Shop in the Spotlight: Paris House

So here’s the thing, readers: I am not the kind of girl who buys £90 purses. But you know how it is, don’t you? One day, you’re just idly reading all of the internet in your lunch hour, then BAM – up pops something so brilliant, you let out a desk-whoop, and Colin from Accounts secretly hopes it’s because he’s just stumbled into your peripheral vision. Then you see the price, and you let out a desk-groan, and Colin from Accounts’ heart breaks into a thousand tiny pieces.

And then you frantically perform the patented cost-per-wear equation, and you convince yourself that IN FACT, of course £90 is a totally reasonable price to pay for a purse.

For this purse:

Paris House Untitled bill fold in coral, approx. £90

Look, it’s got all the essential elements of a good purse:

• A gold rabbit
• A gold rabbit saying ‘bite me’
• A googly eye dotting the I of ‘bite me’

I couldn't say no. I’ve had mine (in tan, actually, but that’s no longer available) since last April, and I've carried it every day since then. In the interests of mathematical advancement, I have calculated that this equates to a cost of 18p per wear. I think I’ll soon be making money by carrying it.

The problem is, I’m now a little bit obsessed with New Zealand-based Paris House, purveyors of fine leather goods with a witty twist. Designer and conceptual artist Sharon Paris is carrying on her 78-year-old family business in style, and I WANT IT ALL. International shipping is free (!), so there are virtually no obstacles in my way. Let’s have a look at the things I wouldn’t mind being bought for my birthday: 

Paris House Designer Collection travel wallet in magenta, approx. £112

I need a bright pink Marie Antoinette-inspired travel pouch, don’t I? Thought so. 

Paris House Love Small Weekend (24hr) Bag, approx. £395

The slogan on this overnight bag reads ‘I love you like a fat boy loves cake’. I know. I love it like a fat boy loves cake. I don’t love the price quite so much.

Paris House Love iPad cover, approx. £120

I don't know if I'd dare carry this into job interviews and business meetings. I like to think I would. It makes me laugh a lot. 

Paris House Self Help + Psychotherapy Half Moon Purse in fluoro melon, approx. £48

This little coin purse is a smiley wee chap. Don't be fooled - the lining is emblazoned with the handy reminder 'Don't be stupid, I'm a disaster'. 

I could go on and on with my wishlist - Paris House have so many great designs, and most of them are available in a variety of colourways. Yes, they're pricey, but they're also really well-made and really funny (and they do a nice line in sale items - this Belief Bill Fold is down from £90 to £20 at the moment). Just remember to do your cost-per-wear sums and you'll be fine. 

Anyway, did I mention that it's my birthday in October? No? Oh, since you ask, yes it is! Colin from Accounts, take note.