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

[Sparkletastic]

I was severely tempted by the Massaccesi Cyber Monday sale today because they have a gorgeous dark green pebbled leather on sale. It looks like the shade I’ve been looking to add to my collection.

BUT, I am not going to buy. Two things that are stopping me:

1) I can’t find a style I really like for the leather. If I chose one, I would just be settling.

2) I’m buying tires for my vehicle. In fact, they’re being put on today.

So there it goes.

Being an adult and having to spend on non bag stuff is not fun.

Tires v Massaccesi.

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

TenKrat’s aura I bought off her was so great it made me buy a beige one today.

 

[dcooney4]

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Last day with my tea rose before work tomorrow!

Brought this dino to be stamped with a bow too. [emoji4]

Managed to make the weekend with no SLGs or bags! I did buy some other things though, but nothing major.

There’s so many pretty bags that I really liked but weren’t worth breaking the ban for.

I feel like there’s nothing new right now. Kinda not feeling anything available which is kind of a bummer because DBF is asking what I’d like for Christmas. And for the first time I’m at a complete blank.

A puppy?

 

[bakeacookie]

@bakeacookie did you choose a case? I’m thinking waterproof catalyst (available in Jan) or lifeproof waterproof which is coming soon, who knows when, dog&bone has a waterproof case coming soon as well, and Otterbox Preserver is actually waterproof but not yet available either. Ghostek has one that’s now available but ghastly ugly.
I’m thinking to wait a couple weeks and then if Catalyst is still the only nicer quality case, order that and wait a few weeks to get it in January. Too bad my phone will be naked for some weeks waiting for a case! I want a family pic custom printed on it, but the etsy seller who does that only offering Otterbox commuter cases with custom photos, nothing waterproof, so.... oh well. Hope it doesn’t shatter in the first few weeks!

I got an otterbox with a clear back so I can stick stuff on the back.

 

[bakeacookie]

A puppy?

I have asked everyone for a puppy. [emoji23]
I don’t know if I’ll be getting one anytime soon.
The shelter also doesn’t have one that’s the right size with the temperament I need. [emoji17]

 

[catsinthebag]

This is awesome info! Thanks for taking the time to share.

My favorite Hermes style is the Kelly. So your insight on the closure and the effect of leather choice is really helpful.

Two months ago, I was a click away from buying a Lindy after I saw someone show a beautiful one on TPF. But, the not seeing it in person stopped me. I don't hate the big H on the Constance. I just worry about "bag hate" from others if they see the big H. This is probably complete silliness on my part because I'd carry an H, (other than something super discreet like the Lindy) in non work situations where I don't care about anyone seeing an LV or double C's. I just googled the Roulis and it's beautiful! But small capacity would drive me crazy. Lol!

I need to continue to think about this. The lure of quality and resale values is very tempting. But, the prices and lack of fire in my belly for the styles is holding me back. And, since I'm not willing to sell anything in my collection to fund one, I'll have to be in love to drop crazy "new" bag money. I think your suggestions on trying to find a consignment place where I can try the bags is the best option. If it's love, I'll know!

And, thanks, too, for the heads up on which years are felt to be the best. I'll keep that in mind.

If you don't mind, I'll pm you if I get serious on a bag to get your perspective. Thanks!!

Of course you can PM me! I’m happy to share any info that may be helpful.

One additional thought: if you don’t feel the fire for a bag, don’t do it. No amount of resale value is worth buying a bag you aren’t crazy about. Even if you can sell and get all your money back, you’ll be disappointed about having to go through the reselling process. This is why I never buy from a seller who doesn’t offer returns. I want the least risk possible, lol!

 

[bakeacookie]

I completely forgot to change bags last night! I was still on holiday-long weekend mode.
So not only does my bag have no charm, it also has two wallets (the small one for the tea rose and the large one I've been using). I was lucky to have tossed by work badge in this bag when I put away last week's work bag.

How's everyone doing today? Hope everyone has a great Monday!

 

[catsinthebag]

I feel like someone changed the software in my brain. I reeeeaaaally was not into BV bags because I didn't like the woven look.

Now, I am actively hunting a pillow, am considering the tote that @catsinthebag shared and lurk regularly around the satchels as a potential work bag.

BTW - what is the alternate name of the pillow? You mentioned it and I forgot to write it down. I went back to look for your post and can't find it. TIA!

