Bagaholicboy Muses #160 – Hello. My Name Is Alvin And I Am A Bagaholic…
Hello. My name is Alvin and I am a bagaholic.
I don’t really remember when it started, but if I recall correctly it happened the very first time I plonked down good money for a Bequia Leather wallet. It was a runway offering and back then I was so thrilled it was actually mine. A week or two later I went back and got the matching card case in a different colour.
I blame Kenny for that. But he’s no longer working at Louis Vuitton so that’s that.
A month or so later, we walked in again and I picked up the Monogram Canvas Keepall45. The one with a shoulder strap. And things went downhill from there. I started picking up more and more pieces over time. A coin purse here. A key and change holder there. At one time I had 50 items from Louis Vuitton in my collection, everything from bags to bandeaus to SLGs and books. I just kept buying and buying.
I became a LV fanatic and I blame Javier, Mark, and everyone at tPf for that.
Then it got worse.
I was introduced to the world of Balenciaga by a reader of mine who knew a seller whose prices were unbeatable. I now have 2 Weekenders that I love, with a third possibly coming in March 2010. And a CP I have never used.
Along the way the brands I owned became more varied. A coated-canvas tote from Gucci, another from Mulberry. Canvas totes from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Le Pliage totes from Longchamp (shown above). I just kept going and going.
Then it got even worse.
I started looking at the more expensive brands and very soon I had a small collection of items from Goyard, including a Saint Louis GM and a Boeing45. Then I moved on to leather, because after my luscious Weekender nothing else smelled better or felt nicer than a bag that was 100% leather.
And that’s how I ended up with my Mabel Holdall from Mulberry which I picked up in London last year. Thick, luscious and so darn sexy, it felt really good stroking it whenever I felt down. More recently I also purchased the F/W09 Mens Calle from Loewe that cost me a small fortune but in my opinion worth every single cent.
Which brings us back to today. I’m thinking of spending SGD4000 on a runway piece from Louis Vuitton that’s 80% fabric (again no thanks to Mark). But at the same time I’m also thinking I should just save all the money and eventually get the H.A.C which has always been a dream for me. So on one hand while I really love that runway piece, deep down I know spending that much for something that’s not even 50% leather goes against everything I have been preaching here since Day 1.
I also feel that because the H.A.C is my personal holy grail, once I’ve achieved it there will nothing else worth lusting for. It’s like when you already have a penthouse apartment, you can’t really go any higher than that can you?
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
My name is Alvin, and I am happy being a bagaholic.
Images: Stanley Lui
I would save that money and spend it on the H.A.C.!
Save for the H.A.C! Firstly, because it’s Hermes and I’m biased. Secondly, we always save up for our desired ‘it’ something, only to get distracted along the way, picking up other things along the way (albeit really lovely other things). Resist the temptation because it’ll be worth it in the end. How cheesy.
i enjoy reading your confession.
i think spending $4k for a non-leather is wayyy too much, runway piece or not! anyway it’s your $$, you may do whatever you want with it… whatever your decide, just don’t forget to update us here…
Put that $$$ back into your H.A.C fund! That’s your HG (Holy Grail) bag and dun get distracted by the devils! LOL! Oh you are on TPF too? What’s your nick? I’m a newbie and already I’ve ‘met’ so many nice ladies there. See ya there!
Hey, I’m also Bagaholicboy on tPf…
Why oh why do I get the blame?
Just follow your heart, Alvin. Whatever makes your heart aflutter.
i think you know what i’d go for…
I took your advice on which to choose– a Balenciaga Part Time or LV Galliera. I’m so happy with the Bal.
Now take my advice! Go with HAC Alvin! You won’t regret it! Hahaha
i am intrigued with this 4k LV fabric bag… hehehe…
You shouldn’t waste your time and money rubbish which have been bandied as ‘affordable luxury’. HAC it is and must. I have a similar HAC as Roger Federer (bumped into him in Zurich). Nothing else comes even close. Trust me – all leather, all handmade, all timeless, all history, all about superb craftsmanship. It’s the real deal. You would not want to pop 10k++ for a piece of crap, would you?
You’re a hot bagaholic!! One is neva enuf. Both!
Both sounds really good…
Hey Alvin, go for HAC, save the funds… fabric for 4k is a little excessive IMO.
