Wallet Dilema

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tegan

tegan

O.G.
Dec 29, 2009
1,894
16
#1
I am interested in a BV wallet but I am not sure which one - the continental or the zip continental. My SA sent me a picture of both in the toffee color but since I have not seen them in person, I am not sure which to get.

I was hoping one of you lovely ladies could help me a bit. The picture of the one is the toffee color of this one :

http://www.bottegaveneta.com/us/en/...tal-wallet_150509V0013.html#size=U;color=5009

The zip one is the normal zip wallet that I know several of you have already so I didn't post a link.

Any advice would be great :)

Thanks!
 
#2
I'm a big fan of the zip wallet - I know that when it is zipped everything is 100% secure and therefore I can use it as a clutch when I am running around and don't want a full bag. I like the look of the continental but worry that things could slide out... maybe I am just paranoid, though.
 
#3
^I am totally with you Bookermoose! I always buy zip around wallets. I find that a zip around wallet can hold a great deal and I never have to worry about anything falling out!

Good luck with your decision!
 
#7
I had the Continental Tab Long wallet and decided I preferred the long zip around I had sold in a different color, so I went back to the long zip around. I think it looks neater JMHO... I also use the zip around as a clutch if I'm running a quick errand or when I travel and don't bring a Knot with me.

What type of wallet are you carrying now?
BTW, my iPhone fit fine in both styles, but I cannot carry my checkbook in the zip around, but that is not an issue since I have a very much loved Chanel checkbook cover for over 13 yrs!
Good luck!
 
#9
There is no way for anything to slide out of the flap-style continental wallet that you have pictured in your link, as long as the flap is snapped shut (just the same as nothing will slide out of the zip-around wallet as long as it's zipped shut). If you leave the wallet open, then things might slide out of either wallet.

The tab-style continental wallets have more of a potential for things to slide out because some sides are left exposed when the wallet it closed, though I have not had any such problem after a year of use with my tab wallet. I did have the sliding problem with a very old non-BV wallet that was worn and stretched in the card pockets, so it is something to consider--but not with either of the wallets that you're considering.

I've considered both the flap continental and the zip-around wallet. The zip-around has a bigger overall presence; if you want to use it as a small clutch, that could be a good thing.

Others will disagree, but I happen to have a slight preference for the layout of the flap wallet, as well as the ergonomics of it. I have smaller hands and the flap wallet just feels a little less awkward for me to use (I have a very similar-style wallet that is not BV). I also am slightly bothered by having to zip and unzip the entire zip-around wallet to get anything out. The snap on the flap closure is very quick in comparison.

I've been using a smaller BV tab wallet that is in between the size of the squarish French wallets and the full-sized long wallets. I bought it because I was in the mood for a slightly smaller and slightly lighter wallet. If I were to go back to a full-size long wallet, I'd probably go with the flap continental over the zip, but really, both are terrific choices.

Good luck deciding. It's always best to try them both if you can, before buying.
 
#10
I have an ebano san marco zip around wallet that was a gift
at first I didn't think I would like it as I am used to a much smaller wallet
but
now I love it!!! I find that I am always snatching out of my handbag and going into a store with and using it like a little clutch
I think it is the best wallet I have ever had and I am an old woman LOL
 
#11
Gosh ladies, thanks so much for all your opinions. I do appreciate all your help.

Currently I am carrying a Mulberry Beatrice continental wallet that is a flap with a snap - actually, most of my wallets are that way to be honest. I have a Salvatore Ferragamo that is a flap over but has a fold over buckle and then another Mulberry continental wallet that is also a flap over with a snap.

Hmmm....maybe the zip may be the way to go as it is different. It just seems so much larger. I am going to see if I can get to Neiman's today to look at the wallets in person - I hope they have both styles there (ha, with my luck, they won't :)).

Does the zip fit well in the medium veneta bag?

Again, thanks so much for your help.
 
#12
tegan said:
Gosh ladies, thanks so much for all your opinions. I do appreciate all your help.

Currently I am carrying a Mulberry Beatrice continental wallet that is a flap with a snap - actually, most of my wallets are that way to be honest. I have a Salvatore Ferragamo that is a flap over but has a fold over buckle and then another Mulberry continental wallet that is also a flap over with a snap.

Hmmm....maybe the zip may be the way to go as it is different. It just seems so much larger. I am going to see if I can get to Neiman's today to look at the wallets in person - I hope they have both styles there (ha, with my luck, they won't :)).

Does the zip fit well in the medium veneta bag?

Again, thanks so much for your help.
Click to expand...

If you want a different style, then go for the zip. If a familiar layout and ergonomics are important, then go for the flap. Both are great choices.

As far as the size of the zip, my impression from comparing the two is that it is visually bigger and flatter than the flap.

You asked about how the zip fits into a medium Veneta. Both full-size styles do fit inside, but how well it fits depends on what else you're carrying inside your Veneta that day.

Maybe these photos will help? They were sent by my SA; I bought the lilac one based on those photos (she included the smaller wallet in the photo because I have that one in red, so it gave me an idea of relative size). I will say that I saw the zip-around wallet in person after seeing the photos, and it seemed a lot bigger in person than in photos. I guess it's because it's noticeably taller, and the second photo showing the height difference doesn't portray the effect on the whole wallet.
 

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#14
I have always had the french flap wallet - with the snap - no matter what brand. I now have a zip around continental wallet and I LOVE it! Sometimes I do switch back if I am using a smaller bag, but I agree with what everyone else has said, it's great for grab and go.
I had a little difficulty with wear on the corners of my bv flap wallet, so I am also favoring the zip around because it doesn't have as many vulnerable corners to wear and split.
 
#15
Definitely have to agree with Alisonanna. The leather of the BV wallets is soo delicate!! In fact I carry mine around in a dustbag (yes people look at me weird when I take a bag out of my bag, and then take my wallet out of it) but there is still a bit of wear on the corners. The zip will definitely wear less at the corners!
 
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