For the past few years, I’ve been a happy user of the thicker Longchamp tote for work and travel. It’s lightweight and water-resistant (a must for Boston), perfect for hauling around my daily burden of clunky work laptop, heels, wallet, small makeup baggie, and snacks. Refer to my old Longchamp post for a review on these bags in all sizes.
Lately, however, I’ve been looking for something new. The Longchamp is undeniably functional (and I still highly recommend it), but is more casual, and is seen on the arm of most college girls and working women in Boston.
Enter, Goyard. I first learned about this French company while interning in northern CA. Goyard was founded in 1853, one year before competitor Louis Vuitton, and has a rich history of award-winning luggage and bag making for royals. The only Goyard boutique in the US is in San Fran (though they can also be found in 3 Barneys and at Bergdorf’s).
Their coated canvas with leather products are all handmade in France, and their signature chevron pattern is hand-painted (goodness!) onto the canvas. Owners of Goyard pieces can get them personalized with initials, graphics, and stripes.
Although I was enamored by this lesser-known company and it’s striking chevron, I didn’t buy for a few reasons:
– The price
– A very limited pre-owned market. I don’t mind pre-owned items and like to browse resale markets.
– Their most popular bag, the St. Louis shopping tote, seemed impractical for me.
– Their more structured bags (a better value) were not exactly my style.
Alas, for years I admired these colorful bags from afar, and pointed them out with interest every time I saw one on a stranger (this happens maybe twice a year here in Boston). When Nick surprised me with this blue St Louis PM tote last month, my heart skipped a beat.
After the initial excitement, I regained my senses and started evaluating the bag. Designed as a shopping tote, the St. Louis has thin handles and no zipper. The canvas was thin to me, and did not hold it’s shape very well. I put my 10lbs of laptop and other crap inside, and wasn’t sure if this tote would be able to sustain that kind of weight long-term. Although I was immensely touched that Nick came up with this gift, I wasn’t sure if bag was practical for my lifestyle.
During our trip to Barneys to return the St. Louis, I caught sight of a very polished woman with a red Goyard tote on her arm. I had never seen this style before. It looked smaller in size than the St. Louis PM, had a structured frame, AND a zipper. What could this be? Turns out it was a relatively newer style – the Marquises tote. And even better? This lady had just exchanged a black on black one.
The SA pulled this tote out from behind the counter, and I just loved it. After asking if it’d be ok, I unloaded all of my junk from my Longchamp tote into this purse, and carried it around the store in a test run. Price wise, it’s about 50% more than the St. Louis. The Marquises is still light like the St. Louis, but felt sturdier, and bodes features I need like a zip closure, structured base, and protective metal feet. I felt the overall look was strikingly clean and classic, with over a century of embedded history.
The size of this bag is borderline too big for a 5 feet tall gal, but it’s necessary to fit my daily haul. In comparison, my Lonchamp was similar in size, measuring 18″ across the top, 11″ across the bottom, and 11″ in height. In an upcoming post, I’ll show more photos of this bag against a shorter frame and the different ways it can be carried. Also, since Goyard is often compared against Louis Vuitton, I will be sharing some of my thoughts on how their coated canvas products stack up against each other.
Nearly 100 posts- wowwie kazowie! Go, Jean, go! Your past posts have shown how frugal you are with most purchases- stackable coupons, ebates, thrifting, and selling unneeded things. What a well-thought out purchase. What do people say in these situations? Whatever floats your boat. To each their own. What's good for the goose (may not) good for the gander. Okay so maybe not the last one, but you've certainly opened the flood gates to some interesting conversation! It has also been a quite respectful. Thank you for modeling and for keeping the peace.
@Pepper – haters only hate the things they can't have and the people they can't be
@Pepper
Pepper, you should read this articled titled "Attention annoying hypocrites: Stop being judgmental about your friends’ money habits". This might tell you a few things about WHY you're judging Jean's spending. This post is simple: She bought something, and now she's sharing it (like she does with most of her items).
I can't believe you would unfollow someone's blog because of something they bought. Don't you think Jean put a lot of thought into this? This post IS still about "petite women" as she compares the bag sizes against her small frame. And trust me, thousands of women care about carrying expensive handbags.
