As a faithful member of the black community for the past 22 years, I have always believed in the Power of Luther…Vandross, of course! I suffered through an entire childhood of my mom’s 80s/90s R&B hits on cassette tape.

Lord Luther

She was jamming “Here and Now,” “Power of Love,” and my personal fave- “Never Too Much” so hard in that white Volvo, I couldn’t help but hum Luther as a slept each night beneath my Beauty and the Beast comforter.

Therefore, it literally breaks my soul to dispute Mr. Vandross’ most famous principle- “A room is not a house, and a house is not a home…” Well, dearest Luther, I have met a haus that is truly a home. Different spelling, but same overall feel, I promise.

One rainy day, I had this sudden urge to mindlessly spend some money. (It happens just as often as it sounds…believe me). Well, I got my Starbucks signature-venti hot Passion tea and headed to South Moon Under, a neighborhood fave boutique. For some strange reason, handbags seemed to be my calling that day, so I made a beeline towards their little shelf.

Marc Jacobs- hmm, $450 worth of I-wish-but-please!

Cheapy McNoName- hmm, $40 worth of ugliness is hardly a steal.

Then as if I was the chocolate Goldilocks, I found the porridge that was “just-right.” Her name was “Extra Spicy,” the company was Urban Expressions and her price was perfection- $58.

My "Extra Spicy" Babydoll!

Though she was black and shiny, and sporting as much gold jewelry as I was, I wasn’t immediately sold. But in order to not hurt her feelings, I employed a classic relationship BS-ism- “It’s not you, Extra Spicy. It’s me.” Bag on my arm, I paced back and forth through the store, questioning why days ending in “-ay” force me to spend money on clothes.

Ultimately, common shopping sense won out and I took my newest baby up to the counter. From the first day “ES” went out into the world, she garnered more compliments than any bag or super-short mini I’ve ever owned. Black and white, young and old, rich and poor, stylish and fugly- everyone loved her! She truly represents a Barack Obama era in America.

Well, I just had to get to the bottom of Extra Spicy’s undeniable appeal and I felt that this could only be done with a little research on her origins. I googled Urban Expressions and found the answer to Luther’s appeal of a “house not being a home” at Baghaus.com

There were at least 50 different Urban Expressions bags and ZERO over $80.

Oversized totes for $35-50, clutches for $20-30, weekenders and satchels for $60-70. But it wasn’t just the price that lured me to keep clickin’ on. The bags were impeccably-made and didn’t look like a “Stewey Vouiton”- Louis’ brokedown step-cousin. They had character all their own that made me want to make a bumper sticker bearing the words- “I am a proud parent of an Urban Expressions satchel!”

But there was more…even further discounts. Promo codes that offered an additional 20% off and free shipping on a purchase of $50 or more.

“Ooo, baby, do you know what that’s worth…Ooo, heaven is a place called earth!”

Merry Christmas, Mama!

My mom had a Baghaus Christmas, as she received two gorg-o bags for $40!

Their latest promo offers 20% off a purchase of  $30 or more with the code “HOPE!”

So, in fondest rememberance of the darling and talented Luther Vandross, please “Stop to Love” Baghaus.com!