What are the "cons" of popular bags?

[ClaphamTulip]

We often hear or read people raving about their bags. But most bags have flaws and many might be deal breakers or very annoying features people notice only after wearing the bag around a few times. What "cons" have you noticed in your favourite popular bags?

Mine:
- Some Bulgari Serpenti bags have too many partitions inside which make them so difficult to use if you want to carry anything bigger than a lipstick! I believe most of the new launches don't have that flaw but worth noting.
- Generally, bags that don't have a back pocket to slip cards or keys are annoying.
- The Balenciaga Hourglass is very pretty but due to the curved bottom there is a LOT of dead space.
- Recently bought a Ferragamo bag with a slightly triangular shape so that the bottom is wider than the opening. The bag is smaller than it seems as a lot of things that I thought would fit do not fit through the opening (a book for example - it's too tall to be upright and can't be put in horizontally because of the opening).

 

[poopsie]

I no longer own any "popular" bags. They never worked out for me
Speedys and Almas went because I just can't live without a long adjustable shoulder strap. Yes they come with straps now but back then it was different
Samur went because I got tired of fiddling with flaps and buckles
Batignolles went because the straps were too short. I will NEVER have another dual strap bag because one of them is always sliding off my shoulder
Miu Miu Harlequin went because the tiny opening and cavernous bottom attached to a ridiculously thin non adjustable strap was annoying beyond words
Any messenger style bag like my Alexander Wang Lia because I like having handles to grab them by. My AW Donna went because that knot strap hurt when there were more than a phone and wallet in it. I still have my Roccos even though I wish the strap was a bit longer.
The only bags that have stood the test for me are Prada nylon gaufres. They tick all the right boxes and have been my daily go to for the past several years. Since they come in various sizes and colors I have plenty of variety-------even though I stick to the black ones most of the time.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Most bags are just really heavy for me & kinda boxy because i dislike slouchy bags and super annoying with a coat on.
So as much as i love my bags i kinda end up w no bags or just my old coach outlet bags that are lightweight & easy to wear.

 

[maris.crane]

The Toy LouLou has a slot in the middle that is bothersome, and the front is narrower in length in than the back half. Which is fine, but it means I couldn't put a larger phone in the front half.

The Re-Edition Nylon Prada 2005 (with the cloth strap) is lovely but it slips off sweaters. So it's a tee-shirt or tank top bag on the shoulder.

 

[880]

The ones that are a commercial success are seen everywhere, and you may have to warehouse it until the hype dies down in order to wear and not feel like a fashion victim

if it’s really popular, and limited, I often am too late to obtain one, like the Mary katrantzou bulgari bag.

then there are the bags that I saw off the runway and immediately adored like the mini Della cavalleria. Now that there is an entire ad campaign and a you tube video, it’s a bit much, but I love the bag, so wear it anyway lol

the silver lining is that sometimes you don’t get a bag that’s popular and can only admire from afar. So, there are no cons like there would be if you actually had to live with it

 

[papertiger]

We often hear or read people raving about their bags. But most bags have flaws and many might be deal breakers or very annoying features people notice only after wearing the bag around a few times. What "cons" have you noticed in your favourite popular bags?

Mine:
- Some Bulgari Serpenti bags have too many partitions inside which make them so difficult to use if you want to carry anything bigger than a lipstick! I believe most of the new launches don't have that flaw but worth noting.
- Generally, bags that don't have a back pocket to slip cards or keys are annoying.
- The Balenciaga Hourglass is very pretty but due to the curved bottom there is a LOT of dead space.
- Recently bought a Ferragamo bag with a slightly triangular shape so that the bottom is wider than the opening. The bag is smaller than it seems as a lot of things that I thought would fit do not fit through the opening (a book for example - it's too tall to be upright and can't be put in horizontally because of the opening).

That's interesting about the Hourglass because they always caught my eye. Why do I feel like I may have seen a Moynat with a similar shape (less obvious).

 

[papertiger]

Do I have any popular bags?

I don't know if they're popular, but I know you should always store Gucci Bamboo Top-handles with the restrainers on because bamboo likes to straighten out. It can be tricky to put these back on.

Any Y2K under-arm bag (every brand has their own version now) is hard to carry with certain 2020s coats, especially padded, faux fur or teddy. You may have to go for the whole Y2K 'story' look.

Chain bags with good coats do not mix, that's more than Chanel now. Lots of SLP and Gucci Marmonts too.

I guess the obvious one for me was/is the weight of some of the popular Chloes. I don't know if Chloes are still heavy.

 

[lovieluvslux]

Chanel 227 Re-issue. I had the goatskin version, which was heavy and durable. Though beautiful to look at, I am not a fan of bijoux chain. It constantly slipped off my shoulder.
Original Peekaboo - I got tire of the center divider, and the click-clack of the should strap holders. Its was great hardware, but could be noisy at times. I like the new design (without center divider), but I am on ban island for a year.
Chanel Jumbo - also a bit on the heavy side. I wanted to wear in the evening.. it's not an evening bag IMO.

 

[behindtheseams]

Saint Laurent Sac de Jour in Nano: the opening is a tight squeeze if you don't unbuckle the side straps. The clochette can leave indentations on the bag if you let it swing from the handle.

Prada Cahier: great overall design, but the extra compartments limit the size and number of items they can hold. Also, the elaborate hardware significantly contributes to the weight of the bag.

