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ash14vwb · Jul 5th, 2009, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by jadestress

Ladies (and gentlemen?):

I need your help. I am deciding whether or not to buy my 1st balenciaga black city bag. I have been debating this for a year or two now. I live in Toronto where it sells for $1525 (before tax at Holt Renfrew) and just drool over it everytime I see it (i think that the sales people think that i'm slightly crazy....). Is it worth the cost of a mortgage payment? I'm struggling with this because I have two kids (one just 7 months) and feel like i need to treat myself. I have a wonderful life but feel like this bag could make my life just a little bit more awesome. Am I nuts? Should I splurge?

Please offer your advice. FYI- I do own some designer bags- gucci, coach, LV- but i'm really debating the price of the bag.....

Thanks.
Jade

I am going to be a bit of a devil's advocate. I, too, have wanted a bbag (for 2+ years) and can easily *buy* one, but that doesn't mean I can technically *afford* it. Have you ever watched Suze Orman? People first, then money, then things. We all want things, but charging up a credit card when you have responsibilities to others (like children) doesn't mean you can buy something just because you want it. We all want alot of things, but we don't all have the income to afford it. If you have saved up for this bag, if it will not effect your other payments, and if you have given lots of thought to it, then go for it.

Only you know if you can afford it and if you absolutely *need* the bag.

virgo8708 · Jul 5th, 2009, 01:00 PM

I think if you have saved the money to buy it go for it. It isn't like you will be buying yourself a new bbag every week. I think mom's sometimes don't do nice things for themselves every once in a while and in the end you are teaching your children nothing good. By always sacrificing and not doing anything for yourself you are basically saying to your children to not put any energy/time into what makes you happy. I have strong opinions on mom's not doing nice stuff for themselves because my own mom rarely ever did and now that she can afford to she still doesn't or she feels guilty when she shouldn't!

It is a classic bag that you will have for years to come. I agree with the ladies that they are addictive and I know I couldn't stop at one.

Good luck with your decision and can't wait to see pics if you decide to go for it.

HappyAngel · Jul 5th, 2009, 03:57 PM

Yes, I would go for it! YOu should wait a little longer for the 25% discount @ holt. Go & sign up for a Holt Renfrew credit card now!!! & wait till NOv for the 25% discount for B-bag

fuchsiafirefly · Jul 5th, 2009, 04:03 PM

If you already feel that way about it, then you have been bitten by the bal bug! My vote is yes!

kathyt · Jul 5th, 2009, 04:08 PM

Oh Yes! Bal is a drug and I am currently waiting my next dose. I have plenty of black bags but recently bought the BB black city and I love her! I see why the black city is a staple bag. But remember, you can't just stop at one

PhantaBitten · Jul 5th, 2009, 04:11 PM

Yes!

Ellie Mae · Jul 5th, 2009, 04:21 PM

I agree... a black Bal City is like a staple of life. Everyone NEEDS one.

AND.. if you do not want to spend the full price of a brand new one, watch Bonz & ebay for a black city for less than full retail.

Conni618 · Jul 5th, 2009, 04:24 PM

Most of your replies have mentioned the addictive aspect of Bals. I agree, and am only concerned that if the price is bothering you now, you may be unhappy when you come down from the high of new ownership, and other bills are coming in.

I think you should have it, you deserve it, but maybe wait for a bargain, and sell a couple of the your soon to be completely unloved bags.

Your first purchase should not have any aspect of regret!

La française · Jul 5th, 2009, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by ehc2010

Actually I'm going to say no because once you start it may be hard to stop. It is like a drug. Might as well not start in the first place and save yourself the heartache of always needing "just one more" to be "balcontent."

this is EXACTLY what I believe. Ones you've started your in trouble

woody · Jul 5th, 2009, 06:09 PM

I'm going to say no don't do it. I am a mum with a 2 and 3 year old and often feel like I deserve a bag treat but it doesn't make me feel any better and then I worry about how much I spent and how mad my husband would be if he knew. And he has a great job. M ynew approach is to have the money first and not use credit becuase it really does ruin the experience of a new bag arriving when you know you were a bit naughty.

I reckon wait and make it a bargain/good deal - thats often half the fun. Try Erica from HG Bags or I know of at least 1 virtually brand new black city on Bonanzle from another tpf member so I reckon you could get one for $400-$50 cheaper. You'll enjoy the chase and feel better about the price.

