Hope everyone had a nice weekend! I will be visiting my family in New York very soon and will be celebrating Mother's Day late with my mom and grandma.
Some of you know that my true passion lies with purses. Every since I was a child, I just really loved book bags, messenger bags, and I think it's because I used to read this book that showed a girl going to school and she used this brown leather messenger bag to carry her books and I was just obsessed after that. I wish I remembered what book it was. Obviously the bag made the more lasting impression. 😂
For reference I'm 4 feet 11 inches tall.
This is my third Louis Vuitton bag. My first one was a Monogram Speedy 30 that I bought nearly 20 years ago, second hand for $450. I still have it! A few years ago, I had an artist Chelsea Champlain paint a bee on it for me. She did some work with Coach back in 2018 and I just fell in love with her artwork. She's such an amazing artist. I'm never ever going to part with this one.
I'm only 4 feet 11 inches tall and sometimes the 30 size seemed a little too big on my frame, so I've always been curious about the 25. I really wasn't interested in buying another Monogram Speedy until I saw this version in denim. Although I will say, I have been eyeing the Cerises Speedy 25 for a while. I just haven't pulled the trigger on one. I keep checking Fashionphile to see if one will eventually pop up for the right price. I'm also obsessed with the Aquarelle Watercolor Speedy 30. Both of these Speedys were released in 2005 and 2008 respectively, so they're only available secondhand. Similar with the Denim Speedy, these bags were released in 2022. I just missed the boat for this bag and purchased one from Fashionphile.
What's really nice about this version is it comes with a crossbody strap. It's adjustable and I'm wearing it on the shortest setting and it hits right at the hip.
The strap is removable and you can carry the bag as a top handle which is the more traditional way of carrying the Speedy. I honestly can't recall if I have ever seen anyone carrying a Speedy with a strap.
Let's look at the details of this bag. The denim fabric is absolutely gorgeous. Although, my husband thinks this bag is absolutely hideous and he told me to put that in the post. 😂 I don't care, I love it. I've always wanted a denim bag for my collection and this checks all the boxes. What's interesting about this denim Speedy is the two different looks. One side has a very clean and saturated dark blue denim while the other side has a more faded look to give it some depth and character. Some people don't like the faded side, but I love it. It's like getting two looks in one.
The hardware is a yellow gold, very bright and shiny. There are two zipper pulls with LV engraved on them. The two-way zipper makes it easy to open and close the bag.
When I decided I wanted to purchase this bag, I wanted the strap, the lock and at least one key. I saw a few that didn't include one or more of these items, for a lower price. Personally, for me it the bag didn't include those items, it was a deal breaker for me. It's personal preference for what your own limits are. Some other deal breakers for me include any major stains, pen marks, and strong odors. I can deal with a little bit of perfume or musty odor because I can usually get it to air out. One time I got this Balenciaga bag with such a strong perfume smell, I was able to get most of it out but it still bothered me enough that I had to re-home it.
If you've never purchased from Fashionphile before, each bag will come with a tag and a lifetime guarantee of authenticity. I've been shopping at Fashionphile since 2014 and have never received a fake bag. Once you cut the tags off, the bag is yours. Their return policy is decent, it used to be better. They used to give 30 days to mull over your purchase, but now it's been reduced to 15 days. They offer free shipping. You can also put a bag on Reserve, which is their fancy version of layaway. Bags are available to put on reserve after they have been on the website for give days. Terms are 25% down and then you have 60 days to pay in full. If you decide to cancel or return the bag there is a 10% cancellation fee which I think is really fair.
Back to the bag! The condition of mine is excellent. The only flaws noted are some scratches on the hardware. Otherwise this one is like-new. Normally I don't mind if there is some wear, as long as the wear is from normal use. This would include some scuffing and scratches. By the way, the lining is jaw-dropping. I have never seen a lining like this before and I think it's just beautiful. It's the reverse side of the denim and it's just so pretty to look at. The denim itself is medium weight and it does feel very sturdy. It's soft and lightweight. It's one of the reasons why I do love Speedys.
Just to give a little bit of history, the Speedy is the very first bag made by Louis Vuitton. It has been around since 1930. The original size is the 30 and I would definitely say this bag is classic and will be around forever. In 1959, Audrey Hepburn asked for a smaller version to be made and this produced the Speedy 25. Currently, the Speedy is also available in Nano Speedy, 20, 35 and 40. The number corresponds to the front panel in centimeters. I am curious to see the Speedy 20 in person. Maybe one day. 😅
In 2011, the Speedy Bandouliere was released and Bandouliere means "with a strap". The strap and handle are made of leather. The main difference between a regular Speedy and a Bandouliere Speedy is the leather strip running up and down the sides of the bag.
As for the price, I will say that this is the most expensive bag I've bought in ten years. I normally don't spend this much on a bag, but I got a promotion last year and I got a decent bonus and raise this year, so I decided to treat myself after all the hustling at my full time job in 2022. I'm still hustling but I'm no where as stressed as I was.
I am debating purchasing a base shaper for the bag. A base shaper prevents the bag from sagging since Speedy bags do not have a hard bottom. If you're carrying heavy items in a Speedy, there's a good chance it will cause the bag to sag.
To prevent the bag from sagging, a base shaper will support the bag. I have one for my Speedy 30 and love it. I got one in brown leather to match the inside lining. Since the denim Speedy has special lining that I would want to see when I'm using the bag, I just discovered they make clear base shapers! I'll link to all of this below.
I absolutely adore this bag and highly recommend Louis Vuitton Speedys. They are super easy to carry and they come in so many sizes that there is one for everyone. If you like purchasing bags pre-owned I will link to the best places I've personally bought from. That's it for me! I hope you enjoyed this post and check out my video as well. 😊
Flash approved. 😹
Have a fantastic Monday!
Shop:
Base Shapers
I think it's a cute bag! And if you love it that's all that matters! I am not a bag person thank goodness! I think I'd be so broke haha!
ReplyDeleteHi Janessa! Ahhh lucky! It's my biggest weakness.
DeleteI love bags too. My older sister got me interested in LV. I have 2 speedys but I never use them . I don’t like carrying them on my arm. I’m glad you found a bag that sparks so much joy. Cindy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cindy! I have to let go a few bags. I just have too many!
Delete