Hi Courtney! I do own a Mahala and loving it! If you are worried about the base, promise, it does wear and it can smoosh to make it slim to your preference. What I did for the first weeks I had it was actually put some weight inside and let it hang. Some gals used canned goods. I used a pretty weighted snow globe and some days I alternated it 2 full glass bubble baths. So I would say just put some weight on it. Now that it's a little *worn* at the bottom, it is much much better and easier on the shoulder and under my arm. Hope this helps. Mahala is a classic. You'll love the roominess and pockets! Goodluck!