speedy love

it's funny how your tastes change as you get older.

years ago, a monogrammed louis vuitton bag was something i avoided at all costs. i've talked at length about my feelings for handbags, and my obsession has only grown in recent years. but despite it all, i never found myself drawn to lv. i just didn't "get it". i didn't care to be another person lost in sea of monogram, and to be honest, i found it a little tacky.

i couldn't tell you where it came from or why, but in the past two or so years i've developed an adoration/obsession/love for louis vuitton - and that includes the classic monogram print. i mean, audrey hepburn carried a speedy, and she's not exactly my fashion idol or anything, but you can't argue the rich history and stunning longevity of the bag. there's reason it's everywhere.

i always said my first louis vuitton would be in the damier ebene print. my relationship with top handle bags is up and down. too much trouble? worth it? they're truly a pain to go shopping with. i questioned, but i knew i needed a speedy in my collection. as a raving handbag enthusiast and wishful collector, this bag was a necessity. i adore the look of worn in, old patina, and i also knew that i was way too rough on bags (and too impatient) to patina a new speedy beautifully. pre-loved was the way to go.

i got her from fashionphile as an early birthday present, and so far, she's everything i hoped she would be. the canvas is is spectacular shape, and the patina is just the way i like it. she clearly had a vibrant life before she found her way into my hands - and that's ok. she's got a story to tell.

who knew i'd ever end up with a monogram bag? honestly, this will likely be my first and only. the damier ebene and epi leather are my only other louis loves. but speedy will always have my heart.

review: kate spade andee tote

did you check out the kate spade 75% off sale? i sure did, and scored a great deal on this bag i had been eyeing for quite a while. this tote is simple, practical and perfect now that i'm carrying a few more things around than i used to.

the bag is heavy, make no mistake about it. it's heavier than i thought it would be. the leather is thick, but not structured. the bag will slouch when empty or when not filled adequately, which according to other reviews online, was a disappointment for some. but it doesn't bother me, especially since i fill it enough that it doesn't slouch too much. instead of a zipper, the bag features a magnetic closure. so technically, your bag isn't completely sealed up.

i like this tote because it's definitely large enough to fit books, an ipad, water bottles, etc. in addition to my regular items. i can throw things in here and go. it's not a black hole of a bag either - the striped lining does make it simple to find things inside, and i find that the shape of the bag sort of keeps my things in place. in addition, the bag features two zippers on the side that allow for some extra room to be created this. if i unzip both, i can fit a laptop in this bag. though i wouldn't recommend it solely as a laptop bag because it's so heavy already.

i'm looking forward to using this bag because it's very versatile and easy. i guess i'm bag lazy, these days? don't get me wrong, i love a good top handle, but there's something so much more pleasant about slinging something on your shoulder and being done with it. this bag is practical and perfect for just that.

bag love: truly, madly, deeply

 my bag collection is small, but it means the world to me.

sometimes, collectors don't have reasons for collecting. and after all, what constitutes a real reason anyway? aren't all collections a little silly and frivolous, be it stamps, shoes or old movie tickets? i revel in the frivolity of my handbag collection - but at the same time, it's very near and dear to my heart, and i'd be lying if i said i wouldn't try to grab them if my house caught on fire.

it started in highschool, near graduation. i fell in love. there was a skip in my step and a spark in my eye. all because of one man - marc jacobs. the classic q baby groovee was the light of my life, fire of my loi- err, you get the idea. i read reviews. i constantly searched for photos of her in action (pre purse forum knowledge, y'all) and longed to feel the leather beneath my fingertips. and then, i finally got her as a gift.

i thought that would quench the thirst, but it started an outright obsession. and it was then that i discovered no bag would ever be my "holy grail", my collection would never be complete, because a new bag would always appear on the horizon, filling me with a completely incomprehensible and totally irrational need. a handbag monster, if you will.

they're a constant companion, an outfit maker, a sturdy tool and something gorgeous to glance at in my passenger seat. it's the little things, y'all.

and you know what? i'm totally ok with it. we all have our vices. mine is leather handles and gold hardware.

what do you collect?