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

[janiesea3]

Here's how I did in 2017. Not quite as well as I had hoped, but pretty close to my goals. Next year, unless a unicorn is lying on my front porch and I trip over him, I'm planning on a total ban. But of course 2017 was ALSO supposed to be a total ban, and then along came a handbag!

Goal: sell (and perhaps donate) to get my collection down from 26 to 23: 14 full-size weekday bags, 9 small weekend/special occasion bags
Reality: sold 2 bags, but bought 1, which only brought my collection down to 24: 14 full-size, 10 small

Goal: zero bags in
Reality: bought one new bag: the Rebecca Minkoff Cupid that haunted my dreams until I caved and bought it!

Goal: zero SLGs in; donate extraneous leather pouches
Reality: met this one: no new SLGs, and donated 6 pouches

Goal: use my small bags more frequently
Reality: went a long way towards meeting this one by (1) tracking usage; and (2) rearranging my bags so that the small bags are more easily accessible

I'll post my 2018 goals in the new thread. Look forward to seeing everyone over there!

Hi there!! Question: how do you track your usage???

 

[ElainePG]

Hi there!! Question: how do you track your usage???

It's nothing very fancy. I have a list of all my small bags on my computer, and I put an "x" beside a bag every time I carry it.

Since I only carry my small bags on weekends or for special occasions, I don't carry them for more than one day at a time, so each "x" stands for one time that I had the bag out of the closet. If, when I look at my list, I find that a particular bag hasn't received much love, I make it a point to take it out the next time I'm going to that part of my purse closet.

Hope this helps. I know other members of this thread have much more sophisticated tracking systems!

 

[Mimmy]

This is a very special bag, mimmy. I kept staring and staring at it before I read your description, because I could NOT place the brand! Then I read about Cathy Roels, and it all made sense. How very special to have a fully handmade bag (handmade but not "homemade"... I love this distinction!)
I just know you're going to love this and get a lot of use out of it. Congratulations, and well shopped!

Thank you, Elaine!

Here's how I did in 2017. Not quite as well as I had hoped, but pretty close to my goals. Next year, unless a unicorn is lying on my front porch and I trip over him, I'm planning on a total ban. But of course 2017 was ALSO supposed to be a total ban, and then along came a handbag!

Goal: sell (and perhaps donate) to get my collection down from 26 to 23: 14 full-size weekday bags, 9 small weekend/special occasion bags
Reality: sold 2 bags, but bought 1, which only brought my collection down to 24: 14 full-size, 10 small

Goal: zero bags in
Reality: bought one new bag: the Rebecca Minkoff Cupid that haunted my dreams until I caved and bought it!

Goal: zero SLGs in; donate extraneous leather pouches
Reality: met this one: no new SLGs, and donated 6 pouches

Goal: use my small bags more frequently
Reality: went a long way towards meeting this one by (1) tracking usage; and (2) rearranging my bags so that the small bags are more easily accessible

I'll post my 2018 goals in the new thread. Look forward to seeing everyone over there!

Really good job, Elaine! Very close to meeting your goals!

 

[dcooney4]

Here, it’s the LV Damier Ebene Neverfull that you see everywhere. I think because the climate here is yucky and ladies don’t want to ruin the vachette on their monogram bags (I personally love a good patina, but that’s just me).

I see a lot of Chanel wannabes too, mostly in the form of college-aged girls wearing Rebecca Minkoff or Kate Spade. Most of the bags are pretty cute so I don’t get the same eye fatigue as with the LVs. It seriously sometimes feels like every other woman in Boston has an LV Neverfull in DE. I’ve been tempted to buy a Neverfull at times because it does seem like an incredibly useful bag, but I just can’t. It’s just too common.

Strangely, I don’t feel the same way about the Longchamp le Pliage, which is the other bag that every woman here seems to have. Maybe because it’s not as obvious as the Neverfull.

I felt that way about the neverfull for quite a while and did not want to pay the price for It either. I had bought so many totes instead of it. Till I finally just broke down and got it in mono with fushsia lining. I really like It. Then I had to sell off all the want to be totes. Though I did later find the Bally tote that I like as much but the colors don’t go with as much as the mono does.

 

[dcooney4]

Isn't Cathy Roels impeccable?? I love that bag!!!!
And you are very welcome!

Scampy 2 year old just got a fever. :/

Oh no ! Hope the fever goes away quickly.

 

[More bags]

Hi all, just popping in before we all get REALLY into the holidays. This will be my final post in 2017's thread and as usual, I will be starting a fresh one before the New Year so we can all get started. It's been a great 2017 ride with everyone and while I would have liked to have participated more in the lively discussions, look forward to the lively chatter of 2018.

To wrap up, I did not manage to have a bag or SLG free year, as I would have hoped, but what I did bring in (6 items in total), have quickly earned their place in my 'staple' section and have been well used. I also managed to find a long lost HG just a few weeks ago to help me wrap up the year, which was super exciting and satisfying. In fact, she's sitting next to me right now. I did manage to let go of a number of bags (7), not my 10 item goal, but still great progress and technically there is still 9 days left in the year, so anything can happen!

