I've been scouting for a new work bag since mine (a birthday gift from friends many years ago) is falling apart, and I thought that apart from something that best resembles my current bag, it's about time I invested in something lightweight and durable yet chic.
Thus the closest replacement:
I came across the Noe as well on the website, but didn't bother giving it a second glance.
The picture didn't really appeal to me.
Until I came across pictures of some girls and their Noes, while I was doing my research.
Now, a while ago I was on a rampage against anything plastered with LVs because to me they just scream aunty/tai-tai/I-am-superficial.
When I saw these photos I was gobsmacked-there is nothing aunty about these photos at all! The bag is classically gorgeous; it pulls the whole outfit together beautifully and albeit the casualness, I hate to admit, it oozes simplicity and sophisitication without being OTT.
I tried it on at LV last week and instantly fell in love with what I saw in the mirror.
Since then I've been weighing out the pros and cons in an internal debate on whether or not I should get the Noe, or stick to the Neverfull.
What I love about the Noe:
1. The history behind it. This bag was created in 1932 for atas people to tote champagne bottles around in! Fun fact- Apparently it was named "Noe" (pronounced "no-eh") after Noah, who not only loaded an ark-ful of animals onto his ship, but also loved drinking wine :P
2. The casual factor. I love how it's cute and slouchy. I don't dress up very often, and this bag would compliment my regular demin-shorts+t-shirt combo well.
3. Single shoulder strap. As much as I love my double-handled bags, I hate how one strap always slides off my shoulder!
4. Not everybody has it. Most people seem to either love it or hate it, and not everybody can carry it well. On the other hand, even though the Neverfull would still be the best replacement for my battered old work bag, I cannot tahan knowing that there are 9,327,846,918,463 other girls out there who have the same bag as me.
5. It's a classic. Which means it will never go out of style. The fact that LV hasn't discontinued this line since it came out in 1932 says a lot. It also means that it has good resale value (if I ever have to sell it).
6. Craftsmanship and quality. Pretty much the main reason I am willing to fork out shitloads for a designer piece. My parents have never spoiled me with designer goods and I've never been obsessed with brands, but I hated how my $30 bags would always start to disintegrate after a year or two. After getting my first Gucci a few years ago, I have never bothered with another cheap bag again. I've worked hard to pay off my babies and it's worth every single cent knowing that they are authentic and that they carry the craftsmanship, quality and prestige that come with the price tag.
The drawbacks of the Noe:
1. It's a drawstring bag. This means that it may be a bitch to re-tie and untie it when I need to get things in/out.
2. The depth. The bucket shape of this bag means I'd have to dig around for stuff when it's loaded.
3. The base. The fact that the whole bottom of the Noe is vachetta worries me because vachetta is susceptible to water stains and such, and I tend to throw my bags around a bit. (Vachetta is raw untreated leather, which LV is renowned for using for their bags. The creamy colour of new vachetta turns a golden honey brown as it ages (it's called "patina"), which is what gives vintage LVs their value.)
4. It's more expensive than the Neverfull!! And not as practical.
5. I won't be using it as a work bag, which defeats the whole purpose of buying a new bag (but then, does one reeally need a reason to buy a new bag? XP)
So with that, I have come to the conclusion that...
... I still don't know which one to get.
I need opinions! What do you think, Neverfull or Noe?
