I quit luxury. Selling all Chanel bags to get back to minimalist style. I feel overwhelmed.

[Lake Effect]

Yeah synthetic leather is a derivative product from oil like plastic so I'm not fan of, I already use the least plastic possible in my daily life. I forgot that I did get some gorgeous YSL velvet bags so I'm happy with my choice. As for Chanel maybe I'll lean more towards tweed.


Yes second hand is great as long as it doesn't boost overconsumerism as people will buy more at 1st hand knowing that there's a market to resell later, but it's still better to rehome unused stuffs than wasting them.

I think it is safe to say I am not boosting over consumerism, lol. It is possible one of my bags was purchased at a discount due to a stain (I am guessing that as it had a stain and a piece of protective wrapping still on hardware outside the bag!) but the bag is over 10 years old! The other more contemporary bag was sold by a woman who admitted she was told by her husband to downsize. Otherwise my purchases has been well used or sitting unused in a closet. Most need refurbishing.
But I understand your point

 

[Lake Effect]

Agreed! I learned not to browse mindless. If I am ever researching for specifics on a certain bag I know I can come here and find important info. For example, I am trying to learn more about Hermès leathers and colors. This site is extremely resourceful. But I don’t read threads doing reveals, unboxing, monthly purchases, new seasonal items, etc. Yes, each person is responsible for how they feel and how they use this “space”.

What some may not understand is that some of us struggle with boundaries and we become trapped in the constant consumption of bags. It does something to us, in a rewarding way, maybe more dopamine lol, that makes it really difficult to stop. It’s borderline scary. Now, it is important to notate, that while some people struggle with the lack of self control, others do just fine. These statements, including OP’s, cannot be taken personally, as if she is judging others for buying. She is sharing an internal struggle and I totally acknowledge how that feels. Each person handles life experiences differently, and we need to validate that. I, personally, don’t think I am mentally ready to quit yet but I am struggling to find balance.

You hit the nail on the head there my friend. And I am being very general here, very general, in that when we feel good about something, there are brain chemicals involved! So if seeking or purchasing bags creates a wonderful sensation, well, I as human being will do it again! And in my case, it doesn’t even involve luxury, it involves thrifting out vintage bags. But for some of us, like me, I actually need to keep upping the ante to get my *reward*.

How to desire less?? That’s a tough one

To desire less *stuff* I am continually and consciously cultivating a greater desire to appreciate and use what I already have, a greater desire to involve myself in non-consumer activities etc, you get my drift
And trust me it is a challenge. In middle age, I am coming into some long awaited lol earning power. Much to my surprise over the last 18 months I was able to negotiate a significant raise during the sale of my company to new owners. So my challenge is to figure out a monthly spending plan to allow me to pay off debt, save money, and enjoy today!

 

[ilovemydog]

I don’t get my purse obsession from TPF. I get it from looking at YouTube and online stores and resale sites. I come to TPF to get information and see modeling shots and to share my love of bags and my purchases. This is a place where people understand our obsession, as well as our self-imposed bans. Sometimes I can talk myself out of a bag if the reviews are negative or the bag is not practical. That being said, I am also on a quest to downsize. We have all spent money that we regret. Just move forward, pare down, and don’t beat yourself up.

I agree with this. I notice bags on YouTube and Instagram but I know that I can always browse TPF threads and find the nitty gritty on bags and whether or not they are worth it. I use TPF more for research since I don’t always feel that influencers can be trusted (and some bags I like don’t have very many reviews on YouTube, like Delvaux)

 

[Uptown Luxer]

I agree with this. I notice bags on YouTube and Instagram but I know that I can always browse TPF threads and find the nitty gritty on bags and whether or not they are worth it. I use TPF more for research since I don’t always feel that influencers can be trusted (and some bags I like don’t have very many reviews on YouTube, like Delvaux)

Totally!!!!!! I saw a Louis Vuitton Vanity PM that I saw on Insta and I was like “OMG..... I gotta have this” and after reading comments here and seeing the bag in person, I was totally underwhelmed. Influencers and instagram make everything look so glorious! I am more mindful now and after reading this thread I have been more mindful to tame my impulsiveness and think twice. When I feel the pull to look or pull the trigger, I stop and tell myself a hardcore no

 

[jellybebe]

I agree with this. I notice bags on YouTube and Instagram but I know that I can always browse TPF threads and find the nitty gritty on bags and whether or not they are worth it. I use TPF more for research since I don’t always feel that influencers can be trusted (and some bags I like don’t have very many reviews on YouTube, like Delvaux)

I think Instagram is the worst for influencing me. And I agree, I use TPF more for research!

