Issue 4 - How would you justify spending $3k?
Giving meaning to the name of this substack.
Last weekend I walked into Loewe after seeing the medium Flamenco in the shade Abyss on r/handbags. I admitted to the sales associate that I’ve been eyeing it since Paloma Elsesser wore hers in a Vogue 7 Days 7 Outfits video in 2021. So 4 years.
I tried on the medium size and it’s gorgeous. Abyss is a deep navy blue and the leather is super soft without being scary soft (i.e. scratch-able). The SA told me that LVMH acquired Loewe in 1996 because they wanted to improve the leather goods at Louis Vuitton. Tea!
Tax in, it was going to cost me a little over $3,000. “That’s half of the price of a shitty Chanel bag,” I girlmathed. I walked out empty handed, because I’m risk averse and that kind of money is reckless. Maybe in 4 more years.
My question is; how do you guys justify big fashion purchases without being wracked with guilt? Do you wait a certain amount of time? Do you measure cost per wear? Do you save up a percentage of the cost? Do you look on the secondhand market until you find it there? Are your decisions purely driven by desire and you face the consequences later? Help me justify this purchase, PLEASE!!!
Things I like right now:
IRL shopping is something I don’t often do because like everyone else, I’m addicted to convenience—but I like to do shopping reconnaissance when I travel. Peachtree Revival in Wynwood, Miami has great stuff and the prices are reasonable. They also have a Depop.
Andrew is to Miami as Dime is to Montreal—I really like this store in the Design District and these belts are good. Scroll to see the beanie I got for $22.
Dalé Zine is in the same courtyard as Andrew and it’s filled with great books, zines, art, gifts, bumper stickers, and merch. I bought Matty Matheson’s new cookbook for my MIL. He really is beloved by all generations.
These photos of Ann Bonfoey Taylor, an aviator, fashion designer, and Olympic skier.
The new Martine Rose X Nike Shox MR4 rumored colorways—I want the red ones.
Things I’m resisting buying:
Anything from the Paris Hilton closet sale on Vestiaire Collective. I’m as big a fan as the next person but this is clearly the shit she never wore and got for free. I did not see one good thing. I know it’s a piece of history or whatever but I know she has better things she can let go of.
Everything, tbh. Economy’s fucked.
Looking high and low:
My friend Nic just got a new job and he is looking for a work bag. It should be known that Nic is a huge Bag Girl™️ and he owns “at least 12 bags I could use for work and then at least a solid 3 dozen others.” He is a prolific bag collector and connoisseur, so it can’t just be any old bag. His requirements are that it needs to fit a laptop and cost under $400.
The first place my mind went to was Coach’s Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39, and that’s because I want this bag really badly. It was absolutely sold out for a long time and now it’s available again, but she’s absolutely over budget. 👀 While we’re in Coach territory, this black Tote Bag is perfect.
This Bottega Andiamo dupe from Quince is actually really nice—it’s $149 and has some pretty good reviews from my research. Side note, is Quince a real thing or does it only exist on podcasts? This actual Bottega is a gorgeous color and it’s only $210. Here’s a nice woven one for under $400.
In my search I discovered Aesther Ekme and although they’re mostly over budget, you can find them on The RealReal. Nice big old bags.
Entering the Miuccia zone—I kind of love this ugly girl. Here she is in another colorway. I know you love ugly beauty Nic, that’s why she’s included.
This Prada tote is a little briefcase-y but maybe that’s what we want? I like this orange color and it’s under $200. This one is beat to shit but I love the color so much and it’s only $150. Maybe you can fix her? Wait, this tote is gorgeous too but I can’t figure out the size.
The bowling bag is back at Prada, judging from the brand’s most recent menswear show in Milan. This one is vintage and defs needs some conditioning, but I love her. This one with a bright yellow trim is so good too. I screamed internally when I found this Miu Miu one (I think it’s small though). We are way off mark but I just have to share this last one.
Leaving Prada for Proenza Schouler, more specifically, the PS1. An absolutely iconic bag à la base, very functional, and appropriate for the workplace. Also, a favorite bag of the Olsens, arguably the biggest Bag Girls™️ out there.
Here’s a large PS1 for $295 and a dark mode one one you could make an offer on. We’re going above budget for this red one but she’s in really good condition. I die for this one but it’s expensive (lowball them and see what happens).
Wild card item: This giant crinkly shiny MiuMiu girl.
wow yellow prada bowling bag as work bag is amazingggg
So many amazing bag options!!!!!! This is everything I’ve ever wanted!