Bagged

Another post on the infamous Pursebop.com

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on February 26, 2015 

Part II: Ode to GST

Dear friend Maura gives us an update to her Part I: Ode to GST
To GST or not to GST, that is the question… 

Breaking news:  We interrupt the Hermes coverage with a special Chanel report…

The GST is out and about, having been freed from its boxing and wrapping and released from its secret hideaway.  Tags were cut and plastic protection removed.  The GST is in Maura’s custody moving from home to car to Whole Foods and the like.

But seriously, why it’s taken me so long to use it probably should be the subject of a different post.  After all, the decision to keep the bag was made weeks ago when store points were redeemed as payment.  For now, suffice it to say I try not to highlight my purse purchases at home.

So far, so good. My GST with gold hardware radiates class and beauty. As I predicted, it’s also spacious.  I easily transferred stuff from my Hermes Evelyne and there’s significant room to spare. Careful packing of my belongings was unnecessary.  The long key chain attachment allowed me to open my front door without detaching the keys.  My phone comfortably occupied the outside pocket. The bag behaved nicely and stayed on my car passenger seat, both buckled and unbuckled (yes, I sometimes buckle bags so they don’t fall and empty on the floor).  Most of the time the bag stayed well on my shoulder over my bulky coat.

With the maiden voyage behind us, I’m optimistic that this is the beginning of a very satisfying relationship between me and my GST.

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming…

Maura Carlin

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Love PurseBop
XO

http://www.pursebop.com/part-ii-ode-to-gst/http://www.pursebop.com/part-ii-ode-to-gst/

APP - Another Purse Problem

Honored to have my article featured on the fabulous Pursebop's site.  

No Birkin

In honor of the unofficial Hermes week we’re celebrating here at Pursebop.com, my dear friend Maura Carlin contributes a hilarious take on the Birkin craze. Maura is a journalist and writer in NYC. You can find her musings on everyday life at mauramusing.blogspot.com

Ten years a Birkin fund . . . and still no Hermes Birkin.  Lest you suspect I can’t save money, think again.  I’ve squirreled away sufficient cash many times over only to blow the wad on something else . . . usually Chanel.   So, why is it still called the Birkin Fund and why don’t I have one?

On some level, the Birkin is simply an aspirational concept. My girlfriends refer to the B as the unattainable big gift they will never receive and, frankly, they wouldn’t buy even if given the chance.   Perhaps it’s the equivalent of the childhood dream-gift pony (one I never shared as my ideal present doesn’t poop). 

The fact that Bs are not readily available to just anyone with bank likely heightens the desire.  Trying to purchase a Birkin can be an intimidating process, even for a savvy, experienced, sophisticated shopper, fostered by rumors that you must linger on a list in the hope of some day being offered one.  That’s right, the scuttlebutt is that you must wait for the opportunity to plunk down thousands on the spot. 

I don’t know whether this urban legend is fact or fiction.  I have never tried. Even with a fully funded secret stash, nerves come over me upon entering the H promise-land.  The word Birkin gets stuck in my mouth.  But that’s not the only problem.

I’ve not actually carried a Birkin.  I’ve seen them, touched them, and held them.  None of that compares to putting in your necessaries and walking around opening and closing the bag (which I am known to do before buying any other purse).  Rumor has it that you can’t do that in a Hermes store. It’s a heavy bag empty, let alone loaded, and I don’t know whether my aging body can handle it.  The clasp may be too difficult for soon-to-be arthritic fingers.  And I do like my shoulder/crossbody option. 

Maybe I’m more like Grace Kelly than Jane Birkin. Does “Kelly fund” have a nice ring?

Love Maura (&PurseBop)
XO