Hi Everyone,
I received my Galet GSH City today. I'm located in CA, USA. I think the bag is lovely, but yes, the leather could be a bit less shiny. As for the leather quality, it's definitely different than my Outremer Twiggy. The Galet leather seems thinner and less course than the Outremer. Outremer was definitely more "chewy" and a bit thicker.
My bag has no smell. Actually, it smells "leathery" to me, which isn't what my Outremer smelled like when I got it. That bag smelled like chemicals and needed to be aired out. Galet smells lovely like leather. <3 Maybe I got lucky...
That being said, I only have one authentic bal to compare it to...it's an Argent GSH Day bag, but it was heavily treated by LMB products from the previous owner, so it's not the best comparison because it's in VERY USED condition (and unfortunately I still haven't seen any other real Bal in real life). The thickness of the leather on my Argent day bag is pretty similar to the Galet that I just received, though. A bit thinner and VERY puddley. The Galet just puddles out of the box (bag). One thing to note, though, the texture on Galet is very smooth. I'd say the texture on my Argent and the NBF Outremer is definitely a bit more course. Galet leather texture (as in, how the surface feels when you touch it) is smooth and slick. But that might be because of all the shine coating on this bag. Are authentic Bals smooth and slick out of the bag? I'm inclined to say that they're not. Can someone advise?
I think my biggest issues with this bag, and what make me possibly not love it so much is:
- The Shine - I associate "shine" with cheaper leather. I hope this shine can go away. Is there anything that will remove some of the shine coating?
To anyone who has seen other Auth Bals, what kind of shine do they have? Are they shiny at first and will this wear off? I feel like too much shine could give away the bag.
- The Bales - This bothered me about my NBF Outremer Twiggy too. The bales are off and I feel like it gives the bag away. The bales should have a curve/dip in them, but they don't. I tried to use pliers to bend the bales on my Outremer Twiggy, but it was way too difficult. I couldn't do it. I realize I'm being very picky and a perfectionist about this, but this specific detail really bothers me about the bag and makes me not want to carry it.
Oh, one last thing...
I ordered a bottle of the 4in1 Leather Cleaner off of eBay to give it a try. It was only about $14 for shipping to USA from UK. The one I ordered is called HG Hagesan 4 in 1 For Leather Cleaner , Conditioner. I hope that's the one you all are having good success with, because that's what I ordered.
Well, let me know how the rest of you ladies are enjoying your bags!
