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

[msd_bags]

and Red cervo hobo for the past few days ....

Love your red showcase!! Love the Cervo hobo in particular!

Ok. So....For some reason today, it struck me how crazy it is to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on a handbag.

Like really..

They're pretty sacks.

I'm not saying I won't spend it again because I most definitely will.

But, whew! A few random brain cells of normalcy (meaning not being a handbag addict) surfaced for just a few moments.

Anyone else, have a moment of "clarity" / "sanity"?? LOL!

I have these moments. Sometimes they are fleeting. Sometimes with me a little longer. Honestly I like it when I have them! As you mentioned, these are moments of sanity. I don't need a lot of bags to the point where some don't get worn, right?

I think in latter posts, some mentioned scarves. I'm glad I have been able to restrain myself since in my part of the world where there's so much heat and humidity, these are not very practical. But for sure, I will still be adding more at some point, just in moderation..

 

[msd_bags]

This is a beautiful bag, MSD! Wear it in good health.

Thanks Elaine!!

 

[msd_bags]

Love your Mulberry!

It's such a wonderful purchase for me! Thanks!

 

[bakeacookie]

Thanks, @pianolize!

What did the bird brooch look like?

And that’s a cute, fun backpack!!

 

[can_do_mom]

Ok. So....For some reason today, it struck me how crazy it is to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on a handbag.

Like really..

They're pretty sacks.

I'm not saying I won't spend it again because I most definitely will.

But, whew! A few random brain cells of normalcy (meaning not being a handbag addict) surfaced for just a few moments.

Anyone else, have a moment of "clarity" / "sanity"?? LOL!

Yes. Many days it seems crazy to me as well. That is why I am seeking contentment. Not just with bags but life in general. I don't like clutter and lately our home seems crowded with too much stuff. TBH, I frequently feel this way at Christmas time. Honestly, I could go on a shopping hiatus for a year and I would probably lack for nothing.

 

[catsinthebag]

me. pretty often.
even more often since i stopped buying insanely (4 months now)
and i have the same 'clarity' moments with scarves as well.
and it really helps to avoid the swirl of mad purchasing, i know every one has own limits and budgets, but seriously, thinking of those collections i've seen, like hundreds of scarves, or bags, i am asking myself - how many do i really need and use, and how many years/lives i will need to live to justify another addition????

Yes to avoiding the “swirl of mad purchasing!”

I definitely love my bags and scarves, but the moments of clarity help me slow down and ask myself if I really want another bag or scarf (or bracelet or whatever) or if I just want to buy something. If this is something I do want, will I use it? Is it too similar to something I already own? If yes, is it an upgrade? If no, is it different enough, or so different that it’s not really my style and risks not being worn at all after the novelty wears off?

I know a lot of bag prices are outrageous — especially the bags I tend to fall for! Once or twice a year, I get sick of it, switch into a Longchamp le Pliage for a few days or a couple of weeks, and ponder how I’d feel if I just sold all my premiere brand bags and simplified my life!

Then, I inevitably see someone on the street or here on tPF wearing a bag I love and I start missing the feeling of carrying a really nice bag. And I go back.

I don’t see the love changing, but my buying habits have slowed down a lot, mostly due to the feeling that I already have more than enough so I’m much more discerning/picky when it comes to adding something.

 

[catsinthebag]

It's nice to know I'm not the only one. I love a beautiful handbag. And as I said, I'll definitely buy more, and they'll be premier. But I was looking around recently and the thought bubbled up Wow! This is a lot for just one bag! And, why am I valuing it so much?

This struck me when I was looking at black lambie bags to replace my black patent. My black patent was my first Chanel and I didn't buy well. So, I'd have to put a thousand dollars on it to swap out the material (unlike the red which was just about an even swap). I can't see putting $1k additional on it. If anything, I would put more with the $1k and get an additional bag.

I also am really having this issue with the black tote I want. I just can't pull the trigger on a $3-5k bag. I don't know why. I've spent that on several of my bags. So it's not a "weird" number. And, I have it to spend. (I still haven't gotten my birthday bag.) But, it's really seeming like an insane number to me right now.

So, I'll just stay on pause until the price / happy ratio makes sense.

