(ABOVE) The bag that helped me overcome designer-handbag shame.
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(NOTE: Some links that I provide in this post are affiliate links, which means if you follow that link and make a purchase I may possibly earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More information here.)
Monday, October 10, 2016 / Video Post Notes
Handbag Shame and My Regret
I’ve gotten a number of requests from Youtube followers and blog readers to do a post/video on my handbags, so I thought I would do my Louis Vuitton collection. It isn’t large by any means, but it has special meaning to me. My Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 was my first designer handbag purchase, and my decision to buy it, in 1994 at age 34, was a turning point. It signified the beginning of my journey to find and keep my confidence in not just my style, but in myself in general, regardless of the opinion of others.
In this video, I talk about something that happened on a date 10 years earlier, how I handled that moment of handbag shame, why I regret what I did still to this day, and how my regret eventually led to the purchase of my special Speedy.
If you have ever experienced a fashion-shaming moment that affected you, I hope you’ll leave a comment about it here or on my YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook pages. I know I and others would appreciate reading about how you handled it, and whether you wish you had done anything differently.
Here’s to all of us dressing exactly how we wish, no matter what others think!
~Janis Lyn Johnson
(5) FEATURED LOUIS VUITTON ITEMS
(BAG BASE SHAPER: Acrylic base I place in my Speedys to keep the bottoms from sagging)
(1) MONOGRAM CANVAS SPEEDY 30, Purchased in 1995, Saks Fifth Avenue, with Additional Shoulder Strap / (2) VERNIS LEATHER ALMA BB, in Gris Art Deco, Purchased in 2010 / (3) VERNIS LEATHER CARD HOLDER, in Gris Art Deco, Purchased in 2010, Louis Vuitton / (4) VERNIS LEATHER AVALON MM MV, in B. Corail, Purchased in 2013, Louis Vuitton, No Longer Available New (Similar Louis Vuitton Vernis Bags at Fashionphile) / (5) BANDOULIERE SPEEDY 30, in Damier Azur, Purchased in 2016, Nordstrom Chicago.
FEATURED FASHION
MONOGRAM NECKLACE: Nordstrom / SHIRT: Lacoste / MY WATCH: Michele
MY MAKEUP (All Natural/Organic Ingredients)
FACE: 100% Pure Powder Foundation, Crème and White Peach / CHEEKS: Gabriel, Powder Blush, Apricot / LIPS/EYE AREA: Nourish Organic, Shea Butter / LIPS: 100% Pure, Fruit Pigmented Lipstick, Calendula / EYELIDS: Gabriel, Eye Shadow Trio, Classic Matte Nude EYELASHES: 100% Pure, Black Tea. (Some links in this post are affiliates. More information here.)
(ABOVE & BELOW) I purchased this Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 in 1994, with a separate leather strap. See a wide selection of pre-loved Speedy 30s at Fashionphile.com.
(ABOVE & BELOW) I forgot to mention this in my video, but inside my Speedy 30 (and Speedy 30 Bandouliere), I place an acrylic base shaper to prevent the bottom of the bag from sagging. They are available for a variety of styles of bags, including Longchamp nylon totes. Love these!
(ABOVE) The Vernis Leather Alma BB, in Gris Art Deco, purchased in 2010. Although this color is no longer available, many other colors are, both new and pre-loved.
(ABOVE & BELOW) Vernis Leather Card Holder, in Gris Art Deco, Purchased in 2010. See pre-loved Louis Vuitton vernis small leather goods at Fashionphile.
(ABOVE & BELOW) Although the Louis Vuitton Avalon is no longer available new, pre-loved similar Louis Vuitton bags are available at Fashionphile.com.
(ABOVE & BELOW) This Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Bandouliere Speedy 30 (purchased in 2016 at Nordstrom, Chicago) comes with a separate attachable shoulder strap. For pre-loved Speedys in the Damier Azur pattern, visit Fashionphile.com.
(ABOVE) The Speedy Bandouliere in Damier Azur goes well with neutrals. See more of this outfit here.
