Which Dior Caro should I choose?

[Chanotchka]

I've been looking to buy a new black crossbody bag for a while and am pretty set on the caro, because it has everything I like:

Brand, versatility (casual and elegant, day to night), turn lock, back pocket, roomy, not too boxy.

I tried on two different styles of the caro today and would like your opinions on which one looks better and which one is a better buy.

Do you think the macro cabbage is a trend that will go out of style?
I did ask the SA at the boutique whether caro will stay permanently, and he confirmed about the black with gold, but not about the other one.

I have an iron grey lady Dior medium (if it matters).
Thanks in advance!

 

[Saturday14]

I've been looking to buy a new black crossbody bag for a while and am pretty set on the caro, because it has everything I like:

Brand, versatility (casual and elegant, day to night), turn lock, back pocket, roomy, not too boxy.

I tried on two different styles of the caro today and would like your opinions on which one looks better and which one is a better buy.

Do you think the macro cabbage is a trend that will go out of style?
I did ask the SA at the boutique whether caro will stay permanently, and he confirmed about the black with gold, but not about the other one.

I have an iron grey lady Dior medium (if it matters).
Thanks in advance!

View attachment 5630379

I recently bought my large black calfskin for the exact reasons you listed! Caro ticks many attractive boxes.

I really feel that the classic calfskin is the way forward and in a leather that you won't ever regret. Firstly, its exterior is a natural full grain 100% calfskin, very soft yet still durable. Interior is 100% lambskin, again very soft. These details matter for longevity.

The puffy macro is lovely and trendy but the quality doesn't come close to the calfskin. I'm pretty sure the lining is foam (which makes it light and puffy) so it's far more delicate and not durable long term. The bottega padded cassette has the same problem, albeit both desirable looks. I also really feel that the puffy leather style will look outdated soon enough.

Black and gold looks and is more superior, in my opinion! And from the images, it looks great with your vibe.

 

[Chanotchka]

I recently bought my large black calfskin for the exact reasons you listed! Caro ticks many attractive boxes.

I really feel that the classic calfskin is the way forward and in a leather that you won't ever regret. Firstly, its exterior is a natural full grain 100% calfskin, very soft yet still durable. Interior is 100% lambskin, again very soft. These details matter for longevity.

The puffy macro is lovely and trendy but the quality doesn't come close to the calfskin. I'm pretty sure the lining is foam (which makes it light and puffy) so it's far more delicate and not durable long term. The bottega padded cassette has the same problem, albeit both desirable looks. I also really feel that the puffy leather style will look outdated soon enough.

Black and gold looks and is more superior, in my opinion! And from the images, it looks great with your vibe.

Thank you for your reply!
It does make sense, and I initially wanted the classic caro, but I don't know if it's the lighting in the store, the gold is very "much", it's not subtle.
I thought both bags have leather lining, but maybe I'm wrong.
The SA preferred the puffy bag on me, but I think I will anyway choose the regular one.
I like the grainy calfskin a lot, because it seems more durable and is different to my lady.
I will probably buy it in November, if I decide to buy it, unless there's another price increase coming soon, did anyone hear of anything?
(I'm in Europe)

 

[Saturday14]

Thank you for your reply!
It does make sense, and I initially wanted the classic caro, but I don't know if it's the lighting in the store, the gold is very "much", it's not subtle.
I thought both bags have leather lining, but maybe I'm wrong.
The SA preferred the puffy bag on me, but I think I will anyway choose the regular one.
I like the grainy calfskin a lot, because it seems more durable and is different to my lady.
I will probably buy it in November, if I decide to buy it, unless there's another price increase coming soon, did anyone hear of anything?
(I'm in Europe)

Initially, I thought the very same thing about how yellow the gold was! I went back and forth to Harrods, asking the SAs if there's a more subtle, champagne gold on its way that I should hold out for... I even wrote about it on the Dior Caro thread here on TPF. But, now I absolutely LOVE the gold and I think it's what makes it stand out from other hardware out there. It also looks richer, more old-school back when luxury bags were in a different league.

There's another Dior thread on here where I'm pretty sure I've seen images of a macro with torn leather, and foam is sticking out of it. I doubt most of Dior's SAs are aware of the lining. They will probably just know it as "100% leather" but it's not.

The last price increase in the UK was in July and the large Caro increased by £100. Hopefully you'll be safe in November but it's always very hard to foresee with these things. There's also a thread specific to Dior price increases on here that I keep an eye on.

I think it's worth noting that I purchased mine in Harrods for its 14 day refund policy in the event that I had buyer's remorse. Dior stores only offer a 14-day credit or exchange unless you purchase directly from their site, then you're eligible for a refund.