Do you think the block on the tote is that it’s a purely functional bag, rather than a fun one? Maybe because the use is more “need” than “want,” it just takes the enjoyment out of buying the bag?

 

[catsinthebag]

I'm at the hospital for yet another scan. Sigh. This is the 3rd time I've done this. I am not excited. I picked up my LC Statue of Liberty yesterday because I expected to pick up a lot of random stuff to carry. Today is no different so here she is.View attachment 3911356

Good luck! You’ve had so many medical tests lately, it must be exhausting.

Love the Longchamp!

 

[catsinthebag]

I LOVE your reds, @ksuromax and @Sparkletastic ! Again I'm thinking I'm sort of in the wrong thread, but my heart is here, really!!! I only have one small red Botkier, one FP (GASP!!!) beautiful PL Cole Haan from years ago, and one BEING SHIPPED RIGHT NOW , a cherry red Coach mini backpack. Which I ended up pulling the trigger on, since I've been on the lookout for a holiday-ornament red bag. Which this is not... but I'm still looking!!! This is indeed a great thread for me, since I do have these beautiful reds- I've just not worn them generally bc one's too small for wk use, and one's too big/loud/shiny for wk use! Oh right, and a heart-shaped Moschino minaudiere, which I've used once/twice due to its odd shape/capacity- it's really fun to look at and goes amazingly w a black gown, but seriously I can only fit a lipstick in there. And keys, but who's schlepping keys running around in a gown?! What else? NOTHING!!! Maybe I'll give myself a week to wear it or it goes back. (Already in my TAKE BACK bag...)




Beautiful brooch, @bakeacookie ! I'm actually returning a beautiful bird brooch I got on huge sale last wk, since I had major opportunities to wear it and I guess I just don't wear them either, @catsinthebag !
I was hoping to somehow make it into a charm, but don't see that happening anytime soon... or how, for that matter!

Sometimes, depending on the shape of the brooch, a jeweler can add a loop at the back so you can put a chain through it and wear it as a necklace. Maybe something to consider?

 

[ksuromax]

ksuromax, you do red like nobody else - beautiful bags! Your pics make me smile because where I live, we’re currently under a winter snow storm warning!

thank you!!
I wish we could have some real snow for a short while!

 

[catsinthebag]

One last comment: I totally empathize with all you strictly-premier purse lovers. BTDT so it's easy to 'get it' even though I'm not in that mode anymore. I don't feel superior because I can't feel the haute couture thrill anymore.
I think as long as you are getting the correct amount of joy from your bag purchases, whether it's a $29 fashion sequin clutch from the mall that is so perfect for that one event/one dress and just adorable so why not, you'll get way more than 29 bucks of fun out of it, or its a thousand times that price special Birkin. As long as the personal value is equal to what you pay then great! Assuming your purse addiction is not overrunning the available space you have for your trinkets or bleeding your retirement fund dry that is!!!

Sometimes I wonder if I would get a sense of superiority— or at least satisfaction — if I didn’t feel that haute couture thrill anymore! It really is a trap sometimes. There’s a thread on this forum called something like, “Once you buy designer, do you ever go back?” — as if buying Coach after having Chanel is somehow regressing!

I really like your thought about the price being equal to the amount of personal value. You really can’t put a price tag on something that functions perfectly or just makes you happy to look at and use. I’m able to do that with jewelry (where I have a mix of things and don’t feel like everything has to be super high-end) but sometimes struggle with the concept with bags. I wonder why that is?

 

[pianolize]

Thanks, @pianolize!

What did the bird brooch look like?

And that’s a cute, fun backpack!!

Sometimes, depending on the shape of the brooch, a jeweler can add a loop at the back so you can put a chain through it and wear it as a necklace. Maybe something to consider?

Thanks Bake & Cats! I'll post a pic tomorrow! I didn't know one could do that, but that makes sense! Now that you mention it, I suppose I could fasten a chain to the ends of the pin, making it into a necklace. Let me sleep on that, great idea- thanks!

 

[pianolize]

Sometimes I wonder if I would get a sense of superiority— or at least satisfaction — if I didn’t feel that haute couture thrill anymore! It really is a trap sometimes. There’s a thread on this forum called something like, “Once you buy designer, do you ever go back?” — as if buying Coach after having Chanel is somehow regressing!

