Buying Louis Vuitton Handbag
May 28th, 2010, 07:33 AM
#41
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Guenmai -- sounds like Fate -- you were meant to have that bag!
I bought the Red Epi St. Tropez in 2005. I love it and get lots of compliments on it. I believe it has since been discontinued. I don't know if it's the older apple red or the newer darker red though. I've been our of the bag game for a couple years. I love a beautiful purse, but it's harder to justify the price of one since we had our son! I will always be an admirer though . . . and when we finally stop paying tuition I'll jump back in with two feet!
I bought the Red Epi St. Tropez in 2005. I love it and get lots of compliments on it. I believe it has since been discontinued. I don't know if it's the older apple red or the newer darker red though. I've been our of the bag game for a couple years. I love a beautiful purse, but it's harder to justify the price of one since we had our son! I will always be an admirer though . . . and when we finally stop paying tuition I'll jump back in with two feet!
May 28th, 2010, 07:43 AM
#42
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SuzChicago: As to why one would spend so much on a handbag. Well, I look at it like this...why do people spend $40,000-$50,000 on luxury cars when they can get a great car for $25,000? I'm from L.A. area, land of luxury cars. My 2008 car, bought brand new, was less than $22,000. So, I'm not into cars, but am into handbags.
Why do my "guy" friends spend thousands of dollars on whatever new electronic, techy, devise that comes out and then when something new comes out end up with pretty worthless, out of date, previously-bought devises.
Why do people pay thousands of dollars for a TV? My 13-inch(?), pedestal flatscreen, was $300., four years ago, and I nearly had a heart attack as every TV I had bought up to then was no more than $150.00. So, I don't understand the problem one has with buying a designer handbag.
Plus, as for designer handbags and everything else I own, I take great care of my things and after many years of use, many of my items are still in mint condition. So, if I want to sell them, I get back either top dollar or more than I originally paid for them. An example of this is the first Chanel handbag that I bought in the mid 80s, at the Paris boutique on the rue Cambon. I kept that handbag for a good decade or more, until I outgrew it and needed something larger, and then I sold it to a private party for about double of what I had originally paid. Now, had I bought an everyday handbag, and kept it over a decade, would it have been worth nearly double and a decade plus later? No, it would have been either given away to a friend or at the Salvation Army.
While I was in Paris, month before last, I had three designer handbags at www.fashionphile.com where they were on the selling market. They were 3 bags that I just don't use, so why keep them? Sometimes one buys something and thinks it will work out, but it doesn't.
When I got home, there was already a check, in my mailbox, for one of them that had been sold and then I was cut a check, while at the boutique, for the other two that had been sold while I was away in Paris for 8 days. I came home to a substantial amount of money for the resale of those 3 handbags. That money, in turn, was applied to the 3 new handbags I had just bought in Paris.
So, I say that if one gets a joy out of gorgeous handbags, then go for it. LIfe is way to short to stress out over it. One of my friends has a house full of expensive paintings, and thinks it's crazy to buy designer handbags? Well, for one, I'd rather "wear/carry" my art on my shoulder/in my hand" than have it hanging on a wall, and two, it's MUCH easier for me to resale a designer handbag than it is for the friend to resell the paintings. Happy Travels!
Why do my "guy" friends spend thousands of dollars on whatever new electronic, techy, devise that comes out and then when something new comes out end up with pretty worthless, out of date, previously-bought devises.
Why do people pay thousands of dollars for a TV? My 13-inch(?), pedestal flatscreen, was $300., four years ago, and I nearly had a heart attack as every TV I had bought up to then was no more than $150.00. So, I don't understand the problem one has with buying a designer handbag.
Plus, as for designer handbags and everything else I own, I take great care of my things and after many years of use, many of my items are still in mint condition. So, if I want to sell them, I get back either top dollar or more than I originally paid for them. An example of this is the first Chanel handbag that I bought in the mid 80s, at the Paris boutique on the rue Cambon. I kept that handbag for a good decade or more, until I outgrew it and needed something larger, and then I sold it to a private party for about double of what I had originally paid. Now, had I bought an everyday handbag, and kept it over a decade, would it have been worth nearly double and a decade plus later? No, it would have been either given away to a friend or at the Salvation Army.
While I was in Paris, month before last, I had three designer handbags at www.fashionphile.com where they were on the selling market. They were 3 bags that I just don't use, so why keep them? Sometimes one buys something and thinks it will work out, but it doesn't.
