A Bag to Last a Lifetime

A few summers ago, my sister Amanda surprised me with Nina Garcia’s The One Hundred, and I simply devoured it.  The most unattainable but indulgent chapter was certainly chapter 40: The Investment Bag.  As I was new to the world of serious fashion at that point, the iconic handbags that laid on the following pages were somewhat earth-shattering.

Now if I was in the lofty position to have my choice of one of these four suggested handbags, I would have a very difficult decision to make.  It is hard to deny the lovely quilts of the Chanel 2.55, and that chain strap? PLEASE.  Too glamorous to refuse!!  Nina suggests not to “shy away from some of the wacky styles and colors,” as the design is so so timeless.

The Louis Vuitton is certainly very recognizable and not foreign even to my somewhat rural hometown.  Most people who do own a LV here opt for the wallet to go with their Coach bag, or one of the larger, more shapeless totes.  The Speedy, however, is the classic choice in the doctor’s bag/satchel shape.

What is more commonly called the Jackie O, Gucci’s Bouvier is the hobo bag made famous by America’s most stylish First Lady.  It is quite practical in appearance, and to me, is indicative of a woman who wants quality and no fuss.  Again, Nina recommends “metallics or prints” to keep the bag fresh for today.

Who hasn’t seen Mrs. Beckham herself toting the infamous Birkin to all of her posh events?  I never realized how pricey and in demand this particular bag was until I went on a naive search of my own.  Nina notes the two-year waiting list for the Birkin bag…a pretty long wait for a bag Jane Birkin herself, “felt…was hazardous to her health.”

Amanda was the first to get her hands on a coveted investment bag.  After consulting some Louis salespeople in the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, she chose an LV with a bit more structure, hardware, and in the Damier Ebene Canvas.  It.is.divine.  And so, upon the momentous achievement of my mom graduating from college (thirty years after she first started taking classes/entered the nursing profession), Amanda presented her with the LV Speedy 30 in Damier Azur Canvas just this month.  It fits her so well.  And again…I’m jealous!!

If I had my absolute pick of all four of these bags, I admit I’m torn.  It is definitely a battle between the Chanel and the LV.  Although the Chanel is just so chic, I kind of feel left out of the little Louis club we’ve got going on in my family!!  Amanda has since hinted I might receive one as a gift at my future baby shower (so I’m looking at a ten year wait).

You may feel inclined to ask, what could possibly heighten the sophistication of an investment bag?  My answer is simple: your fabulous monogram.  Get to it, ladies!  If you are serious about your handbags, or seriously wanting one bag to surpass all others, one of these babies will do the trick.  Just be sure you have enough money to pay for it all at once.

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