I just stumbled onto a solution that works for both of us.
You see, I have a problem. I love items of female life but some of them, despite my affection, aren't practical for me because I lack opportunity to enjoy them in real-life. Things like handbags. And pretty rain-boots. And Winter coats.
For the longest time, I craved these items but didn't buy them because my frugality trumped my desire. Then I realized I can have the best of both worlds -- briefly enjoying the items (which justifies buying them) and later passing them on to someone who can use them in real-life.
I spotted this cute handbag in the window of a local boutique. I walked past, stopped, walked back, stopped, thought about it, and weighed my craving for the bag against the impracticality of it. Then, without committing myself, I went into the store and asked to look at it. It was even more beautiful in person -- quality leather, nice construction. And not inexpensive.
So... after carrying this bag on my arm in my last photoshoot, I'm now offering it to you guys as a giveaway. It hasn't been touched except for that brief photography. It's in pristine condition.
Everyone who comments on any post of mine during the next two weeks will be put in a hat for random drawing. The winner, I assure you, will like the prize. It's beautiful. Plus, when you fold the handles down, it looks like it's smiling!
Wow! What amazing giveaway! It is a beautiful purse.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you'd want to part with it. I see many more photo shoots awaiting it. Although, maybe you don't feel the need to always photograph with a handbag. Now I'm questioning whether I use mine as a security blanket of some sort...or a partial cover up for my large right thigh. haha
I like photographing with a bag but, sadly, that's all I can do with it. I'd rather the bag have a productive life out in the real world.
DeleteI love this bag, makes me happy when I look at it!
ReplyDeleteHi Ally. I've been reading your blog for several weeks, but have never commented before. I want you to know that I love reading your posts, and seeing your pictures. The last few weeks in my life have taught me that life is too short, that we should always do what makes us happy and feel fulfilled. If you want a bag, scarf, outfit, whatever, go for it! Don't second guess yourself and enjoy what you love as often as you can.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne! Nice to meet you. Your advice is sound.
DeleteIt does look like a happy bag when the straps are down, it's lovely!
ReplyDeleteHow can you part with it Ally? It's beautiful!!!!!!!! Really sunny and joyful x
ReplyDeleteThis is a great handbag - and I would truly adore it. So put my name in the hat! my email is gailxx@gmail.com However, it does seem like that handbag is made perfectly for your Sunshine Summer posting of yellow and white earlier this month.
ReplyDeleteYou're in the hat!
DeleteHaha, a smiling handbag - and the chevron looks so incredibly pretty! I would definitely be up for carrying this beauty around!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway, you truly are kind!
-Kati
The bag is so pretty I'm amazed that you can part with it. I have an embroidered bag that is to small for me to carry and it's hung on a wall as a piece of art. If you find one you can't give up, there is always a shelf it will fit on.
ReplyDeletebeautiful.Love your work Ally xx
ReplyDeleteHa ha! That is brilliant that the bag looks like it is smiling.
ReplyDeleteYou are very generous Ally!
I think if you asked most of us ladies just how many of our purchases are "practical" most of them wouldn't be at all. I've started calling mine a collection. Like I'm curating my own museum made out of clothing that fits me : ) Collectors can collect anything. So why not clothing...or purses for that matter?
bisous
Suzanne
I like your approach. I want to install display shelves to show off all my pretty shoes!
DeleteI love love love the bright chevron pattern! and yellow is one of those colours I especially love during summertime so when I saw the preview of this post before reading it I was totally sold. haha and unfortunately I know too well what it means to buy something and later think: "what the heck was I thinking about? where should I go with it? why oh why?". luckily I'm also working on eliminating those situations...
ReplyDeleteMaiken,
Maikeni blogi - part of me
I just wanted to comment and say it's a super cute bag and so sweet of you to give it away - but don't throw me in the hat since I won your last giveaway :) Spread the wealth!
ReplyDeleteWhat a kind idea! And a beautiful bag, too. Have you ever thought to sell on Etsy or Ebay? (not that I don't love a good giveaway!)
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to things I love (like fashion and motorcycles), I prefer not to think in terms of money. I'd rather give things away.
DeleteCount me in! That bag is gorgeous! Really generous of you to think to do a giveaway.
ReplyDeleteYou're in! Good luck.
DeleteIf I'm to be honest, I don't want you to give the bag away, I'd rather you kept it for yourself and in a place you can look at it. It's like me buying a pair of shoes I can't walk in. I'd keep it and look at it because it's like an ornament
ReplyDeleteThis is a truly generous giveaway! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI adore your blog. I am so very happy I have stumbled upon it. Have a great week!
Lisa.
Such a gorgeous bag! I'd la la LOVE to win!
ReplyDeleteheatheranne99 at gmail dot com
You're in the running! Good luck.
DeleteYou are so generous! Is fate, I'm mean that lovely bag, smiling down on me?
ReplyDeleteCould be!
DeleteI lurk on your blog regularly and look forward to new posts. Such a lovely bag and a generous giveaway! Keeping my fingers crossed. :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome lurker! Good luck.
DeleteThis is just lovely! How happy and sunny! I just had to dispose of my favorite (faux) leather handbag. It was yellow. I haven't seen another nice yellow bag until this one!
ReplyDeleteLOL! It does look like it's smiling. I think that's a great idea. I definitely love thrifting because I can enjoy some things for a shorter time than I would have committed to without the expense. Plus I can pass them off with glee to my friends and family.
ReplyDeleteWow! It does look like its smiling! I love it. Its simple and stands out beautifully.
ReplyDeletealholm.co at gmail dot com
ohhhh cute! me want;). what a cheery color too- you have a good eye;)
ReplyDeleteYou are a special human being!!!!! I love the smile that the bag makes ~ you have a great eye for beautiful things!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was sold when you pointed out how it smiles!!! Awesome.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. That bag is just stunning! I've been recently obsessed with chevron and yellow is one of my two favourite colours so this seriously is a dream bag. I love your attitude about doing whatever makes you happy and then passing it along to make someone else happy. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteOhhh how very thoughtful of you !
ReplyDeleteIts a beautiful bag indeed - I am actually going to check the post where you wore it as I am trying to catch up on two weeks' posts :)
It looks very kate spade-esque! Lovely!
ReplyDelete7% Solution