Stella McCartney Falabella Tote

[Kmora]

I totally get what you say. Often we want to think we are inmune to trends but who is wearing a baguette style bag these days? Still, is so hard to know... with the Falabella, on the one hand, it was the first bag featuring the thick chains that have now become ubiquitous. I am sure at some point thick chains are going to feel odd and awkward. Also the slouchy style of Falabella is already a bit out. On the other hand, it will take a few years for chains to be out (people want to show off their Boys and Dyonissus) plus the Falabella features the chains in a different more distinctive way. Also I think it has built a very well defined niche: the vegan-friendly lux designer bag. It really has no competition there and veganism is not going to go anywhere anytime soon. Plus you see lots of fakes, which is always a good sign. And it is such a brilliant distinctive design...

So I think as long as they keep updating it in the right ways it is here to stay. Look at me, I am surprised I had not "discovered" the classic Falabella style before, but I never ever carry big bags, so I would have never had any use for the original sizes. The Falabella Mini responds to the trend for smaller bags and it is perfect for me.

Thank you for this input! I completely agree that slochiness is getting out of fashion, but I am not comfortable at all with structured bags (unless small) so that is not one of my concerns and yes, the mini bags are also a trend right now - which fits me nice since I love smaller bags I really do try to find designer bags that I will love for years when I put so much money into a bag, and I guess I will just have to decide if chains are my thing in the long run or not. Worst case scenario is that this bag will not be used everyday, only when I feel a little bit edgy
And the vegan part is just such a big positive thing with these bags

 

[jess236]

The Falabella was designed in 2010 and is still going strong. It was among the top 10 most searched designer bags on the internet in 2016. Personally, I think it is a classic bag - especially the 2-chain version. I don't think it's going out of style any time soon.

 

[Jaime]

Often we want to think we are inmune to trends but who is wearing a baguette style bag these days?

I definitely don't think I'm immune to trends, more oblivious to them haha. I don't usually get into bags until they're well past their "it" status. Fendi spy and Chloe Paddingtons are an example. I only recently stopped using my spy and sold it but I still carry a paddington occasionally. Not seen anyone else with one in many years but I carry them for me not for whats on trend.... that was the only point I was trying to make and what I meant by not caring whats in fashion. I tend to wait with "it" type bags and if I still want them after a while I take the plunge but thats usually the time everyone else is moving on. I just buy and wear what catches my eye without checking whats in fashion. I don't watch fashion shows or read fashion mags to even know whats in. This forum is the only fashion related info I read.

I still think this is a classic type style that will be able to be worn for years to come even if everyone else has moved on. As long as the colours are classic. My two chain tote is black then the next one is black denim with stars, my mini is black, but three chains are pink and the snake print (still debating on keeping the snake and may sell the pink but the black will remain usable for a while yet).

 

[songofthesea]

Yesterday i got the tote in metallic/ruthenium. I'm wondering how many of you have the tote vs the fold over and what you think the pros/cons are to each. I love the slouchy feel of the foldover but also love the way I can just reach into the tote to get something. Would love input before I make final decision--thanks!

 

[Jaime]

I have both and the tote is more accessible but I find with the foldover I can put my hand through the small handles to slide the shoulder strap off and access it just as easily if that makes sense, just takes a bit more thought. Tote fits more because it isn't half taken up by folding over. Large tote is way too big IMO (and I'm tall) so I have the small tote, which can also seem like a bottomless pit at times. Have one more on the way and two foldovers (one I'm still debating, can't find any info on how the snake print wears over time so it may go back). If I had to pick one it would probably be the normal tote but I can't so I have both. The mini is awesome too and fits plenty.

 

[songofthesea]

Thanks! I love the black metallic/ruthenium. I factually had to before in a fold over but sold it (stupidly) and I thought I'd try the tote. I truly can't decide and am exhausted from going back and forth trying to make a decision!!

 

[jess236]

Thanks! I love the black metallic/ruthenium. I factually had to before in a fold over but sold it (stupidly) and I thought I'd try the tote. I truly can't decide and am exhausted from going back and forth trying to make a decision!!

I couldn't decide either, so I have both. If I was really forced to pick one, it would be the foldover tote. It can be worn in more ways and it is slightly easier to get into.
If you don't carry a lot, it is a better choice too. I also find that the foldover tote slightly more stylish and the two-chain a little more casual. It is also safer. When I fold it over, it gives me more peace of mind.

 

[mssmelanie]

Falabella owners! I finally got a SM mini foldover that I've been stalking since the summer! I have a feeling it was a return. It had been out of stock and I remember it being on sale between 600-700. So when I got a text alert it was back in stock for $379.80.

Anyway, it seems like where the long chain strap attaches on each side, one is higher than the other. And also, they look to be attached differently. The lower side has the chain attached to the outer part of the chain which seems to be correct. The other higher side its attached to the inside part of the chain. I think it makes the foldover hang slightly off. So if you have one, Are your chain straps even?
Thanks!

 

[Mariapia]

It seems that if you count the leather stitches, starting from the handles, the chain is attached between the 7th and 8th on the left side and between the 8th and 9th on the right one, that's why the chain is higher on the left.
I think you got it for a very good price and you have to look very carefully to tell the difference.
It looks great on you!
I personally would keep it. It's lovely!

 

[Mariapia]

Falabella owners! I finally got a SM mini foldover that I've been stalking since the summer! I have a feeling it was a return. It had been out of stock and I remember it being on sale between 600-700. So when I got a text alert it was back in stock for $379.80.

Anyway, it seems like where the long chain strap attaches on each side, one is higher than the other. And also, they look to be attached differently. The lower side has the chain attached to the outer part of the chain which seems to be correct. The other higher side its attached to the inside part of the chain. I think it makes the foldover hang slightly off. So if you have one, Are your chain straps even?
Thanks!

Sorry forgot to quote, my reply is just above.

 

[mssmelanie]

Hi Maria! I actually have a good friend that's Maria Pia also! Anyway, Thank you for validating that you do see the difference and you even counted the stitches. Yeah, I think I should keep it also. I really have wanted this bag for some time and the 65% discount at Saks.com was too good to pass up. It's a barely noticeable imperfection when I wear it.

Now I want the small tote!

 

[Mariapia]

Hi Maria! I actually have a good friend that's Maria Pia also! Anyway, Thank you for validating that you do see the difference and you even counted the stitches. Yeah, I think I should keep it also. I really have wanted this bag for some time and the 65% discount at Saks.com was too good to pass up. It's a barely noticeable imperfection when I wear it.

Now I want the small tote!

You have made a very good decision, mssmelanie.
Your Mini is gorgeous!
When you get your small tote, post a pic of it.
And give my regards to Maria Pia too!

 

[songofthesea]

well, I wound up returning the tote and getting the foldover in a gorgeous shimmery taupe color and am very happy!

 

[songofthesea]

I agree that you should get what you love. chains don't ever go out of style...additionally, she's a top designer and the falabella is her signature bag that is shown every season every year...if you look at chloe, the Marcie has been around forever and is classic and timeless...I think that the falabella will continue to be her classic...

 

[Jaime]

This is my Stella McCartney collection, but I did just make the decision to return the snake print. It was lovely BUT I couldn't find enough info on how they fare over time and I don't often wear bags with patterns so I didn't want to regret keeping it in a few months when I hadn't used it.

The rest are staying for now!!