Retail Therapy: Part I - Bag Hunting

What a perfect day to go for bag hunting! Never thought in a million year to step my foot in these high end retailers' doors but what the heck, right? My husband and I had an errand to do today and "happened" to be in the area. On top of that, I have been wanting to purchase a new bag that will really last me, not falling part after two to three months due to its poorly made materials. I am quite pround to say that I do not change bags often, basically I use one bag for up to 6 months or longer without rotating (due to my laziness of course). Last year, I only puchased one bag and this year I have purchased two so far. If I were to spend a "serious" amount of money on a bag, I wanted to make sure it is versatile and I could use it when I dress up or down

I personally like the look of Dior bag more than Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci or Fendi. If you know me, you know that I like a "big" bag or a shopping tote because I have so much junks and I seriously can't downsize to something as a size of Chanel Flap. My dream bag has to be somewhat at a decent size BUT not too big to the point that I look like a crazy person or the bag looks ridiculously bigger than me.

So I found a possibility while browsing online "Dior Panarea" (pictured above), I wanted to see it in person. It is a nice size tote bag and quite cute but its material kind of disappointed me. For a luxurous handbag I don't think you can expect to get leather at this price. That is still a lot of money for a frugal person like me who never spend over $100 on a handbag my entire life. Yet, at this age and time coupled with my husband's support (yes - he seriously pushes me to buy "any" bag at "any" price - no questions asked but once again my frugality talks myself out of everything), I want to "treat" myself with something..something.

Can't remember a name of this Dior model but it is made of lambskin and it ensembles and costs the same as "Chanel Grand Shopping Tote", please tell me who copied who?!?! The only thing I don't like is it doesn't look very sturdy and seems to lose its shape. Then I stumbled upon the Chanel Grand Shopping Tote. Similar design, more sturdy material, nice size and shape - OH MY...OH MY.. I fell in love as soon as I tried it on (I used to read somewhere that if you don't want to buy something - do NOT touch it because you will develop the sense of owership - so darn correct!). I think (yes I think) I have found a bag but the only dang problem was "what color?!" As far as materials, lambskin feels more luxurious but is so fragile. I don't think it is a smart choice for me personally based on how often I will use it.

Image source {Polyvore}

So much for tough decision to make...I came home with this tiny little goodie bag. As soon as I can make a decision and am mentally prepare to spend $x,xxx, I shall return. (Black or Beige? I am leaning towards a light beige color because I want to break free from black but at the same time black goes with everthing)