I’m not often influenced by the Olsen twins, but there is one area in my life where we may be triplets — the way I treat my bags. They may be worn down, but they are loved dearly. They go beyond mere accessories and become a part of my daily life. The Olsen twins and I share an appreciation for DEEPLY loving their items to the point of falling apart.
I have always loved purses, but I have not been known for being their best caretaker. I believe there is beauty in using your items the way they were meant to be used. A purse was designed to be worn and used in daily life, not sit in a glass box in your closet.
My favorite purse is a purple crossbody from Kate Spade that I got many many birthdays ago, and I believe every little stain and mark and cut shows the love I pour into my possessions. I bring them everywhere with me — every trip, every errand, and every night out with friends. Though the handle sometimes falls off while I’m holding it, I love this bag deeply and dearly.
My items often end up on the floor in the mess I call a room, but then are picked up and used. Hats with random marks that are often falling off their 3M hooks are always loved. My accessory collection is small but mighty, and if a new hat, bag or earring becomes a part of my collection, it will be used until its death.
I am known for my love of items, and my inability to throw things away, so the idea of ever losing one of my dear items would wreck me. In my opinion, items are meant to be used and loved.
Although my bags may not be cracking into oblivion like Mary Kate and Ashley’s, some people may not approve of my antics. There is beauty in the simplicity of using things in the way they are meant to be used.
My room may be messy. My items may have scars, but everything in my room is loved till its death. It’s loved to the last stitch.
Words by Annika Petersen.
Graphic by Reem Hinedi.