Obviously you can’t go higher when already settling down in a penthouse, but are you sure there is no other taller buildings around? Or let’s say you suddenly want to have a lower view where things look bigger and realer? What i mean is buy what you wanna buy and don’t make an excuse like it’s the final destination. Cuz as my experience and what youve already said from above, fashion is someting borderless.
Hi, Alvin..
Follow your heart! We will all be happy for you! Choose one that you will use and feel happy and proud when you bring it out.
My name is Samu and I am a shopaholic, and I’m now like you when you first started, and I might be in your position years down the road.
“Accessory” – Jordyn Taylor
Ooh he’s the latest thing I match with all my clothing
I scoop him up right from the stores soon as they open
Where ya get it from was he on sale now everybody wants to know
He can go with me anywhere I go cuz he goes with everything I own
Get on the merry-go-round (round)
Wanna carry him round’ (round)
All over town (town)
He’s my latest accessory
A vintage Hermès HAC can be found for around $6K USD in very good condition. Just sayin’. Even if it is your holy grail, there will always be another bag. Get what you love!
hi, where did u get the men calle from?? and the price?? i have h.a.c myself, and boy trust me, its worth saving it all for the quality piece
A friend bought it for me overseas, around 3.6K or so.
I’m sure any shopaholic/bagaholic at heart will share the same sentiments.
You’re one hot bagaholicboy! One is neva enuf, both!!
Care to share the Balenciaga lobang at unbeatable prices? Hehe.
http://www.hgbagsonline.com/
Thanks! HAC imo too!
You will still desire for other bags after the HAC, if you want the 40 cm version which is the most popular with men. First, because it’s heavy, even the barenia-toile version. Second, it has a really deep base – it’s a big ass of a bag. Third, it doesn’t have interior pockets.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t love mine.
Look at brieuc75 and LuxuryObsessed. They both have a 40 HAC but they still buy other bags.
Discontent is human nature.
i vote the H.A.C!
HAC!!!
SGD4000. u’ve approximately the half of an HAC but as i told u on twitter, HAC never end, u can pre-order it everytime, but the LV pieces are in limited edition (right?), so go for the LV.
Hey BB, I would find the HAC to be the most coveted status/style bag in the bag world! Its a desired must in every fashionista, who is worth their salt! You should still be able to covet other bags after that for every bag has its own purpose!
loving this piece.
now I know I’m not alone in rationalizing my next LV purchase…
H.A.C!!! you yourself said that its 80% fabric! think of the leather! the smell! how it feels! don’t be distracted!
i mean, i know LV is great and all… but its Hermes! UHG. nuff said!
I have an Hermes HAC 40cm in Thalassa Blue in good condition and I am willing to let it go for 6500USD. Ha ha ha. Let me know. The LV fabric bag is definitely not worth it.
Totally the HAC. But then I’m a little biased.
Hi BB!
So that’s how it all…started! Hmm… no advice but hey, it’s your money…do as you please. haha! It’ll be lovely if you got both, then your readers will get to see both wonderful pieces!! (selfish me!)
Whatever it will be, will be. I still love you to bits!! Awaiting your decision~~ (sing-song tone)
I am a obsessive compulsive shopper. If it was me, I would buy the LV now. Maybe the price would go up because it is a limited edition runway piece, then you will have more for your HAC fund?
HAC it is. Nuff said.
Go for HAC!
could you tell me which site to get balenciagas?? please?? THANKS!!
Hi Ming, please see post 18.1 for the website…
sorry.. dont quite understand! obviously i need more “training” around this site.. can tell i’m a newbie!
are u referring to HG Bags? i find the range still quite little cos I’m eyeing the Work!
HAC HAC HAC! nuf said!
Dude, I’m having the same dilemma, except at a smaller scale. I totally feel your pain for the runway piece or the H.A.C.!
I still haven’t decided. So please, when you do, PLEASE post about your rationale so it can help me too.
Interesting… so what you are torn over?
Ahh… the classic dilemma.
All I had wanted for Xmas was a HAC, whether pre-loved or new. Enroute, the little Jypsiere caught my eye and I just couldn’t stop about thinking it. Never looked back since.
That doesn’t make my desire for a HAC any weaker though.
My point is, pamper yourself if/when you can and get the one that makes your heart flutter. HAC is your ultimate destination but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the process (LVs, Bals, Goyards)
how about not getting either bag, and donating the money you would have spent to haiti… just a thought?
After Hac, there’s exotic HAC, and then comes colours…
Bags are never enough.