Deleted
Joined: Oct 12, 2024 3:28:53 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2015 19:32:44 GMT -5
I'm not exactly the most stylish person in the world. I have to carry a lot of papers back and forth from work to grade, and I usually use a reusable bag from the grocery store.
But the school issued Dell chrome books to go with the Ipad. So I "needed" something to carry one or both around in. I can't really leave either one in the car when I go to the grocery store on my way home. I have to pay the full price if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. Actually, I bought the insurance so I have to "only" pay $150 copay under those circumstances. The unfairness of that should be another post.
So I "splurged" and bought a Vera Bradley laptop tote. It was clearance so half-price minus 15% for Tax Day plus $4 shipping since I found a code online. So it cost $41 total. It came yesterday, and it is awesome. And I felt so stylish . . . until I looked in the mirror at my reusable grocery bag. Lol.
On one of the trading sites, a guy has a NWT (new with tags) tote in the same pattern for $25. I'm trying to convince myself to buy it. But that's a lot of spending this month. We also bought DH a new bed that was a queen instead of a full so $1800 there. We also had to buy two new mattress pads, two sets of sheets, and a new blanket. All that totaled about $200 after coupons, credit card points, and a little leftover gift card. Forget a new comforter right now.
But the tote won't be available next month or maybe even next week.
I can't decide what to do. I know if I buy the matching tote, I will want a matching wallet. And then a lanyard.
See what a slippery slope? WWYD?
|
|
kittensaver
Junior Associate
We cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Joined: Nov 22, 2011 16:16:36 GMT -5
Posts: 7,983
|
Post by kittensaver on Apr 21, 2015 19:36:19 GMT -5
Put them on your Birthday and Christmas lists.
|
|
andi9899
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 6, 2011 10:22:29 GMT -5
Posts: 31,332
|
Post by andi9899 on Apr 21, 2015 19:41:42 GMT -5
Will the papers not fit in the laptop bag? If so, then no. If not, is $25 going to mean a late bill or not buying groceries this week? If not, sure. It's not like it's another $100+, and you did get the other one super cheap. But at least wait for another paycheck before buying the wallet, lanyard, matching shoes etc.
|
|
alabamagal
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 11:30:29 GMT -5
Posts: 8,148
|
Post by alabamagal on Apr 21, 2015 19:51:49 GMT -5
Go for it.
If it is stylish and functional go for it.
I bought a $60 Swiss gear laptop backpack for my work trip to Europe. It was SO worth it.
|
|
Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
|
Post by Lizard Queen on Apr 21, 2015 19:55:15 GMT -5
I'm not exactly the most stylish person in the world. I have to carry a lot of papers back and forth from work to grade, and I usually use a reusable bag from the grocery store.
But the school issued Dell chrome books to go with the Ipad. So I "needed" something to carry one or both around in. I can't really leave either one in the car when I go to the grocery store on my way home. I have to pay the full price if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. Actually, I bought the insurance so I have to "only" pay $150 copay under those circumstances. The unfairness of that should be another post.
So I "splurged" and bought a Vera Bradley laptop tote. It was clearance so half-price minus 15% for Tax Day plus $4 shipping since I found a code online. So it cost $41 total. It came yesterday, and it is awesome. And I felt so stylish . . . until I looked in the mirror at my reusable grocery bag. Lol.
On one of the trading sites, a guy has a NWT (new with tags) tote in the same pattern for $25. I'm trying to convince myself to buy it. But that's a lot of spending this month. We also bought DH a new bed that was a queen instead of a full so $1800 there. We also had to buy two new mattress pads, two sets of sheets, and a new blanket. All that totaled about $200 after coupons, credit card points, and a little leftover gift card. Forget a new comforter right now.
But the tote won't be available next month or maybe even next week.
I can't decide what to do. I know if I buy the matching tote, I will want a matching wallet. And then a lanyard.
See what a slippery slope? WWYD?
Yes, as I'm a sucker for VB. (Why didn't you share there was a sale going on? I've been thinking about getting a hipster.) However, I'd skip the wallet and the lanyard. I'm picky about the design of wallets, and I couldn't justify the price for a lanyard.
|
|
msventoux
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 12, 2011 22:32:37 GMT -5
Posts: 3,037
|
Post by msventoux on Apr 21, 2015 19:58:11 GMT -5
Get the tote and save up for all of the matching accessories if that's what you really want.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 12, 2024 3:28:53 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2015 20:07:32 GMT -5
I don't really WANT all the matching accessories. I just know that I will start noticing that whatever doesn't work with it. Like the orange reusable CVS bag sort of clashed with my red purse and the stylish new brown VB bag. I've taken that orange CVS bag to school for at least the last 3 months with my red purse. Orange is one of our school colors so we pretend orange doesn't clash with anything. But today it bothers me . . .
I'll probably get it. I just feel like I have a money hangover right now. All we have done lately is buy something. I don't regret the laptop tote. It will hold my Ipad and the Chromebook. (As if I really need to haul two devices around everyday . . . .) I can also stick my keys and wallet in another pocket so got rid of the red purse for now. But, no, it won't hold the 150-300 (only 2 sets for everyone I teach) that I typically carry around.
