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

[msd_bags]

Good morning to everyone when you guys finally get up!
I’m off to one of my finals that is about to start, and after that will study the rest of the day for my final tomorrow morning. After that I just have a language exam that is very low-stakes, so I can really relax and breathe easy in about 26 hours.
Friday evening I’m throwing a pre-Christmas themed ladies evening in my friend’s home, with spa services delivered (2 sexy massage therapists, and two lovely women to do manicures and pedicures) and pot luck meal, sauna and swimming in her heated indoor pool. It’s going to be such a nice reward after finals, to kick off the holiday season. I’m a bit bummed that one of my top 5 favorite ladies had to cancel last minute due to child care, but other than that, all my favorite women should be there. There will be about 5 that I am crazy about hanging out with and another 25 that I don’t know very well, but I’m working some social engineering magic this autumn to pull together various women in my city and it is kind of snowballing already at this point, which is cool. A mix of locals and expats.
Ack, I’m rambling. Sorry ladies!

Good luck on the exams!! I think I may not have the social skills to entertain people who I don't know much. Of course I do it for business related functions, but for personal life, I prefer that I didn't have to. I salute you!

 

[Sparkletastic]

I hate looking for cars for all the reasons everyone has brought up. I've always wondered why car sales is a negotiation process? Why can't there be cars with prices, like everything else we buy??

I agree. I'm going to bite the bullet and buy my car when I get back from vacation and I'm not looking forward to it.

While it’s true (unfortunately) that women over 40 don’t get a “pass,” there is also something wonderful that happens in your 40s: you stop caring! When I was in my 30s, I had a friend who was several years older who was wonderfully outspoken and true to herself. I asked her how she got that way, and she said, “You know, I just woke up one morning after I turned 40 and realized I didn’t care anymore!” I said to DH later that I wish that would happen to me. And it did! It’s not that I don’t care at all, but I care a whole lot less than I used to about what the general world thinks. I always try to be polite and classy, but if someone is going to judge me for my outfit or hair style, that’s their problem. Getting a bit older can be freeing in some ways.

My first question is who is handing out these passes and why would I care to get one?

Except when I'm working and have to be "professional" and to a certain degree "fit in", I don't dress like anyone else I know. I never have. And, while my core style hasn't changed, my approach certainly has...to meet my own ideas and preferences.

Compliments are great. Love them! But, I didn't seek out approval on my clothing (or hair or makeup or...) when I was in my 20's, don't in my 40's and certainly will cackle at the very thought in my 80's. I like looking pretty and fashionable. But, the lens evaluating whether those goals are achieved is mine alone.

I love stylish women like Lyn Slater who wear whatever the heck they want to wear and look crazy good doing it. Would I want to replicate this look? Nope. But does she look fierce in her Mohawk and leather? Yep!
Getting older doesn't mean anything is off limits. It's about confidence, putting things together stylishly and wearing what fits you.

On the other extreme, I also flip my lid everytime I see someone post on TPF that an expensive bag shouldn't be worn by someone who is young.

Who gets to make these judgements? If someone wants to limit their life / happy and not wear white in January or Chanel when they're 18 or ripped jeans when they're 80 - have at it. But they should keep the small minds and sad paths to themselves.

Sorry, hopping off my soapbox. Back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Great look - I love your red Trim!


Thanks for your kind words!
Fantastic set of bags you’ve got with you on your trip - an amazing capsule bag wardrobe!

Thanks! I think I've finally figured out my "perfect for travel" lineup. I need to get some photos but I've been too busy being very lazy to do so.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Gotta say, I've shopped in H for 9 years regularly and though often reg staff treat me like a VIP, on the odd occasion I get a 'temp'/new 'serving', treating me like an idiot I feel like screaming. No attitude is more off-putting.

I remember after waiting patiently for 10 min + a Chanel SA in Harrods told me she was only employed to serve Asian customers. You can imagine I hit the roof, no way was I gonna take that (which is in breach of Harrod's policies). They make up that crap out of thin air

OMG!! How could someone fix their mouths to say that she was only employed to serve a certain race / ethnicity???? I can certainly see a store hiring people with various language skills but just wow! I would have been bouncing off the walls!!

Sorry I haven't been around. I haven't forgotten you though.

