CELINE CABAS PHANTOM TOTE BAG REVIEW | Sizing, Colours, Wear & Tear, What's in my bag

[@1983Marianne]

I love the black skirt in the thumbnail! Great video too.

[@whatveewore]

Ah yes, that features in my recent favourites video and I love it soooo much! 😍😍

[@mlee8821]

Thank you for your review and demo. I was between this and the YSL shopping bag. But after your video, I just went for the Small Phantom Cabas in black. I was very concerned about fitting my 13” laptop, and the sales rep was kind enough to borrow from her colleague for me to try. The sales rep also told me no immediately as soon as I tried on the medium. I’m 5’4”. I also wanted the belt bag in taupe, but she told me to not get it now if I’m already getting. The tote for work. Any other sales rep would try to get customers to get the higher priced ones or multiple cus they would make more commission, but I appreciated her honesty. ❤

[@whatveewore]

sounds like you encountered a great sales assistant! the small cabas is such a beautiful bag - so excited for you!

[@AnnieT-c9c]

Thanks for the video. I'm wondering if there is any security concern since the bag has an open top? Thanks!

[@whatveewore]

the bag is open so if security is a priority then it's probably not an ideal choice!

[@gemmawinkler2908]

This inspired me to buy the medium size. Been debating it for ages. Ended up getting grey too, after many years of black bags

[@whatveewore]

That’s so great to hear! I’m so glad I chose the grey as a break from all the black bags I have 😍

[@mommyko8852]

I just bought the small one in taupe. Thanks for the review!

[@whatveewore]

Oo yay how exciting for you!

[@LA-yi1om]

Perfect timing! I am about to purchase one in grey or taupe. FYI, the bag is being discontinued by Celine unfortunately

[@whatveewore]

I had the hardest time picking between the taupe and the grey - they’re both great colours. And whaaaaat?! I didn’t know they were discontinuing this one too?! nooooooo!

[@parisohlala]

any update on the bag after 2 years wearing it? :)

[@krutikapuntambekar6361]

omg literally this came at the right time!! I am still debating between the grey or the black. I have another Tom Ford tote that's more structured but it's for work, but I am torn on the color for this.. if it's my first celine piece any thoughts on which color?

[@whatveewore]

how exciting! i really think both colours are great but black is always the safest option :)

[@emilyzhang02]

I have the same dilemma. Grey or black!? Which one did you choose?!!? Also - really appreciate this video. Super informative and answered all of my questions.

[@krutikapuntambekar6361]

@@emilyzhang02 Ahh I haven't decided yet. I plan to pick this up when I go to France in the fall! I think I am thinking of going with the Grey!

[@Chicprofessor]

Super informative review, Vee!

[@whatveewore]

Thanks Jess! 😍

[@wendy3818]

Hi Vee! Love your in-depth review. Can I ask if you could only have one bag would u pick the Sangle or the Phantom cabas tote? 😊

[@whatveewore]

Ooo that’s such a hard question! Both are pretty versatile and very different structure wise. But I would probably pick the Sangle between the two!

[@CristaStylista]

This bag is definitely on my wishlist as I re-build my luxury handbag collection. I just purchased the Seau Sangle in brown and I'm loving it. Thanks for your thorough review, which is particularly helpful to me as someone who is also petite. I'll look for the small because the medium would be a bit too much for my frame!

[@whatveewore]

I’m so glad to hear it was helpful! Yes I definitely think the small would be better if you’re petite like me 😍

[@pdx_fashionista]

This is probably the only Céline (sorry can’t see this word without the accent) bag I really like. I think I have avoided the brand because everyone has one, the same thing happens to me with LV. It looks really lush.

[@whatveewore]

It's a beautiful bag 😍

[@wildchild188]

Hi! I caught a glimpse of your cardholder and it’s exactly what I’m looking for - a high capacity holder with a zipper. Would you mind telling me what brand/model it is?

[@whatveewore]

ah yes, this is the cardholder that I've been using for a few years now - bit.ly/3cWbT9g

[@carolinerandu8189]

Hi, thank you for your super helpful reviews. Where do you buy your inserts?

[@whatveewore]

I’ve linked the ones I use in the description section ☺️

[@SimplyRini]

Absolutely love this bag and color! Do you find the bag to be heavy when you have all your daily work essentials and bag organizer in? I've always loved the look of leather bags, but much prefer a lightweight nylon bag as a workbag.

