Some of you out there know that I love the design of the Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 monogram canvas. Those who know me even better know I’m searching for the HG handbag, having run through a couple and found that they were unsatisfactory because mostly they keep falling apart. Yes, I really trash my bags.
Which is pretty much where LV steps in. I am attracted to the idea of having one bag that is so versatile it can be used for any occasion, look good, and is so durable it can take the trashing I dish out. I think the Speedy will look good for work or more casual out-and-about stuff. LV also has a reputation for durability.
The only thing I don’t like about it is that it is totally not structured enough. It sags terribly (example [I've seen worse though]). Mabelle mentioned once that her friend resorted to putting a piece of cardboard at the bottom of the bag. And while the Speedy 30 monogram canvas is about A$800 (620 USD on eluxury) and is relatively cheap/affordable, I am reluctant to pay that much for a bag that isn’t 100% satisfactory.
I actually complained to the store assistant at LV Melbourne/Crown Casino complex and the SA explained that it was called the “Speedy” because you could fold the bag up and tuck it away until you needed it, and then you’d just bring it out, chuck stuff in and out the door you go. I don’t think that people *now* will use their Speedys like that so please bring some more structure in DX. Or release a more structured special edition MC line DDDX. (UPDATE: I just surfed some purse forums and there are actually people out there who LOVE the saggy look. Unbelievable.)
Nevertheless. I still haven’t found my HG bag and I’m simply spending money on more bags that will be chucked out in a year. It’s sort of like throwing good money after bad.
But first, a brief discussion on the Speedy and its various … variations.
Hit the jump for more.
Speedy 30 Monogram Perfo
I’ve never actually liked LV bags before. I always thought the monogram canvas was toooo flashy. People would just think I was carrying around a fake too. Plus it just didn’t look good to me; it’s so auntie one.
It was Marc Jacobs’ interpretation of the classic Speedy in the guise of the perfo canvas that grabbed my attention – and held it. Those flourescent colours really jazz up the staid and overused monogram canvas. It looks youthful. My favourite is the green <3. I think I chanced upon the bag while perusing through Iamfashion, a fashion blog. DX. That single entry will probably cost me thousands of dollars in the future if I buy everything I want…
Anyway the Speedy perfo is like 2 times more expensive then normal Monogram canvas ._.
Also it’s limited edition and I doubt any LV stores continue to carry it. And you won’t be able to match it with everything and a bit too casual for work.
Oh well. I moved on to noticing how cute the Speedy looked. I don’t really like flat-ish bags. I like volume! So that’s how I came to be a fan of the Speedy line.
Speedy 30 in Damier, Mini Monogram Lin and Multicolore White
I rather like the classic monogram canvas but then again the plain Damier canvas also appeals…however I think it does look a bit auntie too. The Multicolore White I used to think looked cheap but when paired with a really classy well-cut lounge suit (think Armani) looks absolutely smashing. It’s also extremely structured and much more solid in construction than MC/Damier But then you’d always have to wear the bag with elegant etc clothes and that would be too much effort. Yeah, it wouldn’t be versatile. The black multicolore canvas, along with Cerises (the cherries) I dislike to bits and, to quote from Vlad of the purse blog looks like Takashi Murakami puked on them.
The multicolore is $2000+ in Australia. There is no way I’m spending that much on a bag.
Monogram Mini Lin Speedy 30 in ebene is a bit subtler than MC. I really rather like it. It’s darker and more understated. At 675USD, it’s only a bit pricier than MC/Damier. It’s not as common and flashy as well.
Speedy 30 and Alma in Epi Leather
Speeking of understated, another favourite canvas of mine is the Epi Leather line. Its sports textured leather and depending on the bag style is available in a variety of colours. There is a discreet LV logo stamped on the corner of the bag. At 890USD the Epi Soft Speedy 30 is significantly pricier than MC however it is more structured. As I type this entry I’m getting persuaded that this should be the bag to buy after all…I mean it’s all black and thus more versatile than MC, no? It would match perfectly with the black pointed heels I use as my standard work shoes.
I thought I’d just throw in the Alma too . Alma is another classic LV design that is also available in a variety of canvasses. The Alma is a rather nice looking briefcase-ish looking bag. A senior associate at the firm I’m doing work experience in has the Alma in blue Epi leather and it looks reeaaaal nice……….
The Epi Alma is 1090 USD on eluxury.
My conclusion?
Umm…in order of preference:
- Speedy 30 Epi leather in black
- Speedy 30 Mini Monogram Lin in ebene
- Alma Epi leather in black
And so I come round to the point of this entry – gah I’m going to buy an LV bag if it’s the last thing I do! I’ve already trashed 2 bags to bits in the last few months. I was going to just buy a reasonable one, maybe a cellini, from Myers. Probably have to spend $130 at most.
I estimate that I’ve spent $250 on like 6 bags so far. Hey I buy everything on sale that’s why the price is cheap okay! [Actually one of them was an Anna Sui counterfeit from Shenzhen that was about 200RMB. I generally don't buy fakes but I loved it because it was sausage-shaped. It was in denim and it was so cute and perfect for casual outings. Unfortunately when it got all moldy in HK when I went to China. I couldn't get the smell out no matter what and when I got back to Australia I soaked it in a bucked of soapy water for far too long (too lazy to take it out) and after that the zips corroded and couldn't be pulled. When I forced them the corroded bits got shoved off I guess but sometime later the zips just wouldn't stick together anymore. Sigh. Wonder where I can get the real Anna Sui bag. I mean I don't even know if it's an actual design or if they just whacked the logo on.]
The next bag I was looking at getting was this leather one from Witchery. It had really soft buttery leather, similar to the famous Balenciaga ones. $185. So that would take my bag spend total to $435. That’s more than halfway to a Speedy MC.
What I propose is a Speedy fund XD
I’ll just hold off on buying stuff till the total of my unbought purchases totals a Epi Speedy (._.)
Maybe that will make me feel better about buying. Oh hey my birthday’s around the corner (JULY!!!) too so feel free to contribute to my Speedy fund!!
Unbought stuff so far:
- Witchery handbag $185
- Fiorelli overnight bag $130
Total: $315
Target: ~1063 AUD for Epi Speedy
(And after this I want to buy an LV change holder in red Epi! Although I am against spending so much money that you have nothing left to put into your new wallet…Okay I need a job.)