LOL re the software change! I feel exactly the same way — never was drawn to woven leather, but now I am inexplicably intrigued. I’m taking my time on this decision because the woven leather is not my usual aesthetic so I want to be sure before purchasing.

 

[Cookiefiend]

Hmm, well, this is a tough one since style is so personal and what functions well for one person is terrible for another. The Birkin is a good example of that: ladies who love the B talk about how easy it is to access your stuff. But for me, a bag that can’t be carried on my shoulder is useless. And yes, it’s HEAVY. So you’ll have to take what I say here with the understanding that it’s just my experience with Hermes and just certain bags (although I’ve tried on bunches of them so if there’s a particular style you want input on, let me know).

Re. quality, yes, Hermes really is that good. My bags have held up extremely well, and the vintage ones are even better than the ones I bought at the boutique. If you decide to buy vintage, I’ve heard over and over on the H forum that the bags from the 90s are absolutely the best. I have 3 Kelly’s all from that decade and they are magnificent (if I say so myself!). The only brand I’ve heard H afficionados admit may be as good is BV.

Also, you can always send any leather good to Spa, and while I haven’t yet done that, I’ve heard they can work wonders on a bag.

This, however, is a different question from, “Is the quality worth the difference in price?” That’s for each person to decid for themselves. I don’t have a lot of experience or knowledge about Gucci, but I will say that I consider my Chanel Reissues to be excellent quality. Heck, Longchamp’s quality is excellent for the price, IMO. So, how important is “the best” quality vs. really excellent quality?

Re. function, there are lots of different styles to choose from and they do try to continue to innovate (touching on your previous comment about innovation!). The Halzan, for example, is a big hit because it’s completely unique and has an innovative design. Lots of ladies love the Lindy for function. But I’m with you— I feel like there are a lot of designs that I don’t “get,” or that simply don’t work for me.

Some designs you really do have to try on to “get.” I used to hate (and I do mean hate!) the Evelyne. That perforated H was so annoying! Then I realized I could wear it with the perforated H against my body, and tried one on. It is such a comfortable, easy to wear bag! The strap is the perfect width for comfort, the soft Clemence leather hugs your body, and the quality of the leather stands out even on such a simple design. I would have hated the Evelyne forever if I hadn’t given it a shot in person. So if you can get to a boutique, or a luxury consignment store that carries H, it can be really helpful to hold these bags and try them on in person. You can also always buy from a place like Fashionphile that has a return policy.

Since you mentioned the Kelly: The Kelly and the Chanel Reissue are my two absolute favorite bag styles of all time. Neither one is particularly easy to use, however! With the Kelly, some of it is a matter of finding the right size and type of leather. One of my Ks is a 32 in Box leather. It’s gorgeous, but stiff and not easy to access. My K35 in Barenia leather is a whole different story. It’s larger, and the leather has softened with age — especially the sangles — so strapping the bag up or undoing it is not a really hard thing. Also, you can wear the Kelly with just the turn lock closing the bag and leave the sangles hanging. Not quite as good for the integrity of the bag, but it makes the clasp a lot more similar to a Chanel turnlock and not such an involved production. It will never, ever be as easy as an open tote. But it stands out in a way that no other bag does. I just think that you can’t always use it as an everyday bag, so you need to make sure you know what your expectations are before investing in one.

Wow, I didn’t intend for this post to be so long! Sorry for being so long-winded. Let me know if you have other questions,

p.s. If you can live with small capacity but hate the big H on the Constance, have a look at the Roulis!

This is a fantastic post - thank you so much!

 

[bakeacookie]

Why are all the new Burberry charms really crazy with colors, spikes, and materials?
Did everyone get tired of the Burberry bears?

Is there a product line that has changed that made you question why they changed it?

 

[ElainePG]

Why are all the new Burberry charms really crazy with colors, spikes, and materials?
Did everyone get tired of the Burberry bears?

Is there a product line that has changed that made you question why they changed it?

Well, I used to be just crazy about Marc Jacobs back when he did quilted bags. That was when I was just getting excited about bags (I had just joined tPF... you know how that goes!) and I went a little overboard. But then the quilted bags were phased out... who knows why... and I've not been excited about anything in the MJ line since. I still have two quilted MJ bags from that time, as well as two gorgeous non-quilted bags and another one that I'll probably re-home next year, but I haven't bought anything MJ for a couple of years. Now and then I check out the website, but I never see anything I like.