I really like your thought about the price being equal to the amount of personal value. You really can’t put a price tag on something that functions perfectly or just makes you happy to look at and use. I’m able to do that with jewelry (where I have a mix of things and don’t feel like everything has to be super high-end) but sometimes struggle with the concept with bags. I wonder why that is?

This is an interesting point. I completely appreciate the amazing artisan design-house craftsmanship on well-made, beautiful, lifetime bags, but if I can/am also be really happy w the $34 rose gold 'quilted' rubber mini clutch I just got on clearance at my favorite boutique, I really should just stick to that budget!!! How sensible would that be.

 

[catsinthebag]

This is an interesting point. I completely appreciate the amazing artisan design-house craftsmanship on well-made, beautiful, lifetime bags, but if I can/am also be really happy w the $34 rose gold 'quilted' rubber mini clutch I just got on clearance at my favorite boutique, I really should just stick to that budget!!! How sensible would that be.

That clutch sounds adorable, do you have a picture of it?

And yes, it would be totally sensible! One of the things I think about though, is if you have that $34 clutch in your closet along with, say, a Chanel, and you choose to wear the clutch over the Chanel, does that make you feel guilty about not wearing the more expensive bag? I struggle with this sometimes because given how much money these bags cost, I want to make sure I’m getting good use out of them and using them is a sign to me that they were worth the money. Totally first world problems, I know!

 

[pianolize]

That clutch sounds adorable, do you have a picture of it?

And yes, it would be totally sensible! One of the things I think about though, is if you have that $34 clutch in your closet along with, say, a Chanel, and you choose to wear the clutch over the Chanel, does that make you feel guilty about not wearing the more expensive bag? I struggle with this sometimes because given how much money these bags cost, I want to make sure I’m getting good use out of them and using them is a sign to me that they were worth the money. Totally first world problems, I know!

Ha!!! I'll post that tomorrow too- there was a gray AND rose gold one, so I got both!!!

Hm. I'm JUST NOW beginning to inventory/log, so I'm recognizing CPW. To me, my purchases are justified/rectified by how much the cost reflects my decide to have (or be without) the item. I'm not sure if I can answer about that rubber clutch vs a CHANEL (since I don't own one, don't really know what that feels like ), but my purpose for these $34 bags were for running around in the rain/sleet/snow, not worrying about my bag getting dirty/rained on/scratched/lost etc. For me, each bag I consider has a purpose, and it's replacement value also has value (if I got a huge deal on a crazy expensive bag, I can't count on finding it again for that if something happened to it, so for me, its value goes up.)

So... I guess I also find joy in having the OPTION of carrying my much much much nicer bags! That is also considerable. I'm not sure why everyone feels they need to USE ALL their bags ALL the time- for mine, they each have their own function/purpose in my life, so although that may be less than once a year (this is extreme), I'm loathe getting rid of these since they will no longer be 'an option' (I'm talking to you, fist-sized, heart-shaped red jeweled Moschino minaudiere!!! I'm happy looking at you daily as I pass by and decline carrying you today..., especially also since resale value is abysmal.)

I'm thinking/wondering IF I had only première bags, I'd probably stick to them.. Though, I truly think I'd miss the variety. It's like the crazy tea collection I have- I'm opposed to drinking one until it's gone- I love the assortment of teas from which to choose. Unlike coffee!!! I stick to getting the ONE GIANT bag of beans and get another when finished.

I also feel I should add that my clothes aren't so complicated. I wear lots of black and neutrals, and throw in a crazy print now and again. Hence my love/need for bag/shoe options!

So another question then, is what is a 'good' CPW for everyone? How do you calculate it if you've had something for years and just started logging? I'm sure there's a formula for that...

And back to the nicer items- I'm also aware of wear/tear and really hate scratches, dings, etc. So, as I've learned from shoes, I'm not going to use my favorite ____only to have it die sooner than expected! I'm really careful w my things (but actually USE them- I'm just not haphazard), so if I'm just running to the supermarket around the corner and back I'll try to not be so complicated!