Handbag Reveal: Alexander McQueen Small Legend Bag

Hello friends, Happy Friday! :)

The weather is so nice in SoCal this weekend and I'm excited to spend some time outside, but will probably end up just packing for my trip next week. If you plan on doing some shopping this weekend, Sephora VIB Sale (read my wishlist and recommendations here) is still going on until Monday 4/24. Anthropologie is having extra 40% off sale items starting today. They also sent out a survey email earlier this week and you'll receive 20% off full-price purchase until 4/30 if you complete the survey.

Today, I'm sharing with you the newest handbag in my collection: Alexander McQueen Legend Small Tote Bag in Patchouli, which I purchased from Desert Hills Premium Outlet on Sunday. I will talk you through the background and details of this bag, "What's in my bag?", pictures of me wearing it and lastly, my purchasing story. I hope you'll like it as much as I do!


Background:
According to PurseBlog, the Legend bag was released in 2015. I was under the impression that this style is still available, but could no longer find it in stores or online. So I called the Alexander McQueen outlet yesterday and they confirmed that this style has been discontinued. My bag was from last season.

The first time this bag ever crossed my mind was when I saw Karlie Kloss carrying a larger size in black on PurseBlog. I instantly fell in love with her outfit and how grown-up this bag looks. Apparently, Lauren Graham also wore my same exact bag in "Gilmore Girls".
Photo Credit: PurseBlog (left); ShopYourTV (right)
Details:
  • Material: Grained calfskin
  • Dimensions: 9"H x 9.8"W x 4.5"D
  • Silver embossed logo and brass hardware
  • Zipper across the top
  • 4 brass protective feet on the bottom
  • Three interior pockets: one zipped (back) and two smaller open ones (front)
  • Top handle and shoulder strap are adjustable/removable, but my sales associate strongly recommended against it, saying it's hard to put back on.
  • Made in Italy
Photo Credit: Neiman Marcus website
Dust bag (100% cotton), tag, and leather swatch

What's In My Bag?

These are the items I carry on a regular basis. but I switch out my sunglasses and lip products constantly. There's still a lot of room left in the bag, if I need to carry more things.

Pictures:
I think this bag goes well with both causal and dressy outfits. Below, I've worn it out shopping and also to work.
Top: Anthropologie
Blazer: Classique Entier, Black Tank: Vince (both from Nordstrom Rack)
My Purchasing Story:
My mom and I shopped at Desert Hills Premium Outlet on Sunday and went in (more like I dragged her into) Alexander McQueen. This bag was among the "Further Reduced" bags as soon as I walked in. I was immediately drawn to it and was informed it was further reduced to $845 (originally $1790; outlet price: $1079).

I tried it on and loved the color, structure, and size of this bag. The color is versatile and perfect for spring. Over the years, I've learned that I love structured bags and I think this bag would hold its shape well. The size also fills the gap in my collection, as I have a lot of mini/crossbody bags and large tote bags. It can carried as a top handle or over the shoulder. And it can be zipped up for security. I think this bag would be a great addition to my collection, so I asked my mom for her opinion. She said, "It's still a lot of money. Why don't you use that money toward a Louis Vuitton?" As mentioned in my Spring Handbag Inspirations, I'm on the wait-list for a Louis Vuitton Néonoé. True, true, mother, but can't you seen how different and beautiful this is? I decided to think about it more and asked the sales associate if they could hold it. She said they still had two in the back and I should be fine.

The other reason I didn't want to get this bag right away is because I wanted to see the Daily Blooms Top Handle bag (left) at Gucci, which I saw again in Texas and almost got it there. Unfortunately, they have sold out of the small size (what I wanted) and only had the large size available. They were able to track it down at a different store and offered to have it shipped to me. I hesitated and  asked my mom again. She said, "You won't get as much wear out of this bag." She's right! Although I love the size and the print of this bag, my outfit choices would be a lot more limited.

We returned to Alexander McQueen at the end of the day and finally found the sales associate who helped me earlier. She was happy to see me. They have sold one while I was gone. I tried on the bag again and still loved it. Then I asked myself the question (especially for expensive purchases): "Do I see myself carrying this in 5 years?" The answer is yes! The color and style are very classic.

I informed the sale associate I would like to get the bag and she went to get the last one in the back. I waited and waited... then I saw the embarrassment on her face. It was worse than the display! The front of the bag had visible wrinkles in the leather, like stretch marks! I was devastated... But she said, "Let me clean the display with leather cleaner and we'll take a look under the light at the register." The display had a few minor scratches; the handles had softened and started to tip to one side. I managed to convince her to give me a 10% discount, which brought it down to $760 pre-tax. Just to let you know their return policy: All sales are final (no returns and exchanges), so make sure you are happy with your purchase before you leave the store.

So that's the latest handbag in my collection. I've been carrying it all week and really enjoying it. Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend! ;)


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1 comment:

  1. lizafowlerApril 23, 2017 at 5:42 PM

    I LOVE that handbag! Definitely a classic style, easily wearable in 5 years! Great purchase.

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