Nov tally

Bags out -1 My Alexander McQueen shopper. So PO about it though coz I left it in a Black Cab. Everyone pray it comes back to me please, I can't live without it.

Bags in - 0 But I am itching.

I bought some Georg Jensen ruthenium/enamel Daisy earrings and a sterling silver Smithy belt for DH. I've never bought clip-on earrings before and they don't feel particularly safe so I've asked GJ how I can make them tighter/stay on better.

I am sooooo sorry! I hope she finds her way back to you!

I’ve got alot to catch up on; been down with a chest infection; its been a rough week. Liked a few posts here and there and thats all i’ve been able to manage. Hope you all are doing great and meeting all goals; both bag and life related. Will try and read through the thread [emoji4] Hugs

I hope you feel better soon! You've been missed so it's nice to have you pop in.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I haven't quite gotten there yet. I still care way too much what people think. I've heard two sayings that I try to keep in mind, but I often fail - Don't worry about what people think of you, because they probably don't. (I have little doubt this is true!) And what people think of you is none of your business. Also true, but does little for my insecurity and thin skin.

I'm sorry. It's hard when people's comments zing and pinch. Perhaps look at it this way.

To protect your income you have to dress "appropriately" on a job. But that's no biggie - it's no different than a nurse or a policewoman who wears a uniform.

In your personal life, anyone who cares about you will celebrate you if you are looking like a million bucks or if you are looking like you got dressed wearing boxing gloves and a blindfold. I'm a handbag nut. In contrast, my two BFF's carry tired, worn, sub-sub-sub contemporary bags that need to be shot and put out of their misery. Who cares? Our wildly different bag choices are just another oddball thing we love about each other... and have fun guffawing about. The jokes still haven't stopped about my "tin foil money pit" Diorama.

Alternatively, those who don't care about you TRULY don't matter. If someone in my social circle doesn't like me and hates my attire, why would I care??? I certainly won't work to please someone who feels ill for me.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Today marks 4 months without a handbag purchase. This is the longest time I've gone without buying a bag since 2014.

However, I'm considering myself off my mini ban because my bday is Sunday and X-mas is near. (Plus, I asked for jewelry and expensive wheels for my soon-to-be-purchased car for my X-mas presents so I don't expect any bags under the tree.) But, nothing is calling my name now. For the first in...um... well...ever, I don't want to add a bag just because it's gorgeous / fits my style. I only want to add bags I adore that also meet an identified need. And, if I'd found these bags, I would have purchased them and this 4 months wouldn't have happened.

Hmmmm... I may make it to 5 months.

 

[Hobbsy]

I agree. I'm going to bite the bullet and buy my car when I get back from vacation and I'm not looking forward to it.

My first question is who is handing out these passes and why would I care to get one? [emoji38]

Except when I'm working and have to be "professional" and to a certain degree "fit in", I don't dress like anyone else I know. I never have. And, while my core style hasn't changed, my approach certainly has...to meet my own ideas and preferences.

Compliments are great. Love them! But, I didn't seek out approval on my clothing (or hair or makeup or...) when I was in my 20's, don't in my 40's and certainly will cackle at the very thought in my 80's. I like looking pretty and fashionable. But, the lens evaluating whether those goals are achieved is mine alone.

I love stylish women like Lyn Slater who wear whatever the heck they want to wear and look crazy good doing it. Would I want to replicate this look? Nope. But does she look fierce in her Mohawk and leather? Yep! View attachment 3897763
Getting older doesn't mean anything is off limits. It's about confidence, putting things together stylishly and wearing what fits you.

On the other extreme, I also flip my lid everytime I see someone post on TPF that an expensive bag shouldn't be worn by someone who is young.

Who gets to make these judgements? If someone wants to limit their life / happy and not wear white in January or Chanel when they're 18 or ripped jeans when they're 80 - have at it. But they should keep the small minds and sad paths to themselves.

Sorry, hopping off my soapbox. Back to our regularly scheduled programming. [emoji3]
Thanks! I think I've finally figured out my "perfect for travel" lineup. I need to get some photos but I've been too busy being very lazy to do so. [emoji38]

I agree, and I love your attitude/outlook!

 

[Hobbsy]

Today marks 4 months without a handbag purchase. This is the longest time I've gone without buying a bag since 2014.

