So, my plan the next couple of days was to show you the awesome faux fur vest Cath made for me and the way my mom wrapped our Christmas prezies in Vogue patterns- all of which I still plan to do. BUT! Before any of that can happen, we must take a moment and give thanks to the designer purse gods and the fabulous people at Goodwill at North Lake for letting this precious gem slip through their fingers.
I give you my first designer bag (first designer anything) EVER. Welcome to my closet, Beautiful Bottega. Content warning: forthcoming purse porn:
For those of you interested in the back-story of how this amazing thing became mine for only $1.60, here goes it:
My mom and I were doing some thrift shopping to cure our cabin fever. First stop, Goodwill. I had an armload of jackets (a Chanel knock-off, a silk hot pink blazer, etc.) and books (can never have too many) and was tottering up to the cash register. Next to the register was the 50% off table (yes, it was on the freakin’ 50% off table!!!). If the wonderful people in line hadn’t been there, I would have checked out and never glanced to my right, where Bottega was sitting demurely on top of porcelain kitty figurines and 80s VHS work-out videos. I picked up the purse (it felt like butter!), and I was like “Mom, this looks so much like a Bottega Veneta bag.” Whilst saying “it’s a great knock-off,” I opened the flap and nearly lost it when I saw the label. My eyes grew to the size of serving platters and I started to hyperventilate – drawing attention from the other shoppers in my line. My mom kept mumbling “keep your cool, keep your cool.” I was sure the Goodwill police we’re closing in, ready to snatch my gem from my hands.
Luckily I made it safely undetected through the line. When the cashier said $1.60, my mouth fell open and I think I drooled for a solid 3 seconds before coming to my senses (there hadn’t been a price tag on the bag- I would have bought it for a 100 times that!).
I’ve been hyperventilating ever since.
51 Comments
51 Responses to “Bottega Veneta for $1.60!!!!!!!!!”
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jesse.anne.o Says:
December 27th, 2009 at 5:26 pmHoly hell. Congrats to YOU, Lauren! What an incredible find.
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colleen Says:
December 27th, 2009 at 6:00 pmok that is literally the definition of a STEAL! i need to get my arse to a goodwill!
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Lucy Says:
December 27th, 2009 at 6:41 pmI knew Goodwill had designer goods but WOW don’t they realize how valuable this bag is?? congrats to you for snagging it!
and I thought I was the only living person who used the word “prezies” LOL yay for not being alone :b[Reply]
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Danielle Says:
December 27th, 2009 at 7:27 pmI am so jealous of your fabulous find!! Can’t wait to see your presents wrapped in vogue!!!!
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Snapshot Fashion Says:
December 27th, 2009 at 8:13 pmOMG! this bag is SO lovely!!!
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Elaine, clothed much Says:
December 27th, 2009 at 8:28 pmWow…that is an amazing bag! I can’t bleive you found that for $1.60!!
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Linda Says:
December 27th, 2009 at 9:00 pmthats one amazing fu*%&en purse!
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Katy Says:
December 27th, 2009 at 11:19 pmGirl, you know how I feel about Goodwill, esp. the Northlake and BuHi locations. Congrats on this fabulous find!
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elsie Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 1:10 amI am hyperventilating with YOU!! Off to scout my local Goodwill tomorrow! Your new bag… it’s heaven!!!
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sharon rose Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 5:01 amA big big hurrah for you, its such a fabulous feeling when you get something like this-I think its the thrift version of winning the lottery, LOL!! Its a fantastic find, very well done indeed!!
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fashion tidbits Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 6:34 amlucky gal!
funny story[Reply]
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EmilyKennedy Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 7:42 amWhoa! And it is SO GORGEOUS! Even the way it hangs! What an amazing find.
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Ace Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 11:03 amOooooh, you guys are amazing shoppers! You make me miss my sister(partner in crime) for shopping trips. Thanks so much for your comments by the way! I really do appreciate how supportive you girls have been, even though some others are not. Also, I’ve got a cousin moving down your way soon so maybe I’ll head down for a visit!
