Stories about my "Big Bags" Collection
I started my collection around 2015ish. Back then, I was just starting to know myself and my style, I was a late bloomer in a lot of things. But one thing I know, is that when it comes to bags, I want it BIGG! I had been looking for the best that would carry all my tech stuff, talked about why multiple times and somehow ranted here, before my longing phase for designer items. Years came and went, and I looked at my bag closet and realized, hey I got a good ish collection here.
Proenza Schouler PS1
I like Robin's career in How I met your Mother - and her fashion is also my jam. I saw her carrying a PS1 in Burgundy large. And I thought, hey-- that would fit my laptops! But my first PS1 is actually a Medium PS1 in Tan - something I consider as a classic. This fits my Surface at the time, and still has room for more stuff.
And then, while in DC, I got a notification for a "Proenza Schouler SALE!!". I had never believed how crazy the designer sales are here until it is kind of thrown at my face. I finally saw what I thought Robin was carrying and the Large is on Sale at 40 off! Boom bam boom - few days later back home, I got it. This one has more space of course than the medium, it could fit like, 3 laptops! But I fear that the leather is not as durable as the LV so I handle it with care.
Balenciaga Velo
Of all the Balenciaga Motorcycle design bags, the Velo is the one I've always on the lookout with. It is the most spacious and it fits my Macbook or Surface and other tech stuff I carry. Around this time, I learned to stalk the crazy designer sales that Neiman Marcus or other designer stores like Saks: talk about 40 - 60 off for premium designers! And this here is my first Balenciaga, which I got for 800$! It was a perfect buy.
One time, my friend and I went to SFO for a vacation trip, we chanced by a lady carrying a Balenciaga Velo (in pure black) while waiting for the bus. It looked so cool and like the lady has a lot of confidence, like someone who doesn't give an F whether or not she's taking a bus and carrying a designer bag (it's apparently normal in the US to take public transpo with a designer bag). That day, I figured I wanted a black one, which was hard to come by.
Around this time, I found myself always roaming around my favorite store, Neiman Marcus (who happened to be just right in front of the office then), going to their bags section and kind of saying hi and talking to the collections. I know it's weird lol. But it's became sort of a routine every time we lunch at the said mall.
One day, as my fiance and I were just casually strolling, I saw something that I thought was impossible: Balenciaga Velo black bags just laid out there outside and are all on sale! As if they're just trying to get rid of it (soon enough I learned that it's being discontinued). I paced back and forth, touching, trying and dreaming about me carrying it, it's very rare that this color is just right there. After about 3 hours of going around the mall and back and forth to Neiman, I finally gave in!
Louis Vuitton Neverfull
By this time, you'd probably think that I've been sticking with a style and just getting different varieties or colors with it. The Neverfull is the one that started it all, though it took me a while to get another one for my collection. I don't have that much photos but I really love this new one. You can never be disappointed with the durability and quality of LV bags, this one is a workhorse, I can put whatever in there.
I got a bit guilty with not using my first Neverfull anymore so I ended up doing something I never imagined in my life - using it as a sort-of beach bag in Las Vegas. I mean - Instead of looking for another "beach" bag, why not just use what I have. It's a Louis Vuitton, it should withstand wear and tear. That's what it's good at! So I just sat there and enjoyed it. By the way, it totally depends on the location - this was in Caesar's Palace, it's relatively safe to swim and leave it there.
The MCM Backpack
I longed for something more heavy duty, something that I could put laptops and stuff in, close out and even if throwing the thing here and there, my things will stay put. In yet another trip - in Chicago - during our lull time, I went to go to Saks and look for that exact specifications. The sales agent helping me went to the backroom and came back bringing along all the backpacks that fit the requirement. Even just as walking towards me, I knew exactly what bag I want based on the selection that she's carrying.
I loved that I use this for office, and even for travels. It has a laptop sleeve that could fit a 13 inch Macbook. One time, it was a challenge accepted to go to SFO for a weekend, with just one carry-on bag. The MCM worked like a charm - it even fit a small LV Speedy Bandoliere along with my clothes and stuff. The only problem is that a 15" laptop does not fit pretty in it - like if you force it, it ruins the structure.
The Prada Nylon Heavier Duty Backpack
Working in Tech has led me to be mobile and required me to take my laptop with me at all times (I still love that part btw). At work, I finally gave in to switch to a Macbook (from a Surface). The Mac is more convenient for engineering work since it has the best specifications to run development environments (even in just a matter of connecting to the DB). Anyway, our Macbook at work is 15", it doesn't fit my MCM. Even if it fits my PS1 large, I wouldn't count on using it like a workhorse because it is heavy! So I found myself again in the Premium outlets store in search for a laptop bag that would fit my 15" bag, and an extra monitor (it's a cute one). I went to Burberry, Gucci and then finally, Prada. I often wonder why all the Tech bags are in the men's section, but I finally found the one.
It does have a laptop sleeve that doesn't fit a 15". But it does fit my 15" with a case nonetheless. Just go pick a case that has a vertical opening so it won't be hard to grab the device.
Goyard Artoise
I had to pick and choose what I wanted to bring as a souvenir from my travel in France. And I thought I'd want something that is not easy to find in the US (or can't even be bought online). I decided on Goyard. The shopping experience was great, I had fun choosing the colors, fabric and even deciding on the style. I already have an idea on what I wanted but this post helped me secure the style I eventually bought.
This is again one of those that fit a 15" Macbook, but I wouldn't count on using it on the daily since it is not designed for a heavy duty use. I find the handle a bit thin, so I kind of use it with care every-time I take it with me to work.
