Historically this bag has never been on my radar. Mostly because I have a pretty casual lifestyle. However lately I seem to be drawn to it. Can anyone weigh in on pros and cons? Specifically concerned that it may be difficult to access given dbl zip. I know the speedy b is the same but I often carry my speedy b open. Not sure I would be able to do that with Alma given the shape. Any thoughts welcome.
Pros and cons of Alma bb
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I usually hold the thing by the base with one hand and open with the other. And since the strap is attached to the handles and not the sides, they can get in the way more easily. So it needs 2 hands to operate, I feel that constantly trying with one would not be easy on the bag. It is neither soft, nor casual.
But it doesn't open wide, so if worn on the shoulder on in hand, nothing will fall out of it, and it will be tight enough so noone will try to just reach into it without you noticing.
It is the most beautiful bag they make, but it is not practical at all
I usually throw everything in except the phone, shut it, and leave it like that all day. And if I want some digital detox, I thrown the phone in there too. That zipper keeps me away from it 
But it doesn't open wide, so if worn on the shoulder on in hand, nothing will fall out of it, and it will be tight enough so noone will try to just reach into it without you noticing.
It is the most beautiful bag they make, but it is not practical at all
I usually throw everything in except the phone, shut it, and leave it like that all day. And if I want some digital detox, I thrown the phone in there too. That zipper keeps me away from it 
I love the look of the Alma BB. I've bought - and sold - two of them. Here's why:
What I do like about Alma BB is the durability, shape, and color options. It's a cute and beautiful bag and seems to work well for those who have it and is loved by many.
Ironically, I am looking at buying an Alma BB again because it's so darn pretty but keep reminding myself about my struggles twice before
- I feel the crossbody carry was a little "clunky". I have the Speedy B 25 and like how the canvas sits along the body more than the hard Alma. Alma BB felt like it was always in the way, swinging around like a wrecking ball. Speedy B 25 seems to be more disciplined in sitting where you nestle it (if that makes sense).
- My stuff seemed harder to access due to the shape and zipper. I felt like the zipper scraped my hands every time I reached in (uncomfortable). Also, shape didn't lend itself to carrying a lot. Wider at bottom and narrow at top. Even when I downsize what I carry, I felt like I was always struggling with having too much stuff (I don't have this problem with my Multi Pochette Accessories for some reason). For a smaller bag I like the Speedy 20 - small but mighty.
What I do like about Alma BB is the durability, shape, and color options. It's a cute and beautiful bag and seems to work well for those who have it and is loved by many.
Ironically, I am looking at buying an Alma BB again because it's so darn pretty but keep reminding myself about my struggles twice before
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The Alma BB is a gorgeous bag. I've had it 3 times and end up selling it. It's so cute but I too have to remind myself about the cons and why I sold it. 
Pros for me, gorgeous iconic bag, love the look and structure. I loved using it handheld at times with no strap. Cons...the strap is too long. I'm about 5'1" and as a crossbody it looked weird on me. It's bulky because of it's shape. The opening is what gets me crazy. The zipping from side to side. Also the shape of the bag, from wider to narrowing towards the top.
Pros for me, gorgeous iconic bag, love the look and structure. I loved using it handheld at times with no strap. Cons...the strap is too long. I'm about 5'1" and as a crossbody it looked weird on me. It's bulky because of it's shape. The opening is what gets me crazy. The zipping from side to side. Also the shape of the bag, from wider to narrowing towards the top.
I agree with everything! I have an Alma BB in epi leather (in the beautiful limited edition galet with gold hardware), and it's my favorite bag I own. For me, it's not a practical every day type of bag. But, the price point is still reasonable enough (imho) that I am okay with using it occasionally for the sheer joy it brings me.I usually hold the thing by the base with one hand and open with the other. And since the strap is attached to the handles and not the sides, they can get in the way more easily. So it needs 2 hands to operate, I feel that constantly trying with one would not be easy on the bag. It is neither soft, nor casual.
But it doesn't open wide, so if worn on the shoulder on in hand, nothing will fall out of it, and it will be tight enough so noone will try to just reach into it without you noticing.
It is the most beautiful bag they make, but it is not practical at all
To your question--leaving it unzipped is totally fine--nothing will fall out.
Thank you for this thread! I see an alma bb coming out in June I may not be able to resist. This is all so helpful
I have two Alma BB's; the vernis yellow and the monogram. I love them! I use them on the weekends, because for me, they're not practical for my work week. The double zipper doesn't bother me, I'm just used to it and deal with it. Sometimes if I'm grocery shopping or at Target, I'll leave it unzipped, and like others have said, nothing falls out. Only because I'm lazy lol. I'm 5'6", so the crossbody is odd for me. I never use it, except when I took it to Europe with me this past summer, and I used the crossbody all the time, but didn't like it. I keep the strap on the bag while in use, but I don't wear it. I just use it as a handheld. Overall, I love it.
I just have the Alma BB for a short time, but I was surprised I actually like it a lot. What I think sofar:
Pros
1. It‘s the red/white Kusama version. I just love it.
2. I actually love double zip wide opening. You can see and get everything out easily.
E.g. I hate the narrow Speedy zips, therefore my Speedys have to be at least 30 and even in that size the narrow opening bothers me. I can open one zip with one hand when carrying it crossbody, but its smoother using to hands, but that does not bother me.
