Louis Vuitton Epi Leather
The bag I wore most this year (+ the items inside it)
On what makes LV Epi leather great
This Louis Vuitton Epi Saint Jacques in burnt orangey brown is the bag I wore most this year…and 2023, too. I love this bag and its color and shape. I’ve yet to put on an outfit it doesn’t go with.
Living in NYC, handbags and shoes weather the elements. I’m not precious or particularly careful with my pieces, and after a few months, I often find it’s time to rotate so as not to wear out my items. But not with this LV Epi bag!! It’s been through two long winter seasons with me, which means it’s been rained on, snowed on, etc., and it’s none the worse for wear!
This bag holds everything you need (it’s roomy enough to transport flowers from the deli, store winter accessories like hats/gloves, etc). But it also doesn’t feel like a bottomless pit, so you won’t find yourself in constant search for your keys.
And because I always love reading these…
What’s in my bag
Lip touch-ups…The product is even better than the packaging. Fara Homidi Lip Compact in Nude 2 (I can’t think of a person in my life this wouldn’t look good on), lip brush, and lip pencil in Minky. The holy lip trinity, my most worn makeup of the year, and yes, all three items are worth it.
And another lip product…Hydration, a barely there tint, and transportable packaging are the cornerstones of a perfect lip balm. This Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm has it all—get the color Cassis.
Since it’s freezing… a Suzie Kondi beanie in Cotswold, which I cannot speak more highly of…the hand-knit cashmere is the softest I’ve felt. And chocolate leather gloves.
To soothe dry skin…Weleda Skin Food and Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream, which is a staple on my mom’s bathroom counter. The smell alone is nostalgic to me.
Because you never know…Alexandre de Paris clip and Crown Affair scrunchy. And my wallet, keys, mints, AirPods, and wired earphones.
Epi inspo and favorite pieces
And back to the primary topic at hand: Epi leather. It’s virtually indestructible, understated, elegant, and relatively well priced on the resale market.
Epi leather pieces are not (yet) impossible to find, so you’ll likely have a choice when it comes to style / color. Next on my list is the bucket bag in orange.
Below is a selection of LV Epi handbags (and a piece of luggage, too) - some of them are the styles photographed in the above 1990s ad campaigns, which is aways fun!
Starting off strong with the bag from the horizontal image above in the reference LV ad campaign collage. An elegant shape, love the hardware - LV Reverie in Black (and another from 1998).
A classic Keepall with a twist. You’re not going to miss this LV Keepall in Castillian Red due to its strong, cherry red color. It’s a beautiful carry on and the ideal way to maximize space while traveling - just plop it on top of your rolling suitcase.
My bag!! (and here in a beautiful yellow, and in red from the ‘95 collection)
The Art Deco style clutch is one I’ve had my eye on for awhile. It’s a great clutch for everyday use and will elevate any outfit. I particularly love this clutch for daytime—it would also make the perfect beach carryall in this sunny yellow color. The royal blue is a unique option.
With an adjustable and sleek strap, The Epi Cluny is an ideal city bag and will carry you through the seasons.
This is the bag from the above 90s LV Epi ad campaign (bottom righthand image) - it’s gorgeous.
I love the bucket bag style in Epi leather, and this is the perfect happy, vibrant orange—go quick, as this color is hard to come by.
If you end up purchasing an Epi piece, please let me know how you like it and how you wear it. I’m wishing you and yours a wonderful start to the new year!
Till next time,
♥️ Elissa