SIDE NOTE: Most people on here will always say to go with what you instinctively love, and I agree. It's always a good idea to really think on it so that you're fully comfortable with your decision.

 

[Chanotchka]

Initially, I thought the very same thing about how yellow the gold was! I went back and forth to Harrods, asking the SAs if there's a more subtle, champagne gold on its way that I should hold out for... I even wrote about it on the Dior Caro thread here on TPF. But, now I absolutely LOVE the gold and I think it's what makes it stand out from other hardware out there. It also looks richer, more old-school back when luxury bags were in a different league.

There's another Dior thread on here where I'm pretty sure I've seen images of a macro with torn leather, and foam is sticking out of it. I doubt most of Dior's SAs are aware of the lining. They will probably just know it as "100% leather" but it's not.

The last price increase in the UK was in July and the large Caro increased by £100. Hopefully you'll be safe in November but it's always very hard to foresee with these things. There's also a thread specific to Dior price increases on here that I keep an eye on.

I think it's worth noting that I purchased mine in Harrods for its 14 day refund policy in the event that I had buyer's remorse. Dior stores only offer a 14-day credit or exchange unless you purchase directly from their site, then you're eligible for a refund.

SIDE NOTE: Most people on here will always say to go with what you instinctively love, and I agree. It's always a good idea to really think on it so that you're fully comfortable with your decision.

Haha, I asked the exact same question (about champagne gold hardware), SA said it's unlikely. The lady will be with champagne gold and caro with yellow gold.

Initially I wanted the classic one.
Maybe it's the way I took the picture, but I like the way the macro bag sits on me better.
They both sit quite high anyway, I might need to purchase a strap.
I don't think I'll buy online, I like buying in the boutique.

 

[Saturday14]

Haha, I asked the exact same question (about champagne gold hardware), SA said it's unlikely. The lady will be with champagne gold and caro with yellow gold.

Initially I wanted the classic one.
Maybe it's the way I took the picture, but I like the way the macro bag sits on me better.
They both sit quite high anyway, I might need to purchase a strap.
I don't think I'll buy online, I like buying in the boutique.

Totally know what you mean about the way the macro sits on the hip. I thought the very same thing when I tried it on - it feels less "flat" in comparison to the calfskin. More three dimensional! And again, I also thought the same about eventually needing a guitar strap to make so that it sits a bit higher on the body. Caro looks wonderful with the straps - especially when you want to tone down your look and be more casual.

It's great that you have LD. The VERY best. Next on my list. I really should have bought that before the shock $$$$$£££££ price increase.

Agree re. boutique experience. I want the espresso, the comfy couch, the touch and feel moment, the smell of perfume lingering in the store, the human interaction, the lot! Keep us posted if you decide to go for it! In either leather style it's an absolutely divine bag and so functional. Can't go wrong!X

 

[nycgirl79]

Both bags look great on you, but I actually prefer the macrocannage in this case.

I have a medium, in grey macrocannage (w/ruthenium hardware), and I absolutely love it, and find myself reaching to use it far more frequently than my LD (which I also love!). While I absolutely agree with Saturday14 that the regular cannage in grained calfskin seems MUCH more durable (the photos of TraceySH’s torn caro still haunt my dreams!), and is more of a classic, I also could not get past the GOLD of the hardware. I was in the Boston store last month, with every intention of purchasing the large (also in black w/GHW), and my sister and I actually walked right by it, because it looked like a completely different bag! The quilts were completely flat, the leather looked overly distressed, yet the gold hardware was still excessively bright and gold. Granted this was the bag that was on display, and has presumably been handled many, many times, but quite frankly, it looked awful. IMHO, I think the bright gold hardware works better with the lighter colors (the contrast is less harsh), which is quite unfortunate for those of us who are looking for a darker colored bag.

 

[lill_canele]

Visually, I'm a fan of the one on the right. The macrocannage with the ruthenium hardware looks more modern and youthful.

There's something about the smaller stitching of the regular cannage that makes it feel a little old? or dated to me. Same goes with the color of that gold hardware with that particular leather's black color.

However, I too have heard of issues on TPF with the macrocannage leather being more delicate.

It's a hard decision, but like others have said, it's probably best to go with what makes your heart sing! Good luck and happy shopping!

 

[Saturday14]

Both bags look great on you, but I actually prefer the macrocannage in this case.

I have a medium, in grey macrocannage (w/ruthenium hardware), and I absolutely love it, and find myself reaching to use it far more frequently than my LD (which I also love!). While I absolutely agree with Saturday14 that the regular cannage in grained calfskin seems MUCH more durable (the photos of TraceySH’s torn caro still haunt my dreams!), and is more of a classic, I also could not get past the GOLD of the hardware. I was in the Boston store last month, with every intention of purchasing the large (also in black w/GHW), and my sister and I actually walked right by it, because it looked like a completely different bag! The quilts were completely flat, the leather looked overly distressed, yet the gold hardware was still excessively bright and gold. Granted this was the bag that was on display, and has presumably been handled many, many times, but quite frankly, it looked awful. IMHO, I think the bright gold hardware works better with the lighter colors (the contrast is less harsh), which is quite unfortunate for those of us who are looking for a darker colored bag.

