If I had to replace only 5 bags in my collection – Tag

This tag has been going around Youtube again and I decided that Id like to try this challenge with the bags I have.

I have a pretty decent collection of mostly mid-range contemporary brands. (Like Coach and MK) and did sell several of my more luxury pieces a few months ago. Im not really attached to most of what I have but there are several bags I really would never sell and the pieces Ive chosen here are all non-negotiables. You wont find these for sale.

Michael Kors quilted leather Sloan crossbody/wallet on chain. This one is obviously inspired by a Chanel flap bag. This bag is PERFECT for a night out or more formal occasion. There are card slots and a zip pocket inside and the chain is the perfect length to wear this bag on your shoulder or as a crossbody.

Michael Kors quilted leather Susannah tote. This tote is great. I bought it because I wanted a Chanel tote that is quite similar but cannot bear to part with that much money. There are compartments and slip pockets and it has the right amount of smoosh. This tote is a few years old and always needs conditioning and shaping but its still fantastic!

Sam Edelman Naya camera bag – I bought this because I really wanted a red Gucci Soho Disco bag and couldnt afford it. (I now know this style of bag is one of my favorites) Its not leather but its so soft and malleable. I can fit everything I need including snacks! This is one of my favorites to wear to a concert. I dont have to worry about it at all!

Coach Willis. I was so torn between the now discontinued Cassie and this bag, but this bag wins because of its durability. This specific bag is from the early 90s and its still in great shape. You cant beat the leather in a vintage Coach bag. It holds a ton and I took this bag to the hospital when my daughter in law had our grandson, so theres a lot of sentimentality (I think I just made that word up)

Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Mini. This bag is so adorable. It holds more than you think it will. It is worry free since the leather is treated and canvas is nearly indestructible. I would love to get the larger size backpack that has the soft shoulder straps but that is out of my budget.

Do you have bags you would definitely replace if something happened to them?

Louis Vuitton repairs – My experience

About a year ago (pre-pandemic) I purchased a pre-owned luxury wallet for $55 from a closet on Poshmark. I did some research on the item I wanted and figured if I was wrong about its authenticity – this purchase wouldnt set me back too much. I wanted the Emilie wallet but Louis Vuitton doesnt sell it any longer so I had to go the pre-owned route.

This wallet can go for over $400 on many sites so I knew I was taking a chance buying this wallet, but I did love the style.

This wallet had one minor defect. The front button cover was missing but it still was functional.

So, at the beginning of May (2021) I contacted Louis Vuitton about sending this item in for repair on the button cover. I sent them photos of the wallet (including the date code) and received a quote for repair.

They estimated it would be between $60-80 to repair it and that it may take 8-10 weeks.

They sent me a shipping label and I sent if off via UPS May 26th.

I heard nothing from them and thought nothing of it because its only been less than a month. I received an email saying I had a delivery coming Friday (I actually got it Saturday afternoon) and did not recognize who was sending me a package.

Well, I opened the package and saw it was from Louis Vuitton and my heart sank since I had not heard anything about payment. I figured they had sent my wallet back because it was not authentic.

But, inside the box was a small white box with a drawer and inside of that was my wallet (enclosed in a new dust bag) My wallet had a brand new pink button cover!

Now, I know that my wallet is in fact, authentic and they repaired my button cover for free!

I am over the moon about my experience.

Have you had to send an item in for repair?

What I got for my birthday!

I will be turning 50 (gasp) this upcoming weekend and I thought I would share what I picked up.

Ive been so good on my no-buy/lowbuy this year. And I didnt want to splurge too much. So I really planned my birthday purchases.

I may have spent the least amount of money in a trip to Ulta ever. I spent a whole $6 on brow gel. I do love the Wow Brow from Elf. My birthday gift from Ulta is actually something I am a fan of. I love Bumble and Bumble hair products.

I did spend almost $50 at Sephora. However, I did plan for this purchase. I bought a Laura Mercier caviar stick in the shade Cocoa. Shelbey Wilson uses it often and I do love shadow sticks. I also got the Skinfix Eczema hand cream. My hands have been so cracked from all the extra hand washing and no hand cream has been able to keep up so Im hoping this one will help. I chose the MoroccanOil birthday gift because I am a fan of their products and I really didnt want the other choices.

And now for the BIG purchase.

I picked this beauty up mostly because its orange. I love the style of this card holder. I had to look for it on the pre-loved market because the color is no longer available and I found one NWT! Ive been using it and its a fantastic piece. And yes, I could have got one from Coach for like $40 but I fell in love with this one and you only turn 50 once!

I may pick up something from BareMinerals next week, but Im still looking at their website to see what I ‘need’.

My mindset has changed so much about purchasing makeup this past year.

Do you give yourself any birthday gifts?

Whats in my bag tag – Coach Cassie edition

Its been awhile since Ive done a Whats in my Bag post and Ive been absolutely in love with my Coach Cassie Crossbody bag! (The bag in the link is not my bag just a very close version)

Ive been using this bag almost non stop since I purchased her a little over a month ago. Ive always wanted a Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis but I cannot justify spending that much money on a purse. The Cassie is so similar and Im a huge fan of Coach and $350 is a LOT less money than $2,230!

Despite its ‘small’ footprint, this bag can hold quite a bit! There are three compartments with the center compartment featuring a slip pocket and zippered pocket. In the photo above, you will see how I have maximized my space with several small goods.

You can see how much I can get away with carrying! I have my sunglasses (I have Vera Bradley prescription sunglasses), my Altoids, Skittles, Lorna Doone cookies, and an energy bar (I love snacks), Kleenex, L’Occitane hand lotion, Ulta blotting sheets, a Coach mirror, Louis Vuitton 4 ring key holder, my favorite Tarte lipstick (Festival), wet wipes, lens cleaners and several small goods.

In the black coin purse I carry my earbuds and adaptor and in the larger vanilla coin purse I carry cards that I dont want in my card holder. There are coins in the smaller coin purse and the Chanel VIP wallet holds my drivers license, insurance card, and paper money.

What do you have in your bag? Have you recently splurged on a new one?