one of Louis Vuitton’s most iconic bags is the Speedy. the original story was that Louis Vuitton introduced their travel luggage bag, the Keepall and it soon gain popularity amongst its clients. from the popularity, they created the smaller version of the Keepall, the Speedy, and it comes in four sizes, 25, 30, 35, and 40 (the numbers mean the length of the bag in centimeters). the Speedy has remained a classic for many years and could be seen on many celebrities, but what i loved most was on Audrey Hepburn, with her Monogram 25. so classy and elegant!
after i bought my Neverfull, i began to take interest in LV bags. through the Neverfull, i learned that LV bags are very well-made, durable, and more relatively affordable as compared to other fashion houses. i had doubts about the Speedy initially, while beautiful, the top-handle structure does not seem very practical to me. i prefer shoulder and cross-body bags that leaves me hands-free to carry other things. however, i was convinced when i saw a blogger’s beautiful Speedy Bandouliere (or Speedy B). the Speedy B is a new variation of the classic Speedy and it comes with shoulder straps that allows you to wear it as a shoulder or cross-body bag. i became intrigued by the Speedy B instantly, it offers the classic style but with more functionality with the shoulder straps. i showed the pictures of the Speedy B to my sister and she immediately rejected it because she thought that its bulky shape looks too big and luggage-like on the side of the body. plus, its shape made it look like Chinese drums that was worn cross-body. finally, the price difference on the classic Speedy and Speedy B is about $300, which she thought was too much to pay for a strap.
though she had a point, i was steadfast on getting the Speedy B, the only question was, what size, the 30 or 35? i went to the SoHo store to try out the classic Speedy and Speedy B in 30 and 35. my SA, Chris T. was super helpful and grabbed all 4 variations for me to try on. the 30 was somewhat bulky, but looked small on me. the 35 looked more suited for my frame, as it slouches against me. Chris T. offered his opinion, seeing that i was carrying a Neverfull GM and suggested the 35 to me, my sister agreed. taking in the comparisons and deliberation, i finally decided on the classic Speedy, what a shocker! 
so without further ado, i now present the newest baby to my bag collection, the lovely and classic Speedy 35 in Damier Ebene:
goodies for me!
dust bag
a sneak peek
collapsed for storage
padlock and keys
on the bag
-the original intention for the padlock is to be used to lock up the zippers to prevent pickpockets or nowadays, to keep TSA out. but from my travel experience, i know that if they really want to, TSA can and will clip the locks for inspection. haha. anyway, i still love the beautiful and shiny padlock, it adds a cute detail.
top view
side view
side view
interior – D-ring to attach keychains or small accessories/pouchette
interior – side pocket
-surprisingly, the zippers were easy to open and didn’t snagged my hand.
beautiful red interior
-one of my favorite things about the Damier Ebene pattern, other than the its understated beauty, is the gorgeous red interior. so bold, stunning, and surprising to find inside a low-key brown bag.
cloth tag, made in the USA
-recently, LV switched over from leather tags to cloth tags. it doesn’t really make a huge difference to me, as long as the bag is still well-made. i have asked Chris T. about the Made in France bags, but he said it’s harder to locate, as more and more bags are made in USA and Spain. oh well, i guess my Made in USA Speedy will not suffer from jetlag then. 
ta-da, the Speedy 35 Damier Ebene
a group shot of the Neverfull GM and Speedy 35
i love, love, love the Damier Ebene pattern! Christian didn’t understand why i got the Speedy in DE as well. i explained to him that it’s functional, low-key, carefree, and low-maintenance (the Monogram and Damier Azure both have untreated Vachetta leather. the Vachetta leather starts out cream-colored and develops a honey-colored patina as it oxidizes. some ppl are fans of the patina, me, on the other hand, am scared that it will not oxidize beautifully. plus i’ve heard of color-transfers on the DA and saw pics of DA bags yellowing as it ages. i didn’t like that.) like the Neverfull, while simple, the Speedy’s details and workmanship showed that great care and attention were integral to its design.
the only grip i have about this bag is that there’s only one small pocket inside. the bag is super spacious and as i have learned from using it yesterday, it’s hard to get things out (had to fish around a bit) and too slounchy, weighed down by its contents. after some research, i ordered a purse organizer especially made for the Speedy. hopefully, it will make the Speedy more functional. i can’t wait to receive it and who knows, maybe do a review as well.
to me, being able to buy a bag with my own hard-earned money is a huge blessing. i’m grateful for everything i have. like many fellow tPFers, i agree that pricey bags are a splurge, but we keep it in perspective and buy them within our means. we buy when we can, and if one day we can’t, we won’t. a handbag is one of a woman’s most essential daily items, so why not get something you truly love, designer or not? i love the Speedy and i am delighted to add this to my collection. with this purchase, i officially place myself on a bag ban as i save up for something more important. until then, i will enjoy all my babies, it’s summer time and i know i am looking forward to bringing out the bright color beauties. 