(ABOVE & BELOW)) On my lips: 100 Percent Pure Fruit Pigmented Pomegranite Oil Lipstick in the color Calendula. On my cheeks: Gabriel Powder Blush in Apricot. On my eyelids: Gabriel Eye Shadow Trio in Classic Matte Nude.
(ABOVE) Lacoste Polo Shirt. In high school, this was the first designer item I remember seeing other girls wear. They didn’t carry designer handbags.
YouTube Video
Love your LV video. I have a LV speedy 25 in the monogram print. I just wanted you to know you can clean your monogram LV very easily. I use Apple Care leather cleaner and conditioner on all the leather, and alcohol free/scent free baby wipes on the canvas. I use Brasso, brass cleaner on a q-tip on the zipper and all the other metal. The metal comes out looking brand new.
The leather will not get any lighter, but it will take the dirt off and the conditioner will keep the leather from cracking
Nancy, thank you so much for the tips on how to clean my Speedy canvas, leather, and hardware! I especially love knowing you can get the hardware shiny with Brasso. I will definitely try it! Does the leather cleaner darken the leather at all? I appreciate you leaving your comment! ~Janis
It didn’t darken mine at all. Mine was darker at the top of the handles. After using the cleaner, it turned out they were just dirty. Even though I’m really careful with my bag , they just get dirty from the oils in our hands.
The Brasso will shin the brass and will get rid of the green oxidation, just be careful not to get it on the leather, if you do just wipe it right away
Let us know how it turns out
Loved the info on keeping the bags stuffed,,,SO TRUE…many do not know this…so appreciated and all the fun details. Thank you, Michel
Michel, thank you! I’m so happy you liked the video. I was worried it might be boring. Thank you for watching it and for commenting!
Would you please post once again the link where one can obtain the liner for the Vuitton bag (the one which keeps the bottom firm).
Thank you.
Lillian, I’m so sorry. I completely forgot to mention the bag shaper that I have in both my Speedys! Thank you for asking about it, because I will be sure to add it to the post. Here is the link to the one I use in both my Speedy 30 Bandouliere and Speedy 30 (both bags are the same size): http://amzn.to/2dGvKZx The shapers come in many sizes for a variety of brands of bags. Thank you for visiting my blog! ~Janis
Your posting inspired me to take out my LV Alma bag which I purchased in 1998. I had put it away because of some of the comments I was receiving such as “my aren’t you doing well” or from my coworkers “how much are they paying you”.
After listening to your story I decided to get my bag out and am even thinking of getting another.
Thank you for motivating me to be myself again and thank you for the link for the liner.
Oh my gosh, Lillian, I’m sorry! But I’m happy for you that you aren’t going to let comments from others stifle your style. That’s wonderful. Here’s to you celebrating being you!!! Hugs ~Janis
Thank you for sharing your lovely Louis Vuitton collection. I enjoyed seeing the beautiful bags and hearing your story behind them. It’s such a treat. I noticed you were wearing a mushroom brown sweater in the video and I was wondering if you might share where you purchased it. The sweater looks so cozy and stylish. Thank you again for sharing all your wonderful videos. I look forward to your next one.
Hi, Nancy! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video and to visit my blog!! I bought the sweater at Marshall’s about three or so years ago. All I know is that the brand name is Kersh. I wish I could tell you more. If you’re familiar with Marshall’s, I often find wonderful cotton and cotton blend cardigans there at great prices. Thank you again! ~Janis
Love your collection of Louis Vuittons. I am so glad you mentioned about the cracks that appear from folding the Bags as this happened to one of mine also. Thank you for sharing!
Mary
Mary, thank you so much for visiting my blog! I’m sorry that happened to one of your bags, too! I don’t know why LV doesn’t let people know about this. Still, I love the product. And now that I know, I just make sure to be careful when I store it! Hope you’re having a sweet Tuesday. Cheers ~ Janis
Oh my gosh, Mary, I’m so sorry you experienced that, too. Thank you for leaving your comment, so others can be forewarned. We can’t fold our LV monogram bags! Hope you’re having a sweet week wherever you are. Cheers ~ Janis
What is the sweater that you have one in the youtube episode on the top of this blog… It is gray or appears to be with a white v neck tshirt.
Thanks,
linda