I feel like every girl has an area of her closet where she saves money, and an area where she spends money. I save money on tops and shoes. I don’t like to spend more than $30 on a top and physically cringe if I spend more than $50 on a pair of shoes. I spend money on purses and jeans. I believe in high quality denim and leather handbags. To me they are a long-term investment that I will use for years to come.
Over time I’ve been slowly but surely growing my handbag collection. I don’t have many, but the ones I have I absolutely adore. For the last few months I’ve been looking for the perfect everyday bag. I needed something structured, that fit over my shoulder, and worked with both dressy and casual outfits. After a lot of searching I finally found my must have bag. Meet the Mulberry Bayswater:
(Photos from Pinterest)
Isn’t it gorgeous? It was love at first sight. It’s the perfect shape that can fit a lot or a little and look just as good at the office as it does out running errands. I love how it’s free from crazy grommets and intricate zippers. It is just so classic and timeless to me.
(Photos from Pinterest)
The brown Mulberry Bayswater was exactly what I was looking for. The only thing that wasn’t so perfect was the price tag. Retail was way out of my budget so I turned to used luxury retailers online. These are my not-so-secret weapon for finding luxury goods at deeply discounted prices.
I’ve had good experiences with The RealReal before, so I started stalking the website daily. I like how they provide lots of pictures, describe the condition of the items that they’re selling, and have an authenticity team that checks every item someone consigns with them to make sure it’s not fake. The problem with The RealReal is because of how good their prices are, things sell out super quickly. Usually as soon as this bag would hit the site it would sell out and I’d have to add myself to the wait list. After months and months of waiting, I started to give up hope.
Then suddenly last week a brown Mulberry Bayswater became available. It was in great condition, being sold at a reasonable price, and The RealReal was even offering a 20% coupon code for my purchase! I pulled the trigger and didn’t look back.
I’m now the proud owner of this beauty. It’s going to get a lot of use! And I love it even more because of how much work I put into finding it. 😀
Questions of the Day: What closet items do you save and splurge on? What’s your must have bag? Are you a fan of Mulberry? Have you ever shopped The RealReal?
fashionillustrationsbymc says
it’s a very cool bag, love it!
http://fashionillustrationsbymc.altervista.org/
Erin says
I’m so excited I finally got this bag!!
CARLA says
ahhh I need a grown up bag as I own (whispers) a billion leather backpacks.
I just get overwhelmed by all the different options.
and so I backpack 😉
Erin says
Backpacks are great! Josh uses one every time we travel!
Joanna @Makngmine says
Wow – super gorgeous bag! I’m in the diaper bag phase of life, but in a few years, I’d love to start adding some more fashionable pieces to my collection 🙂
Erin says
You have beautiful bags! Did you get a new diaper bag? If so I can’t wait to see it! 😀
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
I normally don’t like a lot of bags and actually stopped carrying my purse around this whole winter because I could keep things in my giant coat pockets. I don’t know what I’m going to do now that the weather is getting warmer! Anyway, I do really like the look of this bag and if I were to get one I would totally want it to look like this!
Erin says
Coat pockets are the best!! When I bring them out of storage at the beginning of winter I always find the craziest things in the pockets! haha
Natalie says
I love all the fun colors it comes in! I think it is still a little above my price point but it sure is a beauty!
Erin says
I’m in love with it! 😀 I’m so glad I took the time to find the bag I really wanted and then to wait for one to become available in my price range.
Laura (bright and beautiful) says
The bag is beautiful! I also love the idea of investing in high-quality pieces to be worn and enjoyed for years to come 🙂
xo, Laura
http://brightandbeautifulblog.com
Erin says
I love it! I can’t believe I was finally able to buy one after wanting one for months and months!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Ahh, it’s so GORGEOUS!!
Erin says
I love it sooo much! 😀
Olivia says
Totally agree!! It’s a major must have! Great post!
xx Olivia
http://www.hellooliviablog.com
Erin says
Thank you Olivia! It’s a great bag!
Hayley says
I am so obsessed with that bag!! I’ll have to check out the Real Real!xx, Hayley http://www.dailydoseofdarling.com
Erin says
I hope you love The RealReal! It’s a great site!
Diana says
Love these bags! Classic and timeless x
http://sweatshirtsanddresses.com/
Erin says
Thanks Diana! it’s an awesome bag!
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut says
So I’ve now decided that not only are you going to let me in on all the cool Omaha events, you’re going to help me with fashion. I haven’t figured out what my contribution to the relationship will be…cookies?? 😉
Ps I wonder if you should specify where on Pinterest you found those photos? I know its a lot of work, but if someone used my photos I know I would like credit..ya know?
Erin says
Oh yeah, I’m all about sourcing images! The problem with Pinterest is these don’t lead back to the original blog posts. They’re all pinned on Pinterest directing to other websites where people used the images. So I just decided to make them into collages.
And I love cookies! That is more than enough contribution. 😀
Dilan says
Wow. Amazing blog and such a interesting post! I like your blog a lot. It has its own style.
If you want, you can check out mine.
Maybe you will like it. Do you want to follow each other? This would be so great for starter bloggers – we can support us like this. Follow me and let me know with a comment on my blog 🙂
Lots of Love, Dilan from DILANERGUL
Erin says
Thanks for the kind words Dilan! It means a lot. 🙂
Kate says
What a beautiful purse! Great buy!
Kate
http://www.lamiabellavita.com
Come take a look at my shoe picks for the Nordstrom 1/2 Yearly Sale!
