I am a recent-ish university graduate and unlike many of my friends, I graduated without any student debt. It was tough, I'll admit and looking back, I'm not quite sure how I was able to budget so well. Oh wait, that's right, I BARELY shopped, and when I did, it was usually for friends and family members. Needless to say, the minute - nay,
second - I locked down a full time job I went shopping.
And boy did I shop.
Now, also unlike many of my friends, I recently moved back in with my parents (long story). Therefore: full time job + no rent to pay = lots of money to spend. At first, my parents were supportive of the purchasing but after a while, they started reading me the riot act. I was spending lots and saving less. They were the guilty conscience I didn't want to own up to, so I did what any self respecting fashionista would do: I started hiding my purchases.
And how exactly have I been able to pull off such a clever stunt? Two words, amigos: giant purses.
Here is a quick and helpful step-by-step guide on how to smuggle purchases into your home:
1. Carry a large bag at all times. They are fashionable and make a statement, don't you think?
2. Before going into your home, make sure any packaging or bulging of product is concealed. Remove any noisy packaging as well - its a dead give away. Trust me.
3. Run to your room as fast/as naturally as you can.
4. Put new product away where it belongs, as if it has been there this whole time! Then, discard tags and receipts in empty Starbucks cups. Do not just throw tags in the regular garbage as they will be visible in plain sight and your efforts will have been wasted.
5. Repeat each pay day, and a few days in between.
So, for anyone else out there who also faces the tyranny of responsible parenting, I would like to present you with a few options for concealing your purchases.
The Hermes Birkin Bag
Great news! If you are Victoria Beckham or Kim Kardashian or have an extra $10,000 laying around, you might be able to get your perfectly manicured hands on a Birkin. This is an excellent choice for hiding purchases from your parents, mainly because after you buy one, you won't have any money left.
But in all seriousness, this bag is beautiful and functional and comes in every colour and goes with every outfit. If it is not at the top of your leather goods wishlist, it ought to be! Wasn't it Les Brown who said 'Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you'll land among the stars'? This rationale also applies to shopping: Shoot for Hermes, because even if you miss, you'll land at Kate Spade, or Michael Kors.
For more information, see:
Hermes
The Marc by Marc Jacobs Take Me Tote
This hot pink beauty retails for only $228, modest in comparison the the almighty Birkin. This tote is super cute and very versatile. It also comes in black, but I think the hot pink is perfect for this season's colour blocking trend. Also, if you're one of those people who gravitates to all black (like I used to), this is a great way to add a little pizzazz to your outfit. Just think how nicely a pair of hot pink lips would look with this tote. Sigh.
For more information, see:
Bergdorf Goodman
The Roots Large Hobo Woven Leather Bag
Exhibit C - the Roots bag. I am a firm believer that everyone needs to own a pair of Roots sweats (yes, I wear sweat pants... in the wilderness) and a Roots leather bag. This one is a stunner and retails for only $268 (amazing price for Italian leather if you ask me). I like that it is woven because it reminds me of a basket and baskets remind me of picnics making it a perfect summer bag. It is so soft and the hardware is so beautiful. And because it is leather, it is also a great transitional bag for the fall. Like Roots itself, it is timeless and classic and will be a great item to have for years to come.
For more information, see:
Roots
The Jessica Simpson Getaway Tote
I absolutely adore this Jessica Simpson getaway tote. It retails for only $88 and comes in about five different colours. I chose two of my favourites.
The one featured above is on trend in a major way. Firstly, that coral - orange colour - LOVE it. Its so vibrant and fresh. And the colour blocking? Trend number two! And of course, the python print is the hottest animal print for the season.
The bag featured below also has a lot of the selling features as the orange & python print tote does.
That mint-y, teal, turquoise colour is very hot right now and would be great addition to an all white outfit. My favourite part of this tote, however, is the print on the top section. The print is a perfect mixture of palm trees and leopard print spots (who knew?!). I urge every one to buy one or both of these bags IMMEDIATELY.
For more information, see:
Jessica Simpson. Also, for you Canucks out there, this bag is available at my second home
The Bay.
What are your favourte big bags this season??
