Owned by Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch

ByPamela Lutrell Hours Categories Fashion
Comments 16 Comments

There is just something about the atmosphere of a beauty salon that I love. Oh I realize they have quite a distinctive odor, but the sounds of women laughing and talking just seem to make all distractions go away. I always smile as I witness ladies who do not know each other bond together in conversation on whatever the topic of the day seems to be. Today, I looked over at the young lady waiting patiently while my color was applied. Her feet were beautiful in a gold pair of Tory Burch sandals….she sat texting away on her I-Phone…comfortably styled in skinny jeans and a pink Ralph Lauren Polo button down…sitting next to her was a large Louis Vuitton hobo bag. During the conversation, I discovered she was 20 years old and attending college in another state. While her brows were waxed and her hair trimmed, we discussed internships and whether she should go to New York or the Bahamas during spring break.

Found these beautiful rings at Serendipity Clothing SA, a local
Consignment Boutique.  They are on sale for $17.  Which one
do you think I bought??

She pleasantly surprised me when, after her hair was trimmed, she picked up a broom and swept the salon floor. Smiling and remembering, she said she had done this since she was a little girl and had been coming to this same place most of her life…it was a touch of home. After she left, I commented that her parents must do very well to keep her and other siblings in college especially dressed the way she was dressed. My stylist just shook her head and mumbled in Spanish before telling me, “They have the most credit card debt of anyone. They live on so many cards and just give minimum payments. Their children do not offer to get jobs while they are in college, but they want the nicest stuff possible. It is very sad that the parents did not learn to say no.”

I admit Tory Burch is fabulous! I stared at this pair recently
for a very long time!



I drove away thinking about the times I have wanted to be the woman who only shops at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom’s, Neiman Marcus and the nicest boutiques. But, that is just not the life I have….nor would I want to be a slave to many credit cards living under the constant stress of how those cards will get paid. The Tory Burch shoes were amazing, but I would not want to be owned by them….I would want them to be owned by me.

If I had the money, I would so be here;
but for now, it can be an inspiration!



Last week, when I was a guest on the radio show, Kristin (the host) said that she likes this blog because it is for the everyday woman. I hope that is true…we can still look fabulous, ladies, and not be stressed by credit card payments. Yes, I shop at Kohl’s, Ross, Marshalls, and consignment boutiques; and use many coupons and special offers.  Today I picked up money at one consignment shop and took it over to spend with another!  I love to discover a designer treasure at Goodwill or a garage sale.  I hope that encourages the readers to do the same. It’s so much better than a ball & chain around your neck!

While I would love some
Tory shoes, there are none here!
Jacket: Goodwill
Jennifer Lopez Blouse: Kohls
Lee Jeans: Kohls
Sam Edelman Flats: DSW

Simply Vera Bracelet: Kohls

The knits in the Jennifer Lopez Collection are
perfect…with an ultra soft and expensive
feel to them…but not expensive!
You can look and feel your best without going bankrupt!

16 Comments

  2. Yes! When I was younger and making a lot more money; I admit I bought more expensive clothes, always on sale though, always. I could never justify full price!

    You look great Pam!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

  3. What a great post. I have a Louis Vuitton bag, but I saved up for it, so when the credit card bill came due, I had the money! I take great care of it and hope to pass it on to my daughter one day. I love nice things but I like saving up for them. Also, I can only have a few really special wonderful things. I think I would have terrible guilt if everything was special. I would also be in over my head in debt. I think you should submit this to IFB Links a La Mode. Everyone could use this reminder as we head into holiday season! XO, Jill

  4. I agree with Jill–if you can save up for it then great; but if you really cant afford it and must charge it–pass on it and learn to live within your means. something the world has forgotten lately!
    You look like a million bucks, Pam!

  6. LOVE you SE flats…of course they are form my FAV shoe store, hehehe. I couldnt agree more with this post Pam….many people are really setting bad examples for their kiddos living beyond their means…..THEY are the ones who cant sleep at night…CHloe often says "so and so has this kind of house, or car, or clothes"…I make sure I tell her that her "so an so friend" doesnt, that their PARENTS do…and hopefully they can afford it:)


    Statements in Fashion: A Funky Little Fashion Blog

  7. Yes you can!!!! I love visiting your blog. That bracelet is gorgeous by the way, I am a huge Kohls fan. Sending hugs your way and wishes for a beautiful day ahead xo

  8. That young lady will have some tough lessons to learn down the road. It's a shame her parents didn't set a better example.

    It's true that one doesn't have to spend a fortune to look good, and you are a living testament to that, Pam!

  9. I think this is such a key thing to repeat again and again in style blogging. Debt is not worth it for the latest IT item. My youngest sister just graduated from college and got her first corporate job. She felt self conscious because her car is An old beater that while in decent shape is no where near as impressive as the other cars in the lot. When I reminded her that she payed cash for hers using money she made as a coffee barista during a summer job and that at least 75%of the other cars were likely owned by people still making huge payments on them… Well, she started to feel a lot better about her 11 year old Toyota.

  10. Thank you for this post. As a person relatively new to the world of style, it's a bit daunting at times see what people are spending to look good. I agree with Pseu that the young woman's parents are setting a truly bad example.

  11. The comments of the woman at the salon were gossip.

    I think we all devote the resources that are right for us in our quest to look good. One woman's necessities are anothers' extravagances.

  14. I'm pretty cheap when it comes to buying clothes! I used to own (more expensive) pieces when I was at home & my parents were buying them. When I got to be an adult I realized that my money was better spent in other aspects of my life! I have a 12 year old daughter now who doesn't mind one bit wearing Goodwill & Consignment shop clothes. I think it's a valuable lesson to teach them when they are young!

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