7.24.2013

style notes: practical luxury

via French Vogue

a reader's comment the other day about her beloved Hermes birkin got me thinking – what happens when you finally get your holy grail?

a funny little essay by Ariel Levy in The New Yorker a few months ago noted the new-ish trend of guys buying super expensive women's handbags. i found this passage to be more interesting:
"At the office, Dziadul kept [the Birkin] under his desk, on top of a copy of a magazine called Just for Canadian Dentists, which had published an article about Adler. At home, in Hoboken, he had been sitting next to it on his sofa. 'I don't live a Birkin life style,' Dziadul said. 'I don't feel guilty, but sometimes I do think of what that money could have bought...But in the end, it's this.' He petted the Birkin as if it were a puppy."
it seems to me a combination of contradictory impulses – the mundane clashing with the rarefied. can't you have both?



via The New Yorker

the guy in the article isn't the only one who struggles with practical luxury. (just take a look at any of the threads on Purse Forum!) in my case, a few years ago, after a lengthy period of saving up, i finally bought a vintage lambskin Chanel flap bag. after a month or so, i realized that i couldn't use it at all normally. it was becoming a burden to tote around with the utmost care, so i took this as a sign that it just wasn't right for my lifestyle and promptly sold it.

so i'm curious, dear readers. do you have a 'holy grail' bag (or one on your wishlist)? do you struggle to incorporate it practically (and carefreely) in your everyday life?

31 comments:

  1. When I buy anything expensive, I ALWAYS think about practicability. If it's not practical for my lifestyle, I won't buy it. If it is, then, and only then, will I consider the purchase. What's the point of owning a $20K bag if you can't wear it with anything or, like you mentioned in your post, you are so worried about it whenever you do wear it?

    But, I also don't buy things just because they're popular or icons. I know this will sound horrific to some, but even if the Birkin was $500, I wouldn't buy it because I don't like the way it looks.

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    1. i applaud your stance on only going for the things you really love!

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  2. my holy grail bag is the lambskin 2.55! I tried one on when I was away in Mykonos and have recently been given a lump sum but I couldn't part with the money when it came down to it. It sounds ridiculous to say but it didn't feel like the right time, or like it was the one that was meant for me. I understand the guilt thing but I think when it comes to luxuries like that you just need to use it and enjoy it and not get hung up on how much it cost!!

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    1. i know what you mean. i hope you get your special splurge when the right time/milestone comes!

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  3. I'm lucky enough to have Hermès, Chanel and Celine (plus a handful of other) bags that I use as much as possible in my very normal, everyday life (using public transport, walking, grocery shopping, school run etc). In the last couple of years I've learnt how to look after them and take reasonable steps to protect them from excessive wear and tear because I have neither the time nor the inclination to 'baby' them. My choice is to view luxury to also mean easy and to be enjoyed to the fullest. I've also experienced the thrill of owning a bag I thought I loved but it didn't in actual fact work for my life and really hope that doesn't happen again.

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    1. love that! i think the real test of a fancy schmancy bag is if you feel cool regularly buying groceries with it, lol :)

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  4. I bought a second hand Balenciaga City with small scruffs on the corners, because I knew that if the bag was pristine in condition, it would never leave the dust bag... I would be to concerned about the bag loosing value as I "broke it in". In my opinion, a City can still look good when worn, so I find it a good compromise.

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    1. i have a vintage-y City too and it has held up remarkably well (its in the older chevre). i still really love the design - super chill luxe.

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  5. I saved up a few years back and bought a Chanel 2.55 in Paris on a trip. I love it and I take it everywhere. I thought I would be lot more precious about it than I am, but to be honest I just throw it on with jeans and a tee most of the time. I purposely avoided the lambskin on the recommendation of the sale assistant - even though it was my original choice - as she assured me it was too delicate for everyday use.
    I don't to take it out places where I won't be able to have it with me at all times as I'm worried about it getting stolen. However, where I live I'm pretty sure most people assume my bag is fake, so it's probably pretty safe! Haha

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    1. haha! yeah i'm all about the vintage caviar and distressed calf leather. super durable and practical.

