After last Monday’s post on building a bag collection, I received some questions about my ideal “work bag” that I had pictured. I deliberately didn’t include brand names/styles in that post because I wanted to highlight the bag styles more than the names, but today I wanted to share with you the story behind my favorite work bag of many years: the Epi Lussac, by Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton Epi Lussac bag
I originally bought this bag during college to hold notebooks and everything I needed for classes – this was before the days of everybody using laptops/iPads! It fit everything like a wallet, a few large notebooks, portfolio, and so on. Like most bags from the Epi line, the Lussac wears like iron and still looks basically brand new today.
The inside has a zip pocket as well as an open pocket, and is lined in the alcantara material that LV uses.
Another feature of the bag I like is the fact that both sides zip down completely – there are two zippers which meet in the middle and you can also use them to zip down the sides so that the bag expands.
Even though the Lussac is very large, it’s also very sleek. I took this quick photo to show you all how it looks against a shortie like me. One problem with being petite is that large shoulder bags often look a little weird on me -but the Lussac doesn’t. Also, the straps hang easily from your shoulders and your arm can hang very comfortably over it. The straps look a bit wonky in this photo but that’s from being stored that way – they flatten out in a few hours of use and look perfect.
I used my Lussac throughout college, and then put it away and forgot about it a very long time. One reason why I wanted to write this post was because about a few years ago, I was obsessed with getting myself a work bag that I could use during the day and that would fit all my files. It’s embarrassing, but I was fixated on getting a work/interview bag that was specifically Chanel – I thought it would be so super duper cool and it would fit the loony image I had in my head as a sleek Chanel toting professional (perhaps due to excessive viewing of The Devil Wears Prada). So I searched long and hard for a bag that a) was black, b) was a durable leather), c) fit comfortable over my shoulder, d) didn’t look too bulky. I stalked all the latest Chanel catalogues that were coming out to see if there was something coming in the next season.
Of course, I never found the perfect offering from Chanel and after a while, realized that my lovely Lussac had been sitting in my closet all along. I felt a little ashamed of myself to be honest. The whole reason why I love beautiful luxury items is that they are supposed to last forever and stand the test of time – which my Lussac clearly had. Then why was I just chasing some other item, just to potentially waste money and add another item to my overflowing closet? And ever since then, I’ve been very happy with my Lussac as my favorite black interview/work bag.
Has this ever happened to you, or am I the only shallow one out there? Have you searched for the perfect bag/dress/shoe/etc out there – only to realize it’s been sitting in your closet all along?
49 Comments
thehautecookie
April 23, 2012 at 12:50 pmlove your purse, you should use it at a work bag for sure-its so versatile! You have inspired me to use my epis. xO!
pjlatte
April 23, 2012 at 1:05 pmThat's so funny. I pretty much had exact same story with the same bag except mine's a blue Lussac! It is a great bag isn't it?
caise
April 23, 2012 at 1:32 pmsuch a beautiful bag
Call me M
April 23, 2012 at 2:32 pmFantastic bag! Perfect for work!
kaloka
April 23, 2012 at 2:49 pmJust right in time entry here girl….Just the other day I was thinking of a perfect working bag to fit all my paperworks and thought about the vlieger&vandam bag…haha!http://kaloka.livejournal.com/126865.html
Thanks for great ideas…
Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
April 23, 2012 at 3:05 pmI love your honesty, Kat! I'm no different. I was getting a little too obsessed with finding the right camera bag that didn't look like a camera bag, if you get my drift. I stalked online stores, blogs, TPF etc etc only to find that the cheapo Cath Kidston messenger bag which was stashed away somewhere suited my needs. Now, every time the desire to possess yet another luxury good arises, I have to physically force myself to check what's in my wardrobe first.
Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
April 23, 2012 at 3:05 pmI love your honesty, Kat! I'm no different. I was getting a little too obsessed with finding the right camera bag that didn't look like a camera bag, if you get my drift. I stalked online stores, blogs, TPF etc etc only to find that the cheapo Cath Kidston messenger bag which was stashed away somewhere suited my needs. Now, every time the desire to possess yet another luxury good arises, I have to physically force myself to check what's in my wardrobe first.
Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
April 23, 2012 at 3:05 pmI love your honesty, Kat! I'm no different. I was getting a little too obsessed with finding the right camera bag that didn't look like a camera bag, if you get my drift. I stalked online stores, blogs, TPF etc etc only to find that the cheapo Cath Kidston messenger bag which was stashed away somewhere suited my needs. Now, every time the desire to possess yet another luxury good arises, I have to physically force myself to check what's in my wardrobe first.
Love.Laugh.Life.Live
April 23, 2012 at 4:04 pmBabe, please do wardrobe tour or handbag & shoe haul that you own recently..pretty please!
