QUALITY VS. QUANTITY
I was at the mall getting my daily indoor walk, much like the senior citizens do at 8AM before they head to McDonald's for their bottomless cup of McCoffee! During my walk, I popped into one of my favourite stores, Michael Kors. I adoringly examined the sequinned beanies, the wooden heel black patent leather pumps (Which I am now the proud owner of, thanks Nolan Bryant for your consulting skills), and most important of all, the bags. I zeroed in on one bagin particular, the Hamilton Tote. Similar to the Chloe Paddington and the Hermes Birkin, it's kind of a hybrid of the two. It looks pretty sturdy with a pipped handle, chain link shoulder strap and a logo-engraved lock detail. It's a nice bag. [gallery]
As I took it off the shelf, I thought to myself, "how many bags do I have at home?". Is this bag going to be an investment piece or just another seasonal bag that will frey, tear and end up in the clothing swap? At just under $300, it's not a cheap bag, but not too expensive. Michael Kors is impeccable at their pricing. They have a lock on the middle to upper income client, with the high end client grabbing the odd piece to supplement their existing wardrobe. I could buy this bag and put it into rotation with the other guys and get maybe three or four years. Or I could start a small fund that will slowly grow over perhaps a year to 800-900. That fund will help me buy a Hermes 1925 Polochon. A bag that has history, simplicity and the best quality leather, details and finishing of any bag out there. It is a bag I would hand down to my daughter, or son if he was a fan of handbags! It would be a new member of the family that would have stories attached to it and travel the world!
As the Holidays approach, maybe we should stop for a second and think about what we are buying for our loved ones. Will they receive something with the prospect of becoming a part of family history...something beautiful with meaning...something that will make a difference in their lives...Something made with love and craft or.....