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  6. I was just thinking about something along the lines of this! Whenever I look at "fashion inspiration", it's always ladies in high strappy heels, leather pants, and other hyper-trendy pieces. It started wearing on me because I never found an opportunity to wear outfits like that and when i did, i would feel uncomfortable and self - conscious. I bike every day, spill food regularly, walk on gravel and dirt roads, sit on grimy subway trains, and enjoy going to dive bars and sweaty clubs. None of that allows for anything fussy. I finally deleted the folder in my computer with all of my unattainable outfits, and look for more of a casual, wearable aesthetic. I will never wear fussy outfits, and that's okay!!

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    1. i can totally relate - that's why i find sofia coppola's style so inspiring. comfy and practical yet still with touches of luxe.

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  7. @Wendy, I totally agree! I realized a year or two ago that what I liked on other people and what I liked on myself were two totally different things, in part because I work on my feet, have to be able to move heavy equipment, and (honestly) get pretty hot and sweaty from time to time while working. So heels, nice blouses, anything silk or delicate, skirts, etc. are just totally out of the picture. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but at least my closet is now geared toward reality, rather than my fantasy fashion life.

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  8. @Wendy, I totally agree. I had a sad realization a year or two ago that my fantasy fashion life does not mesh with my real job/lifestyle. From time to time I mourn that mental image of myself as Emmanuel Alt (never mind that I'm not a size zero, among other things), but my closet at least has nothing superfluous or impractical in it now.

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  9. I have been thinking about saving up for a 2.55 for my 30th birthday, as a present for myself, but my doubts are along these same lines. It would be quite silly to spend upwards of 4000$ on a bag if I end up a soccer mom in the countryside of rural Norway, wearing wellies and windbreakers all day :) I think I will save up nonetheless and then see where my life is at when the time comes. I also quite fancy a Cartier Love Bracelet, which should suit any lifestyle!

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    1. i think your 30th is a special milestone. the 2.55 would be perfect - you can also find almost new ones below retail on the various luxury vintage/resale shops...

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  10. I think I am too utilitarian to lust too long after anything I can't use easily and often! Items like that never stay in my wishlist for more than a few days max. Case in point, a beautiful embellished brocade dress I saw yesterday, loved, and decided that I didn't want it after all because I simply don't get enough opportunity to wear the silk dresses I already own.
    Loved the article, btw!

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  11. I throw my bags around (and stuff them with all kinds of overstuffing) to feel comfortable buying a really expensive bag... I would just ruin it. I try to find a low priced leather tote that will live up to the beatings. That said, the most $$$ bag I bought was from an anniversary sale ($500ish) and I am always super careful when I tote it. I always feel like I am toting about a child, lol.

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  12. Ive gotten a couple of my holy grail bags (right now I'm loving my MJ Baroque Single) but I don't baby them. I carry them daily, set them down on the floor... basically I use even my most pricey bags heavily. For me, I love a "lived in" look bag, it just means you love that bag imo. I'm not interested in babying them or treating them like theyre precious. Basically how can you enjoy that "holy grail" item if you're afraid to actually use it?

    This conversation reminds me of that Mary-Olsen and her well used Birkin (http://img.purseforum.com/attachments/premier-designers/hermes/1331582d1298105036-stars-public-figures-and-hermes-mary-kate-ashley-olsen-lax-10.jpg).

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    1. i remember when that photo made the rounds. lots of pearl clutching at how MK could dare 'treat' such a fancy bag that way. i really love the broken in / patina look too!

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  13. haha interesting anecdote. i've never thought about this too deeply as a college student i have still years before i can earn a disposable income to acquire such goods. i live vicariously through you and other young professionals.

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  14. I purchased one of my holy grail bags, the PS11 a couple of years back. I've dropped it on cement (trust me, almost freaked out), it has gotten sopping wet, but overall, it has held up extremely well, and isn't terribly worn in as you might expect under those circumstances.

    I do, however, freak out a lot more when it comes to shoes. I've almost cried when alcohol was spilled on my Charlotte Olympia kitty flats, although I acknowledge that things get worn in and that's just part of it. I do wonder what I could have spent the money on otherwise though! :S

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    1. thats interesting, i used to feel the same about shoes but shoes inevitably get so much more wear and tear! i've made my peace with that.

