Guest Bag Blogger: Pamela Pekerman of www.BagTrends.com
Posted on | October 19, 2005 | 6 Comments
Investment is a funny word. Most people think about real estate or paintings. I think about bags. Yup, a bag is a personal investment – you’re saying, “I care about how I look and I want you to see me as a Balenciaga girl or a Botkier girl.” Each handbag carries a different message and perception.
When I was in college and didn’t have a lot of bags (a sad time, truly) I still wanted one great bag. One great bag means a classic design, a universal shape, a resilient fabric, an unmistakable winner! My choice was the Louis Vuitton Speed 30, and for my 19th birthday, that is what I got. At around $500 it wasn’t the logical bag for a college sophomore to carry, but I new it was worth it. The slouchy doctor’s bag is ideal for school, now work, and for weekend adventures. I literally put my entire life in it – makeup bag, card case, a book, a magazine, some files, my wallet, my cell, my i-pod, and still have room for my lunch. This bag has been caught in a torrential rain storm in Vegas, a blizzard in New York, the smoldering sun in Los Angeles, and used as carry-on luggage when I travel. Despite the oxidation and heavy wearing that has altered the light tan handles and piping into a burnt-orange shade, the bag is a good as new.
Really, the speedy has become a loyal friend. I trust it. When I can’t decide what bag to take, Louis is always there. The monogram brown on tan pattern matches every clothing combination and color– skirts, jeans, black pants, white pants. It has truly lived up to the “investment” I always
knew it would become.
Moral of the story? Having lots of bags is great. In fact, I recommend it! But, having one great bag is a necessity for any woman. Make your pick from newbies like Bulga and Ted Rossi or go with old-faithfuls like Louis Vuitton and Prada. Because, as I always say, a great bag is the only item that can take an outfit from special to spectacular.
Pamela Pekerman is a bagaholic who turned her passion into a business. Using the skills she learned as a journalism student at NYU and her internship experience at InStyle, Cosmopolitan, YM and the Today Show, she created www.BagTrends.com, an online magazine devoted exclusively to bags.
Comments
6 Responses to “Guest Bag Blogger: Pamela Pekerman of www.BagTrends.com”
October 20th, 2005 @ 7:36 pm
I think owning one great bag is definitely important. If you invest in something classic and well-made, you will carry it for years. In the long run, that will save you money.
October 24th, 2005 @ 5:43 pm
That’s the points. It’s funny, but there is a great saying ‘I’m too poor to buy cheap clothing.’ Same philosophy goes for bags. If you can’t afford a lot of bags buy one great bag – it doesn’t have to be a $15,000 Hermes, but it could be a $400/$500 Louis or Gucci or even a $1200 Bottega Veneta in a pattern that ISN’T trendy – otherwise it defeats the whole ‘classic investment’ purpose. Think about it, if you wear that bag for 15+ years it really pays for itself.
October 24th, 2005 @ 7:58 pm
So how long did it take for the bag to soften up and have that nice “broken in” look?
November 3rd, 2005 @ 10:22 pm
Having one great bag should be a goal for every woman. Don’t forget, what you think was great in the past might not be so in the future. Check out previously owned/vintage handbags for unique looks. Generally, they are less expensive than a new designer bag. For an example check out exotic skin bags at http://www.estatementshandbags.com. You will see that most people can afford a vintage alligator although they might not be able to afford new designer alligator bags like Hermes or Bottega Venetta.
Vintage and antique purses are unique accessories that will add a personal signature to any outfit. Owning a vintage handbag is a permanent staple to any wardrobe that can quickly become a conversation piece. Not only are they beautiful but they are historical pieces of art.
November 4th, 2005 @ 7:02 pm
” So how long did it take for the bag to soften up and have that nice “broken in” look?” ”
It didn’t take too long because during the first year I wore it EVERYDAY! so the handles began to change colors – which I love.
I still wear it ALOT, especially when I go on certain appointments or meet with a designer. The Speedy never fails (and I have another bag that is more expensive but I still love this one).
November 22nd, 2005 @ 10:57 am
Hi, Yes I agree everyone needs a great bag, and this is a great site.