50 In Style

Investment Bags

Hermes Medor Bag

I’m not really a bag lover.  In fact, I almost resent them.  I hate having to carry things.  In my twenties, I refused to carry a bag; I just got by with pockets.  Going out in the evening if I didn’t have any, I’d say to my friend or boyfriend, “Oh!  Can I ask you to put this lipstick in your jacket, please?  Thanks!  Oh, and some cash.  I’ll carry my card in my bra.  And I’m having my monthly, so can you carry this tampon too, just in case? Sorry!  And this little mirror, I promise that’s all…”  I love shoes, I love jewellery, and I love coats… I can never seem to get enough of those, but bags rarely make my heart race.  I like them and I can certainly appreciate why other people are bag crazy, but I still don’t love them.  The exception is the one above, the Hermes Medor clutch, which unfortunately has been discontinued for quite some time.  I’ve wanted one for years.  Every now and then, I’d see or hear of one at an Hermes shop in an airport somewhere, but it was always in lime green ostrich leather or some other colour I’d rather not have.  We asked several times in the flagship Hermes store in Paris if they could make an exception and order one for me, but the answer always eventually came back ‘No, this bag is discontinued.’  Even the most helpful and optimistic salespeople couldn’t seem to make it happen.  I gave up.  I wasn’t keen to get one on the secondary market because the prices are so marked up (because of being discontinued) and they aren’t always in pristine condition.   Then, as if by magic (black magic!) my husband managed to get a brand new one in black with gold hardware, and surprised shocked me with it for our six year anniversary last week.  I know!  I was totally over the moon; it is exactly what I wanted.  I love it with silver hardware too, but I slightly preferred the gold for evening; it seems a little more special.

I wear the Hermes Collier de Chien cuff bracelets almost daily; they are a part of my signature style whether I wear them with a cocktail dress or jeans.  To me, they are the perfect combination of  badass toughness and elegance… something a modern day Wonder Woman or an Amazonian would wear for power and protection (heaven knows I need a lot of both)!  The Medor clutch is the same style, so that’s why I’ve lusted after one for so long.  It feels more like jewellery than a bag.  Yes, wearing them both together is super matchy matchy, and maybe a little naff as well.  I don’t care.  To quote my idol Iris Apfel, ‘More is more and less is a bore’.

Hermes Medor Collier de chien

Anyway, back to bags… Despite being a lover of fashion and style, the reason I’m not as excited about bags as most women are is because I don’t see the point of having more than just a few.  Also, I’m lazy.  Let me explain.  Lots of bags have logo prints on them, and I’m slightly allergic to prints and pattern; I tire of them quickly (I’m the same with wallpaper.  I love it, but then two months later, I want to change it).   My print allergy rules out all of the printed logo bags (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Goyard, etc) which is convenient.   They’re beautiful, but not for me.   Also, I’m too lazy to change bags frequently, so other than slipping a few things into a bag for evening, I carry the same one for weeks or months at a time.   I need a solid coloured one that can go with anything, and not compete with whatever outfit I’m wearing.  I wear a lot of black, so a black daytime bag is a must, and a black Birkin is what I carry most days.  It goes with EVERYTHING and it carries all of my stuff, including a 1.5 litre water bottle and a shitload of toddler snacks when I’m travelling, thanks to its expanding sides with the straps undone.

Black Hermes Birkin Bag

Sometimes, usually in summer, the black bag seems a little dreary and heavy, and for that I have a mushroomy taupe one.  It seems to go with pretty much anything that the black one doesn’t work with.

Taupe Birkin Bag

I’ve had both the black and the taupe bags for six or seven years and they still look new, despite daily use.  I made sure to get them made in the Hermes ‘Togo’ leather because it is really tough and never shows any scratches like some of the more fragile shiny leathers do. I genuinely consider these bags an investment, because they don’t ever date and their hand-crafted workmanship is the best in the world.  They’re classics in the best possible way.  They aren’t fashionable and of-the-moment in the way that this gorgeous rainbow-fringed Chloe bag is.  That’s ok though, I’ve made peace with the fact that I am not a bag lady.  I am a lady of many words, many shoes, and many sparkles, but few bags!

What about you?  Are you bag crazy, like so many of my friends are, or you in my camp?