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  15. i have sold a céline luggage bag for the exact reason you cite (not to mention, it's too recognizable which made me self-conscious about carrying it ). however, i have recently purchased another holy grail bag that i intend to carry as if it were fast fashion. because i firmly believe in practical luxury, not to mention, life is short.

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    1. love your attitude. i'm curious - what's your new purchase?

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    2. just found this after reading your follow-up post. the bag i bought was the day luxe tote from the row. and while i don't use it day-to-day in london (too big) i can confirm that in the states over the holidays i used it every day + loved it. i read + enjoyed cathy horyn's article, too. we are simpatico in our attitudes towards fashion + dressing + living.

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  16. i agree with you on the giant logo'ed vintage and new Chanels. some of the vintage ones are more discreet but they're hard to come by!

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  17. Boy, do I understand what you'd said. I bought a Chanel lambskin 2.55 flap and it spent more time being stared at (by me) than carried. It took several long years before I finally admitted it wasn't for me. Then I bought a Birkin and since I talked about it so much on my blog....I guess I should just say it wasn't for me. But the Kelly is definitely my holy grail. The one I use the most. It gets more compliments than any other bags that I've owned too. I guess it's because it fits my casual lifestyle. I would love to be able to buy another one but at nearly £6K these days....well, it's not an option.

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  18. Miss S, that was my comment about the Birkin. I would say...while my thoughts about this bag aren't the simple enjoyment I might like them to be, they haven't diminished my love for it at all. It is a beautiful bag and gorgeous craftsmanship, and it gets lots of compliments. But I do think about when and where I carry it, and specifically that I am lucky to carry it. I also want to be considerate of people whom I work with for whom that bag would represent several months' paychecks. I haven't decided yet how that makes me feel. It's easier with other pieces where the price tag is not quite so well known: I wear an Hermès cuff every single day and it's a signature to my colleagues, but it doesn't have that psychological price tag.
    Then there is the usability issue, but I think that is a function of how I treat bags, and that I could and should change that. I generally don't want to carry nice bags to work as I use giant workhorses that hold laptops, makeup, shoes, you name it. But with a bag liner and a laptop sleeve, I could carry my Birkin every day, or use one big workhorse and my Kelly. And maybe, just maybe, it will help me slow down and appreciate these small, beautiful things.
    *I DO think the Chanel flaps are incredibly practical, with multiple pockets in and out and adjustable chains, and the reissues less intrusive/80s with the Mademoiselle lock (it was Karl who introduced the CC's everywhere), but at the price of a vintage Kelly, no way. I wish the Kelly had an outside pocket for practicality but, well...we've seen the Lakis...no thanks :)

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  19. Miss S, I am with you 100% on this. I never go for the hottest items for my expensive purchases but rather timeless classics...especially in terms of footwear and bags. However, I live my normal life in them, Repettos and Ferragamos alike go to dusty island music festivals for 12 hours of straight dancing, spilled drinks and a coating of dust. What is the point in having quality footwear if I can't wear them whenever my feet need comfort the most?

    Similarly my bags go from rainy day grocery shopping to boardrooms. I take care of my possessions....cleaning and protecting them against the elements as much as possible, but I use them thoroughly. And the best part is that these quality items stand the test of time and rough use so much better than their mass market counterparts while still providing one with utmost comfort and a feeling of simple everyday luxury.

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  20. I loved that New Yorker article.

    I think you nailed it on the head- it's about practical luxury, which means different things to different people. I'm lucky to own so many fabulous & luxe things that I love, but they suit my lifestyle. I've often had people remark that "I'm lucky to have unique work environment and the social life that I do because where else would I wear these things!"

    I believe in taking good care of my things- putting them away properly, having things mended/altered in a timely manner, laundering properly, protecting bags and shoes. But, I believe in living in my things. I think it's always about finding that middle ground between form and function.

    The one thing that I get precious about is my fine jewelry that has been passed along to me by the women in my family. All of it is one of kind and tells such wonderful stories. Jewelry just isn't made that way anymore. I'm always really carefully about only taking it out (which is an ordeal) when I'm going to wear it and not when I'm playing tennis or clanking away at the computer.

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