HAHA yes TraceySH's picture still haunts my sleep, too! It honesty really put me off the macro for that reason. I felt like we could see behind the fancy Dior curtain with that puffy foam sticking out!!

Oddly, after all the umm-ing and ahh-ing over the YELLOW BRIGHT GOLD and praying for the Champagne option to come into production... given the choice now I would go for the GOLD as it is! My mind has done a complete 180 haha.

The danger of sense-checking how others feel about one bag over another, is that we each have different styles and our expectations differ from things we love. My style is extremely classic - bordering on boring perhaps! I'm more of a uniform girl. Outerwear ranges from MaxMara 10801, to Ghesquire-era Balenciaga leather, Old-Céline pea coat, Burberry trench, to a Patagonia fleece! The "old' bag styles I feel will have more longevity in my wardrobe. BUT if my style was more "fun", with an edge and was trend-driven, then I would completely go for the macro. The hardware is absolutely beautiful and modern. It's obviously much cooler.

I actually love the fact the leather with the calfskin option will look aged over time because I prefer the more "lived-in" and less-perfect look. Even if the quilts flatten with wear, because of its natural full-grain and deep saturated black colour, it will still look expensive in my eyes. If I were ever to buy a Chanel (thankful to TPF community in that I have been VERY put off in doing so, hence the Dior route) - I would only ever go for the Reissue. It's less "done". Leather is more aged. But others would say that's such a waste for Chanel and would go for classic flap without question.

Lifestyle and taste is such a deeply personal thing. In the end, as we've all agreed on, go with what brings you joy!

 

[nycgirl79]

HAHA yes TraceySH's picture still haunts my sleep, too! It honesty really put me off the macro for that reason. I felt like we could see behind the fancy Dior curtain with that puffy foam sticking out!!

Oddly, after all the umm-ing and ahh-ing over the YELLOW BRIGHT GOLD and praying for the Champagne option to come into production... given the choice now I would go for the GOLD as it is! My mind has done a complete 180 haha.

The danger of sense-checking how others feel about one bag over another, is that we each have different styles and our expectations differ from things we love. My style is extremely classic - bordering on boring perhaps! I'm more of a uniform girl. Outerwear ranges from MaxMara 10801, to Ghesquire-era Balenciaga leather, Old-Céline pea coat, Burberry trench, to a Patagonia fleece! The "old' bag styles I feel will have more longevity in my wardrobe. BUT if my style was more "fun", with an edge and was trend-driven, then I would completely go for the macro. The hardware is absolutely beautiful and modern. It's obviously much cooler.

I actually love the fact the leather with the calfskin option will look aged over time because I prefer the more "lived-in" and less-perfect look. Even if the quilts flatten with wear, because of its natural full-grain and deep saturated black colour, it will still look expensive in my eyes. If I were ever to buy a Chanel (thankful to TPF community in that I have been VERY put off in doing so, hence the Dior route) - I would only ever go for the Reissue. It's less "done". Leather is more aged. But others would say that's such a waste for Chanel and would go for classic flap without question.

Lifestyle and taste is such a deeply personal thing. In the end, as we've all agreed on, go with what brings you joy!

You’re absolutely right in that it’s a deeply personal choice - I meant no offense in my opinion of the gold hardware/look of the the aged leather, and I apologize if that came off as rude. I’m a total bore when it comes to my clothing - I live in jeans and t-shirts/sweaters, my jewelry is all silver-toned, and I look awful in anything yellow, so for many reasons the GHW didn‘t work with my aesthetic. I also agree with you that the macro with ruthenium hardware does have an edgier look to it, which I found a little different and fun, given that my LD is more “subdued”. I don’t blame you at all for being put off after seeing the tuft of what looked to me like a cotton ball sticking out! Awful!

Your last line says it best - to the OP, go with what you love. Someone will always have an opinion that differs from your own, but as long as your decision brings you happiness, that’s all that matters.

 

[Saturday14]

You’re absolutely right in that it’s a deeply personal choice - I meant no offense in my opinion of the gold hardware/look of the the aged leather, and I apologize if that came off as rude. I’m a total bore when it comes to my clothing - I live in jeans and t-shirts/sweaters, my jewelry is all silver-toned, and I look awful in anything yellow, so for many reasons the GHW didn‘t work with my aesthetic. I also agree with you that the macro with ruthenium hardware does have an edgier look to it, which I found a little different and fun, given that my LD is more “subdued”. I don’t blame you at all for being put off after seeing the tuft of what looked to me like a cotton ball sticking out! Awful!