One more thing: we all know you're gonna continue lurking her blog whether you like it or not.
Jean, I think you mentioned that you used to have a blog on finances but stopped working on it cause some people thought it was a real snooze. I love reading articles on how to save money and would love to hear what you have to say about it.
Hi Jean! I'm a regular reader but don't normally comment. Your bag suits you perfectly! Congrats on finding something that you love and will use for years to come. You've really done your research and have given us an interesting bag history lesson. Ha ha! I do love knowing the story behind a bag. I also love that post with the pictures of you trying on bags of different sizes – so helpful! Anyways, you seem really happy with your new acquisition and I hope that a few peoples' negative comments do not detract from this!
@Pepper, I know it must be quite a shock to read that someone spent so much on a bag when you are accustomed to reading about the super good deals that Jean shares with us. Please consider, however, that the tone of your post comes across as disrespectful, and is likely to invite negative comments towards yourself. It is perfectly fine to disagree with Jean's opinions/actions and even her sense of aesthetics, but there is no need express yourself in such a hurtful way. I hope the internet can be a better place than that. : ) Jean has always been very diplomatic and sincere in her communications with her readers, and I think that her behaviour towards people is a classy example for your daughter, or anyone.
– oops I meant to say there is no reason NOT to include as much info as possible!
Hi Jean – Thanks for another thoughtful and informative post! I also really appreciate that you included the price because I believe that knowledge IS power, and there is no reason to include as much info as possible – it's so helpful! I hope you ignore any judgmental and negative comments about money that have been posted on your blog. You are awesome!! Thanks again!
@pepper
you're a mother and you act like this? talk about narrow-minded. jean is just sharing her experience and info she researched on the bag, she didn't tell us to go out and buy it….i'm not sure what your problem is but she has splurged on other things yet you've never said anything before which leads me to think there's something else going on here…..
@Pepper: Jean will be better off without a reader like you =).
@Pepper There is no need to bash Jean… people work to be able to spend their money as they please. Some of your comments were absolutely ridiculous. Jean has nothing to be ashamed of, as a matter of fact you do. We're grown ups… this isn't high school… there is no need to demean someone the way you did simply for not agreeing with them. By the way, pointing out that no one "cares" was obviously a lie, because you sure seemed to care a whole lot.
Jean, the bag is gorgeous. You wear it beautifully.
@Pepper It's a shame you have decided to stop reading Jean's blog. You will seriously be missing out 😉
Jean laid out her personal reasons for buying this bag. She isn't forcing you to buy anything or advocating that we all go out and spend our money on this Goyard bag. She is simply providing a helpful review on a bag she saved up money for to purchase, so stop judging her.
Also, no need for personal attacks. If you don't like what Jean blogs about you are of course welcome to voice your opinion, but there is certainly no need to insult Jean's intelligence.
Wow! Congratulations on finally convincing me to stop reading your blog. This post about "needing" to have a thousand dollar, ugly bag is just bananas and I am not following your blog anymore because of it. Where are the posts about showing fashion to petite women?? Id rather spend $150 on the J brand jeans you were unsure about about than spending that on a bags like that. Trust me, it's not worth it, nobody cares. Really.
Hold on a second…aren't you in finance? Lord help your clients, I sure would NOT get advice from you. You don't need a degree to know that any material thing that you purchase, that DOES NOT give you more money in return, is not my friend, an investment. Shame on you. I'm telling my daughter and her friends to stop reading your blog too.
I know it's not "stylish" but I would highly consider using a laptop backpack instead of a tote because you carry around a work laptop everyday. I used to carry around a Macbook and thought THAT was heavy for a public transit commute. (One recommendation: MacCase premium leather top flight).
I know lots of older working women who suffer from years of working (heavy) shoulder bags…and now that have to carry their bags by hand, instead of their right shoulder. Be careful about how heavy your work totes are, whether it's $5 or $5,000 😛
That outfit is lovely on you! 🙂 Perfectly prim.
Besos,
Lela
Enter my blog competition to win Jeffrey Campbell Litas!
