I whittled it down to two bags: the GG Marmont leather crossbody bag in nude/pink and the Louis Vuitton Alma BB in monogram. Two very different bags, but on a similar budget (around the £850/£900 mark). But I wanted to see the bags in person before I took the leap to buy the bag, as I had never purchased from either brand before.

I went to Gucci in Harvey Nichols first and looked at the bag. It didn't wow me the way I had hoped it would. I took a photo, had a feel of the bag, asked extensive questions to the sales assistant and tried it on. It ticked all the boxes. But it also made me realise there was another box I had not considered- does it make me feel special?. It didn't.

Slightly disheartened for myself, but relieved for my bank account, I headed across the street to Louis Vuitton. Honestly, the experience in that shop was wonderful. The sales consultants were kind, patient and willing to help. I asked to look at the monogram Alma BB, and the assistant told me that it was not in stock, but she got another BB out of the drawers to give me a feel of the bag and its dimensions. It was, again, slightly underwhelming.

Simultaneously, I was also looking for a coin purse and had found one in LV that I really liked. It's a monogrammed purse with pink interiors. Our amazing consultant offered to show me different bags, similar in size to the Alma BB, that complemented the purse.

Then it was presented to me- the Cluny BB. I can't explain how I felt when I first saw the bag, but I knew I had to purchase it. It ticked every box. I again asked many many questions, and then went ahead with the purchase. The bag was more expensive than the Marmont and the Alma, but I think it is justified given the quality and design.

So now, on to the first impressions...

Size:

The size is perfect for everyday essentials. The bag fits my Cath Kitson umbrella, benefit cosmetics make up bag (containing YSL lipstick, panty liners, a mirror, a sample size foundation, hand sanitiser), a packet of tissues, a packet of hand wipes, my house keys, a fold-up shopping bag, my LV coin purse and my Kate Spade cardholder.

Convenience:

The bag seems to be very convenient for day-to-day use. I have used it- thus far- for shopping and it has been easy to get in and out. The bag closes magnetically, and everything feels safe and secure inside when it is closed. There is a large interior pocket with a zip, for more precious items. There is also two phone shaped compartments- however, I have not used these as the bag does not close comfortably when a phone is in there. There are also poppers on the side of the bag to undo if you need to expand the bag. It has a handle, which can be handheld or placed on the crook of the arm, comfortably. It also has a beautiful pink detachable crossbody strap, which is a convenient length if you wish to wear it crossbody.

Look:

It looks stunning. It is made, mostly, with canvas, which is very easy to clean. The handle is leather, and you do have to be slightly more careful with it, however, if kept in the dust bag the bag does not require extensive maintenance. It has gold hardware, which I think looks really classic. The interior is bright pink and everyone that has seen the bag has commented on the beauty of the interior, as it is different from other, more popular, Louis Vuitton bags.

Overall:

So far, I love this bag. It ticks every box and has become my go-to bag. I am planning to take it on holiday with me as my carry-on handbag as it is a perfect size for all the essentials, and prevents me from taking unnecessary items on board!

I hope this blog post was helpful to any of you bag-lovers out there currently looking at the Cluny BB as a potential purchase.

See you in the next one,

byyyyeeeeee