However, I'm considering myself off my mini ban because my bday is Sunday and X-mas is near. (Plus, I asked for jewelry and expensive wheels for my soon-to-be-purchased car for my X-mas presents so I don't expect any bags under the tree.) But, nothing is calling my name now. For the first in...um... well...ever, I don't want to add a bag just because it's gorgeous / fits my style. I only want to add bags I adore that also meet an identified need. And, if I'd found these bags, I would have purchased them and this 4 months wouldn't have happened. [emoji38]

Hmmmm... I may make it to 5 months.

Happy birthday Sparkle! Congrats on 4 months, no bags, that's wonderful!

 

[dcooney4]

Oh thank you!
Neat that someone else is up also!

Good luck on the finals. I know you've got this.

 

[dcooney4]

Today marks 4 months without a handbag purchase. This is the longest time I've gone without buying a bag since 2014.

However, I'm considering myself off my mini ban because my bday is Sunday and X-mas is near. (Plus, I asked for jewelry and expensive wheels for my soon-to-be-purchased car for my X-mas presents so I don't expect any bags under the tree.) But, nothing is calling my name now. For the first in...um... well...ever, I don't want to add a bag just because it's gorgeous / fits my style. I only want to add bags I adore that also meet an identified need. And, if I'd found these bags, I would have purchased them and this 4 months wouldn't have happened.

Hmmmm... I may make it to 5 months.

Happy almost Birthday! Great job on four most of abstinence.

 

[msd_bags]

Today marks 4 months without a handbag purchase. This is the longest time I've gone without buying a bag since 2014.

However, I'm considering myself off my mini ban because my bday is Sunday and X-mas is near. (Plus, I asked for jewelry and expensive wheels for my soon-to-be-purchased car for my X-mas presents so I don't expect any bags under the tree.) But, nothing is calling my name now. For the first in...um... well...ever, I don't want to add a bag just because it's gorgeous / fits my style. I only want to add bags I adore that also meet an identified need. And, if I'd found these bags, I would have purchased them and this 4 months wouldn't have happened.

Hmmmm... I may make it to 5 months.

Yay on 4 months!!! Happy advance birthday! Certainly getting wiser on bag purchases!

 

[westvillage]

Today marks 4 months without a handbag purchase. This is the longest time I've gone without buying a bag since 2014.
Hmmmm... I may make it to 5 months.

Happy early birthday Sparkle. Kudos for foing some relaxing, celebratory To complete a big year andtravela cruise to mark the birthday!

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

Happy birthday Spark! New car for your birthday?

 

[westvillage]

For Sparkle ... OMG… It’s earlyish here on the East Coast and I need more coffee. Also I’m on my iPhone and editing… not so much.

So… Congratulations on the travel. I admire your spunk for pulling that together. But what I really want to say is… Four months without a bag!! That’s major. Congratulations. Even if you were to buy a bag tomorrow, the achievement stands, lol. Enjoy your travel and your birthday week.

 

[tenKrat]

Wow! This BV bag is a real stunner!

Thanks, Elaine! It’s one of my special bags.

 

[westvillage]

Good morning to everyone when you guys finally get up!
I’m off to one of my finals that is about to start, and after that will study the rest of the day for my final tomorrow morning. After that I just have a language exam that is very low-stakes, so I can really relax and breathe easy in about 26 hours.
Friday evening I’m throwing a pre-Christmas themed ladies evening in my friend’s home, with spa services delivered (2 sexy massage therapists, and two lovely women to do manicures and pedicures) and pot luck meal, sauna and swimming in her heated indoor pool. It’s going to be such a nice reward after finals, to kick off the holiday season. I’m a bit bummed that one of my top 5 favorite ladies had to cancel last minute due to child care, but other than that, all my favorite women should be there. There will be about 5 that I am crazy about hanging out with and another 25 that I don’t know very well, but I’m working some social engineering magic this autumn to pull together various women in my city and it is kind of snowballing already at this point, which is cool. A mix of locals and expats.
Ack, I’m rambling. Sorry ladies!

Sounds like this wonderful evening is both a reward and a major feat to pull off with all you do already. You sound like you’ve been blessed with incredibly high energy and I admire that so much. Much success in your exams this week.