3. I am a medium bag girl, think minimum Speedy 30 or Celine Micro. Alma in a larger size looks bulky for me, but BB looks perfect for my height (I am 5“2‘) and still can fit enough stuff, at least when I go out. For a regular day or work bag it would be to small. So it is a fun cutesy leisure bag for me.
4. Mine is Epi. So the carefree leather.
5. Looks dressy and chic.
Cons:
1. Strap could be thicker and a tad shorter. Though when I wear a coat, length is ok.
2. Strap attachment at the handles, I don‘t like at all. I always find it prettier when the attachment is at the side. You have to arrange the handles down otherwise they get in the way if you want to unzip the bag. But it is what it is… I can live with that, because the bag is so cute.
I actually don‘t think it is bulky against the body. Of course it is not a soft bag, but it is pretty slim. Probably depends on the occasion one wants to use the bag. If one is a minimalist, they would probably prefer an even smaller bag, but this is already going into the direction of a small to medium bag, so it has its size. Also I personally like structured bags, so I like that it is hard.
Again depends on what your preferences, habits and lifestyle are, whether the bag might suit you or not. Good luck deciding!
Pros
1. It‘s the red/white Kusama version. I just love it.
2. I actually love double zip wide opening. You can see and get everything out easily.
E.g. I hate the narrow Speedy zips, therefore my Speedys have to be at least 30 and even in that size the narrow opening bothers me. I can open one zip with one hand when carrying it crossbody, but its smoother using to hands, but that does not bother me.
3. I am a medium bag girl, think minimum Speedy 30 or Celine Micro. Alma in a larger size looks bulky for me, but BB looks perfect for my height (I am 5“2‘) and still can fit enough stuff, at least when I go out. For a regular day or work bag it would be to small. So it is a fun cutesy leisure bag for me.
4. Mine is Epi. So the carefree leather.
5. Looks dressy and chic.
Cons:
1. Strap could be thicker and a tad shorter. Though when I wear a coat, length is ok.
2. Strap attachment at the handles, I don‘t like at all. I always find it prettier when the attachment is at the side. You have to arrange the handles down otherwise they get in the way if you want to unzip the bag. But it is what it is… I can live with that, because the bag is so cute.
I actually don‘t think it is bulky against the body. Of course it is not a soft bag, but it is pretty slim. Probably depends on the occasion one wants to use the bag. If one is a minimalist, they would probably prefer an even smaller bag, but this is already going into the direction of a small to medium bag, so it has its size. Also I personally like structured bags, so I like that it is hard.
Again depends on what your preferences, habits and lifestyle are, whether the bag might suit you or not. Good luck deciding!
There’s one for sale currently on eBay in galetthat version was amazing
I have the Alma bb in DE. It is not a everyday bag for me. It is a cute bag to take out when you want to carry more than a Pochette but less than a Speedy. Elegant but simple. Can be annoying if you try to overstuff it.
I used to consider Alma bb as a dressy bag till one day in the mall I saw a woman carries Alma bb DE (without strap) with a large shopping bag together, it looked effortless chic and practical.
I really like Alma bb (and Alma pm) because so easy to get in and out and looking for things and very secure, no one can put hands into it when you hold the bag.
I really like Alma bb (and Alma pm) because so easy to get in and out and looking for things and very secure, no one can put hands into it when you hold the bag.
With the Kusama red one and the Epi one (do you have two different ones?), how do you style it? I’m having trouble thinking of outfits to wear with such a bold print. I’m having trouble deciding, and then my practical side pushes me toward solid color Epi black. My SA encouraged me to try both at home and see how it fits my style. I thought the BB would be ideal as an evening bag, but maybe that’s how a solid color would be more appropriate?
I agree on the straps - I wish it was anchored on the side. But maybe I’ll toss it up to this being a heritage design?
I’ll post a pic of both - trying to make this work, but maybe Kusama dots is more of a casual bag? I need more outfit inspo - so if anyone has any dressy outfits to post? - I would greatly appreciate!
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Both bags look good but I like the kusama better with these outfits. It is more interesting but not overwhelming or distracting from the outfit imo, especially since there isn't really a pop of color. I would wear the plain black with more patterns/colors and the dots with more neutral/less patterns.
I actually only have the red white Kusama Alma BB. And before that one I actually never liked the Alma and find it in the solid color too plain and boring.
I know, many people love it as a classic, but I prefer my bags rectangular. However I love the infinity dot version from this current collab!
I usually wear very plain clothing in color. So I have no problem with pairing the red/white Alma. I just stick to white, camel or black… So I guess I am not much help here…
But, I think your black/white Alma is a lot easier to pair than my red/white one as black and white nearly goes with everything.
I think it probably is more a matter of getting used to the pattern. As I tried the black and white one in the store I decided against it because with my plain colored clothing it would totally merge with it and not stand out anymore. In my opinion those bags in particular are meant to stand out and shine!
Btw. I love your bag/clothes combo! Especially the casual one with the blazer!