The Bbag Chat Room

[abs914]

I'm looking to buy a new bag. Initially I thought I wanted Chanel, but I just don't have the patience to play the waiting game and the bag I want is sold out. I also like Balenciaga so I think I'll go check out a few bags.

I see quite a bit of talk about the leather quality being different year to year. How is the leather nowadays? I do want a bag but I also don't want it to be a subpar year. I'd probably be getting a black or grey city if that helps.

Also, if anyone has an SA recommendation in NYC that would be awesome [emoji4]

 

[Mendezhm]

Such a hard decision! I like the '06 slightly more. It reminds me of my '07 Mogano!

Yummy. Your 07 Mogano is delicious. [emoji7]

Another vote for the 06 - just has so much character!

Thanks so much for your vote!!

Ok Bal lovers. I need help deciding which black city to keep. I found them both within like a week of each other, and once I received them, the 06 was a little more worn than I anticipated so I sent her off to get a spa treatment at LMB. She came back today, and looks amazing! The 04 is definitely smoother and thicker than the 06. But the 06 is more wrinkly and distressed. They both have their own personality, but unfortunately it doesn't make sense for me to keep them both financially. So, what do y'all think? Which one is better?

OhhhhHHH sister, I've been there! Except mine were f/w '05 and f/w '11. I had this hangup about the '05 being the better one because of it's vintage, but when I held them side by side I truly loved the distressing of the leather of the '11 better. The '11 was heavier, had thicker leather and it was my first Bal and a gift from my husband. Even though the '11 wasn't nearly as mint as the '05 by the time I had them both, all things weighed in its favor. I sold the '05 in about a nanosecond. It was a beauty (pic below).

Your situation doesn't sound so straightforward! What is your priority? Mine is ALWAYS condition. The situation above is probably the only time I'd keep a less mint bag because of sentimental reasons. If the condition is comparable, then I'd ask myself the following:

1. which one makes you feel better when you carry it, and why? Do you melt when you look at one more than the other? Does it give you singular satisfaction that you're carrying a rare and sought after oldie... get to the core of what floats your boat!

2. Do you have a preference for the more matte but buttery smooth leather, or the glossier distressing? Which one excites you when you look at it or hold it.

3. Is there a financial consideration? Which one did you invest more in, or which one could you recoup more of your investment from? You could unload the '04 in a nanosecond, but there was no particular mystique about '06 black leather. The '04 is unquestionably more sought after by collectors, while to general shoppers, there are dozens of black Bals of all different vintages and conditions to choose from.

4. Imagine you've kept one and let go of the other. Do you anticipate more regret for letting go of one or the other?

5. If these were your best friend's bags, which would you vote for?

Me? *from the photos* I prefer the 06 a little better, but that's from looking at photos, not holding the bags, which means so, so much.

Ugh. I'm afraid I haven't been any help at all. The upside: YOU CANNOT GO WRONG!!

Good luck and keep us posted! Sorry for the NOVELLA of a response!

Wow. Thanks so much for such a thorough response. I greatly appreciate your opinions and expertise. Those are all great questions to consider. I think the 04 makes my heart sing a little bit more for some reason. I love how buttery smooth it is. I'm also in love with the 06 bc the puffiness and distressing is tdf. Right now what is holding me back on the 06 is the smell. I just received her back from LMB, and there's a chemical type of smell. Do u think that will subside? Unfortunately, if I had to give my best friend advice about these 2 bags I would tell her to keep both. [emoji12] I might have to do that a little while longer in order to decide. I just need to be sure before I let one of these beauties go.

06 gets another vote [emoji4]

Many thanks for your vote! [emoji7]

From your pictures, the leather on 06 looks incredibly yummy! It seems to have a bit more texture and depth, and for me a bit more of "personality", if that makes sense.
I know this is probably pretty lame for some.....ok....maybe it is super lame for the majority of people, BUT some bags make my heart skip a beat when I look at them, and when I carry them. I will keep the one that makes your heart skip a beat.

When I looked at your pics, 06 had that effect on me

Yes, the 06 definitely has more depth and what I call "puffiness". (I don't know how to explain it.) I totally agree about the heart skipping a beat comment, and too bad for me they both do--hence my huge dilemma. Lol [emoji16]

Defiitely I would keep the 2006 bag But I'm a big fan of 2006 year so ...

I had 2 black bags- 2005 and 2006. 2005 has gone to a lovely lady and I keep my 2006.

