Investment Leather Goods

As I mentioned in the previous posts, I was in Spain two weeks ago, during a very opportune time. The Euro exchange rate was at an all-time low and coupled with my birthday approaching, created the perfect opportunity to grab something I’ve been dreaming about and saving for. But first some background.

Ever since the economy started tanking a few years ago, more people are taking a minute to pause before making impulse purchases, choosing investment pieces that denote quality and lasting style. Even better if the purchase retained its value and was able to be resold for a higher price. You can’t say that about most things (clothes, cars, etc), but you can say it about certain purses (my boyfriend would roll his eyes right about now). I’ve been saving up for a special bag and have been thinking a lot about which one...to have, to love and to be assured that its style and value would last.

I find myself wanting to buy classic and key items to complete my wardrobe. Iconic pieces like Louboutin heels, Theory suits, DVF wrap dresses... the must haves that girls worldwide enjoy and for good reason. Great craftsmanship, perfect fit and quality materials justify the higher price tag. With purses though, choices are more personal. There are many brands with wonderful leathers and workmanship..choosing one is just a matter of taste and preference. Here's what I've been pining after and finally got in my little hands...

I fell in love with the 2.55 Reissue Flap the first time I saw it in pictures. A variation of the Classic Flap, the Reissue has the original Mademoiselle lock designed by Coco Chanel and an all chain strap vs. chain + leather combo. The name comes from the year of the bag's debut (1955), and was deemed the "reissue" when Karl Lagerfeld, head designer of Chanel, commemorated the bag in 2005. The newer flaps, called the "classics" (ironic since it comes after the original style) have interlocking CC turn-locks and woven leather + chain strap. Other differences between the two are the leather - the reissue is calfskin vs. caviar or lambskin on the classics - and the number of flaps - the reissue has two while most classics tend to have one (the small and medium classics have two).

 Vintage Chanel classic flap. So beautiful!

I love the history behind the bag and the success story of Coco. There are little tidbits like the hidden zipper behind the front flap, supposedly where she stashed her love letters. The back pocket is where she kept extra money. The chain strap is the same type of chains that the nuns in the convent/orphanage where she grew up used to dangle their keys from.

The size I got was the 225, the equivalent of the medium/large classic flap. It's the perfect size for me (I'm 5'2), and great as an evening bag, although too small for everyday use. My favorite part is the flexibility to wear it using one strap as a crossbody or with two straps on the shoulder. When I first got it, I spent a lot of time switching it up between the two haha.

Part 2 of the investment pieces... While in Spain, I couldn't pass up the savings and decided to get the Louis Vuitton Epi Zippy wallet in Rubis. Red is my favorite color, and particularly striking in this leather. I love Epi because it epitomizes understated elegance, and the material is very hardy too!

I had a hard time deciding on the style at first. After reading obsessively on forums, I finally settled on the Zippy for its safe all-around zip and expansive internal structure. My current wallet (Lacoste) is two years old and already there are rips in the leather where the folds crease. I figure that investing in a nicer, long-lasting wallet (that I'll use practically every day) will be much more worth it!