Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Paris Purses #2



In my four years of traveling to Paris, I realized the other day, that I've bought 5 purses on my journeys. I guess purses are my souvenir of choice. I never planned it that way...it just happened. Not once did I get on the airplane in Florida, and think,
"I wonder what fabulous purse I will get this year?"

No... never... not even once... but it's happened, every year, none-the-less.

Here's my purse story from year two. It was the BIG one. The most UNEXPECTED. The one I agonized over with no less than THREE trips to the flagship Louis Vuitton store in 2 days. Here's how it happened...

Scott and I were sitting in our favorite "watering hole" (...I'm so Texan) on the Champs Elysees, having wine and coffee, and the hours were passing unnoticed. I enjoyed so much watching the people pass, and the adorable, sweet waiters...



We had been sitting here awhile...it was about 5pm, and we had at least 3 hours until civilized people in Paris eat, so Scott asked me what I would like to do until dinner.

Don't ask me why but the most unexpected, unpremeditated words came out of my mouth... "I would like to find the Louis Vuitton store, and buy a purse." As I said the words, I expected Scott to choke on his Merlot... but no, all he said was..."Ok."

Now, I feel there are two things I must fill you in on...

1. At this point Scott had no idea what LV purses cost...actually, neither did I.
2. I had refused to buy a black patent-leather purse in TJ Maxx a few days before we left, because I thought it was too much money...$35.

The year before (2006), almost to the day, we had walked past this exact same LV store, and there were guards at the door in perfectly tailored suits, so we dare not go in. This time, feeling much braver, we went right up to the front, where to our surprise, the sinister looking guard opened the door wide and said with a SMILE... "Bienvenue!" (welcome!). Oh... the feeling of belonging ;). If you look closely at the second picture, you can see two guards, right in the doorway.




We looked around and I watched Scott's expression as he saw the prices, and watched his brain calculate from euro to USD, and to my surprise, he didn't act like it was any big deal. I won't get into it, but it took three more trips to this store, and a stop at Dior, Chanel, and Gucci, before I made my final decision 2 days later. I knew it would be my only designer purse for the rest of my life, so I had to make the perfect choice. I can't say Scott was thrilled with the back and forth shopping, but he went along with it...and mind you, a trip to our local mall for him is considered pure torture...





When we finally made the purchase a few days later, it was evening, and the place was packed! The Japanese love LV, and they seem to have endless amounts of cash for purchasing, and Yen was flying around like there was no tomorrow. We waited while our saleslady took Scott's passport and Visa to the register area. It was extremely hot in the store. It was freezing outside, and the heat was cranked. About 2 minutes went by, and Scott looked at me and said...and I quote..."You'd think when a man is spending this much money, they'd offer him something to drink."

At that exact moment, our saleslady returned, and told us that it would be a few more minutes, and would we like to sit in the holding area, and have a glass of Champagne.
Scott looked at me and smiled and said, "Now that's what I'm talking about!" You would've had to be there... and know my husband... but that one line was so funny!!!!

Anyway... here is a picture of me in the store that night, and a picture of my purse. I loved it then, and I love it now, and every time I carry it, it brings a smile to my face. It's a fun, special memory of my favorite city (and store) in the world...

In fun!
~Teri






14 comments:

Cathi said...

Wonderful story, Teri...

It's funny, my Alex doesn't like to shop either, but when we were in NYC he was game for wherever I wanted to go or buy also.

Great sports those men of ours our! :)

Jenny said...

Your husband sounds like mine. He does not find shopping at home a joy (actually neither do I) but he would follow me into a upscale adventure, especially if it was in Paris. You have given me an idea. Instead of an easily lost cheap keychain as a souvenir I should by a luxury item too, because like you I would never spend beaucoups dollars on a purse I would use and abuse at home, but a quality item that marked our overseas adventure would be quite the memento. The champagne moment is too cute. THanks for sharing

Jen said...

My sis-in-law once wanted to treat herself to a LV bag so I and our other sister in law accompanied her to the store in downtown Seattle. As I recall, there were no prices posted so my sister asked to see the one she wanted. When the salesman told her it was $1000 (or was it $850?), she just said thanks and we left the store. As soon as we were out of there we were all like "What the???" She was ready to spend about $500 but not $1000! I usually buy my bags at Ross or Tj Maxx, too, so I'm still trying to get over the fact that earlier this year I splurged for a Le Sac bag. It was around $200 and the priciest bag I've ever owned.

Stephanie said...

Teri - I absolutely love your girl meets purse stories! This was a good one. I do not have a LV and they always haunt me. I have to say, you chose well...very well!

The Flying Bee said...

Love it! I really love the champagne moment! You look so chic in those pics Teri!

xo,
Adrienne

Jenny said...

Hello Teri!
I did go to your video in the exact same restaurant. How amazing that y'all sat at the table right next to ours, yet at a competely different time. Thanks for the comment and the look at my blog.

Faded Plains said...

Your hubby sounds a lot like mine...except he'd ask for a diet coke...or coke light.

a Tale of Two Cities said...

Love the purse--love the story even more! My husband treated me to a Chanel bag this year, and our experience was similar--being welcomed into the hallow halls of Chanel as a potential buyer can be a real rush! And like you, I am such a penny pincher when it comes to bags, that it's a wonder getting the Chanel bag did not send me over the edge.

TeriGigi/Girl Meets Paris said...

OMGoodness... all you girls make me so glad I'm not the only one that loves purses... and has a sweetie for a husband.

I LOVED the Chanel bags, but the one I thought I wanted was too stiff in real life, not like I'd imagined it! Scott's personal favorite was a Dior bag... and it was SO cute!

Debi...Please send me a picture of which Chanel bag you got. I'd love to see it. I, too, can pinch pennies with the best of them, and I woke up the night we bought the LV with buyer's remorse. I actually... and this is SOOOOOOOOO goofy... got out of bed and looked at the purse again, in the BATHROOM of the apt. to make sure I still liked it. I never told Scott... I'm sure he's getting a big laugh if he's reading this!!!!!!! Oh the things I will admit to perfect strangers!


Teri

Natasha in Oz said...

I loved this post and I love all the gorgeous French scenes you photographed.
Lovely blog!
Best wishes, Natasha.

Simply Colette said...

So cute! This reminds of mom and step-dad so much. :) I have to bucket too! Mom's hand-me-down. :)
Have a great weekend!

Simply Colette said...

Just read your comment about NaNoWriMo!! I'm so so excited for you. I read to my boyfriend, usually I'm so private about it and it's my first real go at noveling. Usually I've done journaling and magazine articles. It's so fun. But I've hit block. So I think tonight and tomorrow will be in pj's with multiple cups of tea! :) My user profile is: nicoletterenee if you want to add me on the site!

Simply Colette said...

Ok, just left a long comment, not sure if it saved. So excited your joined NaNoWriMo!!! If you want to add me to the site as a buddy, my user profile is: nicoletterenee
Yeah!!! Tomorrow will be filled with lots of tea and typing. :)

Unknown said...

Teri, I share your passion for Paris and have done all sorts of silly things to get there and/or shopping for a few spendy souvenirs even when it made no practical sense at all. And while you had me with your written words, oh, how adorable your candid video clips!

If your reader count goes up, it could be because Parisphiles and Paris dreamers like us are reading your blog after I posted a link to it at Twitter. Won't you join us? There's a very nice group to welcome you! Please look me up & drop me a note to say you've arrived.

@ParisGetaways
http://twitter.com/ParisGetaways

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