 

[MollyRoses]

I agree with this. I notice bags on YouTube and Instagram but I know that I can always browse TPF threads and find the nitty gritty on bags and whether or not they are worth it. I use TPF more for research since I don’t always feel that influencers can be trusted (and some bags I like don’t have very many reviews on YouTube, like Delvaux)

Omg! Same here! Wanted to see a YouTube review around the delvaux bags but I can’t find that many, especially in English!

 

[OogleAtLuxury]

I agree. I often don’t understand it when ppl say they buy Chanel bag as an investment

Yeah, I feel like those people just look at what a bag is selling for on Fashionphile and assume it's what they'd get back. But, Fashionphile takes a big cut! And, even if you sell by yourself on eBay, Poshmark, etc., there are fees, shipping costs, insurance costs, and risks of buyer scams. There's no way you'd make a profit unless you held onto a bag for many, many years.

 

[SpeedyJC]

Im a little late to this thread but just want to say good for you OP. You recognized how you were feeling and did something about it. Im in a situation myself, abit different but has to do with my collection. I no longer really like bags with logos on them. I havent sold them because I decided to wait to see how I feel but some bags I have not used in about a year. I do not like waste so I plan on getting rid of them. So far I have been purchasing bags that are not obvious as to branding to replace those that are.

 

[Ramai]

Im a little late to this thread but just want to say good for you OP. You recognized how you were feeling and did something about it. Im in a situation myself, abit different but has to do with my collection. I no longer really like bags with logos on them. I havent sold them because I decided to wait to see how I feel but some bags I have not used in about a year. I do not like waste so I plan on getting rid of them. So far I have been purchasing bags that are not obvious as to branding to replace those that are.

I feel the same way. I prefer subtle designer bags. In fact I appreciate good quality non-designer bags and moving more towards them. I am, however, a minimalist and would not like more than 10 bags and each one has to serve a function.

 

[aerialla]

Just found this thread. I'm new to the forum but not to bags. I have 1 luxury bag...an vintage Gucci. I don't buy luxury brands for 1 main reason, I need a bag that if it falls down a flight of stairs and lands in mud, I won't cry or make myself sick at the expense. This happened to full grain Patricia Nash tote - it took the beating like a prize fighter and came back for more. Never be afraid to downsize your life doing what is best for your life. Others, especially the strangers on the internet have no bearing on your finances, struggles or your self worth.

 

[whateve]

Just found this thread. I'm new to the forum but not to bags. I have 1 luxury bag...an vintage Gucci. I don't buy luxury brands for 1 main reason, I need a bag that if it falls down a flight of stairs and lands in mud, I won't cry or make myself sick at the expense. This happened to full grain Patricia Nash tote - it took the beating like a prize fighter and came back for more. Never be afraid to downsize your life doing what is best for your life. Others, especially the strangers on the internet have no bearing on your finances, struggles or your self worth.

Try vintage Coach. You can wash them!

 

[honey52]

I can relate to everything you’ve felt towards luxury goods. When i bought my very first chanel bag, i got it through an online consignment store and somehow it felt like it wasnt enough. My very first bag was a medium boy bag. Friends tell me i need to shop at the local boutique to have a full chanel experience of purchasing a bag there. And so i did. I got my second bag at a local boutique. It was a blue classic double flap. Then next it became the 31 rue cambon experience. And i got my 3rd bag there. It was a small blue navy boy. All these 3 bags within a span of 5 months.

Over time, i became more and more compelled to feel that i need to take advantage of the tax refund whenever i travel overseas. My trips to europe have went from a “i want to explore sightseeing areas and food stops” to a “lets cater 1 day to go shopping at luxury goods stores”. It was so bad to a point where the first day of these trips must be to the boutiques, rather than to the sightseeing places first, then travel to the boutiques on the last few days of the trips. Even going to these luxury goods stores somehow brought more excitement in me than actually exploring the cities.

I became more and more obsessed with knowing what’s the upcoming season’s bags and colors that will be released. Even if its not something that i’d normally use, i’d feel like i need to have a piece or two from the collection. I also felt like i need to get it in order to maintain friendly links with my local SA, so that she’ll continue informing me when the upcoming season is released and invites to the tea parties for the season’s launches.

Every new bag that came delivered to my house i’d feel excited, take pictures of it and theN stored in my display cabinet. I never really truly enjoyed or made much use out of my bags (each of my bags have only been used less than 5 times). Most of them still have the protective stickers and tags left on them. I somehow just left them stored in my display and then by the next week im on the lookout for what’s next.

