Help a husband out

[Catash]

As a professional woman myself, I like Small SDJ, Prada Saffiano Cuir, Diorissimo, and Balenciaga Metallic Edge line. I own a Celine Mini Belt, but I consider it more of a fun casual bag. I think it is also a good idea to own a canvas tote like LV Neverfull or Goyard St. Louis for rainy days.

I used to own a small Antigona but I think it is a bit too edgy for work so I sold it.

I agree with other ladies that the best way is to go shopping with her so you will know her preferences. Purses are very personal.

 

[lynne_ross]

For weather in Toronto a LV neverfull or something similar is a must. I use mine all the time for work.

 

[QuelleFromage]

If she would be delighted by a very special bag I don't see a reason to not go for Hermès. Classic, can be understated, will hold value and last forever. If that is too pricey (you said with extra cash she'd get two bags for $15K, you can just do that at Hermès and they'd be amazing bags) - the SL Sac de Jour is really lovely and looks beautiful. I've seen it on 20-year-olds and 70-year-olds and it's still great.

 

[Pimpernel]

If she would be delighted by a very special bag I don't see a reason to not go for Hermès. Classic, can be understated, will hold value and last forever. If that is too pricey (you said with extra cash she'd get two bags for $15K, you can just do that at Hermès and they'd be amazing bags) - the SL Sac de Jour is really lovely and looks beautiful. I've seen it on 20-year-olds and 70-year-olds and it's still great.

Speaking of Hermès, the Victoria II model (hand or shoulder bag) is a very light yet full-leather (and Toronto weather-apt!) work bag, totally under the radar, and at 3.450 Euro a relative bargain to boot It also comes in a great variety of colours, from lovely neutrals (black, taupe, Rouge H (maroon red), gold, coffee brown, dark gray, raisin, prune, petrol blue, olive green) to bright shades (white, cream, orange, hot pink, purple, poison green, lime, salmon...). It is lined in cotton twill (that´s why it´s so lightweight), and it has inside one big zippered compartment, and two open slots for mobile phone, etc.

 

[MISAOK]

^^This. Make the experience something you share as well - an intimate tradition in your lifelong love together. Learning to be good to *herself* will come with learning how to do that *with* you - learning that it's ok to discover what bags she wants, to make a bad choice and learn from/laugh about it, and enjoy having/ using the ones she does love.

Risk of guessing and giving her surprises: she may then feel silenced: pressure to love the gift "because he chose it for me"... Guilt at not loving ii, not wanting to spoil your fun by letting on that she doesn't love it... and guilt rather than joy at now having this expensive bag she feels guilty or bad about.

I'd NEVER expect someone else to figure out or know what bag to buy for me (nor would I want them to try)~ but I would dearly love the intimacy of sharing the adventure with a partner in crime who delights in the search and discovery along with me, remembers and relishes the story of each bag when I wear it, and if said partner is paying the bill? You had me at '...it's my treat, love".

Kudos to you for a big heart. These could become much more than gifts: they could become part of your love story...

This is such a wonderful post. From your post and those of others I see now that she should be an active participant in the search and purchase. And I do hope that she gets in the habit of treating herself a bit better and realizing that she does deserve that lipstick, pair of boots, purse, raise/promotion, etc.

Yes, I can see how it would be difficult to receive such a gift if she secretly doesn't like the bag I've chosen. Involving her takes quite a bit of pressure off me to find the perfect bag as well. As I said in my original post - I've already exhausted the sure bets.

Her sensible side would balk at an unplanned major and unnecessary purchase, but I think that you are correct that if we make it an annual tradition to celebrate her birthday for example with a date and shopping for a bag that she would be more likely to allow the treat and more importantly that she'd really enjoy the process. I just have to narrow the search a bit so we only visit boutiques where she's likely to find something she loves. I've actually just started a Pinterest board to collect pictures for her to look at later. If she likes it, she can add her own pins too!

As a professional woman myself, I like Small SDJ, Prada Saffiano Cuir, Diorissimo, and Balenciaga Metallic Edge line. I own a Celine Mini Belt, but I consider it more of a fun casual bag. I think it is also a good idea to own a canvas tote like LV Neverfull or Goyard St. Louis for rainy days.

I used to own a small Antigona but I think it is a bit too edgy for work so I sold it.

Thanks for all these suggestions. I hadn't heard of Goyard before - seems like a nice alternative to the LV Neverfull.

For weather in Toronto a LV neverfull or something similar is a must. I use mine all the time for work.

