Loquita's Handbag Amor: Pictures and Words

[Loquita]

I am inspired by the idea of a handbag collection thread that will permit me not only to share some detailed pictures of the handbags that I love, but also some brief anecdotes behind just how I acquired them.

I love taking photographs and writing, so why not combine the two? I have included many close-up shots of different leathers and other small details in the hope that they serve as a useful reference for others on TPF.

Please note that not all of my handbags are here; I have one out for repair, plus am awaiting some new (in some cases merely new just to me) treasures. I will update this thread with my new bags as they arrive.

Hope you enjoy!

Loquita

[Loquita]

In chronological order:

My first true designer handbag/accessory, a Louis Vuitton Monogram Pochette that was gifted to me during my years living in Miami (it has wonderful memories attached to it!):

[Loquita]

Another, larger LV piece; a monogram "Tango" shoulder bag that was also gifted to me during the same period. It holds special meaning to me because I received it following the completion of a long research project on Argentinean tango music:

[Loquita]

Finally, during the same period I inherited my mother's large LV monogram wallet, the exact style of which is not longer produced (to my knowledge). She also passed her Monogram Speedy 30 and strap down to me at the same time -- but this last piece is currently being repaired and will appear in this thread shortly!

Here's the wallet:

[Loquita]

Most of the nicer handbags and small leather goods that I received in the years that followed have been sold or given away since then. In the last few years, however I have developed an interest in younger U.S designers, in particular Rebecca Minkoff and to a lesser extent Hayden-Harnett and Ani Mozian. I recently sold most of my Ani Bags collection, but still have my favorite wallet of all time, my Hayden-Harnett black Clutch Wallet. I bought this wallet last Spring, after being very impressed with Hayden-Harnett's excellent travel accessories and bags. I wasn't disappointed:

[Loquita]

After a few years of drooling over her bags, I decided to take the plunge and buy my first Rebecca Minkoff bag last April. I moved to Massachusetts three years ago and living pretty near Luna Boston has really been a pleasure (my bank account might argue otherwise, though). After ordering and returning another Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini, I finally settled on my dream bag, a Spring 2008 Morning After Mini in Ruby (signature hardware) that was exclusive to Luna Boston. I even got it on sale! The leather is amazingly soft, and the color is saturated perfection. Shortly after purchasing this bag, I ordered a matching custom Elisha Strap from RM:

[Loquita]

I was hooked. Immediately...I mean, I had (and have) an acute case of what we like to call "Minkee-Feevah." So in May, I bought myself another RM bag with signature hardware and matching Elisha Strap, a gorgeous tangerine MAM:

[Loquita]

The next RM Morning After Mini was a very generous belated birthday gift from my family. I decided to choose a classic bag, and purchased another Elisha strap to match. My choice: a recut of the black basketweave Morning After Mini (pebbled leather) with original brass hardware and contrasting blue zipper track:

[Loquita]

in July 2008, I traveled to Spain with my SO, who is from Valencia. During our time there, we attended the wedding of a good friend (great excuse to buy an evening bag!) This is the bag that I bought to match my dress and shoes...it's my first (but definitely not my last) Laure Merkin Clutch. This one is timeless, and the leather is wonderfully soft:

Lauren Merkin Silver Louise Clutch:

[Loquita]

At the same time, I happened upon a wonderful buy on Ebay: a brand new Rebecca Minkoff Kiss & Makeup case in one of my very favorite colors: tangerine. Needless to say, I couldn't pass it up, and it has been in my handbag ever since -- and still looks great:

[Loquita]

Our time in Spain was fantastic! And crazily enough, during our last day there I walked over to the local internet cafe to check my email for the last time. Amazingly, I spotted one of my most favorite Rebecca Minkoff bags of all time, and a piece that I had been literally stalking since I saw a rare picture of it on TPF...a charcoal basketweave Morning After Mini with original hardware. (I think it lasted 10 minutes on ebay at the most). This bag was made exclusively for the boutique Wink NYC in either 2006 or 2007, and I only know of 1-2 other people who own it. I didn't hesitate on this bag, and have not regretted it for a second since. Here is my mint condition charcoal basketweave morning after mini. It is definitely one of my all-time favorites:

[Loquita]

This past September, I managed to complete a project that I have been working on on and off for about ten years: a book that will be published next year. In order to celebrate, I bought one of my favorite bag, a Rebecca Minkoff classic that is becoming more difficult to locate by the second: my wine Nikki with original hardware (recut). I was fortunate to find it on sale!

Here's my wine Nikki, a bag that literally improves with every wearing:

[Loquita]

I fell for the Nikki style. Hard! But I still had one HG bag that I had been absent-mindedly searching for...and one morning in late September I found the bag on consignment in brand-new condition! Here she is, a rare Rebecca Minkoff Cream Morning After Clutch (original hardware). The leather on his bag is wonderful: thick, smooth, and soft.

[Loquita]

During this time, I completed a major bag, clothing, and shoe purge...I decided that everything had to go, except for my most favorite items. (I really dislike any kind of clutter). And I developed a new rule for myself: for every one thing that came into the house, at least 4 had to go out. I have stuck with this no policy so far, and am really enjoying it.

It was also during this period that I had the immense pleasure of attending an event at Luna Boston during which I had the opportunity to meet Rebecca Minkoff herself. It was fantastic, and Rebecca impressed me not only with her extraordinary talent, but also with her grace and humility. In order to remember a day that was so special, I purchased the following limited edition Purple Patent Cory Case at Luna Boston, which is part of the "Minkettes" small leather goods line that Rebecca Minkoff has designed (and which was named after the Rebecca Minkoff TPF subforum members!) Here it is:

[Loquita]

Something about the coin purses was clearly attracting me at this point...so I purchased something I had been wanting for a long time, and in one of my favorite colors. A Ruby 08 Balenciaga Coin Purse:









I will eventually get a Balenciaga Day Bag to keep her company.