I sell some bags knowing that i’d make a loss but i felt like i need to and must sell it in order to fund the next one, even though the bags that i originally owned have hardly been used.

It’s a never ending cycle and everytime i tell myself that im at purse peace, it’s no longer valid by the next month. My instagram and facebook feed are full of chanels and seeing how other people post their purchases entice me to get more so that i can feel the same way that they do.

I admire that you identify this, admit it to yourself, point it out to some of us who might be doing this, and really being introspective. I have so much chagrin for the many luxury things I have that I don’t use. Like some sad useless trinket in my home, some aren’t even on display! So much regret for them... I worry that sometimes it’s hard for me to know what exactly will I use and what exactly just sits on a shelf, in a cabinet wherever when I buy it. But I do acknowledge that the luxury items I use every day bring me so much happiness. Downsizing can bring a very liberating and satisfying feeling!

 

[LuxNewbie]

I can relate to everything you’ve felt towards luxury goods. When i bought my very first chanel bag, i got it through an online consignment store and somehow it felt like it wasnt enough. My very first bag was a medium boy bag. Friends tell me i need to shop at the local boutique to have a full chanel experience of purchasing a bag there. And so i did. I got my second bag at a local boutique. It was a blue classic double flap. Then next it became the 31 rue cambon experience. And i got my 3rd bag there. It was a small blue navy boy. All these 3 bags within a span of 5 months.

Over time, i became more and more compelled to feel that i need to take advantage of the tax refund whenever i travel overseas. My trips to europe have went from a “i want to explore sightseeing areas and food stops” to a “lets cater 1 day to go shopping at luxury goods stores”. It was so bad to a point where the first day of these trips must be to the boutiques, rather than to the sightseeing places first, then travel to the boutiques on the last few days of the trips. Even going to these luxury goods stores somehow brought more excitement in me than actually exploring the cities.

I became more and more obsessed with knowing what’s the upcoming season’s bags and colors that will be released. Even if its not something that i’d normally use, i’d feel like i need to have a piece or two from the collection. I also felt like i need to get it in order to maintain friendly links with my local SA, so that she’ll continue informing me when the upcoming season is released and invites to the tea parties for the season’s launches.

Every new bag that came delivered to my house i’d feel excited, take pictures of it and theN stored in my display cabinet. I never really truly enjoyed or made much use out of my bags (each of my bags have only been used less than 5 times). Most of them still have the protective stickers and tags left on them. I somehow just left them stored in my display and then by the next week im on the lookout for what’s next.

I sell some bags knowing that i’d make a loss but i felt like i need to and must sell it in order to fund the next one, even though the bags that i originally owned have hardly been used.

It’s a never ending cycle and everytime i tell myself that im at purse peace, it’s no longer valid by the next month. My instagram and facebook feed are full of chanels and seeing how other people post their purchases entice me to get more so that i can feel the same way that they do.

I agree with your friend that those experiences must be experienced once in a lifetime.

Even though I own 4 Chanels, I've never stepped into the boutique. I got back from Europe in mid Feb, just a week before the covid situation escalated. It's my 2nd biggest regret not stepping into the Chanel boutique in Barcelona. That was the only city I felt the need to visit the boutiques (was in Madrid and Milan too). Unfortunately due to my race, I don't feel safe returning to Europe for a couple of years at least. I still intend to accomplish the 'Europe Chanel' milestone I set for myself.

Cherish those memories. Someday you will look back and smile at them. I know my mother did and still does.

As for how to deal with what's new, I sleep on it and make sure it's what I want and not what 'others have'. Recently some ladies here just helped talk me out of buying a bag I really loved but wasn't practical for me. So like some of the ladies here mentioned, it's how you want to use this forum. I joined as I was researching on Chanel leathers after realising my 1st Chanel was an impulse purchase.

 

[aerialla]

Try vintage Coach. You can wash them!

I've actually done this with a few old fabric Coach I found at a thrift store for $5 each. I figured even if they got destroyed I wasn't really out much. I put them in a pillowcase with light soap and let air dry. They came out beautiful and one was a dirty white older Poppy. My girls hate them and think they are sooo outdated, which they are but they are still fun...and vintage now.

 

[whateve]

I've actually done this with a few old fabric Coach I found at a thrift store for $5 each. I figured even if they got destroyed I wasn't really out much. I put them in a pillowcase with light soap and let air dry. They came out beautiful and one was a dirty white older Poppy. My girls hate them and think they are sooo outdated, which they are but they are still fun...and vintage now.

I was referring to vintage leather Coach bags but fabric Coach works too.