amethyst_sparkle: Now I am so confused. I have been in contact with NBF and it was specifically for the quality reasons that you mention...especially for the spot on leather. They know their colors. I thought it would be a no-brainer when I was sure I was going to order a Work because there are no bales to deal with.

However, since I am considering City, let me ask you this-- LOVE the RH hw, in your opinion, do you feel that since it will be darker and less blingy than the giant hw, the bale difference would be even less visually evident?
Wasn't it fangfang's bals that had the horrible smell?
xooey: 
about your friend. That makes a very convincing argument! I honestly don't know if the bales would bother me or not...especially after hearing your story. Does anyone know of a picture of T & D's bales in the rh so that I can see for myself? All I have been able to find is the bales that come with the Giant hardware.
limmiet: Good to hear, especially since that is such a stunning bag! I love huffing my leather bags.

Any opinions on her 'charcoal' grey being similar to a bals Anthracite?
SMKelly: Claiming discrimination? OMG, seriously? I have learned SO MUCH by combing through the threads, which has helped me to arrive at the extremely narrowed down decision I am at today. I haven't made it through all of them though, it's going to take some time.
That said..I do hope that someday I will be trusted member on this forum...I would love to be able to see J and C's stuff...expand my horizons on collecting different brand reps!
Mommy Bagster- Love it!
boinquo: I'm hoping a hip mom in her mid-40's falls into the range of credibility!
Crystal7: Supposedly they changed the formulation since then but I would still be real careful. I also used it on all non-bal bags. If you run a search over at the other forum in the bal section I am sure that there will be lots of ideas and updated info on the product. Regardless, I would test it on a tiny and out of the way area to see what happens with that particular leather and color. I do know that a lot of people have been happy with it.
Naiala: Congrats on your Speedy! Are all the details spot on?
ETA:
diormouse: ITA on the Hermes statement. For me personally, I don't care if someone gave one to me free,
I certainly wouldn't be able to pull it off.