Interestingly, his prices have come DOWN (due, I think, to the merger of MJ and MbMJ???) which is a decision I don't understand. I suppose they decided to pitch their handbag line to a younger market? Since I'm definitely NOT a "younger market" they for sure lost me as a customer!

 

[bakeacookie]

Well, I used to be just crazy about Marc Jacobs back when he did quilted bags. That was when I was just getting excited about bags (I had just joined tPF... you know how that goes!) and I went a little overboard. But then the quilted bags were phased out... who knows why... and I've not been excited about anything in the MJ line since. I still have two quilted MJ bags from that time, as well as two gorgeous non-quilted bags and another one that I'll probably re-home next year, but I haven't bought anything MJ for a couple of years. Now and then I check out the website, but I never see anything I like.

Interestingly, his prices have come DOWN (due, I think, to the merger of MJ and MbMJ???) which is a decision I don't understand. I suppose they decided to pitch their handbag line to a younger market? Since I'm definitely NOT a "younger market" they for sure lost me as a customer!

It's the same with Burberry combining Brit, London, Prorsum into one.
Brit was the simple and inexpensive. My beloved check cuff tees for example. Then Prorsum for the crazy, runway things. London was quintessentially British but higher end and better made than Brit. Now it's all one and I feel they raised prices but are keeping things crazy, runwaylike but not crazy enough to be super edgy. it's weird.

And I did noticed with the MJ and MbMJ merger, it's trendy, that new logo just looks like an odd oval I've defintiely seen somewhere else on another brand, and has blended into nothing special.

Their quilted bags were really cute back in the day! They used to fly off the shelves when they hit the rack, especially the Stam!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Of course you can PM me! I’m happy to share any info that may be helpful.

One additional thought: if you don’t feel the fire for a bag, don’t do it. No amount of resale value is worth buying a bag you aren’t crazy about. Even if you can sell and get all your money back, you’ll be disappointed about having to go through the reselling process. This is why I never buy from a seller who doesn’t offer returns. I want the least risk possible, lol!

Thanks for being willing to entertain a future pm.

And, I completely agree. I've learned the hard way not to buy bags that I'm not completely in love with. But, I'm intrigued by Hermes so I'll keep poking around.

LOL re the software change! I feel exactly the same way — never was drawn to woven leather, but now I am inexplicably intrigued. I’m taking my time on this decision because the woven leather is not my usual aesthetic so I want to be sure before purchasing.

We're the same here too. Since this is a switch for me, I'm being cautious.

But, hen, I'm being cautious about any potential additions. My collection is at a point where almost all my needs / wants are covered. So, I want to be super picky about anything I bring in.

 

[ElainePG]

It's the same with Burberry combining Brit, London, Prorsum into one.
Brit was the simple and inexpensive. My beloved check cuff tees for example. Then Prorsum for the crazy, runway things. London was quintessentially British but higher end and better made than Brit. Now it's all one and I feel they raised prices but are keeping things crazy, runwaylike but not crazy enough to be super edgy. it's weird.

And I did noticed with the MJ and MbMJ merger, it's trendy, that new logo just looks like an odd oval I've defintiely seen somewhere else on another brand, and has blended into nothing special.

Their quilted bags were really cute back in the day! They used to fly off the shelves when they hit the rack, especially the Stam!

I loved the look of Stams, but the full-sized ones were to large and heavy for me. I did buy a preloved Little Stam Crossbody, and I still have it. One of my many (too many!) small "weekend" bags, but I don't think this is one I'll ever let go until/unless the big kiss-lock clasps (see picture) become too much for me to manage. Right now they're a little hard, but the bag is so gorgeous I'll put up with a bit of annoyance.

 

[bakeacookie]

I loved the look of Stams, but the full-sized ones were to large and heavy for me. I did buy a preloved Little Stam Crossbody, and I still have it. One of my many (too many!) small "weekend" bags, but I don't think this is one I'll ever let go until/unless the big kiss-lock clasps (see picture) become too much for me to manage. Right now they're a little hard, but the bag is so gorgeous I'll put up with a bit of annoyance.
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This is absolutely gorgeous!