Shoes

This or That: Céline Phantom Luggage Tote or Valentino Rockstud Pumps

Once a year, I like to treat myself to one big luxury item and what better time to splurge on myself than when celebrating my quarter-century milestone this past Monday? One year, I bought the Gucci Soho Shoulder Bag, another year I bought my first pair of Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps and last year, you all helped me decide between the Saint Laurent Monogram Satchel and the Chanel Wallet on Chain bag. Today I come to you for more advice.

When I first started at PurseBlog I was a handbag girl through and through (naturally), but while writing about shoes over the years, I began to love and appreciate beautiful footwear as much as handbags. For my birthday, my boyfriend surprised me with Valentino Rockstud flip-flops to wear during our upcoming trip to Cancun. I love the flip-flops, but I’m also proud of the fact that I can go out and buy myself something nice, so I wanted to splurge.

I’ve always loved Valentino Rockstud pumps (which is among the reason they were first up in our Ultimate Shoe Guide), and I’ve always had a soft spot for them in white. They’re crisp, clean, classic and everything I’ve been looking for in a neutral pump. I tried them on at Saks this weekend, and I loved the way they looked and how comfortable they were (although I knew that already from our TalkShoes Testimonials); I purchased them right on the spot. This is where things get interesting.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my Rockstud pumps, but I didn’t quite get the adrenaline rush that I usually get when I add something I love to my wardrobe. I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t more excited for the Rockstud of my dreams, but I think I’ve solved the mystery. For a while now, I’ve been on a Céline kick, and I really want the Céline Phantom Luggage Tote. I know the popularity of the Luggage Tote has slowed down drastically since its debut, and many of you have even questioned the staying power of the bag’s design, but I don’t care about all of that. I love everything about the Phantom Luggage, no matter what.

The answer may seem obvious as to which one I love more, but hear me out. I have a lot of other things coming up that I need to seriously start saving for, because you and I both know we live in an expensive world. The Céline is over $3,000, and that’s lot of money for me to invest right now. My other concern with the Céline bag is I currently don’t own any everyday top handle bags, and for the money, I’m worried how I will feel about carrying a bag in the crook of my arm everyday.

Do I keep the shoes and forget about the bag? Or, do I return the shoes and put the money toward the bag. In the long run, is it better to invest a large sum of money into a luxury bag or shoes? Now, if only buying both was an option…

I would love to hear your thoughts and input in the comments!

[You can purchase the above Céline via TheRealReal].

Valentino Patent Leather Rockstud Slingback Pumps
$995 via Saks

Valentino Rockstud Pumps

Céline Medium Phantom Luggage Tote
$3,250 via Céline

Celine Phantom Luggage Tote

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