Splurge versus Steal

Ann Taylor Gallery Tote ($98), latest version here

vs.

Louis Vuitton Lumineuse PM Monogram Empreinte (current 2013 price: $2800)

Ann Taylor Gallery tote in black ($98)

You can see the bag on me here

(Pillow covers from Etsy)

I first saw this bag on Kate during the Birch Box and Ann Taylor event about a month ago and I really liked the simple lines. I liked the bag even more when I saw it in stores and tried it on but I really wasn’t supposed to get another bag (explanation to follow) so I waited for it to go on sale. My patience paid off because I ended up getting the bag for $51.77 + tax during Ann Taylor‘s recent promotion for $50 off full-priced purchases of $100 or more. The bag was shy of $100 so I threw in a pair of socks (a tip I remembered from a resourceful sales associate) for $8. To get free shipping I also threw in a couple of dresses on sale. Needless to say, the dresses didn’t work out but I was able to get the bag for a great price.

Ann Taylor is currently having a promotion for 40% off two or more items (no code needed). Here are the measurements for those interested in snagging this functional bag at a great price:

16″ width (I prefer to wear it with the gussets zipped)
11″ height
13″ length (base)
5.5″ width (base)
9″ drop handles

The bag is very lightweight which is a plus but it only comes with one small zipped pocket and the base does not have a shaper.

Louis Vuitton Lumineuse PM Monogram Empreinte in Infini ($2800)

My fiancé gifted me the Lumineuse PM on my 30th birthday this year. The Lumi filled my black bag void (the Infini color is a very dark navy) and it had been on the top of my wishlist for two years but the caveat was that I wasn’t allowed to buy another luxury bag for a very long time. I enjoy looking at bags as much as the next girl but I said that I would try my best to abide by his wishes. Unfortunately, what surprised me most about this bag was the weight. I’ve tried it on countless times prior to purchasing it but once it was mine I quickly realized how heavy it becomes when you put everything in it. If you’re interested in getting this bag please note that it weighs 3 pounds with nothing in it. I usually wear it without the cross body strap and I removed the little brass lock since every little bit helps to lighten the weight and prevent shoulder pain and discomfort.

Christian Louboutin Simple 85 ($625) in nude

vs.
J.Crew Sloane Patent pumps ($238) in soft desert – currently on sale for 25% off (similar here)

I’ve owned a pair of Simple 100s in black for a few years and they’ve held up surprisingly well so last summer I made the plunge and purchased the Simple 85s. I’m usually a size 7 but I had to go up half a size for the Simple 100s for comfort. Naturally I assumed I could do the same with the Simple 85s but they run a full size smaller on me. Other online reviews differ so please note that this is just my own experience and every foot is different.

I’ve been trying to sell my Simple 85s because they are too snug so once again I had a nude pump void to fill. I was very excited when StylishPetite told me about the nude patent Sloane. Sloane is a new style this year and it reminds me of the Prada almond toe nude pumps that I pinned last year. To my delight, Sloane is the first pair of J.Crew pumps that seem to agree with my feet/arch. Up until a few years ago I lived in heels and but I ended up with Achilles tendinitis which was a very painful recovery. Thank goodness for flats. Anyway I’m digressing- there was a 25% off sale so I ordered both the cap toe and nude pairs in size 7 (following Amber’s review) but I personally had to go up half a size in the patent version. The cap toe version ran true to size.

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Ruffle Tank ($26.99)

vs.

Full price asymmetrical top ($495 at CUSP by Neiman Marcus)

I remember hearing about the 3.1 Phillip Lim and Target collaboration from Jenny a while back but I forgot about it until last weekend when my Instagram feed was flooded with pictures of early morning hauls. I went into Target to run some errands last Saturday afternoon and there were no more bags but I did find this cream colored ruffle tank in size XS. The arm holes are a tad big so I still need to try it on again with a cardigan or blazer to see if it works. Note that the navy color is still available online in all sizes. I was curious about the price of the designer pieces and I wasn’t shocked that to find a similar top (pictured above) for 18 times the price.

Thanks for stopping by!