Remember how on Wednesday I shared with you my love for charity shop hand bags? If not, you may want to back track and read it… Here is the link… Click.
I will play some tinny elevator music while I wait for you to return….
A few weeks ago, I bought me a new handbag. Yes, I did.
This is it.
Isn’t it pretty?
The official Oroton name for this bag is the ‘Jackie Chain – Hobo’. On the outside there are two big pockets and there are several small pockets and a zippered section inside too.
I have not had a leather handbag for a while, and oh my goodness this one is lovely! It is soft and strong and I do love the smell of high quality leather.
When faced with the imposing and dreamworthy Oroton store, I was bewildered by which shade and style of bag I should get. I had thought that a beigey/nude colour would be nice, but they only had really bunch frilly fancy ones, which really, isn’t me. There were also some fabulous red bags, but Mr Cool reminded me that I had a lot of red bags already, he was right. I settled on this basic black bag because it was big, but not too big, I loved the pockets on the front and knew that the chain handles wouldn’t date. My lovely, stylish friend Shelley has a very similar Oroton bag in orange, she loves it and it has stayed looking lovely.
Now, the price… well… on the price tag it said $545. Yes, that is right, over $500 for a HANDBAG. Oh. My. Goodness. I did not pay that. I did not even pay half of that! I paid around $150 for it. This is still more than I would normally pay for handbag, but, it was such an amazing sale and it was such a great opportunity to buy a quality, stylish, classic item, even I could not find a reason to not take one home with me.
I asked my lovely facebook followers and other friends IRL how much they paid for handbags and was surprised by the answers I recieved. Some ladies didn’t spend more than $50 on an every day bag, others said that they would happily spend around $500. Some said that they would not spend much on an evening bag, whereas others said that would be where they spent their ‘luxury item’ money. Some shared that they bought their bags from stores like Target and Kmart, while others bought designer brands at discounted prices. It is interesting to me how different people approach these kinds of items. We all carry bags, and essentially we are all carrying the same kinds of things in them… but we all have to work out what our spend will be on these items.
I am all for cool and all for using what you have and all that, really, I am. But, sometimes it is very nice to buy a little luxury. It is also nice to know that by spending that bit extra on an item from a beautiful and reputable brand, that your item will stand the test of time. I know I will love and use my ‘Jackie-Chain’ for many years to come and I am sure I will get my money’s worth out of it – be prepared to see it in a lot of my ‘What I Wore’ Posts!
Do you consider handbags to be a ‘Luxury Item’?
What a gorgeous bag. I want one!! Recently my bags have been from Louenhide, they are roomy, do not have dark lining (pet hate), and are reasonably priced. My latest is a blue ostrich leather model which I love. I’m a bag lady for sure, have lots of them.
Oooh – blue ostrich leather… Very noice!
B recently posted..Fashion: My New Handbag – Oroton
oooh I’ve been waiting for this post & I’m not disappointed! It’s gorgeous! And what a great deal!! Even though I was one of those who wouldn’t spend over $100 on a handbag I would definitely stretch the budget for this baby. Wishing you both a long, lovely leathery life together
Née Say recently posted..Mindful Parenting {Giveaway}
Haha! Thanks, so far we are getting along just nicely…
I have never paid more than $100 for a bag before. I have a ‘Dollar Per Wear’ Policy, a long relationship ahead.
B recently posted..Fashion: My New Handbag – Oroton
I like a bit of a mixture. I don’t mind toting around a budget bag if I like the design but I think every wardrobe needs at least one good quality leather bag too.
Your new addition is just beautiful! x
I totally agree. I usually go for shape and patterns/design first and foremost. I am loving having a bit of a luxury bag… I am noticing I am treating it MUCH better than I would some of my other bags…
B recently posted..Fashion: My New Handbag – Oroton
I have a mix of expensive and inexpensive handbags, but I am a big believer in waiting for a sale when buying an expensive bag such as Oroton or Mimco. Great score, B!
Sonia @ Shop Me Chic recently posted..That One Thing: Fascinators
It was a great score. It certainly wasn’t on my radar to buy at the moment. But, yes, when things are on such an amazing sale, you have to snaffle them up!
B recently posted..Fashion: My New Handbag – Oroton
I ‘accidently’ bought an Il tutto nappy bag that looks very similar to your new bag…lovely choice! It is the best bag I have EVER had. Roomy but not too big, wonderful compartments and beautiful soft leather! If and when I want to, I can replace the lining to a generic lining with less pockets by zipping out the existing one- genius! I spent more than I would usually and it too was under $150. Well worth it though!
Very nice choice. I have an Oroton that I have been dragging around for years. They last forever. Rachel xx
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