When I got home, there was already a check, in my mailbox, for one of them that had been sold and then I was cut a check, while at the boutique, for the other two that had been sold while I was away in Paris for 8 days. I came home to a substantial amount of money for the resale of those 3 handbags. That money, in turn, was applied to the 3 new handbags I had just bought in Paris.
So, I say that if one gets a joy out of gorgeous handbags, then go for it. LIfe is way to short to stress out over it. One of my friends has a house full of expensive paintings, and thinks it's crazy to buy designer handbags? Well, for one, I'd rather "wear/carry" my art on my shoulder/in my hand" than have it hanging on a wall, and two, it's MUCH easier for me to resale a designer handbag than it is for the friend to resell the paintings. Happy Travels!
May 28th, 2010, 08:02 AM
#43
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As for Allibi123's comment of, "I bought it in Paris"., I personally didn't take it as meaning that she would be trying to "brag" to her friends, but took it as a tongue-in-cheek kind of humorous comment. Nothing with any deep,psychological undertones.
As for me and buying handbags, I only mention where I bought them if someone asks, as I have a lot of close friends who are also into handbags. And since I do come home with many handbags, bought in Paris, and that some that can't be found here, then friends are curious as to where I found something that they haven't seen. And as most of them know that I'm off to Paris once or twice annually they will, before I leave home, comment to call them when I get back so that they can see what "finds" I have come up with. They are also travelers. Happy Travels!
As for me and buying handbags, I only mention where I bought them if someone asks, as I have a lot of close friends who are also into handbags. And since I do come home with many handbags, bought in Paris, and that some that can't be found here, then friends are curious as to where I found something that they haven't seen. And as most of them know that I'm off to Paris once or twice annually they will, before I leave home, comment to call them when I get back so that they can see what "finds" I have come up with. They are also travelers. Happy Travels!
May 28th, 2010, 11:27 AM
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I must confess I don't "get" LV or any other clothing or accessory that carries someone else's initials. Plus, I could never bring myself to spend that kind of money on a bag (I'd rather spend it on food, or shoes). I already have a very attractive DKNY black leather briefcase, at least it's attractive to me, so I don't need another. And I don't see anything on the LV tote that would indicate it's real, so phooey. Anyone want a fake one?
Thin, I'm afraid provençal prints don't work for me in a bag, either. They remind me of diaper bags.I have one that someone gave me, and it's got all my unsorted photos in it. I actually like pretty classic bags. My clothing - not so classic - so I have to keep the accessories toned down.
Thin, I'm afraid provençal prints don't work for me in a bag, either. They remind me of diaper bags.I have one that someone gave me, and it's got all my unsorted photos in it. I actually like pretty classic bags. My clothing - not so classic - so I have to keep the accessories toned down.
May 28th, 2010, 12:18 PM
#49
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"It's bad enough that you need someone to walk up to you and comment on your bag, but way worse to feel compelled to say where you bought it (particularly if it was on the Champs Elysées, the hell-hole of tourist Paris. Honestly, that creeps me out. Something wrong with the self-worth there."
Wow, I'd call that a very radical intepretation of the text. I didn't see any need to brag in the OP's post, but I did see a LOT of holier-than-toi snark in your remarks. I take it we will never again hear a peep from you about how much you enjoy your glass house in the Dordogne.
Wow, I'd call that a very radical intepretation of the text. I didn't see any need to brag in the OP's post, but I did see a LOT of holier-than-toi snark in your remarks. I take it we will never again hear a peep from you about how much you enjoy your glass house in the Dordogne.
May 28th, 2010, 02:48 PM
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It's interesting to me that women who don't buy LV are interested in reading a thread about it, and yes, yes, yes...throwing stones with holier-than-thou snark, and/or offering psychological diagnoses! I like you MLF.
Back to the OP, sometimes you get lucky. My last bag I bought, here we go, in Paris in June, then went to Italy and somehow missed the VAT counter flying out of Rome. I used the bag here in New Orleans during the summer, then returned to Italy in August, using it again. This time, I found the VAT counter, handed over the paperwork, and explained what happened. They shook their head, smiled, and processed it. I think she loved LV too.
Back to the OP, sometimes you get lucky. My last bag I bought, here we go, in Paris in June, then went to Italy and somehow missed the VAT counter flying out of Rome. I used the bag here in New Orleans during the summer, then returned to Italy in August, using it again. This time, I found the VAT counter, handed over the paperwork, and explained what happened. They shook their head, smiled, and processed it. I think she loved LV too.
