NATTY STYLE: worth the splurge

7.07.2010

WORTH THE SPLURGE: Finding Chanel in France

Last week, my boyfriend and I returned from a two week trip to France and Italy. We started in Paris, went down through the South of France and the Côte d'Azur, then into Florence and finally spent a few days on a farm in Tuscany. Needless to say - it was divine: the art, the food, the wine...and the shopping. Since a) I'm on a budget and b) NYC has such excellent fashion - my main goal while in Europe was to look for vintage. I didn't have much luck in Paris and there was a great selection in Florence - but my pièce de résistance came on a quiet cobblestone street in Antibes, where I uncovered the fashion find of a lifetime: the perfect Chanel bag.

Upon spotting the bag, I picked up the tiny treasure with disbelief - this was just the size and style I had been lusting after for ages...small and square with an adjustable chain strap that can be made short or worn casually across the body - this particular model is no longer even being made. Sure, it's a bit worn down and rough around the edges, but that makes it even cooler - and to find it VINTAGE from a boutique in a French seaside town?! It was too good to be true ...

Luckily, my boyfriend recognized my bulging eyes as I tightly gripped the quilted lambskin. While I stuttered to him unintelligibly about my find - N wished me a happy birthday and paid the grinning boutique owner who'd been prattling on about the rareness of finding vintage Chanel anymore (as if I needed any encouragement).

So, without further ado - here she is, my very first Chanel bag - and one of my all time favorite birthday gifts.

Now I would love to know: What's one of your best vintage finds of all time? Or one of your favorite birthday gifts? Post a comment to reply!

-Natty

8.25.2009

WORTH THE SPLURGE: Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag

Kirsten Dunst, Leighton Meester, Mary-Kate Olsen all carrying Large PS1 Bag

These days everyone is on a budget and it seems penny pinching has become a way of life. Gone are the days when discount shopping was taboo, and savvy saving has replaced conspicuous spending as means for bragging rights. It's rare that anyone opens their wallet without some sort of deal or incentive to convince them it's alright, and even adamant fashionphiles (myself included) are exercising retail restraint.

However, once in a while a piece comes along that is so delightful, it begs to be purchased despite a hefty price tag.

Proenza Schouler's PS1 bag is just such a piece: Available in 3 sizes as well as a clutch version, this utilitarian style is a unique combination of hip and classic. A top handle plus a long shoulder strap make it versatile and easy to carry, and the multitude of pockets are perfect for organizing essentials. Chic and logo-less in slouchy suede or lush leather, the PS1 bag embodies effortless luxury. This is one investment that promises a worthy return; to update your wardrobe, and last for seasons to come...the PS1 Bag is definitely Worth the Splurge!