Lovely bag Jean! It's beautiful, functional, and you love it. Good find! I like the black much better than the blue, and the shape is much better suited to you.
I find it interesting how many people tend to spend their "fun money". Some people invest in where they live (you know the types, their house is immaculately furnished and gorgeous at all times). Some people invest in vacations (the types who are always counting down to their next exotic trip). Some people invest in food (foodies who ONLY eat at the best restaurants). Some invest in their closets (this is me…I usually live in cheap apartments, eat cheap food, rarely take vacations…but you can find all my "fun money" in my closet). This is just to name a few (beauty spenders, child spenders, too many to name)! Each type thinks the other is crazy for spending so much in any other area. Again, I said most people, because I also know there are spending-phobes who sock away EVERYTHING.
Along a similar line, I also know a lot of people who invest in things they "live in". Such as in Los Angeles, lots of people live in crap places, but own nice expensive cars. For the amount of our lives Angelinos spend in traffic, commuting, etc., it's a worthy investment for us. In your case, living in a city where you walk everywhere or take public transport makes it more likely that you'd want to invest in a bag that you can stylishly and safely schlep your life around in.
It's all fascinating! And I'll admit to feeling sheepish about bringing my expensive handbags and shoes around friends or co-workers who don't spend the same way. However, most of these people are foodies or vacationers, so they're spending just as much as me…just in another way. But of course, we all think the other is nuts for doing so. =)
Have you considered buying a celine work tote? The work tote is gorgeous and is made of genuine leather instead of coated canvas. I think your goyard tote, through beautiful, is too expensive for the material it is made out of.
Even though I'm completely bag-ignorant, I love the bag, it's utterly beautiful. The pattern reminds me of MC Escher.
I wouldn't ever presume to judge you for your purchases or spending habits (as I probably spend as much on my pets, hobbies, etc), and I completely agree with the philosophy of "spending and enjoying what's left over." However, I do have issues with the internet culture surrounding designer purchases on blogs (not yours) and places like ThePurseForum– sometimes I think the "supportive" rhetoric at those places builds up the items to a horrific degree. People always "congratulate" each other on a purchase, or say they "need" such-and-such bag. I've always thought that congratulations were for genuine achievements/ hard-work (maybe if you've been saving up for the bag for ages, but then the congratulations should be for the saving, not the bag-obtaining). They also almost never mention the retail price. All the language ultimately creates this massive consumerist, spending-obsessed group mentality.
I was once linked to a thread on TPF where a woman showed off what was probably a hundred or so Hermes orange boxes, some filled with little key chain things and some with bigger bags and whatnot. It was one of the scariest things I'd ever seen– more money than I spend in five years, all in orange boxes– and everyone was congratulating her and telling her she was amazing! It doesn't take much skill or talent to spend money indiscriminately at Hermes (perhaps to earn the money in the first place…), but I feel like the culture builds designer-shopping up to be some sort of extreme sport, complete with adoring spectators.
If I had the income, I'd invest, esp if it's an investment for work, at which most ppl spend 1/3 (or more) of their day. and it's part of a gift, so enjoy!! As far as retirement, never worry – isn't that what kids are for? hahah i joke.
thx for the intro to this brand. Last picture is classy! I love jet black hair w/light skin & red lips.
(omg, i think my work blocked my capabilities to comment on blogs.)
I keep coming back to your blog because it's very thoughtful- the posts, the honesty, and your gracious answers to as many readers as possible. (Even when comments become prickly and judgmental!)
I remember that you posted about how you budget your fashion spending, and it tied in very nicely with the article Vicky posted. You're justified in your choices… and that beautiful Goyard can be passed down to the next generation- how's that for value?
My first comment on your blog : ) and even I'm a big big fan of wendy's lookbook, I like your blog very much too. It's different but very informative.
What a heated debate about that bag! I like the Goyard very much but- don't take it amiss- I really thought you forget the point somewhere on the price. LOL. Although this bag would almost devour my monthly salary I think as long as we don't forget about the basic commodities in life- like humanity, helpfulness, thankfulness… everyone should spent/waste as much money as he likes to for anything he wants to. OMG my English is a real mess.