May 28th, 2010, 06:34 PM
#52
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I'm still not understanding why even an addiction to handbags makes one want to buy a $1,000+ handbag. I like shoes -- really do -- but have NEVER purchased shoes at that price. Except for Guenmai's rationale (who has her addiction paid for in recycling of these babies) what makes a $1,000 with LV letters so special? Could a $250 handbag with no letters be as good? Do you collect handbags that aren't designer handbags?
For the record:
We have no flatscreen TV.
We have 2 cars -- one is a 2009 Altima and the other a 1993 Honda Civic.
I spend my money on:
1) Dining out (my 10-year old daughter and I can easily spend $120 on a girls night out dinner once a month -- or more.)
2) Home improvement projects.
3) Live in Chicago and I'm cold from Oct. through April, so even my "casual" winter coat has a fur lining (joined by 3 other coats of varying styles, pelts, and price points.)
Rationale:
1) Gluttony (but only on food that is really good.)
2) HGTV addict
3) Can't stand the cold so the fur is worth the price.
So, why the $1,000+ handbag?
For the record:
We have no flatscreen TV.
We have 2 cars -- one is a 2009 Altima and the other a 1993 Honda Civic.
I spend my money on:
1) Dining out (my 10-year old daughter and I can easily spend $120 on a girls night out dinner once a month -- or more.)
2) Home improvement projects.
3) Live in Chicago and I'm cold from Oct. through April, so even my "casual" winter coat has a fur lining (joined by 3 other coats of varying styles, pelts, and price points.)
Rationale:
1) Gluttony (but only on food that is really good.)
2) HGTV addict
3) Can't stand the cold so the fur is worth the price.
So, why the $1,000+ handbag?
May 28th, 2010, 06:52 PM
#53
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Not all Louis Vuitton bags and luggage has the LV logo.
I have a Damier Bastille bag that I bought 10 years ago at the LV store in the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. No LV's on this bag.
I have a LV steamer trunk, three Blisten (?) suitcases, and two Keepall 55's that I inherited from my grandmother. My steamer trunk was made in 1935 and it is still in excellent condition.
Louis Vuitton does last and it is waterproof. I have seen my luggage sit out on the tarmac of JFK in pouring-down rain and none of my clothing inside the luggage got damp.
Thin
I have a Damier Bastille bag that I bought 10 years ago at the LV store in the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. No LV's on this bag.
I have a LV steamer trunk, three Blisten (?) suitcases, and two Keepall 55's that I inherited from my grandmother. My steamer trunk was made in 1935 and it is still in excellent condition.
Louis Vuitton does last and it is waterproof. I have seen my luggage sit out on the tarmac of JFK in pouring-down rain and none of my clothing inside the luggage got damp.
Thin
May 28th, 2010, 07:01 PM
#54
I like the checkered patterned LV. and good buys at Malleries.
But my dream bag, I'll never own, is the Celine
crossbody chocolate brown of the latest collection.
Very simple with a unique brass closure,
but at $3500, I'd rather be in Paris.
But my dream bag, I'll never own, is the Celine
crossbody chocolate brown of the latest collection.
Very simple with a unique brass closure,
but at $3500, I'd rather be in Paris.
May 28th, 2010, 07:16 PM
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SuzChicago, the answer is very simple. And also complex. I would have to ask, have you ever dreamed of ANY material possession or ANY travel experience that was beyond your reach at the moment.....and then had a chance at a later date to have it? It's that simple. Some people are fortunate to have instant gratification and others wait (self imposed, perhaps, smile). If you can't identify with basic desire, then understanding indulgence is beyond comprehension. We can agree it is, perhaps, senseless.
May 28th, 2010, 10:47 PM
#56
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Why should one have to rationalize any purchase? 'I want it' is really enough justification. Whether you buy an LV bag (or Mercedes or 60" flat-screen or...) is between you and your pocketbook (and lender, if it comes to that).
May 29th, 2010, 12:55 AM
#57
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I agree with Travelgourmet. Why should anyone have to rationalize any purchase? I sure don't.
And as Thin said, all LV doesn't have initials all over it. I personally buy Epi when it comes to handbags. I had the initials decades ago, but I do have 2 bisten suitcases and 2 carryall bags, which I've had since the 80s, and they have held up brilliantly.