Erin says
Thanks Kate! I was so happy I found it at such a deal!
Lauren says
Gorgeous bag! I love it in that teal color. I totally need to check out that site!
Erin says
It’s a great site! And thank you, I love this bag so much! 😀
Kathrine Eldridge says
Good for you for pulling the trigger on this gorgeous bag! It’s such a classic and I know it will stand the test of time style-wise. I need to check out the Real Real for my dream bags! 🙂
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Erin says
There are so many beautiful bags on The RealReal! They’re always fun to look at and oogle! 😀
Krysten says
I need this bag! I am always toting around WAY TOO MUCH STUFF!
Erin says
I love it so much! And it can fit all my crap! haha
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Oh my gosh- That bag is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I am seriously lusting over it right now!
I totally agree with you- there are some things that are “splurge” purchases. Purses and shoes are my main ones.
Erin says
I can’t believe I actually bought it!! I love it so much!! 😀
Cristina says
It’s a beautiful bag! I love Mulberry bags too. I like to buy investment pieces, specially dresses, shoes and purses.
http://memoriesofthepacific.blogspot.com.es/
Erin says
I love pretty dresses! If I could only ever wear dresses and skirts I’d be a very happy girl!
Denise says
I love that bag and have been dreaming of owning one for quite some time! I have always wanted one in the watermelon shade!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
Erin says
I love the watermelon shade one! I picked the brown because my hope is that it will go with everything.
Melanie says
I need all of these bags!!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Erin says
I love this style so much!! I still can’t believe I have the brown one! 😀
Emma Felin says
Love this bag, and all of the colours you have of it!
xo,
Emma
http://www.sassystreet.com/
Erin says
Oh I only have the one color! I just love them all! 😀
Biana says
Oh she is a beauty!!! Love the bag! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Erin says
Thanks Biana! I’m pretty obsessed! 😀
Erin says
That bag is fantastic! I hadn’t heard of TheRealReal before, can’t wait to check it out (though my wallet may not agree 🙂 )
Erin @ Teal and Polka Dots
tealandpolkadots.blogspot.com
Erin says
Yes, definitely be careful! It’s easy to get sucked down The RealReal rabbit hole!
jan says
Those are gorgeous bags! I love the last one. It looks like it would hold so many things and make them easy to find!
Erin says
Yes! I love how it has structure but can still hold so much!
Eden says
Looks fantastic, love the color and style. Great find 🙂
http://www.mintnotion.com
Erin says
Thanks Eden! I was so excited to buy it!!
Karissa @ Vegan A La Mode says
Such a classic and sophisticated bag! Definitely a must have 🙂
Erin says
Thanks Karissa! I love it! 😀
Chantal says
This bag is beautiful! I often will spend more than I have planned on a bag but it takes me a very long time to find out that is perfect! Thanks for joining the Link-It To Me Link Up Party this week, I hope you will party with us again next week!
Erin says
Yes, I take forever to find the perfect bag, but then once I do I’m set on it!
Shannon says
That bag is seriously amazing!! So glad you got the brown too! So gorgeous!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Erin says
Thank you Shannon! I got brown because I figured it would go with everything!
Allison @ With Faith and Grace says
What a cute bag! I’m looking for something similar too. What I’d really love is a tote that would work as a school bag and a regular bag so I’m not constantly switching between a purse and my backpack. It’s so annoying. I have signed up for TheRealReal because I’m lusting over getting a Louis Vuitton bag, but so far I can’t even afford the discount prices. But it’s good to know what I can aim for!
Erin says
I have the Tory Burch York Tote for work and love it! It works really well as a work and daytime bag!
Elle says
Such a classic and beautiful bag!
xx Elle
New outfit post on:
http://www.cherryblossosmtreet.com – Swedish Fashion blogger and Model in TOKYO
Erin says
Thanks Elle! I love it so much!!
Emily says
I love how that bag is a mix between a nice laptop case and a stylish purse. It’s big enough to hold more stuff, but it doesn’t look entirely business like, so you can take it around to everything. I’m actually kind of more of a minimalist when it comes to bags, because (shh..) I lose things really easily, so the smaller my purse is, the better. 😀
Closet items I would splurge on would probably be good shoes. 🙂
Erin says
My husband loses everything! I think he likes when I carry a big bag because then he can put all his stuff in it!! haha 😀
Kels @ Blonder Side of LIfe says
I love those bags!! And I’m the same {call me cheap) way. I have however learned to invest in quality pieces that won’t fall apart or lose their shape after a few washes so I’m growin up a bit lol
Erin says
Thanks Kels! I’m so excited to get to wear it!
Nadine says
That bag is gorgeous!!! I love the shape and it looks fabulous in every color. I certainly tend to splurge more with purses than with anything else.
Erin says
I love a good purse! I’m obsessed with my new bag!
Antonella says
Love your Bayswater!!
I recently purchased mine in March.
I purchased it in black, because I have a few LV’s that are brown. Mulberry is
a fabulous brand. I use it everyday.
Erin says
I love it so much! Its such a well made bag! I would love a black one one day too!
Brooke (LookBrooke) says
That blush bag… yassssss!!
xoxo
Brooke|LookBrooke
Erin says
Isn’t it gorgeous? I want all the colors! haha
Anna | SheisJoyful says
that bag is beautiful! I’m a purse girl too 🙂
Erin says
It’s so pretty!! I’m so glad I waited to invest in the right purse for me! 😀