New teachers always buy these professional looking briefcases, and then we laugh at them. The reusable bags for 99 cents (or usually free for teachers somewhere) are more efficient.
Being stylish is so not me. But that new laptop tote really is nice . . .
|
|
dannylion
Junior Associate
Gravity is a harsh mistress
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 12:17:52 GMT -5
Posts: 5,213
Location: Miles over the madness horizon and accelerating
|
Post by dannylion on Apr 21, 2015 20:56:03 GMT -5
It's $25, not $2500. It's something that will arguably improve the quality of your life (easier to organize papers and whatnot in a bag designed to carry not-groceries than in a grocery bag. It matches your laptop tote bag. It will probably lift your spirits. It's something fun. That's a lot of benefits for $25. I'd buy it.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 12, 2024 3:28:53 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2015 22:04:35 GMT -5
Buy the tote Susana. Buying the bag and a tote is a small splurge on something that will make you happy every single day!
You seem to be able to justify what you spend for others, but what about you!?
My daughter is a teacher and I bought her a leather tote. She uses it every day (it holds computers plus papers & files). I am so happy we bought that. I also gave her my Brighton lanyard. She gets lots of compliments on it from the other teachers.
Put the other things on your birthday, mother's day, holiday gift list. I know you would rather have the wallet than a mother's day lunch!!
ETA: FANTASTIC job on the cost on the first tote @southernsusana true YM/Smart Spending job there!!!
|
|
Knee Deep in Water Chloe
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 21:04:44 GMT -5
Posts: 14,248
Mini-Profile Name Color: 1980e6
|
Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Apr 21, 2015 22:24:39 GMT -5
GET THE TOTE
|
|
cronewitch
Junior Associate
I identify as a post-menopausal childless cat lady and I vote.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:44:20 GMT -5
Posts: 5,979
|
Post by cronewitch on Apr 21, 2015 22:39:11 GMT -5
Get the tote put everything else on wishlist on amazon then tell people you have one if they need gift ideas.
|
|
taz157
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 20:50:06 GMT -5
Posts: 12,940
|
Post by taz157 on Apr 21, 2015 22:40:28 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Apr 22, 2015 10:37:04 GMT -5
Get the tote, if it will help you carry your stuff easier, SS. I had one that I used to carry all the time too. Just buying the tote does not mean that you have to buy the entire line! My makeup bag is also VB, that I found on the sale table. I can no longer get the fabric, but I really don't care. All my pieces are 10+ years old, so they do hold up fairly well.
However, I will warn you that they discontinue certain fabrics fairly quickly and if you want the other pieces, sooner is better than later.....especially if it is on sale now.
|
|
Spellbound454
Senior Member
"In the end, we remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends"
Joined: Sept 9, 2011 17:28:42 GMT -5
Posts: 4,096
|
Post by Spellbound454 on Apr 22, 2015 12:43:01 GMT -5
I wouldn't fret about buying a nice bag that you are going to use every day....... and loads of people are going to see you with
I use the same reasoning for getting a new coat. Some people will only ever see me in my coat...... so it has to be a good one.
|
|
flamingo
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 17, 2012 10:38:09 GMT -5
Posts: 1,961
Mini-Profile Name Color: 7c65d4
|
Post by flamingo on Apr 22, 2015 13:39:06 GMT -5
Since it's only $25, I would totally get it. Being stylish isn't always important, but it's a small sum of money for something you are still thinking about. And, since it sounds like it will be functional for you, that's even better
I bought my first Vera Bradley bag a few weeks ago. I've never really been into them before, but it has about 100 inside pockets which is what I needed. It was on sale, plus I had a coupon, so end price was about $40. Worth every penny!! It's versatile and has many uses other than the one thing I bought it for. I don't think you'll be sorry
|
|
tcu2003
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 31, 2010 15:24:01 GMT -5
Posts: 4,955
|
Post by tcu2003 on Apr 22, 2015 14:08:56 GMT -5
I bought a $60 Swiss gear laptop backpack for my work trip to Europe. It was SO worth it. I am jealous of this bag!
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48,100
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Apr 22, 2015 14:09:29 GMT -5
According to my Phil Script, a lump sum investment of $25.00 bearing an annual return of 11% could grow to $572.31 in 30 years!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 12, 2024 3:28:53 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2015 14:13:27 GMT -5
According to my Phil Script, a lump sum investment of $25.00 bearing an annual return of 11% could grow to $572.31 in 30 years! That's what I am afraid of. Of course, I will be 91 at that point so I wouldn't enjoy spending it, anyway.
