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Took a brief trip to Vegas a few weekends ago, and I couldn’t think of a better excuse to use one of the new kate spade suitcases which I was lucky enough to score for a total steal at the last sample sale. (Original price of $1295 and $828? Not happening. 80% off that? A little more doable!) The suitcases are gorgeous and extremely well made, if hilarious impractical to carry — there are no wheels, so about three minutes into my journey I thought my arm was going to fall off! But apart from the unexpected upper-body workout, it did make the whole experience of packing and travelling a little bit old-fashioned, glamorous, and fun — I felt oh-so stylish toting the thing around amongst a sea of black Samsonites :)
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I subscribe to the roll-pack method of travelling :) Because I don’t particularly like gambling or clubbing (Vegas is all about the shopping and fine dining for me), there was no glitter or sequins in my suitcase, just shorts, a swimsuit, two light cardigans, and my three favorite summer dresses. Some other things I brought along….
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Another kate spade sample sale score — this Chanel-esque quilted pouch to tuck my toiletries and jewelry into (and which doubled as a clutch at night.)
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My new go-to footwear, these J.Crew Patent Sydney Sandals in dusty clay.
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This floppy, polka dotted hat I got last summer from ASOS.
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And the last thing I swooped up at the kate spade sample sale — their Japanese Floral Scout bag. I bought it at the Friends & Family sale but forced myself to return as I deemed it a little too expensive still; happily, my patience and frugality won the day, as it meant I eventually got it for around $100 cheaper. It was maybe a little ridiculous to have carried a matching bag and suitcase around together, but (much to Michael Kors’ horror I’m sure) I love matchy-matchiness, and I’m a huge fan of this Florence Broadhurst pattern, so I went with it!
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One of the many neat details about the piece – a cheerful label that brought a smile to my face every time I opened the suitcase :)
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Well I don’t think it’s ridiculous to carry a matching bag and suitcase :) And certainly not when it’s such an amazing print! But did you *gasp* put your beautiful suitcase on a plane?!?
Comment by Tea June 15, 2012 @ 4:24 pm:) This one was small enough to come on board with me; no way I was checking it in and letting baggage handlers have their way with it!
Comment by goldenmeans June 15, 2012 @ 4:51 pmOh I am genuinely relieved! :) These suitcase are far too pretty to travel in the hold! And while they make beautiful storage trunks, it’s so lovely that you did actually get to use it as a suitcase. I’m thinking they’d be perfect for a very glamorous road trip :)
Comment by Tea June 15, 2012 @ 5:51 pmBeautiful suitcase! However, was it a KS suitcase or another brand that you talked about a few months ago re: not really being made well enough to travel? Do you remember?
Comment by Victoria June 15, 2012 @ 4:36 pmYup, these are one and the same! I was highly dubious when I ordered them because of the sudden name change (from “suitcase” to “storage trunk”) and the warning that they weren’t made for travel, but I figured I could give them a try since the price was so low, and at the very least, I could actually use them as storage trunks (and I do actually need some storage containers since my closet is fairly small now and I need to rotate my winter/summer wardrobes).
So I was not expecting much, but thankfully they actually are beautifully crafted and made with high-quality materials. However, I can’t say how well they would stand up to a beating through airport baggage holds as I’ve only handled them gently (and I’m a bit nervous to actually put them to the test!) The main trouble I experienced was the lack of wheels that I mentioned in the post — without them, they are super unwieldy to carry long distances! I got tired quickly carrying the smaller sized one, so I don’t know how I would manage for long with the larger…I think that one might have to be used for very short/driving trips or just as a container or decoration piece, but I’m okay with that for now I guess =)
Comment by goldenmeans June 15, 2012 @ 5:01 pmAh, thanks!
Comment by Victoria June 15, 2012 @ 6:18 pmYour suitcase is gorgeous– Nothing is better than a quirky Kate Spade print. I’m glad it survived the trip. How cute would it be to take on a long train ride?
Comment by Linda June 16, 2012 @ 7:03 amYou are an inspiration to us all!
Comment by royaltygirl (@royaltygirl) June 16, 2012 @ 4:55 pmxoxo,
Sandee
I’m so, so happy that someone I “know” picked up this suitcase. I wanted to pick it up, but let my better judgement rule. Shame on me!
Comment by Jessica June 16, 2012 @ 6:37 pmI looove these suitcases! So chic for a weekend trip, practicality be damned. :)
Comment by rachel June 18, 2012 @ 12:56 pmOMG, you are such a neat packer- my bags are a mess and yours are so picture perfect.:))
Comment by Slastena June 21, 2012 @ 3:18 pmA big ol’ pffft to Michael Kors. I have lifetime tickets for the Matchy-Matchy Express. And this is the perfect luggage for traveling on it! :D
So gorgeous! I received my train case and it is so lovely. And heavy! I had hoped to use it occasionally as a handbag (worn with my KS Cameo dress and Pierce Jacket, both in Japanese Floral, of course ;), but it is too heavy [empty] and bulky for that. I’ll be using it as vanity-top storage, I suppose. Utmost frivolity, obviously, but makes me smile when I see it.
Comment by zyzzyva June 21, 2012 @ 6:28 pm