Rita
Wednesday, 08 September 2010 by Lydia Parafianowicz
The Netherlands is synonymous with tulips, wooden shoes, windmills … and now luxe handbags! Our lovely customer Rita is doing her best to share the joys of Belen Echandia with Dutch bag-lovers and newcomers to the world of luxe bags!
About Rita
Rita lives in a Dutch town with her husband and two Chihuahuas – and taking care of them has been a full-time job since Rita retired a few years ago. She walks them three times daily, through Holland’s beautiful woods and parks. “They need a lot of attention and that’s what we give them,” Rita says. “In the past I had a busy career outside the house, but I must say that I love and appreciate the lower gear that my life has taken now.”
Hobbies
Aside from bag-collecting and shopping, Rita says she enjoys making jewellery from sterling silver, pearls and gemstones. Inspired by the outdoors and wildlife, she says loves to make beautiful pieces with natural materials. Otherwise, she enjoys gardening and taking bike rides with her husband through the Dutch countryside (how picturesque!)
“I love buying luxury goods, and also had a very big soft when it comes to handbags,” Rita says. After stumbling across the Purse Forum online, she discovered BE when a fellow shopper mentioned the brand. “On the BE forum, everybody was so positive and satisfied by the quality and the outstanding service,” Rita recalls. So to start, she purchased two pre-loved BE bags … and after that, she decided she needed a completely new bag to herself! The rest is history. She is the proud owner of a Hold Me, Love Me Midi and I’m Beautiful Midi, and says she has sold most of her other bags since discovering BE!
“First of all, I’m very impressed by the way they deal with their customers,” Rita says. “You get the feeling that you are special. The BE ladies are always there to give you good advice and will do everything they can to help you.” Rita also says the selection of bags and their versatility have impressed her, as they are luxurious and practical at the same time. “I don't want a bag just to show of a brand,” Rita says. “Then it can’t be used under all kinds of circumstances because I have to pamper it too much! I like to carry lots of stuff with me and want it all to be well organized and BE bags give the possibility for both.”
Rita’s first BE Couture bag it’s currently in production and she looks forward to having it for fall. She designed a Rock Me Midi in black crash, with dark beige lining and brass hardware – and let us say, it’s going to be beautiful! “I am already thinking about my second BEC bag, which will probably be a Hug Me,” Rita says.
What makes the bags special?
“The BE bags fulfill my wishes and I find them very versatile,” Rita explains. “The messenger straps are an especially nice feature – there are not that many designer bags that have them! Now I can choose how I want to wear my bag, depending on my needs in that moment.” Rita adds that the quality of leather used for the bags is lightweight compared to other bags she owns. She also loves the lining material, as it’s durable and sturdy, with enough pockets for her necessities. “The material the linings are made of is splendid – the best I ever had,” says Rita, adding that she doesn’t need to worry about keys tearing it or having stains appear quickly.
“It would certainly be my Love Me Midi in Root with brass hardware,” Rita says. “This one is soooooo divine! The leather is getting all smooshy and it’s just the right size to carry all my things for the day or evening. It looks elegant but is also a bit sporty and trendy. I can wear it with many things in my wardrobe during all year on most occasions. Each time I use it, I get a kick when I open it and see the gorgeous fuchsia lining!”
What are your favourite beauty products?
1) Facial cream from ROC. “This brand does not have added fragrance, which I like because I only want to smell my perfume!”
2) Perfumes. “I love Prada’s ‘Infusion Iris’ and their ‘Amber’ scents. I also adore ‘Wood’ from DSquared.
3) Clinique lipstick. “It is very nourishing and has a SPF. My most loved color is ‘nearly violet,’ I wear it all the time!”
Where do you love to shop?
“Most things in my wardrobe are from PefectlyBasics, a webshop that has several great brands, and their service is outstanding. I like the clothes from Repeat and Filippa K; for coming season I would want a few items from their new collection.”