[@whatveewore]

On its own, the bag is quite lightweight. But once the laptop and diary goes in, it does get pretty weighty! I carry a fair bit with me to and from the office so I’m used to it now 😂

[@YourLoveIsMySavior]

This was super helpful, thank you!

[@whatveewore]

I’m so glad to hear!

[@-Ingeborg]

Hi Vee! Fist of all, I love your videos! You bring fun into minimal styling and it's just really refreshing to watch, so thank you for that :) Second of all, I'm a Celine bag enthusiast myself and have a small collection, my favorite being the small cabas vertical in black that I got pre-loved. I have worn this bag so much over the past 5 years and it's starting to show now, so I thought I'd buy a "new" one (pre-loved again) as a replacement. I just got the bag today and the suede interior is somewhat rough/coarse to the touch unlike with my old cabas bag and my seau sangle, that both have buttery soft suede on the inside. So I'd really appreciate if you would share your experience with the suede interior of your Celine bags? Best regards, Ingeborg

[@whatveewore]

oh, i love the small vertical cabas bag! i have found that the lining of that bag is coarser than the other bags. I actually prefer the coarser lining as I find it's much more durable in comparison to the others. I don't use a bag insert with the small vertical cabas bag but I do use a bag insert with the others and so by extension, the lining of those bags is still in pretty great condition :)

[@cherigreen22]

I am also looking to purchase one for work and after your video I am now leaning towards the small. I know you said you haven’t had it long but do you feel the straps can hold up to the weight of everything long term? I also pack about as much stuff as you do daily! Thanks so much!

[@whatveewore]

the small is a great size! and yes, I do feel the straps can bear the weight. having said that, I rotate my bags quite often so I'm not wearing them out as much as I would if I were to wear them every day :). if you can, you should pop into a celine store to try it out for yourself (and pack all the gear that you normally would for a work day!)

[@cherigreen22]

@@whatveewore thanks for the info!! ❤️

[@jeanettedelgado2464]

Hi Vee, do you think I could use this as a mom bag? I have a toddler and a newborn, would it be a good tote to carry their essentials?

[@whatveewore]

hello! personally I think it's a bit too nice to carry as a nappy bag / diaper bag! We use a low maintenance one that wipes down easily considering how messy they end up getting. this is definitely a mom-only bag!

[@loriho-cheng4694]

Really appreciate your video! And you crack me up! Love it :)

[@whatveewore]

Thanks so much!

[@jhiros]

Thank you for your video 😊

[@whatveewore]

My pleasure 😊

[@jen_blaze]

Hi! Just curious if you think a 16inch MacBook pro would fit in the small? For reference the laptop is 14.01in x 9.77in

[@whatveewore]

ooo i've never tried x

[@junehan0829]

Thanks for the review! Do you prefer this one over the Sangle for a work bag?

[@whatveewore]

I think it depends on my mood. I think they're both great bags. I think the Cabas is probably a tad more versatile than the Sangle for work because it works in both dressy and casual looks x

[@junehan0829]

@@whatveewore thank you! I love Celine as well!

[@rainchan6490]

Your review inspired me to buy this as my first luxury handbag, just wondering if you do not need to carry a laptop for work, would you choose this bag or the Celine belt bag? I am struggling between them! LOL Thanks for the detailed review anyway!

[@whatveewore]

I carry the Cabas tote if I carry my laptop as it doesn't fit in my Belt bag! Perhaps that fact alone makes the decision for you ;)

[@agrsolvej123]

Can you wear it on your shoulder when you have your Curated coat?

[@whatveewore]

Sure can!

[@alann8946]

Would you say the Cabas tote can work as a day-to-night bag? I personally was going to get it as a work bag but then after looking at the nano luggage I'm not sure which one I want more. I know for sure the nano luggage is better as a going out bag

[@whatveewore]

i think the cabas is more of a daytime/work bag as opposed to a going out bag. i think it's a bit too big for that purpose. ah yes - the nano luggage is definitely a good candidate for a going out bag!

[@oceantides08]

Can the small size fit a 15 or 16 inch laptop, or would the medium size fit better? great vid!