Your last line says it best - to the OP, go with what you love. Someone will always have an opinion that differs from your own, but as long as your decision brings you happiness, that’s all that matters.

I wasn't offended in the slightest! Please don't feel the need to apologise for anything at all. It's fun having these little online chats with fellow fashion-appreciators. What you said was completely right, so much so that I had actually returned my first Caro in exchange for a more perfect one, as the previous was so obviously handled by a lot of foot traffic swinging in and out of the Dior door!! The D'ioooor, rather. Haha.

Am very boring. I don't wear a single piece of jewellery. I'm in my mid-30s and my ears aren't even pierced and so I don't wear earrings (just like the legendary Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, I keep reassuring myself). Maybe that's why I've made peace with the GOLD hw? Because that would be my only bit of bling!! OMGosh I just had an a-ha moment. Thanks to you! X

 

[nycgirl79]

I wasn't offended in the slightest! Please don't feel the need to apologise for anything at all. It's fun having these little online chats with fellow fashion-appreciators. What you said was completely right, so much so that I had actually returned my first Caro in exchange for a more perfect one, as the previous was so obviously handled by a lot of foot traffic swinging in and out of the Dior door!! The D'ioooor, rather. Haha.

Am very boring. I don't wear a single piece of jewellery. I'm in my mid-30s and my ears aren't even pierced and so I don't wear earrings (just like the legendary Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, I keep reassuring myself). Maybe that's why I've made peace with the GOLD hw? Because that would be my only bit of bling!! OMGosh I just had an a-ha moment. Thanks to you! X

I’m very glad to hear it - I feel the same way, however I’m often hesitant to post an opinion, out of fear that I’ll offend someone! I was carrying my LD a few weeks ago, and a woman walked by, and quite loudly muttered “why do people like that bag, it looks like a dumpy old lady sac”. After a second I laughed it off, because she’s absolutely entitled to her opinion. I didn’t appreciate the delivery, but c’est la vie!

And lol, I totally did the same thing with my caro!! The first one I received was definitely not perfect (popped stitch and scratches all over the hardware), so I exchanged it for a perfect one (which then broke on me a day later, but that’s a whole different issue!). D’ioor! Love it!

I’m very much like you in that my jewelry is minimal (I really only wear my wedding band and e-ring), so my bags are also my little pop of something! We’re similar in many ways, but you go for the gold, and I stick to the silver!

 

[Saturday14]

I’m very glad to hear it - I feel the same way, however I’m often hesitant to post an opinion, out of fear that I’ll offend someone! I was carrying my LD a few weeks ago, and a woman walked by, and quite loudly muttered “why do people like that bag, it looks like a dumpy old lady sac”. After a second I laughed it off, because she’s absolutely entitled to her opinion. I didn’t appreciate the delivery, but c’est la vie!

And lol, I totally did the same thing with my caro!! The first one I received was definitely not perfect (popped stitch and scratches all over the hardware), so I exchanged it for a perfect one (which then broke on me a day later, but that’s a whole different issue!). D’ioor! Love it!

I’m very much like you in that my jewelry is minimal (I really only wear my wedding band and e-ring), so my bags are also my little pop of something! We’re similar in many ways, but you go for the gold, and I stick to the silver!

We very much are! I love e-meeting kindred spirits on TPF!

The LD is by far the most sophisticated bag ever created. It trumps them all. That passer-by simply doesn't get it. And that's fine. But Princess Diana GOT IT. And that's what matters.

Totally get the whole typing-on-egg-shell vibes here. Your opinions are very welcome and happily received by moi! Bisou Bisou X

 

[nycgirl79]

We very much are! I love e-meeting kindred spirits on TPF!

The LD is by far the most sophisticated bag ever created. It trumps them all. That passer-by simply doesn't get it. And that's fine. But Princess Diana GOT IT. And that's what matters.

Totally get the whole typing-on-egg-shell vibes here. Your opinions are very welcome and happily received by moi! Bisou Bisou X

 

[Chanotchka]

Thank you everyone for the replies and insights! I got a bit busy.
My biggest issue with the macro is that I'm afraid the trend of puffy bags will end and I'll be left with a bag that's out of style.
My style is pretty classic/ elegant, even though I'm pretty young, but I still think it would work with my wardrobe.
The biggest issue with the other bag is that the gold is pretty strong and it doesn't look as nice on my frame, in my opinion.
I do love the material (grainy leather) though and while I like the look of the macro cannage a lot, I don't mind the regular cannage.

So will think about it a bit more