2017 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?

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#19,458
catsinthebag said:
Yes, weight has become more and more of an issue for me. A couple of days ago, I used one of my H Garden Parties. I had to lug a bunch of stuff to a doctors appointment and then DH and I were meeting at a restaurant where he’s holding a dinner in a few weeks. We know the restaurant owner and she’s as crazy about bags as I am — we always have fun talking about LV vs. Chanel, what each of us are currently lusting after, etc.

So, the GP. By the time we got there, I was aching from carrying the damn thing. It was too full to put over my shoulder, so I was elbow carrying it. It had all my usual stuff plus a notebook and a water bottle. Ugh! But my friend took one look and was like, “What-is-that-bag-it’s-gorgeous.” She loved everything about it that I initially loved: the quality, the simplicity of design, the color. Now she’s thinking of getting one! I told her about the problem with shoulder carry but that doesn’t really bother her.

So, I feel bad because I have two Garden Parties and rarely wear them. I used to have three but sold the one in the color I liked/used the least. So, that is one out at least. I’ve been thinking, though, and I realize that one of the few holes in my collection is a luxe shoulder tote. I love my Longchamps but sometimes really want a more high-end option. If anyone has any recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

I like the looks of the Saint Laurent tote but hate when bag designers do the detachable pouch thing rather than building in pockets. Owned an LV Neverfull years ago but didn’t like the skinny shoulder straps (plus, I do want leather, not canvas). Stylistically, I’m thinking casual elegance, not business tote.

I’m intrigued by this one but haven’t ever really ventured into BV. Would love everyone’s opinions.

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I'm struggling with finding the right tote as well. Like you, my need is for a fashion tote with "casual elegance" not a business tote.

It has to be leather with the following requirements: interior pockets (zip and slip), 8-9" drop just large enough for a 13" laptop but not much bigger. And, I greatly prefer a center divided section. While I don't generally like them on regular bags, I find them wonderful for totes because of the organization and security.

I haven't found anything I like. But, the bag you've shown seems to be a good option.
 
#19,460
essiedub said:
I really like this diorama sparkletastic. I was really close to getting the slightly smaller one in the metallic blue but didn’t pull the trigger, thinking that it might be a tad small. But I sneak peeks at it when it comes up on the resale market. Why is it your favorite bag? Perhaps you have said before and I missed it...I’m convinced our answers to that question are emotional (not that that is bad..it is the whole underlying premise behind spark joy)
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Thanks for the compliment on my bag. :amuse:

Why is it my favorite? Honestly, 80% is the look of the bag. It just makes me happy to see it, own it and wear it. In general, I love flaps and chain straps. But, the bag really wows me with the pattern, shine and visual impact. It's just very pretty and girly. :love:

The practical side: I use silver quite a bit as a neutral in my wardrobe. And, though it looks like a bag just for dressy wear, it's surprisingly easy to use for many of my casual days.

So, the bag just "works" for me. I tried to keep myself from buying it for a year and just had to have it. I'm soooo happy I took the plunge. :hbeat:
 
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#19,461
essiedub said:
View attachment 3884977 View attachment 3884978 Here is one of my favorite bags, the Dior Panarea. The size and shape are perfect for my needs. It is light, it is quietly chic. BUT the handles are the WORST! They really should have made it a rolled handle. Mine are cracking and it drives me nuts because I really love this bag. While Dior could replace the handles, they will not do it for me because I was not the original purchaser. Why that should matter is beyond me. It’s not as if I wouldn’t pay for the repair. Grr. So I am trying it with my Hermes Twilly..Not certain whether it’s better to blend into color or go for contrast. This photo shows “contrast.” I’m going to try the reverse for “blend.” I will say that a silk wrap feels really good on the hand..so luxe ...try it! I’d considered getting the Dior Mitzah letter twilliy but am annoyed at them at the moment.
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This so annoys me when brands do this. YSL wouldn't repair my Monogram Cabas because I purchased it retail. I was happy to pay for the repair but they wouldn't even order the part for me without an original receipt.

To me, that's poor service. If I buy a preloved Mercedes from an individual, Mercedes will still repair the car. Same for large appliances and many other categories. So, for handbag companies to not offer fee based repair makes zero sense.
 
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#19,462
catsinthebag said:
I was thinking of Leather Surgeons as well. I don’t have any experience with them, but the ladies over on the Chanel forum swear by them. It’s probably worth at least contacting them and asking.
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I'd also try Leather Pros. They do a great job for me and others on a number of brands. They have done a great job on bags that Leather Surgeons wouldn't touch.
 
#19,463
msd_bags said:
Here is my fave travel duo for very short trips involving air travel:
View attachment 3885278
And here was me on the way to the airport - Balenciaga Velo with a grey cardigan and black inner and pants and flats, accessorized with a H scarf. Excuse the ugly leather seat, this is our office service car.
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Wait. How did I miss that you have a Velo? This is a great combo.

Gosh. I need a Bal. And a black Velo was my first choice. I keep dragging my feet. I need to figure out why and either buy or stop thinking about it. Lol!

How did you choose the Velo v a City or First? What makes this your favorite travel bag?
 