Linking up this week to: notdeadyetstyle, stylenundge, fizzandfrosting, thewardrobestylist, notdressedaslamb, elegantlydressedandstylish, sydneyfashionhunter, honestmum, fashionshouldbefun, highlatitudestyle

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50 Comments

  • Reply
    Patti
    May 1, 2016 at 10:32 PM

    These bags are beautiful and timeless! Thanks for sharing them with Vis Monday, xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 1, 2016 at 10:39 PM

      Thank you, Patti! xx

  • Reply
    Cynthia
    May 1, 2016 at 10:42 PM

    What a divine and powerful bag! And your husband is a darling to have found one for you.
    I am obsessed with finding bags that “go with everything”… To me that means the color is a little offbeat, somewhat season less, and not so large that I don’t look like a preteen street urchin has stolen some adult woman’s purse. That actually leaves me with very little. I’ll usually get some sort of a niceish bag that rings my bells and use it until I remember some other bag I have already that I want to rotate in. I don’t own all that many, and I only have six or so that I absolutely adore.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 1, 2016 at 10:48 PM

      Thank you, sweet Cynthia! He’s really a magician, my husband.
      I’ll probably get my fashion blogger card taken away from me for saying this, but bags really bore me! I hate having to carry anything, and a bag is no exception. Interesting that you don’t have so many bags either… it leaves more closet space for shoes! xx

  • Reply
    Andrea@WellnessNotes
    May 1, 2016 at 11:59 PM

    You own the perfect bags! I totally see why you don’t need more, and they are true investment pieces! The Medor clutch is beautiful – glad your husband was able to find it! I’m sure the hunt makes it even more special! 🙂

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 2, 2016 at 8:11 AM

      Thanks so much, Andrea! xx

  • Reply
    Little Red
    May 2, 2016 at 2:42 AM

    I’m lazy so the idea of switching my bag on any sort of regular basis sounds exhausting. I’ve been carrying the same black Coach shoulder bag for fifteen years. I think part of it for me is that storing all those bags would take up so much space. My closet isn’t the T.A.R.D.I.S. so it won’t expand to hold ever more of them. It’s just easier to have one in black in a few different styles.

    • Reply
      Little Red
      May 2, 2016 at 2:52 AM

      I have the same rule for shoes, another thing which takes up lot of space in a closet.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 2, 2016 at 8:12 AM

      I totally agree. I hate moving all of my things between bags! xx

  • Reply
    Abby
    May 2, 2016 at 2:13 PM

    What can I say? I’ve read the article with my heart pounding. You mentioned Hermes and Birkin in one sentence and I was gone (over the moon that is). I’m still saving for mine (at least one, never mind three) and I’m afraid it’s gonna take a while. Cause there’s always something getting in the way, like a kitchen, house renovation, new tires etc. Anyhow, congratulations Lisa on your beautiful collection and especially your magic powers that make all your wishes come true (something I’m working on but my fairy doesn’t seem to be that well-heeled). xx Abby

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 2, 2016 at 3:06 PM

      Aww, thank you Abby. I’m not sure all of my wishes have come true, but the Medor clutch one has! I’ll tell my fairy that you need a freakin’ Birkin, STAT! xx

  • Reply
    Mithra Ballesteros
    May 2, 2016 at 2:59 PM

    I feel ya! Prints get on my nerves quicker than a hungry teenage boy. But that Chloe bag — it will be living in my subconscious along with a Fendi mink owl bag.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 2, 2016 at 3:04 PM

      I know, that Chloe bag is a winner, isn’t it Mithra? I’m just not Boho enough to pull it off (at least my wardrobe isn’t), and I can’t go buying outfits to match a bag (yet!). xx

  • Reply
    Mindy
    May 2, 2016 at 3:07 PM

    Once upon a time, I loved handbags, now I just carry a colorful Guatamalan sack (which I picked up in 1974, no less) or toss everything in an ancient black Prada if I’m dressing up. I have two over-the-top Lulu G. bags that I wear with vintage cashmere swing coats that belonged to my mother–I think your small, but very fine and elegant, collection suits you perfectly–and I’m with Iris–as long as you have an arm, you can toss on a cuff or another bracelet. Always lovely to sip and read your style essays Lisa. xo

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 2, 2016 at 3:21 PM

      Thank you so much, Mindy, I appreciate it! xx

  • Reply
    Michelle
    May 2, 2016 at 4:33 PM

    I hold up my hand to being a proper “Bag Lady” so it is with much love that I say…JEALOUS!
    😉
    Fabulous bags, fabulous post – More of your lush bags any time please xxx

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 2, 2016 at 4:41 PM

      Yes, you really are a proper Bag Lady, ok, Bag Aficionado, let’s say that instead. You have an amazing collection. Thank you for the post inspo too, Michelle! xx