|
|
dannylion
Junior Associate
Gravity is a harsh mistress
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 12:17:52 GMT -5
Posts: 5,213
Location: Miles over the madness horizon and accelerating
|
Post by dannylion on Apr 22, 2015 14:49:46 GMT -5
According to my Phil Script, a lump sum investment of $25.00 bearing an annual return of 11% could grow to $572.31 in 30 years! That's what I am afraid of. Of course, I will be 91 at that point so I wouldn't enjoy spending it, anyway. On the other hand, the improved organization you would gain from the acquisition of the bag could potentially enable you to increase your current earnings by more than $25, which if invested at 11% for 30 years would give you even more money not to enjoy spending when you are 91. The apparent opportunity cost of spending instead of investing the $25 needs to be balanced against the potential opportunity cost of not spending the $25.
|
|
wyouser
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:35:20 GMT -5
Posts: 12,126
|
Post by wyouser on Apr 22, 2015 17:14:38 GMT -5
Can I smirk before being sent to my room? Die (the) Tote in German translates to "the dead" (plural)
|
|
plugginaway22
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 10:18:42 GMT -5
Posts: 1,659
|
Post by plugginaway22 on Apr 22, 2015 18:30:06 GMT -5
Boy I wish I stopped and analyzed every $25 I spend. I think that it is a problem for me to not even think about dropping $25, but I become paralyzed at about $100. You are way more YM than me.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 12, 2024 3:28:53 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2015 19:42:09 GMT -5
Boy I wish I stopped and analyzed every $25 I spend. I think that it is a problem for me to not even think about dropping $25, but I become paralyzed at about $100. You are way more YM than me. I'm picking it up tomorrow. I would really regret not getting it. I left the laptop locked in the closet at school so I could use the laptop tote as a tote this afternoon while I was tutoring my homebound student. That tells me that I would really find it useful.
I don't analyze every $25 except when it is for something "frivolous." The laptop tote was a need although it didn't have to be Vera Bradley. I have to protect the school's investment since I am required to pay for damage or loss. But I have totes (reusable bags) galore that work for carrying papers. So this was a want.
Wants are harder. But what the heck! I splurge very little because I'm not really into stuff. Even my husband encouraged me to buy it because he so rarely sees me want something enough to buy it.
So I will be styling on Friday . . . when school is out. It's going to snow on Friday in Alabama (Inclement Weather Day).
|
|
dannylion
Junior Associate
Gravity is a harsh mistress
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 12:17:52 GMT -5
Posts: 5,213
Location: Miles over the madness horizon and accelerating
|
Post by dannylion on Apr 22, 2015 19:55:29 GMT -5
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 12, 2024 3:28:53 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2015 13:06:25 GMT -5
I don't know how to link pictures, but I do know how to change my avatar! I actually think it's highly appropriate. Lol. ETA: Rukh posted it for me.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 12, 2024 3:28:53 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2015 13:35:46 GMT -5
doesn't come out much bigger... wow - all the VB bags look like the stepped out from the 60's.... All that paisley, you mean? It certainly is popular with the girls I teach, though. Thanks for posting the picture.
|
|
Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
|
Post by Lizard Queen on Apr 23, 2015 14:16:01 GMT -5
DH HATES paisley, so I try to stay away from it. I guess all the prints I have are discontinued. I have a tote in this: which, I found out, is a really versatile print as the colors in it match a ton of my clothes. I also have a backpack in this: which I didn't love at first, but got it because the price was right. It's really grown on me. I used to LOVE this pattern: I have a smaller backpack in this pattern, but don't care for it as much now. It's just weird how that works. I think it depends on how well it goes with my clothes, vs. being a stand-alone pattern.
|
|
Malarky
Junior Associate
Truth and snark are equal opportunity here.
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 21:00:51 GMT -5
Posts: 5,313
|
Post by Malarky on Apr 23, 2015 14:21:04 GMT -5
I'd like to "like" this post more than once.
|
|
dannylion
Junior Associate
Gravity is a harsh mistress
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 12:17:52 GMT -5
Posts: 5,213
Location: Miles over the madness horizon and accelerating
|
Post by dannylion on Apr 23, 2015 15:19:49 GMT -5
That's a very nice pattern. I like the black background; very elegant. It should be very practical, too.
Pretty!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 12, 2024 3:28:53 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2015 19:38:35 GMT -5
That's a very nice pattern. I like the black background; very elegant. It should be very practical, too.
Pretty! I thought the background was black, too, but when I switched computers (after I ordered, of course), I discovered it is a very dark brown. That works. I think the appeal for me is the symmetry in the pattern. I ordered a paisley purse/wallet a couple of years ago, and it is up in the closet. It's too pastel and too busy.
That reminds me. I should sell the paisley purse/wallet on the trading site. I know I could get enough to pay for my tote.
|
|
dannylion
Junior Associate
Gravity is a harsh mistress
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 12:17:52 GMT -5
Posts: 5,213
Location: Miles over the madness horizon and accelerating
|
Post by dannylion on Apr 23, 2015 20:56:28 GMT -5
Brown is good, too, maybe even more versatile than black in looking good with many other colors.
Of course, I am firmly of the opinion that purple goes with everything, so the last several bags I have purchased have been different shades of purple. Except for the one that was chartreuse. But that is another story.
Enjoy your lovely new bags!
|
|