In my 27 years of existence, I’ve never stepped into Bag Territory. It’s too scary. Too crazy. And once you’re in, there’s no turning back.
But last week, I stumbled, somewhat accidentally. My purse of the moment — a cute, sweater-like hobo from Urban Outfitters — had a monster rip inside and all my stuff slid underneath the lining. Ghet-to. It was annoying because I had just bought the thing during the holidays. I always buy cheap shit like that. Then I had a random thought.
And when I have random thoughts, I turn to Twitter.
Suddenly, I became popular. People started messaging me: Check out BlueFly! Try the Camarillo outlets! Ebay’s the way to go! Marc by Marc Jacobs! Fossil is great! Get a Birkin! (Uh, thanks @fjeng but I said $200, not $20,000) Then I open my email: “handbagheaven and baghausbuzz are following you on Twitter.” Oh, hi there. I think I had just entered Bag Territory.
(Yeah, it was wittier in my head. Whatever.)
Not knowing where to start, I clicked on a link in a reply by @annietown.
And there it was.
Hello, lover.
Andrea Brueckner Cardiff Satchel
It was a bit more than I was hoping to pay, but I loved it. It was classy, but sort of edgy. I could see myself rocking it everywhere.
So I quickly consulted some friends/bag mentors, who told me to get it (obv), and so as the practical woman I am, I gave myself one night to sleep on it, and then when I woke up the next morning, I got out my debit card and snagged it. I felt a tiny rush.
And then I told Twitter. And people congratulated me as if I just had a child. That made me happy. Girls are so fun.
I have the bag now and we’re in bliss. I just keep looking at it and petting it. It’s better crafted than any accessory I own, which I guess isn’t saying much, but it’s just so apparent for someone who’s used to Forever 21. The snappy magnet closure thingy snaps really tight and there are all these canvas pockets inside and the hardware is super sturdy.
So there. I think I’m in love.
There’s no turning back.
congratulations! i think you’ll make each other very happy.
I’m so happy for you! Don’t let anyone *ahem*matt*cough* tell you that it’s weird people are congratulating you like you just had a baby because hello, you totally just did! Aww doesn’t it just look precious?!
And before you know it, she (yes, a girl, obv) seems a bit lonely and needs some shoe and jeans siblings…
expensive handbags are my crack. CRACK.
i got my first taste with a $300 and now i’m moved onto $1000 bags – i can’t stop!
once you go designer, you’ll never go back.
awesomenessss… I love new bags, and new shoes for that matter. It could light up any bad days :P
I have to say… I’m not a massively materialistic person (shopping makes me break out into hives), but there is something about having the perfect bag. It ups my confidence level but at least 200 points, instantly. Though I don’t think I’ve ever spent more than about $60 on one (and that was just due to a crappy euro-to-dollar ratio). I actually find a lot of amazing bags at thrift stores, though it takes diligence. But I will never judge someone for dropping cash on a good bag– it’s important!
p.s. I LOVE the one you picked.
I think it’s absolutely warranted and deserved to splurge on an actual bag investment. That’s exactly what it is — an investment. You know your Urban Outfitters bag wouldn’t last you nearly as long as this one. This one is crafted with care and precision. For all we know, the Urban bags are thrown together in a matter of minutes — hence the ripped seams, etc., which I have experienced myself with some very pretty Urban bags too many times.
It was clearly time to step up to the plate and a get a “grown up” bag. I’m glad you did. And now…I’m jealous. ;)
So funny! I entered into the handbag world last spring for my birthday. It actually happened because I bought a pair of beautiful shoes and they happened to have a matching handbag and the rest is history. Congratulations on the new “baby”! She’s gorgeous.
It is like having a child, its a major life event. Congratulations and its true, once you step through those doors, you can’t go back through.
I’ve always said girls are the bestest. I mean just LOOK at all the awesome things we can buy!
Yes, I’m a handbag addict.
haha. michelle you’re so dang cute. I fell in love with my first real bag a couple months ago … mine was from michael kors. mmmmmm. i’ve gotten into bag obsessions too recently. it’s horrible!!!
Pretty! I love that bag.
So pretty! And you are so right…once you get one nice bag, you will never be able to buy a cheap one again. I justify it by using them for at least six months before I buy another one, so it’s like an investment…right?
Plus, you use a purse EVERY DAY. People spend that much money on jeans, and how often do you wear those? I hope not every day, so yeah…totally worth the splurge :)
new bags (especially well-made ones) are glorious.
and your cardiff satchel? absolutely divine!!! congrats on making the leap!
Congrats! You have now reached a slippery slope into purse bankruptcy lol. Soon you’ll be rationalizing $400 bags like me…
handbag love is the best kind of love
congrats michelle! you guys look like you’re meant to be. :)
i love the bag you chose
and no, there is NO G OING BACK MICHELLE WOO
Oh that bag is fabulous! I still haven’t stepped into Bag Territory.. my purses are from Target. Though I’ve made two big purchases from Coach, neither was for me. Both for my mom. I am WAY too nice of a daughter.
I’m just going to say it. Craaaaazy! All of you. Do as you wish. Just don’t expect me to pay for it or understand it.
Girl… Look at you! I can’t believe how well your blog is doing!! You’re a web-lebrity!!!! Hahahaha. Love you, dahling.
m@ you should start looking for nice watches, then graduate to nice cars and other toys…oh wait…you have your SLR hobby…(the camera).
i LOVE IT.
totally classic, and edgy.
suits you perfectly, sweetheart.
Congratulations! I love it! Very snazzy and stylist.
That is one gorgeous bag you have right there! I’ve never been a shoe gal…but bags? *LOVE*
I have to say, I’m not a bag person either — but I really like that one! :)
my first ‘real’ bag was a toki doki le sports sac… but it was a cute bag not a sophisticated bag… does that still count?
Um, is it okay if I STILL don’t get the whole bag thing?
Please?
I promise I’m a real girl.
oh the awesomeness of twitter, haha.
but really, that bag is so cute. good pick!
Nice! I’m currently sporting an actually very nice messenger bag from Target ($25 of awesomeness, in fact). If I was going to splurge, though, I’d probably spring for Tumi.
She’s beautiful! I adore bags and shoes, but I just don’t get the obsession with Coach and LV. I’m sorry, but they just all look the same to me. I’d rather spend several hundred dollars less on a well made Guess or Kathy bag with lots of shiny bits and pleanty of personality. This is my new baby… http://abellevie.squarespace.com/daily-blog/2009/2/16/things-i-love-the-delia-clutch.html
Love this! New handbags/totebags/& an occasional new wallet are one of my only weaknesses! If you like cute cheap check out Bath and Body Works. Fly totes for almost nothing! :)