There's Nothing to Eat at Marc Jacobs

Pam and I decided to wrap up our long weekends with a few lazy hours on Fillmore Street. First, The Grove for some good talk and a gigantic iced mocha. I told her that part of my weekend was spent determining my weekly budget - ie: exactly how much cash I'm allowed to spend each week on food.

Pam: "Well, is it enough?"

Me: "Sure, but it would be nice to have a bit more. It'll work out I guess... I'll just have to be diligent."

Yes, we've heard it before...my long-lamented budget battle. Things are getting a lot better though - I'm being disciplined despite the fact that I really need a spa day, or some new pants. I'm not kidding, I do need them. But there are needs, and there are needs. It's a matter of distinguishing which is which. At times like these, it's really good to have hard-headed, practical friends like Pam.

Leaving The Grove, we moseyed up the street along the way to some quality window shopping.

Pam: "I don't know why I go into these stores, I can never buy anything in them."

Me: "But this is Marc by Marc Jacobs - you can find things in here. They have tees for $20, and all kinds of cheap-o things."

Entering the sleek black and white store, one is easily seduced by its myriad of candy-like distractions in the heaping bowls of products on the tables. It's like an ultra-chic church rummage sale; yes, you too can have a little bit of the MJ dream for a pittance. Why not buy a cute button, or sticker, or gi-normous fake diamond ring - you know, just like one that you probably had when you were eight, when it fell out of a red coin-op machine at the front of a 7-11. It's a genius bit of merchandising - it's all so cute, and grab-able, and cheap. At least, it's cheap as far as branded designer stuff goes. Even still, the stuff looks strikingly similar to its much more-expensive counterparts at the Marc Jacobs collection store downtown.

With this in mind, my eyes fell on the quilted wallets. I hate my current wallet, and these looked like a dream come true. What - they're silver, gold, or patent black, with a zip and all kinds of pockets? AND they're only $25? I was very quickly falling in love.

Luckily, Pam was there. She must have recognized the look so common among emotionally-unstable young women mooning over inappropriate, manipulative, and otherwise bad boyfriends. You know - that gross moment of dumb pie-eyed swoon a gal performs when said bad-boy asks to borrow fifty bucks. Somebody slap her please. Enter Pamela...

Me: "Look at this - it's so cute! Oh my gosh - I love the silver..."

Pam: "Yeah, but you wouldn't be buying any food tomorrow. Is it really worth it? I mean...can you eat that?"

Ouch! How the truth does hurt! But to be honest...sadly no, there is absolutely nothing to eat at Marc Jacobs. 

Comments

[Gloria]

I just had to post because I know exactly what you mean! Cute, and actually affordable. That's why I always get into such a tizzy when I go into a marc by marc jacobs store. Last time I went I bought this cute black tote with writing on the front that said,

"Marc by Marc Jacobs
in collaboration with
Marc Jacobs
for Marc by Marc Jacobs"

not to mention it was $12...

*sheepish smile* I'm not the girl who abstains as easily...

[Pam]

Recognize the look? I often see it when I look in the mirror (no offense to my wonderful, completely appropriate bf Brian).

You were very disciplined yesterday, young jedi, and should be commended. I actually thought it was almost as fun to go into the stores just to look.

[Randall]

I'm aware that some people think you should be admired for the way you jedi people punish and train yourself for the great Barney's warehouse sale in the sky, whenever it comes, but $25 for a MxMJ vinyl quilted wallet? That's like only four happy meals which are bad for you anyway so you can now imagine yourself skipping four unhealthy happy meals and filling your bag with your new empty wallet. Pat yourself on the back (but only if you turn right around, march on down to the corner and give that wallet a good home). You can come over for some of JC's home cooking until payday.

xoxo

[Jany]

I believe I had that exact same conversation with my best friend just last week... and the week before... and the week before. She's much better than I am. Somehow, she's able to control herself and opt to pay her slightly ridiculous rent for an uber chic apartment in noe valley. I'm not so good (I mean, I just spent thousands of dollars updating my summer wadrobe when I really really need to buy furniture for my new living roon). So I definitely have to give you props for saying no to those absolutely edible little wallets. That is the exact reason I've moved to SF for a year and haven't dared to venture into the Fillmore. I don't think I could make it out alive.

In any case, I very much enjoy reading your blog. Perhaps, we'll run into each other in the city while dodging temptation. :o)

[Joy]

Good grief, do I ever relate to that... I just bought my first condo last October and have been scrimping to pay the mortgage ever since... How is it that the more money you make, the les you seem to have?? I keep telling myself that it's because I'm "investing" now... hmmm... I still think Marc Jacobs wallets rate right up there with food.

[Annie]

Gloria & Jany - thanks for stopping by! I love it when readers transition from being lurkers to commenters...

It's funny how the mere mention of Marc Jacobs draws people out of the woodwork. And it is nice to know that I'm not the only one who's balanced the "cute thing versus necessities" conundrum before. I knew you'd all understand!

xo: anniew