Maybe use both for a few days and it will help with your decision. Whichever you decide you can't go wrong with either of them

Thanks so much for your opinion. I know you love 06, and you were right! It's AMAZING. I'm a little concerned about the smell of her after returning from LMB. I'm assuming this smell will subside, but it's kind of distracting me right now. I love how smooth and thick the 04 is, but the 06 is also thick and definitely more distressed. And now after returning from LMB it's perfect! (Other than the smell). Ahhhhhhh such a hard decision. I think you're right about using them both for a while before I decide. [emoji173]️

 

[s.tighe]

Yummy. Your 07 Mogano is delicious. [emoji7]




Thanks so much for your vote!!

Wow. Thanks so much for such a thorough response. I greatly appreciate your opinions and expertise. Those are all great questions to consider. I think the 04 makes my heart sing a little bit more for some reason. I love how buttery smooth it is. I'm also in love with the 06 bc the puffiness and distressing is tdf. Right now what is holding me back on the 06 is the smell. I just received her back from LMB, and there's a chemical type of smell. Do u think that will subside? Unfortunately, if I had to give my best friend advice about these 2 bags I would tell her to keep both. [emoji12] I might have to do that a little while longer in order to decide. I just need to be sure before I let one of these beauties go.




Many thanks for your vote! [emoji7]




Yes, the 06 definitely has more depth and what I call "puffiness". (I don't know how to explain it.) I totally agree about the heart skipping a beat comment, and too bad for me they both do--hence my huge dilemma. Lol [emoji16]




Thanks so much for your opinion. I know you love 06, and you were right! It's AMAZING. I'm a little concerned about the smell of her after returning from LMB. I'm assuming this smell will subside, but it's kind of distracting me right now. I love how smooth and thick the 04 is, but the 06 is also thick and definitely more distressed. And now after returning from LMB it's perfect! (Other than the smell). Ahhhhhhh such a hard decision. I think you're right about using them both for a while before I decide. [emoji173]️

Ok, taking the financially cavalier standpoint.... Maybe you should consider keeping both. After all they are two versions of the most classic color and style, and both really wonderful in their own way. Neither will go out of style, and this way you have a backup and a way to minimize wear on one or the other. If ever there were two "identical" (but not) bags to consider keeping, I'd say these fit the bill.

I've never had an LMB bag, so idk about the smell, but I've found that most smells do fade substantially if not go away completely. Try setting her down in front of a fan on her butt side with her mouth propped open with book and let the fan blow in/on it for 24 hours on that side, then 24 on the other, and repeat if necessary. I had good luck almost entirely removing the heavy smoke odor from a bag this way, but it took a solid 7-10 days of attention. If you have a front load dryer with a shoe insert you could also set it in there on air dry for several cycles. Just make sure tassels etc are tucked in so they don't get tumbled.

 

[SemreH43]

Hi Bal lovers, I need your help. I went into Bal boutique and came out with the beauty below. I had wanted to look at the classic black city. The SA brought out the red and black city.. I was indecisive.. Seeing that, he brought out this.. A limited edition, exclusive only to US boutiques, blush colored perforated City with pale gold hardware.. It looked really great carried. He got me on the "limited edition".. ☺️ But although I like it, I wanted a bag that I don't need to baby. I'm afraid this bag will be one that needs to be babied... I'm rethinking on the City Black.. Or even the ME goatskin that seems to be more durable.. What do you think? Keep or no?

Thanks in advance for your time!

 

[Loulou2015]

Hi Bal lovers, I need your help. I went into Bal boutique and came out with the beauty below. I had wanted to look at the classic black city. The SA brought out the red and black city.. I was indecisive.. Seeing that, he brought out this.. A limited edition, exclusive only to US boutiques, blush colored perforated City with pale gold hardware.. It looked really great carried. He got me on the "limited edition".. ☺️ But although I like it, I wanted a bag that I don't need to baby. I'm afraid this bag will be one that needs to be babied... I'm rethinking on the City Black.. Or even the ME goatskin that seems to be more durable.. What do you think? Keep or no?

Thanks in advance for your time!

I would return it and go with either of the other 2 you were thinking of as I would be afraid that the perforations wouldn't wear well and also not hold a good resale value perhaps?...I don't have experience with this type of perf leather though as I'm still a newbie. Also my personal preference--I like the other 2 styles much better (black city or ME goatskin) as well as the leather! If this is your first Bal IMO its hard to appreciate the amazing Bal leather when its filled with holes--this perf leather would be an interesting alternative bag after you have your reliable go to Bal bags! I hope you take your time and get the one you really want! They are so wonderful to behold and add a lot of joy to ones day--Enjoy!!!