Enjoy your beautiful tote as a daily companion ; ) I would if I could do so too!
Love from Hamburg, germany
Following her around the store, how hilarious – maybe you can get the video from the store's security cameras and show us?! 🙂
Jean, I admire your etiquette for taking compliments and criticism so graciously. As much as you are welcoming everybody's own personal judgement and tastes in material objects to be shared, I wish for you to receive the same courtesy back.
I'm lovin the color of the bag very much. Do enjoy your lovely bag in good health 🙂
The blue print is young and fun, whereas the black feels more classic and work-appropriate to me. Great choice in exchanging for the second bag. Can not wait to see it with future outfits!
Sometimes I wish talking about money isn't such a taboo topic. I find it interesting to hear about other people's spending habits. Sure, I judge others, but I also know I get judged. I feel it's almost human nature to be judgemental, but the intention behind it all is what's important. Are you judging because you use it as a resource to see how your spending/saving stack up against others, either to keep yours in check or pat yourself on the back so to speak? I think that's perfectly fine. Or are you judging because you're truly worried that some aren't living within their means and you want to help? I also think this is okay, but they may not necessarily take your caring as such. Or are you judging because you're jealous that others have the means to spend more than you? This one is trickier because it's harder to know their circumstance. Ie: they may have gotten lucky and have family money, or are they working harder for their money? If the latter, perhaps it's time to work harder yourself. I'm a believer that as long as you have good intentions behind all the judging/curiosity, it's all good.
Jean: I like the bag (structure, shape, size). The bag may seem a bit mature but it looks great on you. It is something you can use for the years to come. I personally love coated canvas for an everyday work bag. I use my Dior Panarea for months and couldn't be happier, very low maintenance and classic looking. I highly recommend if someone is looking for a large tote bag.
I am much older than you and I always admire your choice of clothes/bags/shoes and accessories from afar because you have great style. I didn't have any of the high end designers pieces until this year. You are a strong, smart and beautiful young lady so I say screw the people who judge you with no good intention. No need to explain to the world how you spend or save cuz they will still judge. You work and save to buy them, not rob the bank. Judging is a human's epidemic.
What was your previous blog? Is it still posted somewhere?
I love the bag you exchanged it for! And I love the colorful sweater you are wearing in the first picture too! I can't seem to find it online at oldnavy. Did you get it in store? Thanks!!
<3
what lipcolor are you wearing here? pretty!
Jean, I think you made a great choice with this bag. When I saw that last picture of you with the bag I thought, "That is SO Jean." It suits you perfectly. I love hearing your reasons for why you make the purchases you do, whether it's a Target item or a Goyard tote. Thank you for your transparency. I (a non-luxury) buying woman have never heard of Goyard so I appreciate you posting the price you paid as I was hoping you would while I was reading the post leading up you posting the price.
Great article recommendation Vicky! I get a lot of comments from coworkers and friends alike based on their perception (only) of my wardrobe. Yes, I love to shop, yes it seems like I never wear the same thing twice but I buy pieces that I know go with my current items so I can mix and match and it looks like I'm never wearing the same thing. And yet, I don't have thousands of dollars in credit debt and I don't ask for anyone's help in paying for my lifestyle. Matter of fact, my husband and I actually make enough to support ourselves, two kids and my in-laws who live with us, in addition to helping out other family members when they can't financially support themselves. I definitely know the work that goes into every dollar earned, have known since I started working at age 14! I even worked long before that alongside my parents. You work hard for your money and it's no one's place to ridicule you for it. You deserve it and kudos to you for finding yourself the perfect, sophisticated tote to match your style!