Loewe Puzzle Bag in Small: the extra flap on top makes it hard to access the inside of the bag. I also don't like the newer version that's missing the feet and D-ring. Why take away the extra functionality?

I still have my Roccos even though I wish the strap was a bit longer.

I love the Alexander Wang Mini Rockie in the mini size, but I've experienced some scratching/peeling of the lambskin from the hardware. Has this happened with your Roccos? This video summarizes most of the issues I've experienced:

 

[JenJBS]

I'll go with 'in general' rather than specific bags.

I think popular bags are more likely to be counterfeited (see BV Pouch a couple years ago - all the fakes on eBay... ).

If a bag is super popular for a specific year or two - and doesn't end up becoming a classic - it will probably always be dated/associated with that time, instead of being a timeless bag.

This doesn't apply to me, but I know some people don't like seeing a lot of other people carrying 'their' bag, and with a popular style that is more likely to happen - so a con for some people.

Anyway, that's my two cents.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Specific:
• Chanel’s double flap design is hellish. It’s fussy and makes the bag heavy. Every other bag on the planet is fine without DFs so if Chanels “need” them as many claim<laughs in sturdy single flap>, it’s a design flaw.
• Fendi by the way strap catches my hair every time I wear it.
• Fendi by the way’s corners get saggy and look tired quickly
• Chanel boy bag and Givenchy Antigona wear and “use” in too boxy a fashion.

General:
• Leather lining often makes bags too heavy
• Black hardware is gorgeous but will wear over time. If nothing else the black zipper will turn because of the constant rubbing / use
• An It bag can easily look “dated” which is frustrating if you spend good money to enjoy a trend.
• It bags - like many beautiful designer shoes - are more often designed for looks rather than function.
• Totes targeted to women have skinny “shoulder eating” straps and rarely have the key features (internal organization, space for full sized laptops, or top closure) to be truly functional for work. Designers seem to think women have no needs but to carry a flower bouquet and crusty baguette in a no crime, no weather city and design for that bizarre fantasy.

 

[ClaphamTulip]

That's interesting about the Hourglass because they always caught my eye. Why do I feel like I may have seen a Moynat with a similar shape (less obvious).

The original Moynat trunk has a similar curved shape on the bottom. Somehow I think that might be the reason why the LV ones got more popular....

 

[ClaphamTulip]

Saint Laurent Sac de Jour in Nano: the opening is a tight squeeze if you don't unbuckle the side straps. The clochette can leave indentations on the bag if you let it swing from the handle.

Prada Cahier: great overall design, but the extra compartments limit the size and number of items they can hold. Also, the elaborate hardware significantly contributes to the weight of the bag.

Loewe Puzzle Bag in Small: the extra flap on top makes it hard to access the inside of the bag. I also don't like the newer version that's missing the feet and D-ring. Why take away the extra functionality?



I love the Alexander Wang Mini Rockie in the mini size, but I've experienced some scratching/peeling of the lambskin from the hardware. Has this happened with your Roccos? This video summarizes most of the issues I've experienced:

I totally get it for the Cahier - it's similar to the Bulgari Serpenti. The comparments are a waste!

 

[ClaphamTulip]

Specific:
• Chanel’s double flap design is hellish. It’s fussy and makes the bag heavy. Every other bag on the planet is fine without DFs so if Chanels “need” them as many claim<laughs in sturdy single flap>, it’s a design flaw.
• Fendi by the way strap catches my hair every time I wear it.
• Fendi by the way’s corners get saggy and look tired quickly
• Chanel boy bag and Givenchy Antigona wear and “use” in too boxy a fashion.

General:
• Leather lining often makes bags too heavy
• Black hardware is gorgeous but will wear over time. If nothing else the black zipper will turn because of the constant rubbing / use
• An It bag can easily look “dated” which is frustrating if you spend good money to enjoy a trend.
• It bags - like many beautiful designer shoes - are more often designed for looks rather than function.
• Totes targeted to women have skinny “shoulder eating” straps and rarely have the key features (internal organization, space for full sized laptops, or top closure) to be truly functional for work. Designers seem to think women have no needs but to carry a flower bouquet and crusty baguette in a no crime, no weather city and design for that bizarre fantasy.

I don't get the whole DF thing... why does it even exist...

Women's totes are ridiculously designed honestly... I have yet to find one I really like because it's both "fancy" (think Birkin) and practical.

 

[Joule]

Specific:
• Chanel’s double flap design is hellish. It’s fussy and makes the bag heavy. Every other bag on the planet is fine without DFs so if Chanels “need” them as many claim<laughs in sturdy single flap>, it’s a design flaw.
• Fendi by the way strap catches my hair every time I wear it.
• Fendi by the way’s corners get saggy and look tired quickly
• Chanel boy bag and Givenchy Antigona wear and “use” in too boxy a fashion.

General:
• Leather lining often makes bags too heavy
• Black hardware is gorgeous but will wear over time. If nothing else the black zipper will turn because of the constant rubbing / use
• An It bag can easily look “dated” which is frustrating if you spend good money to enjoy a trend.
• It bags - like many beautiful designer shoes - are more often designed for looks rather than function.
• Totes targeted to women have skinny “shoulder eating” straps and rarely have the key features (internal organization, space for full sized laptops, or top closure) to be truly functional for work. Designers seem to think women have no needs but to carry a flower bouquet and crusty baguette in a no crime, no weather city and design for that bizarre fantasy.

I SO get the tote shoulder strap issue.