Thanks for the suggestion. She has mentioned to me that the LV Neverfull might as well be company uniform for women where she works. I imagine there is good reason for this.

If she would be delighted by a very special bag I don't see a reason to not go for Hermès. Classic, can be understated, will hold value and last forever. If that is too pricey (you said with extra cash she'd get two bags for $15K, you can just do that at Hermès and they'd be amazing bags) - the SL Sac de Jour is really lovely and looks beautiful. I've seen it on 20-year-olds and 70-year-olds and it's still great.

You know, I had never even considered Hermes before. Their prices seem stratospheric and the whole "game" that they somehow have sucked people into playing for some of their more sought-after bags seems silly and a bit insulting. It reminds me of those nightclubs that purposefully keep a long line out front so that you feel lucky to be let inside for the privilege of buying $20 drinks. But I did look into it and you're right - they do have some very nice product and the prices for some of them aren't as completely out of line as I feared (relatively speaking of course). Thanks for the good suggestion, you may have opened up a bit of a Pandora's box though...

Speaking of Hermès, the Victoria II model (hand or shoulder bag) is a very light yet full-leather (and Toronto weather-apt!) work bag, totally under the radar, and at 3.450 Euro a relative bargain to boot It is lined in cotton twill (that´s why it´s so lightweight), and it has inside one big zippered compartment, and two open slots for mobile phone, etc.

Thanks! I looked at the website and both Victoria II and Garden Party seem to serve a similar function are also very attractive. Garden Party seems to come in either canvas with leather handles or full leather. What do you think of this bag compared to Victoria II? Is there a reason to favour one over the other?

 

[Refi]

You're very thoughtful [emoji4]
I would recommend for a professional young women the Prada Saffiano lux tote. It's classic, simple and professional. I'm actually looking to buy one myself [emoji4]

 

[QuelleFromage]

You know, I had never even considered Hermes before. Their prices seem stratospheric and the whole "game" that they somehow have sucked people into playing for some of their more sought-after bags seems silly and a bit insulting. It reminds me of those nightclubs that purposefully keep a long line out front so that you feel lucky to be let inside for the privilege of buying $20 drinks. But I did look into it and you're right - they do have some very nice product and the prices for some of them aren't as completely out of line as I feared (relatively speaking of course). Thanks for the good suggestion, you may have opened up a bit of a Pandora's box though...

I am sorry :devil: I will admit this is not the first time I have done this to a husband! I had the exact same q from a man on a plane recently, and he ended up at my local store buying an Evelyne from my SA! (She loved it.Phew!! )

I am not a fan of Hermès games, either, but the bags are so lovely, and they aren't trendy and don't date. Of course it would be fabulous to have a Kelly or Birkin, but I will say, I rarely buy these at retail, and since you want to give her a great luxury experience, you may not want a pre-loved bag.
Then again, a pre-loved Kelly 35 is an amazing work bag and as she is practical...let's see what she says when you start looping her in

I carry a Garden Party to work when I am carrying documents and a laptop. It is a great bag. Mine is canvas, denim canvas in fact - it's very light. I've never owned a Victoria

 

[lynne_ross]

Keep in mind that the LV neverfull comes in a leather version, only in the mm size I believe. If LV ever makes a GM version I will be buying one!
A leather Hermes garden party is a great alternative, or a dark canvas one. Couple of my coworkers use them. Very few people carry birkins or Kelly's to work, so I would suggest something more discrete to start.

 

[Sushibaby123]

I think YSL sac de jour, celine belt bag or prada tote for work - try Mansur Gavriel though if you think she needs something stylish but not so heavy to carry. I also think an evening bag might be a nice option - a gorgeous little Chanel or Gucci cross body or a nice clutch. A messenger bag / satchel / crossbody or bucket bag might be nice for the weekend too

 

[MISAOK]

You're very thoughtful [emoji4]
I would recommend for a professional young women the Prada Saffiano lux tote. It's classic, simple and professional. I'm actually looking to buy one myself [emoji4]

Hi thanks. There seem to be no shortage of great options for an everyday work bag. If I'm not mistaken the Saffiano leather is quite durable and hassle free. Perfect for its function.

