Memoir | Unauthorized Luxury | Part VI of VI

I recall purchasing my first haute couture handbag by the Italian House of Fendi while rushing through Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida. This fashion designer handbag accessory got me in big trouble!

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I was late arriving at the airport for my flight to Havana, Cuba, and discovered my first haute couture boutique. As I walked swiftly through the airport’s vast concourses to get to my boarding gate. To my amazement, I saw fashion designer Fendi’s accessories boutique! I hurried into the small shop and bought a black Fendi haute couture handbag with the job’s credit card. I simply thought that it was okay to use their credit card because I would pay the bill when the statement came.

Consequently, this desire to own a haute couture accessory brought scrutiny to my finances.

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While back in Washington, it was time for my annual background security investigation. The investigator asked if I had ever purchased a costly item. I eagerly admitted that I brought my first haute couture handbag with the job’s credit card while on a job-related travel.

The investigator’s demeanor changed quickly. He sternly told me to pay off that debt immediately, or I would be deemed a security threat to my employer.

The threat was that I could not afford such a pricey asset on my skimpy salary; therefore, I could be compelled to help pay off my one and only, large credit card debt.

Plus, if I had not paid off the expensive handbag in full, I would lose my security clearance and possibly my job.

I was in utter shock!

I was depressed and frightened after that meeting.

The cost of the haute couture handbag was $500.00.

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Similarly, another government employee was not responsible with her credit card either!

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Soon after I met with the security investigator, breaking news stunned government agencies throughout the Washington region! A government employee made a down payment on a Jaguar automobile with her government credit card. The car dealer blew the whistle on the woman.

Hence, this woman’s actions created a ripple effect throughout all government agencies.

Later, my employer, the U.S. Department of Prominence, blasted out a Department Notice that read that all employees using a government credit card would be shut down on a specific date. Soon after that notice, the government’s new credit cards would be issued.

The new and innovative credit card for work-related travel was called a “Travel” credit card (a fake name for this story). This Travel credit card was used to purchase airplane tickets, pay for hotel bills, and food, only. The card would not allow one to purchase items beyond the three elements noted.

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When my credit card statement arrived, the fashion designer Fendi Haute couture handbag was listed. I paid that bill in full!

And then, I had to call and fax a copy of my bank statement to the background security investigator to let him know that the debt was settled.

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Perhaps it was a good thing that the government shut down its employees’ unlimited spending access to their credit cards. I could have easily become flippant and emboldened like the woman who purchased a vehicle with her credit card.

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I purchased the handbag in 1999; it is still a beautiful piece of art and high quality.

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(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)