#19,464
catsinthebag said:
For some reason, I never really got into BV before now. I wasn’t sure the woven leather look was for me, I guess. And some of their classics, like the Veneta, don’t have enough structure for me. But the combination of their leather with the chain hardware gives a lot of their bags an elegant, but slightly edgy look. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself! I still have to go try it on.
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This is so funny. Your comments are exactly what was on my mind. I never cared for the woven BV leather but, then I started falling in love with the pillow which I think is adorable. Based on that this tote wouldn't have caught my attention but, I also think the woven leather with the chain is striking.

This proves something I've been thinking lately. There probably isn't any one element / feature / brand etc. that I can say I'd never (or always) buy. Mixing things up in different ways can make something look completely brand new.
 
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#19,465
catsinthebag said:
I had some extra time today and was in the neighborhood, so I stopped by the BV boutique and tried it on. Not sure it was magic, but oh my, I really, really, really like this bag! The leather feels amazing, the bag is the right combo of structured and squishy, and the shoulder drop is perfect. The size is perfect too — spacious but not too huge. I almost never buy on the first try, so I will go back at some point and try it on again. I’m looking forward to it, because the SAs in that store were fantastic — fun and friendly and helpful, and not at all pushy or snooty.

I know the open top hobos don’t work for me. I have tried them on, but the problem isn’t looks, it’s function. I simply need more structure. I can’t stand it when my stuff jumbles together and I can’t find things easily. The bag I really loved is a new style — the Piazza — basically BV’s modern take on the Kelly style. I am an absolute sucker for the Kelly style, but don’t need this At. All. Plus the clasp wasn’t easy to open, so I’m going to put that one out of my head for now. (The craftsmanship was amazing, however!)

Anyway, here is a mod shot of the chain tote. Please excuse the baggy sweater and worn-in jeans!

View attachment 3885882
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Ooooh! I like this a lot! I need to try this on too! Thanks for the mod shot!!
 
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#19,466
Totes are my most frequently used bag style. I need the function and would like it to be stylish and light. Hence my love for the Dior panarea with the doomed handles. So my quest continues. I ran across this Coyn and I was tempted because of all the built-in pockets (laptop, phone, water bottle etc) and it zips up. But it just lacked that extra panache. Maybe it’s the leather? If Only I could feel the leather.. maybe it’s the color? Not quite the right caramel/tan? Dunno. Can’t pull the trigger.

https://www.shopcoyn.com/products/the-everyday-tote?variant=33371655174

Then there’s the Cuyana - tan with blush interior and the interior “ties” to change the profile..but it doesnt have the interior organization that the Coyn has. Does the blush interior supersede functionality? Seems like I’m leaning that way.

https://www.cuyana.com/classic-structured-leather-tote.html#caramel-blush

Yup...emotion overrides reason. (Which is why I have an impressive collection of mini/cocktail bags..but that’s a story for another day!)

Thank you everyone for hearing my tales of woe on my Panarea. I will contact the various leather repair shops you recommended.
 
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#19,469
catsinthebag said:
I had some extra time today and was in the neighborhood, so I stopped by the BV boutique and tried it on. Not sure it was magic, but oh my, I really, really, really like this bag! The leather feels amazing, the bag is the right combo of structured and squishy, and the shoulder drop is perfect. The size is perfect too — spacious but not too huge. I almost never buy on the first try, so I will go back at some point and try it on again. I’m looking forward to it, because the SAs in that store were fantastic — fun and friendly and helpful, and not at all pushy or snooty.

I know the open top hobos don’t work for me. I have tried them on, but the problem isn’t looks, it’s function. I simply need more structure. I can’t stand it when my stuff jumbles together and I can’t find things easily. The bag I really loved is a new style — the Piazza — basically BV’s modern take on the Kelly style. I am an absolute sucker for the Kelly style, but don’t need this At. All. Plus the clasp wasn’t easy to open, so I’m going to put that one out of my head for now. (The craftsmanship was amazing, however!)

Anyway, here is a mod shot of the chain tote. Please excuse the baggy sweater and worn-in jeans!

View attachment 3885882
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It looks fantastic on you!
 
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#19,470
It's been a mixed bag with my shopping this week.

I returned the Coach strap. I bought the pink sparkly one but it only looked good on one bag. So back it went. :amazed:IMG_2672.jpg
And l, I bought 2 pair of shoes through Fashionphile. One didn't fit and the other was not cute when I saw it in person. :whut: So back they went.

I did however buy this pair of Wren booties at Rag and Bone. I looove the shopping options in my new city!!:yahoo: IMG_2674.jpg
The great thing about these booties is that the ankle part fits like a tight glove. So, it keeps my foot back from the pointy toe so there's no evil toe crush. That also makes the shoe feel very stable making these very comfy and easy to wear.

The heel is ivory and a perfect match for my ivory Chanel. These should help me get more wear out of that bag. :biggrin:

The SA is awesome and has been texting me all kinds of styling options post sale. Here are a few that I think are cute and may try some version of. The first photo shows that actual shoes; the third shows them in black. Second photo has a red hat coordinating with red booties.IMG_2680.JPG I would definitely shop with her again. Amazing customer service through the whole process.
 
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