CL - small Cabata

This is a belated post but this was probably my last handbag purchase (for the time being). 

Back in late July 2022, I was browsing the Christian Louboutin website for fun. I was still trying to master the Pigalle stilettos so I didn't think buying another heel was in the picture just yet. But I was being drawn to their small leather goods and handbags section on the website. Although they have very cute clutches, the one thing that really drew me towards a handbag was the design.

Along came the small Cabata.

This wasn't just any Cabata. But it had the CL's mini logo and design all over it, sort of similar to Louis Vuitton's neverfull logo bag. It was in the classic red and black colour, and it also came with a small pouch inside, very similar to the neverfull again. The difference? The CL was cheaper than the LV for one. Second? The CL came in calf leather; LV only comes in coated canvas. Imagine spending over 2 grand for a canvas when you can spend less for leather. That sold me. 

I emailed the Yorkdale location, hoping they would have one in stock. Unfortunately they informed me they didn't have the style in stores, but they did have one on the main website. What did I do? I went ahead and ordered it. 

When it finally arrived in the mail, I was sort of disappointed in the packaging. It came in a very plain white box with no stuffing inside. The bag was in a brown bag protector with the Louboutin logo on it. Otherwise that was it. It was probably the most boring package I've ever received when it comes to luxury handbags. 

However, that went all away when I finally saw the bag. I just love the design and colour combination. I believe this was from the fall or winter 2021. Interior is the classic red in calfskin leather, and the bottom of the bag has the red rubber sole (similar to the men's rubber sole of the shoes). There are metal studs that line the bottom of the handle, which makes it look super cool.

One of the downside of this bag is that it's an entire open bag - there are no zippers so anyone can literally stick their hand inside your bag to steal something, or you could be driving and turning, then your bag suddenly tilts over and all your contents come flying out. There is a clasp which is located internally that helps to "close" the mouth of the bag a bit, but really it doesn't make a huge difference in securing all your items inside. Considering it's just one big bottomless bag, you can throw everything in there but it will be a mess trying to retrieve items (unless you buy one of those compartment dividers to throw in the bag to make it more organized). 

All in all, the small size is decent. The regular might be a bit too big for me (and it's probably more competitive side by side with the neverfull), but if you're mostly using it as a daily bag to throw your essentials, then the small is a good size. This is definitely another option if you're looking at the LV neverfull and debating if you should get it - this is an alternative that's also slightly cheaper. Plus you don't have to worry about every other mother or auntie out there having the same bag as you. In all my years I haven't seen anyone with the same design as mine. 

Just be careful to not overstuff the bag with heavy items (such as a laptop). The handles are thin-ish and they are strong, but I'd be scared throwing in my laptop all the time and straining the handles on a daily. I would not recommend it. If it's a smaller iPad then it's fine. But any regular sized laptop would not be recommended. Stick with a proper laptop bag.

Here are just some pictures I took over the years:

Behold the small Cabata with the LoubintheSky print.

Getting up close and personal. I just added the small charm on it. But you can see the print and the black studs (which are the same ones used on my Loub flats)

The bottom of the bag is the same rubber sole as the male shoes. 

Even the cat is quite impressed with the amount of stuffed animals I managed to put inside.

How it looks over the shoulder.

Overall, I am quite happy with the purchase. It's been almost 4 years since the purchase. I started using it for my daily bag to work. However, I ended up rotating it out with a simple backpack since I end up throwing stuff around and I didn't want to risk damage to the bag.

As a final touch, I did ask Mike from All in Detailings to ceramic coat the handbag. Literally it was magic. You could pour a drink on it and it would just all side off. This wasn't the first time that I had ceramic coat the handbag (I had also done it on the Monster 2Jours handbag maybe 8 years ago). Ceramic coating is generally used for cars to maintain the shine and to not have beading on the paint/windows after a rainfall. Pretty cool stuff. No regrets!

To summarize:

Company: Christian Louboutin

Product: small Cabata 

Design: LoubintheSky print 

SKU: 3615482791017

Material: calfskin leather

Length: 34cm

Height: 24cm

Width: 12cm

Handle drop: 20cm

Price (2022): $1,950.00 (Canadian $)

Comes with: small pouch inside

Alternative bag: LV Neverfull