A black city is a good choice but personally today when faced with going out my 2 kids and my Bal I won't be taking my Bal. I can't baby the bag and the kids at the same time so I would rather use it on the rare occassion I go out on my own or with only one of them. So thats a lot of money just sitting in my closet!

You really could live without it and happily, if you can get it out of your head for awhile. No bag is worth a whole mortgage payment. Conni618 is 100% correct.

italianlolita · Jul 5th, 2009, 07:12 PM

I say go for it. I understand it is hard with children to spend that kind of money. But think about it, you deserve a treat. If you get it, you can use it and not have to worry about getting it dirty. The leather gets better over time and it will last a very long time. If you don't want to get a new one, go for preloved. Fashionphile, Ann's Fabulous Finds, Real Deal Collection, and Yoogi's closet are all authentic pre-loved.

imonpurseblog · Jul 5th, 2009, 08:02 PM

I would only encourage you to buy one if you can afford it. I agree with the others though, it's hard to stop at just one.

HappyAngel · Jul 6th, 2009, 12:51 AM

I want to say...if you are not going to buy b-bag because you feel guilty, don't spend money on a cheaper bag to "substitue" for bbag. I mean, you may as well save the money & buy the bbag. I think black city is a bag that you need when when you have kids.

Dirt just won't show!! Anyways, get the bag!! It will make you feel better. YOu can save money in other ways.

saff · Jul 6th, 2009, 06:42 AM

Reasons you should get it: it is a great investment; it will definitely make you feel WOW; it is a classic that will last forever; sometimes as mums we don't put ourselves first and if you are only going to get one investment piece, a Bal black City is definitely the way to go.

Reasons you shouldn't get it: it is addictive and you may not want to stop at just one; if you will feel guilty afterwards; if you can't afford it.

Having said the above, if you have been thinking about it for a year then it's obvious that you are not taking this decision lightly and not doing this impulsively. Perhaps purchase from hgbags as she sells Bals at lower than retail price. Perhaps you could sell your other bags to fund it. I try to alleviate my guilt by selling off a bag when I get a new one.

Good luck!

gladrags&bags · Jul 6th, 2009, 08:48 AM

Your first Bbag purchase should be guilt free so it doesn't spoil the experience. I'd say wait till u can afford it.

Jul 5th, 2009, 03:57 PM	#18
HappyAngel Member Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,413	Yes, I would go for it! YOu should wait a little longer for the 25% discount @ holt. Go & sign up for a Holt Renfrew credit card now!!! & wait till NOv for the 25% discount for B-bag
HappyAngel Member Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,413

Jul 5th, 2009, 04:03 PM	#19
fuchsiafirefly BALENCIAGA LAND Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 3,193	If you already feel that way about it, then you have been bitten by the bal bug! My vote is yes!
	__________________ NUTS???

Jul 5th, 2009, 04:08 PM	#20
kathyt Member Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 744	Oh Yes! Bal is a drug and I am currently waiting my next dose. I have plenty of black bags but recently bought the BB black city and I love her! I see why the black city is a staple bag. But remember, you can't just stop at one
kathyt Member Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 744

Jul 5th, 2009, 04:11 PM	#21
PhantaBitten Drive One. Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Where ZETTERBERG and OSGOOD reign Posts: 4,114	Yes!
	__________________ Finished my Christmas shopping in record time this year SAVING SAVING SAVING for a Ford Fusion SE/I-4/FWD/white platinum tri-coat metallic exterior/charcoal black cloth interior

Jul 5th, 2009, 04:21 PM	#22
Ellie Mae KIABCRS Joined: May 2008 Posts: 8,015	I agree... a black Bal City is like a staple of life. Everyone NEEDS one. AND.. if you do not want to spend the full price of a brand new one, watch Bonz & ebay for a black city for less than full retail.
Ellie Mae KIABCRS Joined: May 2008 Posts: 8,015	__________________ *http://scams-n-shams.blogspot.com*

Jul 5th, 2009, 01:00 PM	#17
virgo8708 Member Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 778	I think if you have saved the money to buy it go for it. It isn't like you will be buying yourself a new bbag every week. I think mom's sometimes don't do nice things for themselves every once in a while and in the end you are teaching your children nothing good. By always sacrificing and not doing anything for yourself you are basically saying to your children to not put any energy/time into what makes you happy. I have strong opinions on mom's not doing nice stuff for themselves because my own mom rarely ever did and now that she can afford to she still doesn't or she feels guilty when she shouldn't! It is a classic bag that you will have for years to come. I agree with the ladies that they are addictive and I know I couldn't stop at one. Good luck with your decision and can't wait to see pics if you decide to go for it.

