counterintuitive

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I'm all for being sensible about shopping, but I admit, sometimes I buy things that don't make sense. Here's a story about one of them.

I'd always wanted a Mulberry Bayswater ever since I saw one - I like the classic but unfussy shape. Against the backdrop of crazy It Bags taking over the world, it was unpretentious, but still luxurious.

A few years ago, my mum and I decided to buy one for my older sister, in classic tan leather. I thought perhaps it was high time I invested in one, and perhaps I could buy one in something classic too.

Instead, in the boutique, my gaze lit upon one in mirrored bronze leather, all polished and gleaming, like an artifact rescued from some dusty ruin.. I'm not one for glitz and shine, and yet I couldn't take my eyes off it.

The rational, investment-minded person would have bought one in a classic neutral colour - which is precisely what we bought for my sister - but after thinking it over a day or two, I bought the bronze.

There have been times when I have thought - why didn't I buy something in tan leather? It would have been so me, so right, so versatile, so perfect with everything I have.

But sometimes you want things that go against the grain of sensible, and while I never thought I would spend a significant sum of money on insensible things, there I was, with what is easily the shiniest bag on the street.

I've stopped using over the past 3, 4 months, mainly because work is more casual these days, and also because it's not the best option for days where I go for yoga before I head to work. But I missed it today and decided I needed to bring it out again.

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It looks quite awful in this picture - it is such a bitch to photograph - and the actual colour is as seen in the first picture; darker and not quite so orange. You'll simply have to trust me when I say that in spite of how it seems to go against my penchant for low-key, simple things, it actually feels perfectly becoming and natural when I use it. Some things can't be explained.

Comments

Joy said…
The colour is quite gorgeous and I know you said it was not exactly THE MOST sensible of choices but I think such a colour is versatile in being able to spice things up instead of toning things done, as what a classic tan leather bag would have done. I however am a huge sucker for all things tanned though :P
Nhu said…
I think it looks great! It offsets the outfit very well. I find that one you see something you really love, and you find yourself trying to argue yourself out of it, you've probably hit upon something that is just the thing you need.
yanqin said…
Joy: So I am. I thoroughly njoy borrowing my sister's bag when she lets me ;)

Quinn: I know when I can't bring myself to put something down, or take it off, it means it's really quite struck a cord with me. Digressing a bit, I think that's what makes shopping online difficult for me - I find it hard to decide whether I really want something because I haven't physically tried it on...
Lindsay K said…
I love this bag. The color is stunning. It feels extra special to me. Sometimes you have to choose the least sensible thing. I too find it's usually the first thing, I try/touch. It may not be the most sensible, but it just feels organic.

I love that you have a sister who you can borrow from. I always cave for tan accessories.
miss sophie said…
i think everyone needs a few wildcard pieces like this in their closet! if you were really drawn to it that's a sign that it's the one for you. i had a similar experience with my bays - i ended up swapping the black one i originally got (so practical, but something was missing...) for the oak leather one. i actually don't like browns in general and generally avoid the color altogether, but for some reason i love the gorgeous oak bays. really looking forward to seeing it patina with age.
S said…
the bag looks great, it's quite neutral despite being an unusual color. So even though it's not necessarily a classic color, you'll get so much use out of it! I like how you are able to throw it over a casual outfit like you show here.
Human Racing said…
Sometimes the things that go against our own sensibilities and good reason are the ones that become the best purchases. Even though you may not use it all the time it seems that whenever you do it's a delight ad something you look forward to. I think we should all have an item in our wardrobe whose sole purpose is to make us happy and it seems you've found it!

Side Note: I like the bag with your more causal, dressed down style. It offers a contrast that doesn't seem contrived.
Human Racing said…
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Ammu said…
Well, I have seen that bag in real life and it is gorgeous :) and looks great on you. I think you have impeccable taste in bags - the ysl tote and this bag are both stunning.
son said…
i love it! (admitedly im might be biased, as im also a real sucker for metallics)a friend has a similar version and it is really fabulous in person. it's not what one might think is a traditional "classic" shade but i do think it goes with alot of things & adds another dimension to an outfit.
nanashi said…
It looks right, it's one of those items that you know it when you see it, and if it is making you happy then it just affirms it even more so!

Love the contrast with the outfit, too!
yanqin said…
Lindsay: Although my style is different from my sisters, we usually manage to trade enough things around to keep things lively, since we're about the same sizes. It's also useful when I have things like company functions and I can borrow my sister's more corporate-ish items.

And yes, love tan! Ironically, I don't have a good bag in that colour, but I;m working on it :)

miss sophie: I like that term "wildcard pieces", it's so apt. I really love oak/tan accessories (not clothes though) because I find them so versatile, and I like the warmth of the colour, since I don't suit black. I'm sure you'll love watching your Bayswater age!

S: Thank you! It does surprise people when I carry this, since I'm normally the most casual of the lot.

Austere: Thanks! Agree, I feel sad whenever I regret some buys, and it makes me more appreciative of the ones that I love even more with time.

Ammu: Thanks! I don't think beautiful bags are hard to find these days, with so many brands trying to grab the attention of the customer. The trick is not bankrupting myself buying too many...

son: I first saw the gold version of this on The Sartorialist and thought it was the coolest thing, so it was a bit of a dream come to true to actually buy this. The nice thing about this metallic finishing is that water runs right off it, with no effect, so I never stress when it starts to drizzle...

nanashi: thank you!
0000 said…
I can totally sympathize with your 'irrational' purchase! I bought a pair of heart-printed red chucks recently. I don't think I could ever wear them with anything other than one outfit, but I wanted something to put a bounce in my step every time I worked out--and what better way to do so than to buy a pair of outrageously loud chucks? Classic does well for the long term, but it's often the little bits of crazy that gives us that extra bounce in our step in the morning.
Rachel said…
I love it -- the Bayswater is actually on my wishlist. Though it's definitely not neutral, the shape balances out the rich color and shine of the leather, so I think that it's the perfect blend of fun and classic. Plus, like others above said, it offsets any outfit nicely. Great purchase!
Kamilla said…
love the bag (:


thewallsaroundus.blogspot.com
Jennifer said…
Whoa, yes, big surprise!
I think the fact that you took time to think about it was a great approach.
Ida said…
I have a small pouch in that very colour, it is so stunning.
Eva said…
Some things don't need to be explained! :) I'm so glad you and your bag are becoming friends. It probably was a sensible purchase, you just needed time to adjust to the bag since it doesn't exactly play into your penchant for low-key pieces. I think the color is absolutely gorgeous.
Ginta said…
I think that diversions from the usual style actually define style! As pairing simple outfit with something along the line but not exactly adds personality to the outfit. And I think that it's good sometimes to surprise people around you by wearing something 'not you'.
Chuck said…
I've seen it in real life and it is a lovely colour. I've given up on the idea of essentials/classics/sensible purchases - I never get as much pleasure or wear out of them as things I buy because I love them. Case in point, when I left school a few years ago I saw a leather jacket that I loved but instead of buying it I got a pair of classic, essential, nice brown boots. Luckily my Mum bought me the jacket as a present and I still wear it at least three times a week while I wore the boots three times a year until they came apart in the snow. Buy for love not sense.

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