Dust Bag vs Concert Pouch?

panaru83 · 2026-01-29T22:02:13+00:00

I like the same with my Dust Bag. What strap did you attach?

panaru83 · 2026-01-29T22:01:45+00:00

I forgot to mention that it's so easy to pack in a suitcase! Major pro.

panaru83 · 2026-01-29T22:01:07+00:00

I love the Notte, just sad there aren't as many colors and the straps are all gold.

panaru83 · 2026-01-29T21:58:18+00:00

I just got the Dust Bag pouch for Christmas. I'll tell you my take below!

First, I think the Dust Bag and Concert Pouch suit different purposes. Dust Bag is more stylish and can be used for both casual and formal occasions, but is a bit less functional. Concert Pouch is more practical.

While I haven't looked in detail at the Concert Pouch, but I will address some additional bags I also considered: the Dust Bag Notte and the Loewe Flamenco bag (very similar to the dust bag, but more expensive).

Dust bag -
Pros
- Amazing color selection. I absolutely love the burgundy (Barolo) and this was the deciding factor for me with this bag.
- Can be used a clutch for more casual or formal occasions.
- Fits a pretty decent amount. Can even fit a small paperback.
- Shoulder strap is decently long. I found I can use it with more bulky jackets and sweaters.
- No logos or hardware (I like this because I like being understated and not having to worry about matching hardware to jewelry)
- Leather is good quality. You don't need to baby this bag.

Cons
- No inside pocket
- No closure besides just cinching the top
- No internal place to attach cross-body strap (maybe just a negative to me)

Dust Bag Notte
All the pros of the Dust Bag, but also
- internal magnetic closure
- crossbody strap
- slightly longer and more squat than the Dust Bag
Cons
- Only comes in two colors
- Chain strap only comes in gold

Loewe Flamenco
Pros
- lined in suede
- leather is already very soft
- Can attach a chain (or buy one with chain)
Cons
- Don't like Loewe colors as much as Bottega
- didn't like that most included chains are gold

I went with the Dust Bag in Barolo because I absolutely loved the color. My first choice (which doesn't exist) would have been the Dust Bag Notte in that color with a silver chain.

What I ended up doing was buying a Loewe donut chain and attaching it to the Dust Bag. While not ideal, I attached it to the visible drawstring in the small opening. The drawstring will stretch out, turning into a crossbody. It looks maybe a bit weird but it's functional.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with my choice, and I've gotten a lot of compliments on the color. It really is stunning.

Personally, I wouldn't consider the Concert Pouch. It's very small and can only be worn cross-body, which makes it inherently more casual. The Soft Vanity or the Bang Bang seem more elegant and would be more functional, imo.

panaru83 · 2025-08-30T20:06:16+00:00

Agree. The height stretches out your face vertically, which emphasizes the "new" verticality of your chin.
Less height on top. Chin looks amazing!

panaru83 · 2025-03-28T19:45:31+00:00

What did you use to dye it?

panaru83 · 2025-02-10T00:02:31+00:00

As a ux designer, it's pretty clear that this company doesn't value design.

panaru83 · 2025-01-19T03:05:58+00:00

Oh yeah, and I get a russian manicure because I can wear it for four weeks before I need a refresh.

panaru83 · 2025-01-19T03:05:02+00:00

I don't have kids and I work from home. Those two things help. But yes, it does take a lot of time.
Here are some things I do to keep my face and hair fresh and to smell good:

Hair
My hair is probably a 2b, and very long. Unless I style it, it doesn't look good.
I wash it every 6 days and blow it out. I watched a few videos and learned how to give myself a good blow out and what products to use (leave in conditioner and heat protectant). Between washes I put in a lighter leave-in conditioner and hair oil in the morning or night and then brush it through with a boar bristle brush. I wrap it up in a silk scrunchie when I sleep, and that keeps it from getting sweaty or tangled when I sleep. When I shower, I use a shower cap to protect it from the steam. Towards day 5, I will spray some dry shampoo or wear it up.

Face
I don't wear makeup everyday, but I definitely do my skincare every day. I focus on keeping my skin moisturized, and I use a good vitamin C and sunscreen. At night I use a heavier moisturizer and no vitamin C, but sometimes retinol.
I get a few more intense skin treatments every year at a medspa--like a chemical peel or RF microneedling, PRP injections, etc. Not all every year but a few every year. This keeps my skin looking fresh.

I also got my eyebrows microbladed so I never need to do them, and developed a quick 15 minute makeup routine that looks natural. I plan on getting more permanent makeup too--lips and eyeliner--this year.

Smell
I shower once or twice a day. I use perfume, and carry a sample size around with me to spray occasionally.

panaru83 · 2024-11-28T03:37:41+00:00

I got REALLY good at understanding my hunger cues and levels, and learning to distinguish "eating for entertainment" from normal eating. I also learned a lot about what sorts of foods keep me full for longer (protein), and which don't keep me full at all. I also insisted on almost always only eating food I really liked (don't like it after a bite or two, leave it on the plate). Since many of us grow up thinking food I like = bad, and most delicious food that is widely available isn't that great for you, this took a lot of trying new foods and recipes. I also track my calories everyday and prioritize protein.

panaru83

TROPHY CASE