Jul 5th, 2009, 04:24 PM	#23
Conni618 Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,352	Most of your replies have mentioned the addictive aspect of Bals. I agree, and am only concerned that if the price is bothering you now, you may be unhappy when you come down from the high of new ownership, and other bills are coming in. I think you should have it, you deserve it, but maybe wait for a bargain, and sell a couple of the your soon to be completely unloved bags. Your first purchase should not have any aspect of regret!
Conni618 Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,352	__________________ Your click helps feed and shelter a rescued animal. http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/c...tous_468x60_01

Jul 5th, 2009, 06:09 PM	#25
woody Member Joined: Jan 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 843	I'm going to say no don't do it. I am a mum with a 2 and 3 year old and often feel like I deserve a bag treat but it doesn't make me feel any better and then I worry about how much I spent and how mad my husband would be if he knew. And he has a great job. M ynew approach is to have the money first and not use credit becuase it really does ruin the experience of a new bag arriving when you know you were a bit naughty. I reckon wait and make it a bargain/good deal - thats often half the fun. Try Erica from HG Bags or I know of at least 1 virtually brand new black city on Bonanzle from another tpf member so I reckon you could get one for $400-$50 cheaper. You'll enjoy the chase and feel better about the price. A black city is a good choice but personally today when faced with going out my 2 kids and my Bal I won't be taking my Bal. I can't baby the bag and the kids at the same time so I would rather use it on the rare occassion I go out on my own or with only one of them. So thats a lot of money just sitting in my closet! You really could live without it and happily, if you can get it out of your head for awhile. No bag is worth a whole mortgage payment. Conni618 is 100% correct.
	__________________ Chloe small black betty 07, Chloe chocolate silverado 05, Balenciaga raisin city 09, Chloe Muscade Edith double pocket 07, Balenciaga black pouchette 09, Balenciaga Tempete GSH Day Last edited by woody; Jul 5th, 2009 at 06:15 PM.

Jul 5th, 2009, 07:12 PM	#26
italianlolita License to Kill Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 542	I say go for it. I understand it is hard with children to spend that kind of money. But think about it, you deserve a treat. If you get it, you can use it and not have to worry about getting it dirty. The leather gets better over time and it will last a very long time. If you don't want to get a new one, go for preloved. Fashionphile, Ann's Fabulous Finds, Real Deal Collection, and Yoogi's closet are all authentic pre-loved.
	__________________ Come twitter with me: http://twitter.com/italianlolita My youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/muffymyangel PM me if you see a Sandstone bbag or Jaune bbag!! Wishlist: -LV Speedy 35 ( I had the 25 but it was too small for me)

Jul 5th, 2009, 08:02 PM	#27
imonpurseblog Member Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,798	I would only encourage you to buy one if you can afford it. I agree with the others though, it's hard to stop at just one.
imonpurseblog Member Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,798

Jul 6th, 2009, 12:51 AM	#28
HappyAngel Member Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,413	I want to say...if you are not going to buy b-bag because you feel guilty, don't spend money on a cheaper bag to "substitue" for bbag. I mean, you may as well save the money & buy the bbag. I think black city is a bag that you need when when you have kids. Dirt just won't show!! Anyways, get the bag!! It will make you feel better. YOu can save money in other ways.
HappyAngel Member Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,413

Jul 6th, 2009, 06:42 AM	#29
saff Member Joined: May 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,671	Reasons you should get it: it is a great investment; it will definitely make you feel WOW; it is a classic that will last forever; sometimes as mums we don't put ourselves first and if you are only going to get one investment piece, a Bal black City is definitely the way to go. Reasons you shouldn't get it: it is addictive and you may not want to stop at just one; if you will feel guilty afterwards; if you can't afford it. Having said the above, if you have been thinking about it for a year then it's obvious that you are not taking this decision lightly and not doing this impulsively. Perhaps purchase from hgbags as she sells Bals at lower than retail price. Perhaps you could sell your other bags to fund it. I try to alleviate my guilt by selling off a bag when I get a new one. Good luck!
	__________________

Jul 6th, 2009, 08:48 AM	#30
gladrags&bags Member Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 720	Your first Bbag purchase should be guilt free so it doesn't spoil the experience. I'd say wait till u can afford it.
gladrags&bags Member Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 720

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