Adele
April 23, 2012 at 4:04 pmI love your little story Katherine! The bag is gorgeous, a timeless classic!
Happy Monday Hun xoxo
http://www.intotheblonde.com/
makeupandpearls
April 23, 2012 at 4:38 pmi bought the neverfull when it first came out and jumped on the smallest size – wrong! i wish i had gotten the GM size. 🙁
Janice Liao Shiao
April 23, 2012 at 4:38 pmsimply classic. you make we want to put an order in!
Couture Coco
April 23, 2012 at 4:53 pmGreat post! It looks practically indestructable. I love the LV Epi and would only buy this leather from them. You're not the only one! I was obssessing about the Celine envelope tote then realised I already have a tote with an outside pocket that's served me really well and continues to do so. Funnily enough I posted it at the weekend.
Joanna Le
April 23, 2012 at 5:34 pmI don't have a lot of luxury/designer items in my closet, but that's why I love informative posts like your post on essential bags! I'm glad that you've shared your experiences with us, as it saves me a lot of time from researching bags that I don't necessarily need. I'm sure it'll also save me money in the long run! I adore the Epi leather, and it's amazing to see how it has lasted so well.
http://www.xjole.com
Worthington
April 23, 2012 at 5:58 pmThat Epi Lussac is just beautiful! I am glad you chose it in such a long-term color.
Robots in Trouble
April 23, 2012 at 7:36 pmoh gosh… that bag look soooooo nice!
alison*elle
April 23, 2012 at 8:42 pmThis really is the perfect work bag, Kat! Though I definitely understand. I feel like I'm constantly on the search for the perfect "whatever" only to realize that I actually own something just as great.
xo, alison*elle
Ginger
April 23, 2012 at 9:15 pmJ'adoooore !! Love this kind of bags !! Perfect for working girls !!!
<3 <3
Lamia
http://ginger-chocolateandhoney.blogspot.com/
newpetite
April 23, 2012 at 9:17 pmI know what you mean! That is one gorgeous bag and does look good!
HwalKeeChan by Angie
April 23, 2012 at 10:16 pma very classic piece!
hwalkeechan.blogspot.com
Hilary
April 23, 2012 at 10:48 pmI love that bag. I can totally relate to this post… But when you 're-discover' items like this, doesn't it just thrill you?? 🙂
AM
April 23, 2012 at 11:17 pmLove this bag. And yes, I totally get what you are saying. Every time I look to buy a new bag I just look at all the classic (and expensive) bags I've bought and feel ashamed…lol
Sarah
April 23, 2012 at 11:18 pmSuch a gorgeous bag, looks great on you. I do this from time to time. Thank goodness I always end up back in my closet, otherwise I'd have wasted tons of money!
keepcalmandcarrylipstick.blogspot.com
Anonymous
April 24, 2012 at 2:03 amEpi is very durable and yes, I agree, it still looks brand new! Love the Lussac, hope LV will bring it back.
jamie-lee
April 24, 2012 at 2:50 amOkay so you've pretty much sold me on wanting to buy one of these. It's lovely! And like you say, still looks like new
what.jess.wore
April 24, 2012 at 3:05 amThis post made me laugh. I love the Epi line because all of their bags are low key at classic shapes. I look for other bags all the time but I find that I am satisfied with the ones I have. Do you think the Lussac is a little heavy? I have the Epi Leather Bowling Montaigne PM and with all my things thrown in it's heavy to hang at the crook of my arm. Luckily my bf will carry it for me when I get tired. I always joke and say I have rocks in my canvas coated leather bags by LV. 🙂
Katherine
April 24, 2012 at 5:46 amNo it is very light! Try it out 🙂
Katherine
April 24, 2012 at 5:47 amThat is so funny! Your Lussac sounds lovely, how cool that we are bag twins <3
Mrs C
April 24, 2012 at 2:12 pmThe last time I was in Paris, I was so close to getting myself a camellia pin in leather but something stopped me. Thank Goodness since the ones I already have would have turned into a tree if they could! Hardly used them and whatever made me think I need another is still a blur..
Gillie
April 24, 2012 at 2:36 pmWhat a beautiful, truly classic bag! Perfect for college and now
xo Gillie
dietingfashions
April 24, 2012 at 2:39 pmFor a moment, I thought the Lussac was the Alma. I don't think it's shallow of us to shop for something we already have. I do feel a slight media pressure to purchase something because we've seen it beautifully on someone else. The illusion to attain such a luxury item like that makes us desire it more.
It happens to every one of us.
Helen
Melanie
April 24, 2012 at 3:41 pmIt is a beautiful bag. I'm glad you rediscovered it.
