good for a couple of seasons.

 

[mi.kay]

I agree with papertiger's comment above regarding the mini wallace. It's practical, but you can hardly associate it as "timeless".

The andiamo clutch is more elegant and between these two choices I'd go for this option.

The other designs like the jodie, hop, andiamo tote and parachute bags are also timeless!

 

[Misha333]

My vote goes to Andiamo, in my opinion it's so much more chic and timeless vs. the mini Wallace. Andiamo can be worn casually or dressed up while Wallace is strictly casual. Wallace's shape reminds me of Prada re-edition, there's nothing new or unique about it. I have the re-edition and love it, and use it almost every day for casual activities, like walking my dog etc., but I wouldn't buy it now or for the price of the mini Wallace. I think the mini Wallace looks very casual, but it's not comfortable for casual activities, it's not crossbody and looks like it's hardly going to fit on the shoulder, especially if you're wearing a coat. So it's a weird not here not there bag to me. Andiamo, on the other hand, can definitely be worn for dressy occasions and it looks like if you really wanted to use it as a shoulder bag, you could attach a long strap to the edges of the handle, similarly to this Loro Piana bag. All logical reasons aside, Andiamo just looks cool and exciting to me and will likely be a conversation starter.

 

[jbags07]

Its a little late, but i voted Andiamo. Did you wind up purchasing either bag while away?

 

[J.T.]

Wallace is nice and casual but andiamo clutch hands down. It’s timeless, can be dressed up or down and you can still rock it in 20 years from now.
From a practical point of view I think they fit the same but the small zipper opening would drive me nuts.

What I do like is that the wallace has feet if I remember correctly. But they are very different bags imo.
Go for the one that fits your needs right now.

 

[inverved]

I agree the Wallace is a more practical bag, but it really looks like it says 'I went to BV and could only afford this' Out of the two, I prefer the Andiamo Clutch, at least it's chic and it's really hard to find non-OTT evening/occasion bags.

Spoiler: Warning: For new or potential clients

I've been a customer for over 15 years, and sadly I don't know if I would ever buy a BV again or recommended their products to anyone. Their aftercare is in theory only. I recently learned (from BV) they don't make their own component parts and change suppliers every 2-ish years - that's not at all what I expected from such a large company that spends a fortune on retail interior design and advertising. With their prices, I want more than a fashion piece, only good for a couple of seasons.

I've been intrigued by Bottega recently but every time I go into the store to look at a bag, it always looks worse for wear, which says a lot about the longevity/wear-and-tear of the bag.

 

[papertiger]

I've been intrigued by Bottega recently but every time I go into the store to look at a bag, it always looks worse for wear, which says a lot about the longevity/wear-and-tear of the bag.

They weren't my first BVs, but compare that experience to my Gunmetal Cervo hobo (2014) and satin calf(?) Roma (2015) both in great condition considering I have literally used them consistently for almost a decade carelessly.

Looking at a Hop recently, the leather is no comparison to the silky, undulating leather of my Roma or the springy, spongy Cervo leather of my hobo.

 

[biggestbaglover]

Its a little late, but i voted Andiamo. Did you wind up purchasing either bag while away?

I ended up getting the Bang Bang. I liked that I could use it as a top handle, clutch and wear it on the shoulder or cross body.