Jean, I hope your readers have your best interest in heart when they commented on your spending habit, making sure that you have money left over for other things – wedding, family, babies, college, you name it (not hinting anything..) Keep in mind though being judgmental is just part of human nature trying to justify their own lifestyle. So, take it with a grain of salt. I also want to share this article with your readers shared by Janelle on twitter. I think it's a fantastic read:
http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/judgmental-money-spending/
The bag is stunning, and you look incredible with it. As for the price, yes it is expensive but it is absolutely fine to splurge once in a while. Don't let anyone guilt you into thinking otherwise. There are bags that are considerably more expensive than your bag – it's not like you went out and spent $5,000 (and even if you did, that is your decision and not deserving of criticism). And as for the bag being too old for you (again, I am referring to a few negative posts), totally ridiculous. You look young, chic, and elegant with that bag, especially paired with your beautiful trench. Very European. All in all, a magazine-worthy look. Good job!
"I creepily followed her around the store" hahaha this line made me laugh so hard (i am sitting in a room by myself at my bfs place reading ur blog..his family probably thinks i am crazy!!)
Anyways, onto the topic at hand. I don't think the bag is worth it imo longchamp is better in terms of looks AND price.
However, u look lovely 🙂
Great bag!!! I'm a fan of Goyard but sadly, doesn't own one (yet). I'm looking for a pre-owned one but there doesn't seem to be much around. I've been eyeing the Goyard Sac Vendome PM but when I found out how much a new one costs, I almost fell out of my chair!!! And in my dreams, I want a burgundy one but apparently, Goyard charges much more for other colors aside from black, red and tan. Oh well, I hope they come out with a smaller Marquises (with a smaller price tag).
I have seen the st.louis bag all over New York when I was visiting and was wondering what the brand is "now I know thanks to you" and its style reminded me of the "never full" LV similar style "I thought the st.louis pattern must have been an LV cruise collection or something".I lived in Boston for over 5 years and recently moved to Louisiana and never saw a st. Louis bag carried anywhere in Boston,as you said longchamp was always a winner.
I do like the st. Louis casual look but the marquises suits your style better and more classic.I wanted to know what would you recommend for a more budget friendly classic everyday bag, and what do you think of Michael Kors the Hamilton large tote?and what you think of Tory burch "especially her small evening bags vs. a high end brand small evening bag such as dior?would you get a Tory bag or wait til you can get a small dior or chanel?
Thank you for your wonderful blogs.
I love your choice and it's sweet Nick has been paying attention to your likes. I still can't believe they are hand painted!!
http://www.fashionofmysoul.blogspot.com
I think it looks great on you, Jean. It's functional and classic! And, there's nothing wrong with treating yourself once in a while 🙂
Jean – your choice of bag definitely does not age you. It's unique, timeless, and classic! Definitely an investment. I believe you're in finance, since you're going for your CFA. My brother is a CFA in the east coast (CT, now in Manhattan) and I know how conservative that field is, especially in conservative Boston! (I've been downtown in your financial district and have seen how professional
women dress there). He handles accounts for other corporations, so his clients are mostly CFO's and the like. I can imagine that you meet with similar high-profile clients as well. You dress the part with your sophisticated work wardrobe + accessories. I love how you round up your wardrobe with fun weekend wear.
BTW I finally enabled my Blogger account so I can post comments. I've been following you and other petite bloggers since early this year. It's still a pain to leave comments since I'm on my phone a lot when I do my blog-reading – that's why I usually resort to Twitter to connect with you guys! ~Jen E.
I like the St. Louis' color – it is a fun blue color. But I like how the Marquises has a more polish appeal to it.
And there's nothing wrong to splurge once in a while.
You are always so beautiful and stylelish<3 I was really glad that you note my post <3 :)
Love your style!!:)
Looks great on you and match the outfit! Just one question, is the material flimsy ?is it durable?
Looks perfect on you! I love how the structured style will hold a crisp shape! I heart the classic Goyard style and hope one day to have my own!
xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com
Jean – I think your Goyard is classic, beautiful and sophisticated. I've never seen that new style. I love how you can have fun with your clothes but you elevate the outfits with quality accessories. I recently was able to score a YSL tote bag on sale so a Goyard tote will have to wait until I've saved up again. 🙂 I am inspired by your low/high fashion style and love how you share your sales and honest postings of high end purchases (I really appreciate you adding the prices). Thanks!
