Minkoff in the Mail!

If you know me, you know how much I love bags.  I love the smell and feel of high quality, soft, buttery leather.  Even though I am a bargain shopper, I can stroll through the handbag aisles at TJ Maxx and, without fail, pick out the most expensive bag in stock without even looking at the price tag.  My friend Brittany has this beautiful little taupe satchel by Rebecca Minkoff that I just adore.  I considered buying it for myself, but didn't want to copy her.  Our shopping trips already present enough risk that we'll end up with the same dress or shoes.  While procrastinating on eBay one evening, I came across a great Rebecca Minkoff "Swoon" hobo bag (which retails for $495), but there were only seconds left in the auction and no bids.  I did not bid, but emailed the seller and offered her the price she listed as her minimum bid with shipping included, if she'd relist the bag Buy It Now for that price (which was $75).  She agreed and I bought it immediately.  She told me she bought it on Rue La La for about $250 and was selling it because when she carried it, the dye from her jeans rubbed off a little on the inside.  Well...I received it in the mail yesterday, and it looks brand new.  It even smells brand new.  You honestly would not be able to tell if I just plucked it off the rack at Saks or bought it used.  Definitely good luck on this one.  I used to sell a fair amount of clothing, bags, etc on eBay that I didn't wear or use anymore, but stopped after an unfortunate ordeal with a pair of Versace sunglasses.  I've spent a bit more time on eBay recently and hit the jackpot a couple of times (see previous post Re: Tory Burch Reva flats for $50!).  So, shopping tip for the week- don't discount eBay if you're looking for some designer duds on a dime. 

Here's the bag:

Piperlime is another one of those websites I frequently forget about.  I despise paying shipping, particularly if it is something I am not sure will fit, or if the color might not be right, etc.  If there is any good reason to return something, I usually err on the side of not ordering it, unless it is just such a steal that I can't turn it down.  With Piperlime, both shipping and returns are free, which is wonderful if you like options or want to order something without losing $20 or more getting it shipped to you or having to ship it back.  They have some cute things on sale right now, including this dress for $29.97- not totally sold on the ruffles, but it could be ok:

In other news, Karl Lagerfeld is releasing a line of fountain pens through  S.T. Dupont (who were also chosen buy the French government to furnish the official wedding gift to Prince William and Kate for you anglophiles) that somehow mixes his favorite nail polish with the pen ink.  Wonder how much one of those will set you back?  I can probably bet that one won't be nestled in the pen holder of my monogrammed padfolio any time soon!