  • Reply
    Bean
    May 2, 2016 at 4:37 PM

    I am with you all the way about bag swapping & the faff & being lazy… At uni I had a small – what can only be described as a wristband which had a zipped compartment for cash. My student card & key were in my pocket! So lazy!
    Lucky girl with your wedding anniversary gift!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 2, 2016 at 4:43 PM

      You understand my bag irritation then! Thank you, Bean. xx

  • Reply
    Susan Burpee
    May 3, 2016 at 2:50 AM

    I love Chloe bags. They are classic, aren’t they? I do not have a large collection of bags. Mostly because it takes me forever to find one I love, and then I rarely stop loving it. So I use it for years. And if I can’t justify investing in another bag if I’m still loving the ones I already own. And I hate changing bags too. I’ve been trying to change more frequently these days, and a few weeks ago ended up at the physiotherapist with a bag that had everything in it but my wallet. Good thing I was close to home. Lesson learned, for me!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 3, 2016 at 6:58 AM

      Chloe bags are always gorgeous, but I just won’t consider buying one! I get so annoyed if I’m out and have left something crucial at home. It is SO much easier to just stick to one bag that you love! xx

  • Reply
    Glenda
    May 3, 2016 at 3:56 AM

    Your hubby is a real sweetheart! The bags you’ve shown are great. I’m not really big on bags either. I prefer to carry a small crossbody, clutch or chic backpack. Now that my sons are teens, I don’t have reason to carry so much…just keys, lip balm, phone, and card case. I don’t wear makeup and my hair is low maintenance, so yeah, I purchase bags only when absolutely necessary.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 3, 2016 at 6:54 AM

      I’m really looking forward to the days when I don’t have to carry one at all again! I hate having a mobile phone near my body,so that is the main reason I’m even bothering to carry a bag in the evenings (in case the babysitter calls!). Thank you, Glenda xx

  • Reply
    Annette
    May 3, 2016 at 9:08 PM

    Wow, you do own classy bags, Lisa – they absolutely match your exquisite style!

    xx
    Annette | Lady of Style

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 3, 2016 at 9:45 PM

      Thank you Annette, I just don’t own very many! xx

  • Reply
    jess jannenga
    May 4, 2016 at 1:04 AM

    I have to say, I am a bag lover. I have a couple more pricey, but most are Rebecca Minkoff, where I like her designs and shapes/style but I dont have to break the bank! I love the bag your hubby got you, very special and will hold those necessities.. tampon, lipstick, card.. hehe..These bags are quite timeless and classic, very nice choices 🙂
    Thanks for linking up with Turning heads tuesday
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 4, 2016 at 10:12 AM

      Thank you, Jess! If I were a bag lover, I’d also be all over Rebecca Minkoff bags. Her current multicoloured tasselled one is gorgeous. Thanks for hosting the linkup! xx

  • Reply
    Celia M. - High Heeled Life
    May 4, 2016 at 12:51 PM

    Loving your handbag!! Like you I’m more of a shoe girl!!! In my corporate days I did have more handbags than I really need today – and find myself reaching for my black Soho leather shoulder bag by Gucci that I use pretty much year round. I do have the Birkin on my wish list (in taupe) – as I’ve gotten older I’m about quality over quantity. Great post! and love your new clutch … adore Iris Apfel , she is brilliant 🙂

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 4, 2016 at 2:03 PM

      Thank you so much, Celia! I’ll keep steering more of my clothing budget to shoes! xx

  • Reply
    Suzy Turner
    May 5, 2016 at 11:22 AM

    I love handbags but I’ve never splashed out on anything particuarly expensive. I’ve bought one or two from Secret Sales though. I used to have a ridiculous amount of them but they were all cheap ones. So, a few years ago I had a clear out and only kept the half decent ones. My husband occasionally mentions me having something really decent so maybe this year or next, I might start collecting designer bags lol!
    Suzy x
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 5, 2016 at 1:21 PM

      I think it is nice having a couple of nice go-with-everything bags, and not keeping up with the fringe/rainbow motif/colour du jour madness. I do enough of that with shoes and clothes! Sounds like it is time for you to start researching something fancy, Suzy… xx

  • Reply
    Honest Mum
    May 6, 2016 at 3:33 PM

    Swooning, would love a Birkin or two, I opted for diamonds (lucky girl) over bags for baby gifts for me but I do have a little collection of designer bags from treasured Mulbs to LV’s and I love high street too so mix things up. Thanks for linking up x

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 7, 2016 at 12:49 PM

      I think I’d opt for diamonds over bags any day of the week! Thank you for hosting xx