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La Historiadora de Moda Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 11:32 amAmazing! Envy burns my soul!
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Anne Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 11:52 amOMG!
Lucky girl! Gotta love thriftinng!
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fashion therapist Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 12:11 pmOMG! That is such an AMAZING find and it looks like it’s in great condition. You’re very lucky…can’t wait to see how you start incorporating it into your wardrobe.
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Levinson-Axelrod Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 12:34 pmI can’t believe it! It was definitely your lucky day. I haven’t found anything brand name like that whilst thrifting. Maybe one day.
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Melissa~ Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 1:39 pmYou’re so freaking lucky!!!!
Is an amazing bag!!!!! and is bottega, even better.
the color is perfect, the shape is perfect, everything is perfect.
Congrats for such an amazing treasure.Kisses!!
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Lea Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 3:12 pmGreat find!
I <3 Goodwill…. if you ever make it out to So Cal – the Hollywood Goodwill has great finds all the time! I recently got a Chanel bag for $7.00![Reply]
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bryna Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 4:24 pmits gorgeous! what an amaaazing find!
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hanako66 Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 4:30 pmNO. WAY. that’s amazing!!! i have been waiting for something like this to happen to me one of these days!!!
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Style with Benefits Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 5:08 pmLoved reading about your shopping adventure! Amazing find! I pay more for a bottle of soda!
The holiday post is up! Thanks again for participating. I was sick over the holidays, so apologies for the delay.
xo, Becs
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Bunkie Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 5:49 pmLauren + B.Veneta + Goodwill = Kismet, happy, happy, kismet.
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Sharon Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 6:40 pmHoly moly guacamole!!! You are so stoked. It’s a beautiful bag and the price is ridiculous!!
I once found a Louis Vuitton at a Savers, priced at $3… but then again, it was fake… so I put it down… ha ha ha. I hope you had a great holiday! Can’t wait to see you sport that beautiful find! Take care.
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Jinah Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 7:02 pmSuch a great find! I would have probably peed myself. This also reminds me how badly I want to go thrifting right now…
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Farrielle Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 9:14 pmNo kidding wow Awesome, I am drooling too, I need to visit GoodWill very soon.
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noormol Says:
December 28th, 2009 at 9:26 pmomg! best story I’ve read all day! If I was Cath I would be mad jealous! My friend and I went shopping and I scored a Ralph Lauren Blazer for $20 and I can’t wear it around her because she gets in a bad mood when she sees me wearing it (I got to take it home cuz it didn’t fit her).
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anh Says:
December 29th, 2009 at 10:00 ami dont have ANY designer bags either! and OMG you are such a lucky gal! good things do happen to good ppl!!
P.S. I miss the blog world! I am back for a short period of time… hope to be back again soon!
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Katie Says:
December 29th, 2009 at 10:35 amNICE!!! i’m hyperventilating just reading that story! can’t wait to see the outfit posts featuring it. . . .
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Couture Cookie Says:
December 29th, 2009 at 10:44 amOh my goodness. You need to take me shopping one of those days and teach me how to score finds like this one. CONGRATULATIONS!
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JoAnn of Sidewalk Chalk Says:
December 29th, 2009 at 12:05 pmWhat a fabulous find. Wow, that’s epic. I’m actually in shock. I guess I need to stop ignoring the half off table at Goodwill.
Congrats on your wonderful bag![Reply]
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Winnie Says:
December 29th, 2009 at 1:33 pmOH MY GOODNESS! That is amazing!! I always wonder when the same thing will happen to me. Sadly I am still waiting for that day to come. Sounds like a pretty awesome Xmas to me!!
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greenjeans Says:
December 30th, 2009 at 12:05 amWhoa. Serendipity-probably the best thing about thrift stores, no?
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Treacle Says:
December 30th, 2009 at 2:48 amWhoa…I mean serious…WOW! I just scored a $300 dress for $20 but this find pales in comparison. Congrats.