Anonymous
April 24, 2012 at 5:13 pmThanks so much for answering my questions on the work bag! You're awesome and this just hit the top of my BUY list for when I make money after I graduate:) Thanks so much:D
roe
April 24, 2012 at 8:28 pmWOW! this post came at a perfect time. I've been looking for a new work bag,laptop friendly, maybe I should revisit bags that I have. However, that Lussac looks mighty tempting!
Samantha
April 24, 2012 at 9:12 pmUnfortunately, this happens too often for me. I need to edit my closet so I can realize what I have and use it!! I drive myself crazy!
I really like your work bag – it does look brand new!
xo, sam
what.jess.wore
April 25, 2012 at 12:44 amThanks. 🙂
Sorry to hear about your car. My conscience wouldn't allow me to do a hit and run. I once lightly brushed my neighbor's car and you couldn't tell but I still told him anyway. I was so nervous but turns out he was very understanding and he was actually able to buff it out since it was so light.
Lisa
April 25, 2012 at 11:35 amomgosh this is so funny because i've been going through this lately.. i recently "rediscovered" my black caviar jumbo flap.. i stopped using it for a long time because i dunno.. it was so weird whenever i'd wear it.. and i felt like i would run into strangers wearing the same bag.. and i actually even contimplating selling it.. but for whatever reason i took it out for my recent taipei trip.. because it's such a durable bag and i don't have to worry about it getting wet or scratched.. and i can wear it crossbody and it carries a lot.. and i COMPLETELY fell in love with it all over again on my trip! it's funny how that happens :p
i can't believe you've had your LV bag for that long.. it looks in mint condition.. the leather has really held up remarkably well!!!
Cecylia
April 25, 2012 at 11:47 amcongratulations!!! IT'S beautiful!! Wear it well darling
Shu
April 25, 2012 at 2:34 pmHi, I recently came across your blog, I have been nonstop reading it, completely loving it! I just completely love your Celine nano, I live in southeast coast area, there is no Barney store around here, I was wondering could you recommend me a SA from your store, which I could purchase from?
Diva In Me
April 25, 2012 at 3:00 pmIt must be such a luxury for you to carry an LV during college years! My parents are a no-no towards luxury items until we can afford it ourselves. I don't know if it is bad luck or what but every time when I decide to get an LV item, they either ran out of the color I wanted or the size. I tried 3 times now. I've always wanted an LV Epi Leather bag or wallet but always out of luck.
desert heels
April 25, 2012 at 3:07 pmThis is truly a classic piece. It is worth your love 🙂 I completely agree, I often feel guilty of wanting to acquire more when I already have what I need. I guess that's still a challenge for most of us. Great post!
Katherine
April 25, 2012 at 3:37 pmTry either Aloha Rag – you can email them at love@aloharag.com, plus they should ship to you with no sales tax
Otherwise my lovely SA at Nordstrom may be able to help you: Sterling.S.Edwards@nordstrom.com
You can tell Sterling that I sent you 🙂
Annette
April 25, 2012 at 4:17 pmI think it happens to all of us! I hadn't used my LV Epi Alma bag in over a year and went out and bought the Chanel Accordion bag (similar size & style). My sister borrowed my Chanel for an extended vacation. I really needed my Chanel for a work event and was immediately annoyed with myself that I lent my Chanel to my sister. After hours of huffing and puffing, the BF reminded me that I had a closet full of handbags. Of course, then I remembered my LV bag that I had loved for so many years until it was banished to the back of the closet. I don't think it's about being shallow. I think we sometimes fall in love with a beautiful designer piece that is a classic and forget all about the other classic pieces we own!
Shu
April 25, 2012 at 6:00 pmThanks so much. I will try them out.
audrinajulia
April 29, 2012 at 11:38 amI could'nt believe that this LV Epi of yours are from way back.My gosh she looks like a new one! How do you take care of your designer bags? most especially the leather ones? Your epi really perfectly good to see worn with petite gurl- perfect! Sometimes when lusting over a bag it's better yet to check one's closet to figure out if purchasing a new one is a right decision. I always put that in my mind,always! so that I can be contented on what I have and to purchase only what will be needed.
BtW your hair is fabulous!:)
Anne
May 15, 2012 at 4:04 pmLovely read. I think it may have encouraged me to dig deep into my wardrobe where I know a lovely red lussac waits to be rescued and loved again. I have experienced the Hermes slide and have sadly very badly neglected most of my other beautiful bags.
Katherine
May 16, 2012 at 7:38 amA red Lussac sounds lovely! Yes..I too have experienced the Hermes slide 🙂 That’s a great way to put it.
Catherine Charlyon
March 10, 2013 at 9:40 pmI’ve used mine every day for 9 years.
I have never found a bag to compare it can go anywhere,except perhaps to a ball.
For meetings,shopping,the gym,it does it all.
Katherine
March 11, 2013 at 10:25 amSo glad to meet another fan of this amazing bag, Catherine!