The cute ALMA BB club!

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I got a noir Epi Alma bb a few months ago and finally took it out for the first time. A little small for me for everyday but a great piece when you don’t need much. I personally love Epi. The Alma is the only new bag but I have a few vintage bags from the 80-90s and they are in beautiful condition. I don’t find it too heavy, esp in the Alma. Since you have some DE pieces already I would go with the Epi. And handheld it looked dressy enough for a night out IMO But also casual enough for daytime.
Thank you, I live in Philadelphia where I have personally seen purse snatching as happen so I tend to not use super flashy bags which is why I was looking into the epi leather. Do you have other epi bags? Do you think they scratch easily or dent?
 
I got a noir Epi Alma bb a few months ago and finally took it out for the first time. A little small for me for everyday but a great piece when you don’t need much. I personally love Epi. The Alma is the only new bag but I have a few vintage bags from the 80-90s and they are in beautiful condition. I don’t find it too heavy, esp in the Alma. Since you have some DE pieces already I would go with the Epi. And handheld it looked dressy enough for a night out IMO But also casual enough for daytime.
This has been my same experience. The Alma bb can feel limited but I can fit phone, key fob, business cardholder, sunnies in a soft pouch, mask, and a soft rubber cosmetic bag without distorting its shape. I’ve used the bag for errands and date nights. I like the versatility so you can wear as crossbody or by top handle or on arm crook.

I have only seen one other person with an epi noir at a Disney park so I don’t think it’s a common bag.

I am going to pick up a DE version today but would recommend getting the epi first.
 
This has been my same experience. The Alma bb can feel limited but I can fit phone, key fob, business cardholder, sunnies in a soft pouch, mask, and a soft rubber cosmetic bag without distorting its shape. I’ve used the bag for errands and date nights. I like the versatility so you can wear as crossbody or by top handle or on arm crook.

I have only seen one other person with an epi noir at a Disney park so I don’t think it’s a common bag.

I am going to pick up a DE version today but would recommend getting the epi first.
Can I ask why you suggest the epi first?
 
Can I ask why you suggest the epi first?
At the time, DE was not on my radar. I had just purchased the speedy b25 in monogram and wanted a bag that can transition to night/formal. I purchased the Felicie and found it too small (I still kept and love it). At the time, LV had limited options but I liked the clean noir look and wanted a bag with silver hardware. The SA ordered me the epi version and I instantly loved it. The bag also matches well with my wardrobe/style.

I later opened up to DE. I saw the Alma bb de and was underwhelmed. I wanted DE first in the speedy 25, which I nabbed last year.

I purchased a black Gucci camera bag from the outlet that I love and use for my under radar look at theme parks, supermarkets, etc…but I’m now wanting a purse that is a little flashy but not too much. I bought the Graceful but didn’t properly test it and it was MIU so I returned it. I think the Croisette is cute but overpriced. Alma bb de is my best option…and I don’t want to regret if there is another price increase.

for the record, I purchase handbags to keep and never sell to purchase another one. I also don’t anticipate amassing a huge collection. I really like the speedy and Alma so I don’t mind having doubles for these two styles. I would still like a slouchy bag…
 
Picked up my Alma BB in Damier Ebene MIF and she is puuurrffffect! Canvas print lines up on both sides. No loose inner lining. No red thread/lining peaking through. Impeccable metal. No nicks in bottom leather. My SA sent various shots of bag before I confirmed acceptance, and reality did not fail me.

While in store, I placed my rubber-like Kenzo makeup bag, iphone 11 and Rosalie wallet, and found Alma bb slightly distorted the bag shape. This confirmed what I see in my epi version with an epi business cardholder. We subbed out the wallet for a key pouch and items fit better. For this handbag, I will likely use my key pouch as a wallet or reduce items in makeup bag to not distort upper bag shape. I do own a Damier graphite version that goes with the epi noir and a monogram version for this DE print. I’m hindsight, I didn’t need the epi business business cardholder for my epi handbag.
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I get that each piece is handmade so it won't be perfect, but it's so disappointing to spend that much money and not have it in perfect condition.

Unfortunately LV hasn't been handmade for a few decades now with the exception of trunks. :sad:

I agree that bags shouldn't be coming with sloppy stitching etc,. regardless if handmade or not. I do wish they had the same quality standards of yesteryear but sadly they don't.
 
I got my Alma bb today and it was made in US. I am still deciding whether to return it and wait for MIF. It is a very cute bag and it is hard to get. What do you think?
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I’ve become a stickler for MIF; however, there is no way to specify this via online or concierge orders. I partly returned a Graceful ordered via concierge because it was MIU.

This can be achieved if you advise preference to your SA. My SA indicated there will be an increase in store availability as we approach holidays.

I only recently decided to get this bag. One showed up on Tuesday and my SA immediately put it on reserve for me.
 
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Thank you @Love_N_Lune , I was also interested in Alma bb recently. Inquired my SA 2 weeks ago and he received one last week and shipped to me. I think I am keeping it although I prefer MIF but who knows when will I get one MIF if I return this one. Online is impossible to find. Next time, I will specify with him that I want MIF.
 
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I got my Alma bb today and it was made in US. I am still deciding whether to return it and wait for MIF. It is a very cute bag and it is hard to get. What do you think?
View attachment 5182299View attachment 5182300View attachment 5182301
Thank you @Love_N_Lune , I was also interested in Alma bb recently. Inquired my SA 2 weeks ago and he received one last week and shipped to me. I think I am keeping it although I prefer MIF but who knows when will I get one MIF if I return this one. Online is impossible to find. Next time, I will specify with him that I want MIF.
I would recommend to keep it . Although it were made in USA , the stitching is perfect and the canvas is symmetrical. Trust me!! I have seen a lot worst .To me I don’t really care where it were made as long as the bag look perfect . I have 2 bags were made in US ( speedy classic 25 and neverfull mm ) both are perfect and I don’t see anything different of the material to the bags that were made in France .And of course MIF would give me more excitement because that where the brand is heritage.
 
Picked up my Alma BB in Damier Ebene MIF and she is puuurrffffect! Canvas print lines up on both sides. No loose inner lining. No red thread/lining peaking through. Impeccable metal. No nicks in bottom leather. My SA sent various shots of bag before I confirmed acceptance, and reality did not fail me.

While in store, I placed my rubber-like Kenzo makeup bag, iphone 11 and Rosalie wallet, and found Alma bb slightly distorted the bag shape. This confirmed what I see in my epi version with an epi business cardholder. We subbed out the wallet for a key pouch and items fit better. For this handbag, I will likely use my key pouch as a wallet or reduce items in makeup bag to not distort upper bag shape. I do own a Damier graphite version that goes with the epi noir and a monogram version for this DE print. I’m hindsight, I didn’t need the epi business business cardholder for my epi handbag.
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Congratulations yay! Happy for you
 
I’ve become a stickler for MIF; however, there is no way to specify this via online or concierge orders. I partly returned a Graceful ordered via concierge because it was MIU.

This can be achieved if you advise preference to your SA. My SA indicated there will be an increase in store availability as we approach holidays.

I only recently decided to get this bag. One showed up on Tuesday and my SA immediately put it on reserve for me.
I am having the same issue with a graceful. Unfortunately my SA told me there are no Graceful mif anynore so she isn't doing anything. The Graceful that came made in USA is in great condition though all I want from a bag but I am also very much into MIF. All my other bags are. Should i return and wait?
 
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