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Lesley Says:
December 30th, 2009 at 7:37 amWow! Congrats! It’s gorgeous and obviously a steal! Can’t wait to see how you wear it!
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Amy Says:
December 30th, 2009 at 11:13 amHoly Smokes Batman! Awesome find… and I do mean AWESOME!!!
xoxo
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brandi Says:
December 30th, 2009 at 12:05 pmWhat an AMAZING find!!!!!! wow!!! congrats!!!! it’s gorgeous!
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savvy gal Says:
December 30th, 2009 at 12:44 pmOMG OMG OMG what a snazzy find. you will adore adore adore this bag. lucky gal. i decided against posting the gift inside the chanel box b/c found out boyfriend’s family reads my blog. happy new year. xo
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Maritess Says:
December 30th, 2009 at 12:45 pmThats amazing ladies! What a great find!!! I hope I get as lucky as you the next time I go thrifting!
Anywhoo, sounds like you both had a wonderful Christmas, thanks for the awesome comments! And Happy New Year!
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Ela Says:
December 30th, 2009 at 1:40 pm$1.60!!!! What an amazing find! I am sooo happy, those other shoppers completely ignored it and it ended up in your hands. I can’t think of anyone better deserving.
Have a wonderful New Year’s, hon! Wishing you and Cath all the best 2010 has to offer.
xoxo[Reply]
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Meg Says:
December 30th, 2009 at 8:53 pmOh my gosh, you are so lucky! What an amazing find!
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charles Says:
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:00 pmholiday miracles really DO happen! congratulations! (of course it’s not just a miracle…it takes a really keen && fashionable eye as well!)
xx[Reply]
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Faux Fur — AsianCajuns Says:
January 6th, 2010 at 8:51 am[...] closet. She got the idea from DIY queen Maegan- see how it’s done here. (Anyone spot the $1.60 Bottega Veneta bag? I still wiggle my toes in happiness every time I look at the [...]
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JP Says:
January 7th, 2010 at 8:59 ami dont even have words for how amazing that is. congrats! Gahhh the beauty of goodwill..
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Frills — AsianCajuns Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 1:19 pm[...] my old stand-bys), a thrifted ruffle blouse ($3 at Goodwill!), an H&M blazer and scarf, and my $1.60 Bottega Veneta bag (at some point I promise to stop being tacky and take off the “$1.60″ before I utter [...]
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jess Says:
January 10th, 2010 at 1:18 pmYou lucky gal!!! Love stories like this
)i too found something real sweet and cheap at Rag O Rama yesterday ( i know it’s not “real” thrifting but whatev ) scored a vintage Diane Von Furstenburg skirt for 18 bucks. eee! haah, love our obsessions with fashion
jess s//
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dîner spectacle chippendale Paris Says:
January 17th, 2010 at 12:45 pmOuahhhh comme ce sac est fabuleux je l’adore!!!
Karine[Reply]
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Jeanie Says:
April 28th, 2010 at 12:38 pmHi! I just found your blog last night and I love it. I’m moving to Atlanta in a couple months, and I was wondering, where is this North Lake Goodwill with designer bags? Congrats on your lucky find! What are some good places to go shopping around the Emory area for somebody without a car?
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AsianCajuns Reply:
May 9th, 2010 at 8:09 amHi Jeanie! Thanks for reading! Check your email- I sent you some info on the Goodwill and the Emory/Decatur area
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I Call These My Ugly Pants/Trousers — AsianCajuns Says:
September 12th, 2010 at 3:01 pm[...] In Plockton I got to wear my new Madewell jacket and skinny Madewell jeans, a heeled boot, and my much beloved Bottega Veneta. [...]
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Asian Cajuns Says:
May 16th, 2011 at 12:13 am[...] But the best part about Lar’s whole outfit is her jacket. It’s a Derek Lam she found at Finders Keepers! She got it for less that $40, which is about a tenth of what it’s worth. That’s almost as good of a find as her Bottega Veneta bag. [...]
