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

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^Here's the latest addition. Maybe hubby and I do need to go back to exploring a closet addition, lol! I had been looking for a special crossbody bag that I could wear either day or night that was red with silver hardware. This is the Longchamp Effrontée red lacquer crossbody bag. At first I thought I wanted a plain red bag but the more I considered it I realized most of my bags are plain and I loved the detail in the leather trim. The matching leather card case was too cute to pass up. I can't wait to take it out for a spin! :smile:

I love this!
 
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I believe there was also a conversation about owning multiples of a bag? This is a bag style that I fell in love with, so I bought a second one (sight unseen) in emerald green. And it turned out to be a BIG mistake. The green was much too bright. You'd think the jewel tones of "emerald" would be perfect against all the black I wear, but something about it just never quite resonated for me. Eventually I ended up re-homing it, which I felt bad about because really it was my fault in the first place for not simply sticking to the one bag. I felt as though I had been a bit greedy... like taking a second piece of pumpkin pie for dessert! :shocked:
That is stunning. I can see why emerald seemed like a good choice for a multiple. But I can also imagine that sight unseen green can be a hard color to match with your wardrobe....
 
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

Oh that is really really nice
 
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Also a good example of the point I’ve been making, that tenKrat is also in the same boat as me in, of vivid jewel tones being best with our skin tone so needing to tone it down with bag colors! Neutral seems to let the outfit shine more, while great bags can still look amazing.
 
I'm just getting into totes. I always disliked them. Now, I like them for the functionality. The problem is finding the right look.

Are you looking for a fashion tote or a work / practical tote? Or a combo of both?

I have my workhorse tote covered with this Knomo Tote that I bought last year. It's super functional and brand quiet so it's the perfect tote for work. But, it's not pretty and I'd never use it outside of work.View attachment 3886016So, now I'm looking for a beautiful tote that I can use for fun when I need bigger capacity than my bags allow. It's just hard to find fashion and function together. Especially when I have such specific requirements.
Are you looking for the central zip divider or trying to avoid?

I normally try to avoid if the leather is stiff (like my saint laurent monogram shopper).

I want to check this BV out as it looks softer so one will be able to arrange things better in the bag.

It was a hassle using my monogram shopper; i had to really think of what i wanted to put into it and arrange things well. Plus the central zipper divider was a hassle for me. I use a long wallet and preferred putting it in there but the area then tended to bulk out into the compartments of the bag; so u had to really shuffle items around and downsize to fit things comfortably in the bag.

This BV although it has the same zip divider, looks like it will be more accommodating since its bigger and the leather is softer
 
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?

Mine is in Anthracite from 2012 I think. My first Bal was a City in Rose Thulian, bought preloved in 2013 from a local seller known to a friend. Then I added one in Latte, also City. Then I wanted to try the Velo as I got to look at it in the boutique, so I got this and that's when I realized I preferred the shape of the Velo. Generally I prefer E/W but somehow the more N/S Velo worked for me. With the City, I felt I had to scatter/arrange my stuff along the length (width?) of the bag. The 2 Citys have been rehomed.

Plus, the Velo has a longer strap (at least then) that lends itself to crossbody carry. And you can also double the strap for shoulder carry. The different strap configuration makes me love the bag for travel - versatility! And you have a pretty leather bag. Plus, it is lighter than some other leather bags!

And when the travel includes some business conference or meeting, though a less formal bag, I am still confident to wear it. Again, versatility!
 
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.
I think the first one is very practical but it needs a something on the outside . I love clean lines but the slightly saggy corners kind of blows that. You could add a scarf to it for a bit of pizazz.
The second on has more style but doesn't close . Is that important to you?
 
How long does it take for you to feel pain?

It depends. I think it may have more to do with how I’m carrying a bag than the actual weight of the bag. Part of the problem with the GP is that I end up elbow-carrying it, which I think throws my posture out of whack. I have to watch the weight on cross-bodies too. But I can load up a Longchamp, which is shoulder-carry, with all my usual stuff, plus an umbrella, sweatshirt and water bottle, and while it’s definitely heavy, it doesn’t hurt.

I have a lot of muscle imbalances resulting from an old hip injury. Add to that the fact that I’m having an MRI of my left knee today and I’m just falling apart!
 
Also a good example of the point I’ve been making, that tenKrat is also in the same boat as me in, of vivid jewel tones being best with our skin tone so needing to tone it down with bag colors! Neutral seems to let the outfit shine more, while great bags can still look amazing.

I’m with you on the jewel tones. Royal blue is my favorite color to wear.
 
It depends. I think it may have more to do with how I’m carrying a bag than the actual weight of the bag. Part of the problem with the GP is that I end up elbow-carrying it, which I think throws my posture out of whack. I have to watch the weight on cross-bodies too. But I can load up a Longchamp, which is shoulder-carry, with all my usual stuff, plus an umbrella, sweatshirt and water bottle, and while it’s definitely heavy, it doesn’t hurt.

I have a lot of muscle imbalances resulting from an old hip injury. Add to that the fact that I’m having an MRI of my left knee today and I’m just falling apart!

Hope all goes well with your MRI. Sending you positive vibes [emoji173]️
 
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I normally try to avoid if the leather is stiff (like my saint laurent monogram shopper).

I want to check this BV out as it looks softer so one will be able to arrange things better in the bag.

It was a hassle using my monogram shopper; i had to really think of what i wanted to put into it and arrange things well. Plus the central zipper divider was a hassle for me. I use a long wallet and preferred putting it in there but the area then tended to bulk out into the compartments of the bag; so u had to really shuffle items around and downsize to fit things comfortably in the bag.

This BV although it has the same zip divider, looks like it will be more accommodating since its bigger and the leather is softer

I usually hate center zip dividers, but I don’t think I’m going to mind it on this bag because as you said, the leather is soft and the center pocket will help give the bag shape and organization. I still have to try it with my stuff in it, but I’m picturing one side for my daily stuff (hand lotion, pouch with lip stuff, Purell, etc.), the center pocket for my wallet, and the other side for a notebook and/or my hat and gloves in the winter. I just need to make sure that a) it’s still comfortable with all that stuff in it, and b) that said stuff doesn’t cause any weird bulges in the bag.
 
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