In the category of ‘life is short’, sometimes you just need to do it. Even if it is nonsensical. Even if you can use that money on a hundred other needed things.
Sometimes a girl just needs to buy the damn bag.
I have always loved fashion. As a teenager, I loved going through magazines and seeing the new trends of shapes, colors and accessories.
Oh how I loved the accessories.
I gravitated to scarves and wore them throughout high school. And they are still my thing. I’ll throw on a t-shirt and a scarf and go out to dinner. Scarves make everything better.
And then there are purses. They are next level. And they just make me happy. A good leather purse is pure bliss to me. Some women have a shoe fetish. Mine is a beautiful bag.
So this summer, when I arrived in Paris (my first time ever), I planned a shopping trip to Chanel.
Now I’m a sensible gal. I grew up in the Midwest where luxury items aren’t an important thing. So, I don’t buy luxury fashion items. I just like to look at them. The only luxury item I own is a small Prada bag that I bought myself for my 40th birthday, 14 years ago.
Overall, I think my money should go to more practical things (or to travel).
But not this time.
Although I was on a family trip, I arrived at Chanel solo. This was something I needed to experience on my own. Earlier that day, I took the time to get ready. I showered and properly dressed in a nice sundress for the occasion. And once finished, I felt put together and ready.
The store was just a 10-15 walk from our hotel. But it was humid and hot outside and the idea of showing up at Chanel all sweaty was horrifying. So I took a cab.
One that unfortunately didn’t have a/c.
I kept my thoughts on the prize and pretended to be comfortable in the cab. (This California girl can not take the humidity!) We drove up in front of the store and I could hear myself sigh. I literally sighed!
Getting out of the cab, I felt nervous. What if they are rude to me? What if I feel completely out of place? Or worse, what if they turn me away?
I composed myself and walked up the stairs with purpose. I was in Paris about to walk into the Chanel store!! Pinch me!
Ok, you should know that I had done some research before this trip. I read blogs, watched videos and scoured the Chanel website for any information I could find.
And what I found was the bags I thought I wanted were waaaaay too expensive. I mean seriously too much.
So I had already made the decision that I would not buy a purse. Instead, I would get a small item like a broach or coin purse.
But then I walked into the store. Everything was so beautiful! Girls were trying on bags everywhere I looked. And it was fabulous.
It even smelled good.
I did a lap around the store. And took my time. I acted as if I were visiting for the 100th time. I acted as if anything were a possibility for me to buy.
Acting ‘as if’ is a powerful energetic magnet that is great for manifesting things in your life….but that is for another blog.
I asked for a sales associate and stuck to my plan of broaches. They were all beautiful. But I’m a daughter of a jeweler and buying an expensive broach that has no real gemstones or pearls is unthinkable to me.
So I looked at coin purses instead.
They are so cute! I loved them. I studied the stitch work and touched the leather. Oh yes, this was an option! But maybe something a little bit bigger? I mean, it seemed a crime to hide such an adorable Chanel item inside of another bag.
So I moved on to the mini purses.
These are the most adorable things on the planet. Seriously, they are like tiny delectable pieces of exquisite chocolate candies. You just want to play with them like a childhood doll or toy.
But they are not practical. My phone didn’t even fit inside.
Dare I ask if a larger version was available?
And out she came.
Oh boy. I’m in so much trouble. She was glorious. I stood at the counter with both hands holding her on either side, taking in the view. The shiny double-c clasp, the gold and black leather strap and the brand new gold handle. (She was premiering that day as part of the new Summer/Fall collection!)
Oh. My. God.
I knew this wasn’t a wise move.
I knew I should put her down and get the coin purse.
I knew ……
That’s when the thought came into my mind: I’ve waited 54 years for this moment. To be in Paris, to be in the Chanel store, to buy a bag. This is my first time here and there will never be another first. And I have no idea how long it will be before I’m back in Paris. (Long exhale).
F**k it, I’m buying the bag!
And I haven’t looked back.
Look, if you can’t make rent or eat for the next week, don’t buy it. But when a once in a lifetime meaningful opportunity crosses your path, well….sometimes a girl just needs to buy the bag.
In these blogs, I talk about the important things in life. And I often call out the fact that things are just things. Relationships and people are what are important. And that is still true.
I also talk about money and how we control the flow of it in our lives. When we believe in abundance and live with an abundant mindset, that is what will show up in our life.
But sometimes the nonsensical takes over. Sometimes we do something that is hard to justify. Sometimes you want something that your husband or partner just can’t understand. Sometimes, you just need to buy the damn bag.
Life is short. Jump in and live it to your fullest potential! And most of all, enjoy your journey….optimally, with a fabulous new bag on your arm!
You can Emerge Positive!
Positively,
Deanne