I am sorry :devil: I will admit this is not the first time I have done this to a husband! I had the exact same q from a man on a plane recently, and he ended up at my local store buying an Evelyne from my SA! (She loved it.Phew!! )

I am not a fan of Hermès games, either, but the bags are so lovely, and they aren't trendy and don't date. Of course it would be fabulous to have a Kelly or Birkin, but I will say, I rarely buy these at retail, and since you want to give her a great luxury experience, you may not want a pre-loved bag.
Then again, a pre-loved Kelly 35 is an amazing work bag and as she is practical...let's see what she says when you start looping her in

I carry a Garden Party to work when I am carrying documents and a laptop. It is a great bag. Mine is canvas, denim canvas in fact - it's very light. I've never owned a Victoria

The GP is exactly her style. Great understated quality. The Kelly, while certainly an amazing bag is probably too flashy for her work. I have listened to her tales of office politics before, and from what I gather it would be a bit dangerous to carry a bag that is much higher in "status" than that of the boss.

Keep in mind that the LV neverfull comes in a leather version, only in the mm size I believe. If LV ever makes a GM version I will be buying one!
A leather Hermes garden party is a great alternative, or a dark canvas one. Couple of my coworkers use them. Very few people carry birkins or Kelly's to work, so I would suggest something more discrete to start.

I agree with you - Birkin or Kelly would be a bit much and not her style for a work bag. Maybe when she's a bit older and more established.

I think YSL sac de jour, celine belt bag or prada tote for work - try Mansur Gavriel though if you think she needs something stylish but not so heavy to carry. I also think an evening bag might be a nice option - a gorgeous little Chanel or Gucci cross body or a nice clutch. A messenger bag / satchel / crossbody or bucket bag might be nice for the weekend too

Thanks, you are actually spot on. The other day I asked her what she'd do if she won a radio contest with a prize of $15k. As predicted, she first responded that she'd save the money. But after I informed her that she had to spend it on herself she said that she'd first spend a few hundred on some new clothes that she needs, then she'd buy a nice work bag and a fun bag for going out. Then with whatever she had left over she'd pick up some jewellery. This is almost exactly what I would have predicted.

For a work tote the SDJ, Prada, and Garden Party are probably the leading candidates at this point. For a fun bag for going out, I've been poking around and I am almost certain she'll want a Chanel Boy. So I'll probably just take her to the YSL, Prada, Hermes, and Chanel boutiques and ask her to pick one out, and then do the same one year later.

Thanks I must say you've all been very helpful. And I've also been poking around on the non-bag related subforums which can actually be quite interesting. They are certainly more interesting than the equivalent sections of the watch forum that I sometimes peruse anyway.

 

[vivelebag]

For a fun bag may I suggest the Chanel WOC (wallet on chain). The Boy version as well as the classic quilted WOC are pretty, youthful, timeless, and come in a variety of colors. Can be carried like a clutch for evening too.

 

[agbero]

Do you know if she prefers structured or slouchy styles? Also, classic or edgy? I love and second the Celine mini Belt suggestion if she likes structured/classic, and would put the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour as a very distant second in that category. I'm not as familiar with Delvaux as some on here, but think the bags look incredible and might edge out the Celine mini Belt in the structured/classic category.

For structured/edgy, I'd go with the Loewe Puzzle or Givenchy Antigona.

If she prefers slouchy, I'd go with Bottega Veneta for a classic stylee. For slouchy/edgy, I'd go with a Balenciaga City.

IMHO, neither Chanel nor Prada are good options for someone who wants to be under the radar.

If you buy one of these options and she doesn't love it, I'd be happy to take it off your hands .

 

[sfmel]

Misaok,

I just read your post from Feb this year, and it was inspirational. I have just posted a similar thread about how much I love purses, and how difficult it is for my husband to understand. We are the same way financially, and paid off all debt, and saved more than half our income for years.. We never get anything, and now I love Hermes! My husband thinks almost exactly like you do about hermes (the perception of scarcity as a marketing strategy). It is a bummer for me.

I hope your bag buying went well.

One thing I would add, as a newbie to the purse thing myself, and also as a woman who finds it difficult to spend money, and that is, buy something classic.

There was a lot of talk of the celine belt bag, the antigona, the sac du jour, etc. Those bags are gorgeous, but still a little trendy. They won't be out of style tomorrow, but in 5 years, they will look dated. Or maybe 7 years. I like the old classics, because some are appropriate for work, and they can literally be worn for the rest of her career!

That's why hermes seems like a good bet to me. and if you are in Europe this year, the euro is so weak that they are much less expensive there. Try to get her a Birkin! Then you can put aside the purse game for a few years, and she will probably be happy. At least, I think I would..