 

[Mendezhm]

Hi Bal lovers, I need your help. I went into Bal boutique and came out with the beauty below. I had wanted to look at the classic black city. The SA brought out the red and black city.. I was indecisive.. Seeing that, he brought out this.. A limited edition, exclusive only to US boutiques, blush colored perforated City with pale gold hardware.. It looked really great carried. He got me on the "limited edition".. [emoji5]️ But although I like it, I wanted a bag that I don't need to baby. I'm afraid this bag will be one that needs to be babied... I'm rethinking on the City Black.. Or even the ME goatskin that seems to be more durable.. What do you think? Keep or no?



Thanks in advance for your time!

I would return it and go with either of the other 2 you were thinking of as I would be afraid that the perforations wouldn't wear well and also not hold a good resale value perhaps?...I don't have experience with this type of perf leather though as I'm still a newbie. Also my personal preference--I like the other 2 styles much better (black city or ME goatskin) as well as the leather! If this is your first Bal IMO its hard to appreciate the amazing Bal leather when its filled with holes--this perf leather would be an interesting alternative bag after you have your reliable go to Bal bags! I hope you take your time and get the one you really want! They are so wonderful to behold and add a lot of joy to ones day--Enjoy!!!

+1 ^^. I agree totally with what she said. [emoji4]

 

[Mendezhm]

Yummy. Your 07 Mogano is delicious. [emoji7]


Ok, taking the financially cavalier standpoint.... Maybe you should consider keeping both. After all they are two versions of the most classic color and style, and both really wonderful in their own way. Neither will go out of style, and this way you have a backup and a way to minimize wear on one or the other. If ever there were two "identical" (but not) bags to consider keeping, I'd say these fit the bill.

I've never had an LMB bag, so idk about the smell, but I've found that most smells do fade substantially if not go away completely. Try setting her down in front of a fan on her butt side with her mouth propped open with book and let the fan blow in/on it for 24 hours on that side, then 24 on the other, and repeat if necessary. I had good luck almost entirely removing the heavy smoke odor from a bag this way, but it took a solid 7-10 days of attention. If you have a front load dryer with a shoe insert you could also set it in there on air dry for several cycles. Just make sure tassels etc are tucked in so they don't get tumbled.

I like the way you think! I'm currently trying to justify to myself why I should keep them both. [emoji4] A's far as the fan idea, I'll definitely try it. When the bag arrived to me it had a faint smoke smell. I guess whatever process they use at LMB to extract that smell has caused this more chemical type smell. I'm sure it will subside with time, but I will help it along with the fan. Thanks again for all your help. [emoji7]

 

[LOUKPEACH]

Hi Bal lovers, I need your help. I went into Bal boutique and came out with the beauty below. I had wanted to look at the classic black city. The SA brought out the red and black city.. I was indecisive.. Seeing that, he brought out this.. A limited edition, exclusive only to US boutiques, blush colored perforated City with pale gold hardware.. It looked really great carried. He got me on the "limited edition".. ☺️ But although I like it, I wanted a bag that I don't need to baby. I'm afraid this bag will be one that needs to be babied... I'm rethinking on the City Black.. Or even the ME goatskin that seems to be more durable.. What do you think? Keep or no?

Thanks in advance for your time!

Same old SA tricks
"limited edition"
"Only in the US"
"Only one left in the whole company"
Blah blah blah

Sad how people lied for money

 

[SemreH43]

Same old SA tricks
"limited edition"
"Only in the US"
"Only one left in the whole company"
Blah blah blah

Sad how people lied for money

Loukpeach, really? You mean it's a trick to get me to buy the one that wouldn't sell in the store? Hmm...

 

[SemreH43]

+1 ^^. I agree totally with what she said. [emoji4]

Thank you for your votes Mendezhm and Loulou2015! Do you know if the ME black city still comes in pale gold hardware? I don't quite like the yellow gold hardware.. Still deciding whether to get classic city or ME city.. I read about the thin papery lamb skin of the classic..I'm afraid I might not be able to know whether the classic that I picked will have this problem... Man it's hard!

