Back in February, I went on the best shopping spree of my life so far. After work, I had plans to drive to TANGER Outlets in lieu of a nice bag to take with me when I go out. I was also going to stop at Old Navy and Bath and Body Works. I arrived in Washington just before Noon. I wasn’t far that day therefore I planned well. So far my shopping trip was going good. Now it’s time for what I came here for.
It was interesting how I pulled this off. I grew a little nervous as I made my way to Coach. To prep myself to shop here, I window shopped at Kate Spade ♠️. They too had some nice purses in the window. I walked into the Coach Outlet very confident, looked for the perfect bag, and made my purchases. I got a tote, crossbody, and a wallet. I walked in there eating cake 🍰.
The city tote and pink satchel have become my favorites. There’s definitely more Coach in my future. I do have some Lauren Conrad purses in mind at Kohl’s, as well as the Juicy Couture line at JCPENNEY. I’d love to find a leopard print bag sometime on my retail adventures. I love this color from Lauren and I think I answered my question on the leopard print bag. Perfect for a trip to NYC?
It’s my favorite brand of designer bag, but where exactly did my interest in Coach come from? What (or who) inspired me to buy one of my own? Finally, what’s the messaage that comes from this experience?
Back in the summer, I started carrying a bag around at work and when I went out. At first I hid it so no one would make fun of me or look at me differently. Eventually I brought it out more and really no one has said anything. Even one of my managers has shown interest in my purple bag. Even if on Amazon it says it’s for females only, that hasn’t phased me. Like Sara has told me, “Fashion is nothing to be ashamed of.”
My interest in Coach came from:
1. That same girl who wowed me with her pink sundress a year earlier on that overnight trip in Ashtabula. Back in September of 2020, she’d come to work with her big Coach purse.
What or who inspired me to buy one of my own Coach purses?
2. Emily gave me inspiration when I saw her with her cute Coach tote. She could even fit her leather jacket in there. That, along with all the ads I saw on social media for Coach. Put two and two together (and the support of my fashion buddy and her momma) and you have the inspo I need to buy one of my own.
What’s the message that comes from this experience?
3. When I approached Sara about buying a Coach bag and felt awkward about buying it in store, she gave me these words of wisdom. “Aww don’t be embarrassed. Be proud. Fashion is nothing to be ashamed of.”
It’s been a driving force behind my gender nonconformity journey this year. My friends and old coworkers have all given me compliments on my bag. I care less and less on what others may think and that says a lot about them. Be you. Do whatever makes you happy. Own who you are. There’s nothing more beautiful. Lastly, don’t let others shame you. Lastly, fashion is nothing to be ashamed of.
Bye everyone. ❤️ you.
Stylish 🍒 