[@whatveewore]

i think you'd be better off with the medium for a 15 or 16" laptop. thanks for watching! xx

[@ThaoNguyen-xo6kc]

I was looking at the goyard st louis and i'm so happy i got this one instead of the goyard, i just didn't want to pay $2k for a "printed canvas" bag 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@whatveewore]

that's how i feel about the goyard tote too - it's iconic, but I MUCH prefer a leather bag for that price tag! 😅

[@roxy17101]

Hi, a fellow Sydneysider here !I bought the small Trio because of you !! I'm in the mnarket for a tote.Would you recommend the Sangle (large) in black or this one in grey ? Oh the dilemmas!! PS Your channel is one of my favourites :)

[@whatveewore]

Hello! Between the Sangle and the Cabas, I’m getting more wear out of the Cabas right now. It’s also lighter and flexible with its shape. So I’d pick the Cabas over the Sangle for those reasons. (I still love my Sangle though!!)

[@roxy17101]

@@whatveewore Thank you so much , that really helps ! 😊

[@midoriyamanaka813]

I also own 13 inch Mac book pro, and often it seems too heavy to be held in a leather tote. I am afraid that the weight might damage the bag especially the stitches on the handle and bag’s body… Don’t you have any problem..??

[@whatveewore]

I was initially worried about the weight, but i'm so used to carrying laptops and heavy things in my bags that I've just become used to it! I rotate my bags quite often so I'm not wearing them out as much as I would if I were to wear them every day.

[@amandaavia]

Im afraid of this too but wonder if a bag organizer insert, like the one you have, helps with this at all

[@beans09]

why am I just finding you!? *new Subbie 🥰

[@whatveewore]

yay! i'm so glad you've found meeeeee 😊

[@raemana7193]

Is it heavy ? Some bags are already heavy even when empty.

[@whatveewore]

this one I've found to be quite light as there's no hardware and just the leather.

[@songdeborah276]

Ooh I am a lawyer too! Love it! What do you specialize in?

[@whatveewore]

it's always nice to meet a fellow lawyer! i work in-house

[@carolynindelicato6266]

Talk about finding exactly what I was looking for at the exact time I needed it! I just purchased the same bag and an insert organizer My laptop fits without the insert, but when I add it I can't fit the laptop. The insert seems to fit exactly the base of the bag that adding my laptop feels as if its stretching the bag. Did you have that issue with yours? I can't tell if the insert is just stiff b/c its new and will soften or if I need a different one

[@whatveewore]

yes i have the same issue with mine when i'm using a larger laptop - so i pop the laptop in vertically rather than horizontally which isn't ideal but i put up with it. I actually address this point in my vlog video that I've just uploaded. i think the solution might be to get a smaller insert? i haven't quite worked it out yet...

[@MJ-wrty]

What do you think of the trio?

[@whatveewore]

I love it! It features heaps over on my blog www.whatveewore.con and I’ve also written a comprehensive review of it!

[@MJ-wrty]

@@whatveewore thank you!

[@iamjulia9458]

How tall are you?

[@whatveewore]

I'm 158cm / 5'2 😊

[@supercjh]

Does the bottom sag?

[@whatveewore]

I haven’t found that to be the case with my bag :)

[@michelleo195]

My friend bought this bag almost a year ago and the wear and tear was NOT good for the price point. She bought the grey and it has a tear and ink stain at the bottom. Design was nice, BUT not wear

[@whatveewore]

Oh no, that’s not encouraging to hear. I do rotate my bags quite often to ensure they last longer. Fingers crossed mine still looks okay after a year 🤞🏼

[@asdfjklzoee]

Do you find that when you use the insert in the bag, the insert squeezes out on the sides? wondering if my insert isn't stiff enough.. LOVE THE BAG!! we're matching

[@whatveewore]

Yay! Bag twins! I can’t say I’ve had that problem with my insert, but I do like them to be less structured particularly with softer leather bags.

[@katarinarykowska2510]

I love your bag reviews! Do you prefer the cabas phantom bag or the sangle seau as a work bag and why? Can’t decide which one to get 😅

[@whatveewore]

right now, the cabas bag is my preferred because it's less structured and lightweight in comparison to the sangle. they're both quite different in their design and shape :)

[@katarinarykowska2510]

@@whatveewore thank you! do you worry that carrying a laptop in it will damage the bag's shape in the longer run?

[@sherryshi1995]

I can’t believe this is the small!! I was considering the medium but the small is … so roomy!!

[@whatveewore]

before I tried the small, I had it in my mind that the medium would be the one I'd go for in order to comfortably fit a laptop. I love how the small fits so much but still looks quite compact!

[@missamychan]

You're wonderful!!!

[@whatveewore]

So sweet of you! 😍