 

[Loulou2015]

Thank you for your votes Mendezhm and Loulou2015! Do you know if the ME black city still comes in pale gold hardware? I don't quite like the yellow gold hardware.. Still deciding whether to get classic city or ME city.. I read about the thin papery lamb skin of the classic..I'm afraid I might not be able to know whether the classic that I picked will have this problem... Man it's hard!

I will have to defer to one of the experts or more experienced aficionados--but what did you think when you saw the bags in the store? the black city or ME? where they in stock? I think you might want to go back and look some more or buy online if they don't have what you want, from a place with a good reputation with a solid return policy and then purchase one or the other or both and then return what you don't like. There is also pre-loved-- opens up many options and a greater learning curve--as there are greater options but also ways to go awry. If you are in the new market, I think Barneys is pretty good with online returns...I just checked online and it looks like they have the black city goatskin ME with light gold (that to me would be a good choice if you like ME)--I would call them to make sure of the metal color though as photos can be misleading. Silver is nice too if available. I have read here that the new agneau/lamb 2015 year leathers are not too thin, but some complain they are too shiny, but it may vary and it may mellow, etc. you just have to see in person what you think and like. Also beware that sometimes they advertise chèvre (goat) leather online when its not--if it matters to you, call and confirm first, have them read the label, etc.--not sure why they don't correct the website. A black city is always a safe choice too but try to get what you really love and enjoy--you can always look at several of the bags to compare the leather to get a better idea as they are all sometimes unique although the newer leathers look more uniform to me but it is all natural leather so it is going to vary. Good luck and happy shopping!

 

[Angie43]

I will have to defer to one of the experts or more experienced aficionados--but what did you think when you saw the bags in the store? the black city or ME? where they in stock? I think you might want to go back and look some more or buy online if they don't have what you want, from a place with a good reputation with a solid return policy and then purchase one or the other or both and then return what you don't like. There is also pre-loved-- opens up many options and a greater learning curve--as there are greater options but also ways to go awry. If you are in the new market, I think Barneys is pretty good with online returns...I just checked online and it looks like they have the black city goatskin ME with light gold (that to me would be a good choice if you like ME)--I would call them to make sure of the metal color though as photos can be misleading. Silver is nice too if available. I have read here that the new agneau/lamb 2015 year leathers are not too thin, but some complain they are too shiny, but it may vary and it may mellow, etc. you just have to see in person what you think and like. Also beware that sometimes they advertise chèvre (goat) leather online when its not--if it matters to you, call and confirm first, have them read the label, etc.--not sure why they don't correct the website. A black city is always a safe choice too but try to get what you really love and enjoy--you can always look at several of the bags to compare the leather to get a better idea as they are all sometimes unique although the newer leathers look more uniform to me but it is all natural leather so it is going to vary. Good luck and happy shopping!

Loulou2015 Thank you for your reply and knowledge. I went back to the store and yes, both were in stock and so is a City black with ggh. The leather on the City Black with ggh was gorgeous, thick and supple! But I just cannot get over the yellow gold. The leather on the classic black city was slightly thinner, very distressed and a little shiny.. so in the end I picked the ME with the pale gold hardware instead. I love it~ the chevre leather will really stand up to me being a klutz and still being able to look stylish!

 

[Loulou2015]

Loulou2015 Thank you for your reply and knowledge. I went back to the store and yes, both were in stock and so is a City black with ggh. The leather on the City Black with ggh was gorgeous, thick and supple! But I just cannot get over the yellow gold. The leather on the classic black city was slightly thinner, very distressed and a little shiny.. so in the end I picked the ME with the pale gold hardware instead. I love it~ the chevre leather will really stand up to me being a klutz and still being able to look stylish!

Congrats!! Sounds like a winner! Enjoy!

 

[Catcook]

Is anyone up? I need to make a decision in the next hour, tops, between a Black Velo mini RGGH (2012), and a Black Work RGGH (2011). The purpose is mainly for work/work travel. I think the leather might be better on the Work. Input welcome, and thank you!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321871629581?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252110714305?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[s.tighe]

Is anyone up? I need to make a decision in the next hour, tops, between a Black Velo mini RGGH (2012), and a Black Work RGGH (2011). The purpose is mainly for work/work travel. I think the leather might be better on the Work. Input welcome, and thank you!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321871629581?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252110714305?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I hope you got the RGGH Work. I clicked the link and saw that the listing ended. Depends on how you're going to use it for work, but I think the Work is a much prettier bag than the Velo in general, and the RGGH on black is beautiful