oh boyyy, i also recently invested in a work bag and i'm afraid to post it now lol. i really admire women who live a balanced life…whether it is with material goods or whatever. i share the same philosophy with you, jean. i have a set amount for spendings and savings so i happily spend whatever is left. but i understand why others might not see it that way though. my bf knows damn well how much $$ i save each month yet he still raises an eyebrow every time i invest in something "nice." i applaud your "frugal-but-knows-when-to-splurge" lifestyle so rock on! 🙂
now, to this beautiful bag. i haven't seen too much of this brand but i definitely adore the fun prints. you look so classy in that last shot, i love it. i had slightly different requirements in a work bag because thankfully, i don't have to lug around a laptop every day. congrats on finding this beauty and ending your long search. i can imagine your co-workers & clients loving (envying) your style 😛
Thank you everyone else for sharing your suggestions with us! Well Heeled Blog – the red lodis is quite striking!
@Lesley W. Gao The watch is Michael Kors "Jet set" style in tortoise : ) The Prada tote you linked to is beautiful. When I was in Toronto recently, I noticed many women looking very sharp in their business wear and black Prada leather totes. I'd be too afraid to put my laptop in a nice leather bag, and I'd be especially worrysome of a nice leather bag being in the rain and snow. In the last week alone, the Goyard had to withstand two commutes in the rain when I forgot my umbrella.
@AnonymousHi there – thank you for being a longtime reader, and there's absolutely no need to be shy to post under your name. I welcome and value all honest opinions, and I never expect everyone to agree with my personal taste : ) I think the Celine luggage tote is gorgeous and I've been admiring it on many bloggers (I have yet to see any on someone in Boston). When I went to return my bag, you betcha I tried some luggage totes on at Barneys. One thing I noticed is how weighty it is, and I've heard from fellow bloggers that it gets very heavy when filled. And for the same reasons I mentioned above, a nice leather bag is currently not functional for me as an everyday tote, so alas I have to stick to nylon or canvas and admire the beautiful leather ones on others! One day, if I no longer had to carry a laptop nor commute in New England weather, I'd love a mini luggage tote in taupe.
@Anonymous Hi April! If you enjoy reading blogs on Blogger, I think it's fairly easy to create a blogger account just for commenting. It helps us put comments to a name/face : ) And thank you for your opinion re: size. Ideally, for someone my height I'd recommend sticking to 12" wide bags or smaller. Having a 15" laptop is a bummer.
Ohh! I love that purse! It looks like a great carry-on bag, too! That was so thoughtful of Nick!
I have been using the same bag for work since I started teaching in early 2006…a Cole Haan purse (about the same size as your bag) that my in-laws gifted me as a graduation present. It has held up so well!
And…I love that Old Navy sweater on you!! I was just showing my husband your purse when he asked me to "go back up" to where your sweater was…he likes it too! 🙂
I think it's beautiful! Congrats 🙂
Wow the price of that makes the Longchamp bags seem like a bargain! It does look gorgeous though, very sophisticated. As an art major, I can't even imagine hand painting that pattern so perfectly! I would probably charge that amount if I was the one doing the painting!
I'm a long time follower of your blog but am a bit shy to post my current opinion through my name – sorry! This is the only one of your picks that I don't like. You have a very classic style and while the Goyard print is timeless, the shape and details of this bag are not. The contrasting tan on the handles, the boxiness and inelegant shape makes it an unworthy investment …it doesn't look expensive and classy like your other accessories. I could see a Celine luggage tote fitting more into your style….still, at the end of the day- if this makes you happy, that's the most important thing. Am only offering my opinion in case you were undecided still.
I love Ivanka Trump Alexandrite Satchel (you can get it on endless.com) or Ivanka Trump Madison Satchel. They are both big enough and have structured shapes.
Also wanted to share that Tumi & MZ wallace also have great waterproof light nylon/poly women's handbags with zippers, perfect for work!
I carry a Jack Russell Malletier "Jardinier 52" leather tote for work. The straps are long enough for a short shoulder and it's big but not too big. I have the same tote in black canvas with gray straps for rain/winter weather.
I found them in Paris and they're just appropriately whimsical for a 24 year old but still very professional and fashionable.