The Purse That Started It All...

This would be Paris Purse blog #3. I've blogged about my obsession with purses from Paris, so I thought today would be a great day to blog about the very FIRST purse I got in Paris, and as usual, it was quite by accident.

It was 2006, our first trip, and as usual, we were lost. I don't remember the circumstances, (being "slightly" lost was a running theme), but I remember being in a huge underground train station. I think maybe it was coming home from Versailles. I can work the Metro stations like the back of my hand, but oh the train stations are SO confusing.

Anyway... walking, walking, walking... soon we came upon an underground mall area of sorts. What to do when you are lost anyway... SHOP.

I saw a cute little purse store, and of course had to go in. I found the CUTEST leopard purse, all furry and wonderful, for only 25€. I was so excited. I carried it everywhere, and I still carry it. It doesn't exactly fit the FL lifestyle, so I only carry it when it's cold weather.

My purse and I on the draw bridge of some castle right in Paris.

Purse hanging on my arm in Marseilles, France.

Have a great week everyone. Lots of fun posts really soon, I promise!!!!!

~Teri~

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

Paris Purses #1

Huge Hurry...

This will be a quick blog, because my to-do list is long and tedious.

Last week shoes, this week purses...

I told you I struck out at the Flea Market outside of Paris... I just wasn't prepared to pay the prices, or the transportation costs to get stuff home. Plus, it rained, and the vendors were really slow opening their booths. BUT... I did go vintage shopping. I looked some places up online, and Bonjour Madame clued me in to quite a few in the Palais Royal.... but again, over the budget. I never realized a vintage Chanel bag would cost more than a new one!

Here's my favorite shop. Sorry I don't remember the name of it, but you can't miss it when you are in Paris. Just roam around the perimeter of the Palais Royal until you find it. Rachel Zoe showed the shop next door to this one on her Paris episode. I was excited when I saw it, and I feel certain she shopped here as well.

I fell in love with the orange Birkin Bag... at least that's what I think it was. I did not pull it off the shelf to look (it was in the front window). For some reason, I couldn't get that purse off my mind...

A few days later, Scott and I somehow ended up getting off the metro in the basement of a huge department store. In trying to find our way out, we came across an area devoted to Longchamp bags. They were much more reasonable, and when I saw this orange one, I had to have it!

What do you think? Did I do okay?? The funny thing is, I like to fade into the background. Once I saw this picture I realized I look like "Purse with Girl" instead of "Girl with Purse." This purse is not as big as it looks, but I am very petite, height wise. I felt better when my most fashionable friend said, "That orange purse takes your outfit to the next level..." Still not sure about that, but I do love it.

Scott was so generous, he bought me another Longchamp purse that day, that I'll show you later. It's much, much, more understated.

~Teri

P.S. Had to tell you... buying that purse in Paris instead of the U.S. saved me over $100, even with the exchange rate. I love a good V.A.T. refund!!!