  • Reply
    Tiina L
    May 8, 2016 at 11:29 PM

    I love this idea of having fewer bags of good quality, and wearing them with anything. Unfortunately, a Birkin is way out of my price range, but a girl can dream… I mostly carry my black Chanel, but for summer I have a few mid-priced quality bags in bright colours, and I have about 3-4 larger work bags that I rotate. But I can easily carry the same 2 bags ( a tote for work and a shoulder bag for off-duty) for weeks at a time, never get tired of them. I would call myself a bag lady, for sure, as I get very attached to my favourites…

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 9, 2016 at 4:33 PM

      I’m sure your black Chanel goes with just about anything you could possibly wish! xx

  • Reply
    Shellie Bowdoin
    May 11, 2016 at 8:21 AM

    I totally agree with “more is more”…wear what makes you feel like the best you! Thanks for sharing your style flair with My Refined Style!

    Shellie
    http://www.thefabjourney.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 12, 2016 at 9:35 PM

      Thanks Shellie! xx

  • Reply
    Chichi
    May 13, 2016 at 8:25 AM

    Just like u I am not a fan of bags! And I do ask people to carry my stuff!! Hahaha! But I am looking for a classy bag which I can have forever and not have to worry!
    http://www.thestyletune.com/

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 13, 2016 at 9:48 AM

      Me too! xx

  • Reply
    Ada
    May 13, 2016 at 3:39 PM

    Well I love all of these bags Lisa. Great ones. So many chic designer bags these last few years. I love the clutch with the matching cuff and that tote is gorgeous too, especially in taupe.

    Welcome by and linkup with me pretty lady. The current linkup is live. Thanks and enjoy the weekend! Ada. =)

    http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/05/thursday-moda-11-and-sneakers-plus.html

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 16, 2016 at 7:22 AM

      Thank you, Ada! xx

  • Reply
    Stella Asteria
    May 15, 2016 at 7:38 AM

    I love classic bags too dear! But first what an amazing husband you have! I can’t even imagine how he managed to find the Hermes clutch! And how incredibly it matches with the collier de chien! I love classic bags too and have stopped buying canvas lately. Now I need a colourful statement bag, petite and cute, to glam up my black and white looks 🙂
    Thank you for sharing and have a restful Sunday!
    PS: Thank you so much for your inspiring words on my previous post, it really means a lot especially when coming from such a beautiful and elegant woman like you!! <3
    Kisses from Mykonos!
    xxx
    Stella
    http://www.stellaasteria.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 16, 2016 at 7:22 AM

      Thank so much, Stella! You’re so welcome… I really enjoy your blog. xx

  • Reply
    Anna Parkes
    June 6, 2016 at 5:26 PM

    I must admit since I started my blog I’ve bought some new bags just to co-ordinate with certain outfits, but I do come back to my old favourites time after time. The three bags you’ve showcased are all exquisite and certainly make any others redundant. I love your sense of style.
    Anna
    http://www.annasislandstyle.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      June 6, 2016 at 5:44 PM

      Thanks so much Anna! Yes, the blogger’s problem, having to buy things to complete an outfit for a post 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    Emma Peach
    June 7, 2016 at 4:20 PM

    I love bags…and shoes, and jewellery…there isn’t much fashion-related I don’t like! I have lots of bags but don’t spend too much on them. That said, I really want a Chanel bag but my husband would have a fit if I bought one. It was our 6th wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago too – I might show him your post and ask him where my present is! No pressure 😉

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      June 7, 2016 at 4:29 PM

      Yes, show him the post and tell him from now on you won’t be buying lots of bags, but will just have one Chanel to cover all your bases 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    No Fear of Fashion
    May 14, 2017 at 12:21 PM

    I found this post and was attracted by the fab clutch. So your husband isn’t only a fab photographer, he is also a magician to come up with this bag. Did you scream of excitement? And jumped up and dow? I would have.but then again I am a loud person.
    Finding out you ordered two Birkin bags tkes my breath away Mrs Rockefeller. Then again, if I start ading up what I have spent on that mountain of bags I possess… hmmm. Would add up to at least one Birkin bag. I just love bags but I get your point. And one fab bag is probably wiser anyway.
    Greetje

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 14, 2017 at 4:34 PM

      The clutch is AMAZING, isn’t it? I was overjoyed. I might have screamed! I know I didn’t breathe for a minute. Except for clutches, I only change my bag twice a year, if that! I’m not a very good fashion blogger on the bag front, I’m afraid. xx

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