Written By:- Andi Jamet

I didn't learn about Louis Vuitton until I moved to Washington DC. I grew up a hillbilly from Pennsylvania (no offense, I'm still a Pennsylvanian), and a great shopping trip included new school shoes from Buster Brown and a sweat suit from Target. I went to college and began shopping at all of the sorority-girl boutiques. You know the ones, they have huge pictures of hot men hanging up all over the store, and they send you away with your purchase in a bag with another hot guy.

So I moved to the big city after college. Again, just a Pennsylvania hillbilly in the big city. All of a sudden, I realized that there was so much more beyond Wal-Mart, Old Navy fleeces, and the mall. I ventured into the heart of the city, went into Saks, and found my first Louis Vuitton store.

I remember gazing at the bags as my husband wiped the drool from the corners of my mouth. I was mesmerized by the beauty and craftsmanship of the bags. I touched the leather and could barely utter any recognizable words as the saleslady asked me if she could help me. I stammered a bit and asked her to see a beautiful alma bag (of course back then I had no idea what the bag was called, only that it was beautiful). She handed me the bag and I walked to the mirror to admire myself with it on my arm.

After what was probably 10 minutes my husband nudged me. I finally came back to earth and asked the lady how much it cost. Let me tell you, when she told me the price I nearly fainted. It was an entire months salary. Quickly I tried to remember how much food I had in my pantry, and what bills were do. While I did this my husband pulled me out of the store. I only managed to give the sales lady a sad wave.

I was sad, but determined. After that day my life revolved around getting a Louis Vuitton bag. It was as if I was possessed. My husband mentioned that there were two men downtown who would be happy to sell me a bag for $20. I scoffed at him, refusing to even acknowledge that he was talking to me.

I began looking around me. I had never noticed before how many women carried these delicious looking bags. My husband began to be embarrassed every time he went out in public with me because I always had to ask the women what their bags were called, where they bought them, and how much they cost. Of course, 85% of the women told me they visited my husband's buddies downtown.

After work I started to research Louis Vuitton online, reading about fakes, about eBay scammers, and about the characteristics of authentic bags. I did my research for a good two months before I knew that I was ready. Being a poor teacher working in an inner-city public school I chose to go the small but classic route. I returned to Saks that spring morning with my entire paycheck and a smile spread completely across my face. I walked up to the Louis Vuitton counter (fortunately not to the same lady that I humiliated myself in front of the first time), and asked to see the small speedy bag. The gentleman smiled, unlocked the glass doors and reached for my beautiful bag. I was in heaven. I can't put it into words. I walked out of that store and proudly displayed my prize for all to see.

I will remember that day for the rest of my life. My first Louis Vuitton. Since then I have been able to buy two other bags, the Soho backpack from a shop in Deauville, and a vintage Jeune Fille from a consignment shop in Los Angeles. I visit as many Louis Vuitton stores as I can. My favorite store was in Paris in which the entire façade was made of Louis Vuitton Luggage. Amazing.

I am a true Louis Vuitton lover. Unfortunately, my teaching job (and my husband's teaching job) doesn't allow for us to splurge very often, so when I am able to buy LV, it is such treat for me. How can you not love the artisanship, timeless beauty, and high quality of the bags? I can't wait to get my next one.