And SuzChicago as to whether I have non designer bags, of course I do. My favorite, non, high end, designer places to shop for regular bags are T.J.Maxx, where I've shopped for probably a decade and a half, and Nordsrom Rack. I shop at a variety of places like today when I found the $725. DVF, Hayworth tote bag, that I had had on my list for some months, as a possibility, but got it for $223.20, as I would have never paid $725.00 for it. But, what I paid for it was a decent price as far as I'm concerned. And it will come in quite handy. And, if I ever flip it, in the future, I'll most likely get all of my money back.
I have different bags for different uses. And I have bags spanning back to the 80s. I didn't buy the collection of them over night. It's sort of like with shoes...one doesn't wear the same kind of shoes for every occasion or with every clothing outfit. And also like with shoes, one might get tired of them after some years and get rid of them and move on to something new. No different with handbags or clothing.
As for whether a $250. handbag is not as good as a $1,000 one, well of course it can be. It's not about that, it's about how one looks at handbags. And for me, it's about what catches my eye. One day it might be a Tiganello at T.J.Maxx and another day, it might be a Chloe. Seems simple to me.
As to you stating that you're not "understanding it", well, I'm not understanding what it is that you're not understanding. People have different likes and dislikes and limits as to what they will spend money on and how much they will spend on certain items that they like. It seems very basic to me...whether it is a $40,000-$50,000 car, a TV that costs thousands, or whatever else people have chosen to spend their money on. Happy Travels!
And as Thin said, all LV doesn't have initials all over it. I personally buy Epi when it comes to handbags. I had the initials decades ago, but I do have 2 bisten suitcases and 2 carryall bags, which I've had since the 80s, and they have held up brilliantly.
And SuzChicago as to whether I have non designer bags, of course I do. My favorite, non, high end, designer places to shop for regular bags are T.J.Maxx, where I've shopped for probably a decade and a half, and Nordsrom Rack. I shop at a variety of places like today when I found the $725. DVF, Hayworth tote bag, that I had had on my list for some months, as a possibility, but got it for $223.20, as I would have never paid $725.00 for it. But, what I paid for it was a decent price as far as I'm concerned. And it will come in quite handy. And, if I ever flip it, in the future, I'll most likely get all of my money back.
I have different bags for different uses. And I have bags spanning back to the 80s. I didn't buy the collection of them over night. It's sort of like with shoes...one doesn't wear the same kind of shoes for every occasion or with every clothing outfit. And also like with shoes, one might get tired of them after some years and get rid of them and move on to something new. No different with handbags or clothing.
As for whether a $250. handbag is not as good as a $1,000 one, well of course it can be. It's not about that, it's about how one looks at handbags. And for me, it's about what catches my eye. One day it might be a Tiganello at T.J.Maxx and another day, it might be a Chloe. Seems simple to me.
As to you stating that you're not "understanding it", well, I'm not understanding what it is that you're not understanding. People have different likes and dislikes and limits as to what they will spend money on and how much they will spend on certain items that they like. It seems very basic to me...whether it is a $40,000-$50,000 car, a TV that costs thousands, or whatever else people have chosen to spend their money on. Happy Travels!
May 29th, 2010, 01:04 AM
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SuzChicago: After just re-reading your post, I see that you're fine with easily spending $140.00 or more on a girl's night out for dinner, maybe once a month or more. Well, although that's not my cup of tea, I have no difficulty understanding that that's how you splurge. Happy Travels!
May 29th, 2010, 01:23 AM
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Cigalchanta: As to how many handbags I own, off the top of my head, I don't remember. But, they are all in plastic containers and I keep a journal in which they are all listed and also what numbered container that they are in. That way, if I need to find one fast, I just go to the journal, scan for the bag, and then go to the numbered container that the bag is in. Plus, by being so organized I don't repeat myself.
I know folks who are so disorganized that they continue to buy the same things over and over again whether it be shoes, handbags, clothes, or whatever...because due to all of their disorder and clutter, they are clueless to what they "really" own. That's absolutely "not" me. Organization saves money and a heck of a lot of time. Happy Travels!
I know folks who are so disorganized that they continue to buy the same things over and over again whether it be shoes, handbags, clothes, or whatever...because due to all of their disorder and clutter, they are clueless to what they "really" own. That's absolutely "not" me. Organization saves money and a heck of a lot of time. Happy Travels!
