Time for a totally self-indulgent WANT WANT WANT post (my blog, my rules).
My beloved Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag finally died yesterday. With a bit of clever sewing I can probably salvage it and carry it for a few more months, but given that I’ve carried it almost every day since October 2006, I think I’ve had my money’s worth out of it and it’s time to move on.
So it’s serendipitous that while researching for work (no, really), I stumbled across Linea Pelle. The brand is fairly unknown in this country, but the bags are carried by various Hollywood PYT’s and girls from The Hills, thus they all have a price tag of over $400. Ouch.
Sadly it’s too late for rational thinking. I have my heart set on one of these babies. I love the way all these bags from the ‘Dylan’ line have the shoulder straps folded over when you’re using the longer cross-body strap. I’ve got my heart set on something with a long detachable strap because I’m fed up of bags slipping off my shoulders all the time (I have crap posture). I like big, slouchy bags with lots of pockets and zips, and I like decent leather that’ll get better with age. These have all of that, plus no obvious branding or logos. I like quality, but I don’t want an ‘it’ bag because it’ll date so much faster.
Sadly, once international shipping and customs charges are lumped on top of the already high price, these babies are completely out of the realms of possibility, so for now I’ll have to continue to look at them wistfully and search UK retailers for something remotely similar. If you know of anything, please do let me know. I don’t care if it’s from Topshop or Temperley, so long as it’s leather, has a detachable cross body strap and looks exactly like the bags above. Not a big ask, right?!
I wish I was Hilary Duff. I bet she got hers for free…
Kat Hannaford January 23, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Oh, these are the bags you were telling us about the other night? I like the one on the right best, that’s a really nice shape.
It’s a shame the shipping and customs would take the price up so much, as $400 isn’t *that* much when you consider at least four years’ use. Plus, you can’t put a price on looking smart and professional.
Maybe someone is going to the US soon and could bring one back for you? I wish you’d told me before I went to Vegas, I could’ve brought one back then if they’re sold there.
BTW, went into Mulberry today (bought an Elkington laptop bag in oak – mmm!) and saw the Alexa in the flesh. It’s not as nice in person, they use a different leather to the Bayswater etc, apparently it’s waxed buffalo so it’s pretty shiny. I told the sales assistant it wasn’t as nice as I was expecting, and she agreed – said it looked much cheaper than the rest of Mulberry’s line (except it’s one of their pricier bags!) I actually thought it looked like a knock-off, if I’m honest.
Hope that at least puts one bag out of your thoughts, making the search a little easier…
Gemma January 23, 2010 at 8:38 pm
That’s good to know about the Alexa. One less thing to dream about!
I had a look when I was in Vegas for Linea Pelle but it’s in really limited stockists…apparently Bloomingdales carries some stuff.
I’ll see if I can save up, just too many other things I need the cash for at the mo and I just can’t justify it!
Kat Hannaford January 24, 2010 at 10:29 am
Time to hit eBay and start pawning off all those lovely shoes and dresses you never wear! I’ll give you help if you want, can come over with my DSLR and help take the photos? It’d be fun!
Sara May 11, 2011 at 8:06 am
Thank you for sharing… I’m a huge fan of your blog! These bags are so cute, they make me think about Balenciaga…right?
My favourite brand for leather bags and accessories is Il Bisonte, do you know it? It’s an italian company…simply chic and vintage. Love it! Bye, have a nice day!