pennies for chanel

I shop everywhere. 

First, there are the obvious places: stores, websites, and sample sales.  Everyday, I get an email from Sample Sally and Madison Avenue Spy telling me of the day’s 60% plus sales of my favorite designers.  For example, just recently, I received emails for sample sales for Frette sheets, Brunello Cucinelli clothes, Ippolita jewelry, Manolo Blahnik shoes, and Dolce and Gabbana everything.  While others receive alerts for big news events, I get alerts for big sales. It’s truly amazing what I don’t buy.

The other day Robyn and I are going to theater, and on the way, I see a stylish girl racing to the subway.  Slung across her hip is the perfect bag.  Robyn, my fashion-savvy friend, of course knows the bag.  “Oh, that’s the Wallet On Chain by Chanel.  I’ve wanted one for years.”

I get home and research it.  First, it’s known by the acronym WOC.  It’s a classic bag with a long chain that can be adjusted and worn in five different styles: from a clutch to a cross-body messenger.  It’s small and will only hold some credit cards, money, a phone and lipstick. I want the black caviar with the double C’s.

I go to the Chanel department at Bloomingdales because I have over $200 in Reward Coupons.  I ask to see the WOC and the clerk says, “I’m sorry, we don’t have any in stock.  But if you like, I can add your name to our waiting list.”  Really?  A waiting list for a tiny expensive purse.  But it is a classic and I would have it forever and I can use it in a multitude of ways.  Then I wonder if there really is a list, or if this is just a marketing ploy to make me want the purse more.  If it is, it works.  I add my name to the list.

Immediately, I feel guilty.  I can’t afford the purse but then I have an idea.  I’ll pay for it with change.

Every time I have change I put it in a piggy bank.  I come home and empty it.

A nearby bank has a coin-counting machine, but they also charge a 6% fee if you don’t have an account with them. I’ll just do it myself.  I:

    Go to my bank and get the coin wrappers

    Label each wrapper with my account number

    Separate all my coins by denomination

    Count out 50 pennies for each roll, 40 nickels, 50 dimes, and 40 quarters

    Roll and roll and roll and roll

    Bring the rolls to the bank

    Wait 20 minutes while the teller….while the teller what?  I really have no idea why it takes her almost 20 minutes to do whatever it is she is doing

    Receive $183.35

It may take me a few years to have enough money saved for the purse, but I’ll love it all the more when I can finally buy it.  I just hope I’m still young enough to enjoy it.

Oh, and next time….I’m paying the 6% fee.