A small back story:
It was October 2014 when I saw this real classy purse. It was a blue Prada top handle promenade handbag that reminded me of the PAN AM airlines stewardess' blue handbags back in the 1970's (or was it 80's). There were quite a few sizes: mini, small, medium and large. Very self explanatory. Just like a pen....ok I'll stop there.
One thing that was a drawback was the price. It was just under 2 grand Canadian. There's no way I'd pay that much for a small handbag. I was heading to the States in a few weeks so I decided to check it out there and see what the price was.
I hit up Vegas and found a Prada store there. It looked pretty new (I was there in 2009 and did not see a Prada store on the Strip). So I went into the store with my mom (bad idea) to check it out. I asked to see the small version of the top handle promenade in various colours: fuscia, light pink, blue and black. My mom thought it was cute. As soon as she saw the price, she almost had a heart attack and pulled me out of the store, trying to convince me that I was on drugs. The price difference was a couple hundred but converting it would save...a few bucks. The Canadian dollar was terrible so it wasn't really worth getting it. However, after we were back at the hotel and she went to shower, this is when I headed back out to the store.
And bought the small version. WHAT?
While the lady was packing my bag into a box, they offered water while I waited and commented on the Prada pink bow wallet I had with me. They were very nice and happy (probably because I had bought an item) but nonetheless it was a pretty surreal experience.
I had it shipped from the hotel back home via air express. When I was able to sit at home and start packing stuff into the bag, this is when I ran into a problem. My wallet could barely fit inside, along with my keys, phone, some make up, and some other random stuff I carry. It was still within my 14 day window to exchange or refund it so I went to the Yorkdale location to see if I could upgrade the size. That's right ladies, bigger the better. Har Har...
I took a look at the medium size promenade bag, and tried fitting all the stuff I usually carry with me into their display bag (i.e the wide wallet, a couple of key holding wallets, glasses case, lip gloss, agenda, S4 phone, card holder, camera) and it was perfect. Just what I was looking for.
Winnie the SA was there to help me, and may I say she was very patient with me as I debated between the colours and size, and what other item I should get. It was possible to exchange and upgrade the purse but she would have to convert the difference. No problem! So off she went to find the medium top handle promenade in cornflower blue for me. It took a while, but the one she brought up was brand spanking new. It had all the protection on it. After evaluating it, and being happy with the result, I paid the difference. I was allowed to take pictures without getting kicked out by security. I also asked Winnie to take a picture with me, for memories of my first Prada bag.
Never in my existence did I know I would get something exclusive like this, but it's one of those things that you try if you can. And if you like it that's great. If you don't, then just sell it. But don't buy items from a particular brand name just because you can collect and say you have it.
People ask how the heck are you able to buy these things? Well that's simple. Don't blow all your cash on purses or other exclusive items when you get your first pay cheque. It takes years to build up your net worth. If you can, save up 70-80% of what you make. The rest is for bills. And the remaining is what you can play around with. Work hard, do those overtimes when you are young, because once you hit 30, you won't be able to abuse your body like that anymore. Most importantly, save save save. Don't go on constant shopping sprees and spend more than you make. That will just land you in trouble. Many people are not rich; people can manage money well and save well, but only if you put your mind to it.
Also, it helps to be single and have no kids. Kids will just make you go bankrupt.
That is all for today (or tonight shall I say). I shall do an update a year from now to see how the bag holds up. For now, the bag is used for special occasions but I may say what the heck with it and just use it as an everyday bag. You never know!
Here are some shots of the cornflower blue.
