Sweater: Talbots Waffle Crew, sz. XS
Shirt: J Crew Tartan Perfect Shirt, sz. 2
Pants: Lands End Girls Cords, sz. 16 girls
Shoes: LL Bean Signature
Bag: LV Damier Ebene Evora MM
I'd like to introduce you all to a new member of the Egyptomaniac Closet. Her name is Evora, and she is a {very}long awaited arrival!
She is my Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's, Birthday, Mother's Day, Sweetheart's Day, Labor Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Arbor Day present. But before you think too kindly on Husband, I should add I also had to contribute financially to make this little gift possible.
What can say? I broke down. I usually pride myself on not over-spending on any one item, constantly shopping on sale or clearance, and happily scooping up past-season cast offs. Usually I would never be drawn to overly extravagant things (they just don't fit in in my everyday life), but I've been ever so vainly lusting after a LV bag for a long while now (like years), and finally Husband was willing to cooperate and play the "if it's the only thing I'll have to buy you for the whole year," game. But I also planned and saved, and I hoarded my paypal money from selling on eBay for a while now. I pooled birthday and Christmas money from every Grandma I could find, and did some awfully smooth talking to Husband for several months.
And even though I was slightly sick in my stomach making such a big purchase (well, big to me at least) oh, was she worth it. I had first thought to go with the much more reasonably priced Neverfull in the Damier Azur, but I had my mind set on needing a top zipper, and Husband talked me out of the lighter color because I'm a huge klutz and spill on everything (very insightful, Husband is). I would die if I ruined a bag like that, and I didn't want to be paranoid every time I carried it. So that narrowed down my choices. I love the Damier pattern, and the Evora MM seemed like the perfect size. Big, but not too big. Versatile handles, top zip, and more pockets than the Neverfull. I love the size, I love the shape, I (do not) love the price, but I do love Husband for being willing to chip in to help me get exactly what I wanted.
And now, "I will hug you and squeeze you, pet you and love you, and I will call you George."
I have to be honest - my feelings are mixed on this new bag! I am happy for you that you were able to get the bag of your dreams and that you saved and worked hard to get it. It definitely is a beautiful bag! On the other hand, the thing I really love about your style is that it is practical and relatable - nothing is outrageously expensive or luxury brand. I love that you shop the outlets and sales and use your dollars wisely. I have personally never dipped my toe into the luxury handbag pool (Fossil is as good as it gets for me) - just thinking that even though I can afford it, it is 'bigger' of me to do something more meaningful with my money like watching my wealth grow in savings/investment accounts. I don't want to rain on your parade - I really do hope you love your bag. But, I hope this isn't a sign that your blog and your style is heading in a different direction! I personally love you for the fact that you show us how to look great without wearing overpriced designer clothes.
ReplyDeleteAnon- thanks for raising your concerns, I totally understand why you do. As I mentioned in the post this bag is very far outside my normal buying patterns, and it made me more than a little nervous to spend so much. But it's kind of that one dream thing that I've wanted forever, and life can always be about restriction and restraint. I am disciplined to the extreme in so many other areas of my life, it felt nice to indulge myself in at least one thing. I know I couldn't afford to make purchases like this frequently, and it's not really suited to my lifestyle. But it's like I had to get it out of my system or something. Besides, I want to enjoy a little of the money I work so hard for now, when I'm still 'all there' to know what I'm enjoying, you know?
DeleteLOL, love the post title!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful bag!
Thanks KDot! Though silly, I kind of feel like that cartoon!
DeleteI can totally get you,i spent my saved money(and christmas money)on a chloe bag!I also have a LV Speedy and it is still looking as it did 2 1/2 years ago,even though i am hard on my bags.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your bag!
Thanks! I think with care, I can bring the cost per wear down quite low on this bag!
DeleteEvery woman needs one overly priced bag that she can pet and love! =)
ReplyDeleteSo true! :)
DeleteLike Ina, I get you too. I recently purchased my first Burberry bag. I saved my money and now the Orchard that I looked at all season is mine to love. Enjoy sporting your new bag. It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks! And I think something like this means more because we had to wait for what we wanted, rather than just purchase on a whim too.
DeleteLove! The damier ones are my favorites in my collection. I spend less on bags since I prefer to go big on mine, so it evens out I think?! It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, I love the damier--though with my love of plaid, gingham and check it shouldn't be a surprise.
DeleteI used to work for LV and congratulate you on your choice. The shape is timeless, looks big eonough for magazines or files or even a small lap top maybe. Or big enough for all the things busy mums carry for everybody else. Look after the brassware and you will have a bag you get years of use out of. May you George have many happy years together.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I tried not to agonize too much over the choice, and so far I'm happy! Oh yes--my bag has already become the catch all for Child's things on this trip I'm on. I had such good intentions for keepig it organized {sigh}.
DeleteGreat bag! I love how you told the story, as well! Keep up the good musings!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteYou will find it is worth it. I have three LV bags -- two speedy bags and a neverfull -- and as you may see from my blog, I am for sure a bargain hunter in the truest sense. I do not make tons of money, and neither does my family, but I saved up like you did for your LV and spread those purchases out over time. I mention that I have three LVs not to brag, but to ensure you that I use those three 98% of the year. It is a rare day that I am not carrying one of them. So cost per wear, all that, it is worth it, more so than the typical disposable clothing and accessories that many people buy.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
I totally agree! Sometimes the single more expensive thing is a far better purchase than 25 cheapie buys.
DeleteSomewhere I heard that bags, shoes, and watches/jewlery are what should be considered "investment" buys because you can't disguise cheap qualit in those areas, where as everything else can still easily be dressed up to look better than they are.