I wish all of you a wonderful, safe, and fun holiday season with all those dear to you, and a very Happy New Year! I'll see all of you in 2018!

Great net change in bags overall! Thoughtful additions, too. Tons of progress!
Happy holidays and see you next year!

This years goals were not great.
1. was buy only 8 bags and 2 slgs.
Bought 18 bags and got rid of 18 bags so far. The month is not over. I had 4 slgs in and 5 slgs out. I ended up revamping my bags to truly fit my lifestyle. First one is a fail but I love what I kept.
2. Stay in allotted space in my closet. This was a resounding success. I got rid of most of my huge bags that were rarely worn and bought midsize light weight bags. I even have space to spare.
3. Was be more careful at point of purchase. I tried but this was a fail. I live so far away from decent stores that I have trouble remembering to check zippers , weight , strap drop, etc while dh is waiting for me outside of the shop. Though I did have less returns then last year.
4. keep list updated and check off bags that are used. With the exception of special occasion bags if a bag was getting no wear out it must go. This I did .I got rid of so many and I still have 6 more up for sale . The only exception I made was for Alma. I would not be able to afford her again if I sold her . So she stays for now as a special occasion bag.
5. Keep my photos updated. I took the photo's but when I upgraded my phone I couldn't find my album. I could probably retrieve them but I would have to look through thousands of photo's to recreate the old album. So I guess fail on this one as I don't have photo's of all of them in an album anymore.
All in all despite a lot of shopping I have worn all my bags except Alma this year. I love everything I have from the cheapest to the most expensive . So that is a true step in the right direction.

Great progress and achievement of goals, especially your net change of number of bags. I am in awe of your success of exiting 18 bags! Keep up the great work.

 

[dcooney4]

Here's how I did in 2017. Not quite as well as I had hoped, but pretty close to my goals. Next year, unless a unicorn is lying on my front porch and I trip over him, I'm planning on a total ban. But of course 2017 was ALSO supposed to be a total ban, and then along came a handbag!

Goal: sell (and perhaps donate) to get my collection down from 26 to 23: 14 full-size weekday bags, 9 small weekend/special occasion bags
Reality: sold 2 bags, but bought 1, which only brought my collection down to 24: 14 full-size, 10 small

Goal: zero bags in
Reality: bought one new bag: the Rebecca Minkoff Cupid that haunted my dreams until I caved and bought it!

Goal: zero SLGs in; donate extraneous leather pouches
Reality: met this one: no new SLGs, and donated 6 pouches

Goal: use my small bags more frequently
Reality: went a long way towards meeting this one by (1) tracking usage; and (2) rearranging my bags so that the small bags are more easily accessible

I'll post my 2018 goals in the new thread. Look forward to seeing everyone over there!

I think you did very well.

 

[ElainePG]

I think you did very well.

Thanks, dc. I'm pretty pleased, but I did want to clear out at least one other bag this year, either consignment or donation. Next year I'll just have to get started earlier in the year. The months just seemed to fly by!

 

[msd_bags]

I felt that way about the neverfull for quite a while and did not want to pay the price for It either. I had bought so many totes instead of it. Till I finally just broke down and got it in mono with fushsia lining. I really like It. Then I had to sell off all the want to be totes. Though I did later find the Bally tote that I like as much but the colors don’t go with as much as the mono does.

Lately I'm adopting this attitude. We really should go for what we really want. No to replacement bags!! [emoji3]

 

[bakeacookie]

Lately I'm adopting this attitude. We really should go for what we really want. No to replacement bags!! [emoji3]

No settling!!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Update on

Project: Fall Back In Love

DD swept into town for the Xmas holiday late last night. It was sooooo good to have my baby home!! I miss her so much when she's not with me.

After all the hugging and catching up, our conversation turned, of course, to our mutual
passion - handbags. I told her about the bags I had on probation and she went to work.

First, we looked at the two red Chanels. She actually likes the caviar much better than the lamb. When I told her I was selling the caviar, she graciously offered to take it off my hands. Er...I adore DD but a $4500 gift wasn't what I was planning for Xmas. Lol! So, I told her that I'd see what I can get for it through consignment and if it isn't what I'd like, I'll hold it and give it to her for her bday in April. #spoiled

Her answer to the two Prada bags was for us to wear them today - me in red (with a red Santa hat), her in pink (with a pink Santa hat). It was fun, silly and festive. And, it made me love the bags again. It's cool and rainy here today and I didn't have to worry about either bag. And, they are so functional. So, they're staying! I'm going to relaunch my search for cute straps.

Tonight we played around with the black patent Chanel and different outfits. Halfway through she asked me some painfully obvious questions:
1) Why would I replace it with caviar when I don't really like caviar. My response
2) Do I want a much used black bag to be in delicate lamb. My response
3) Do I really not like the patent? Or am I struggling with feeling like I "should" have a more "popular" material vs. being content with what I chose. My response

(I see the college money paid off in tough questions for Mama. Lol!)

DD also selflessly offered to adopt this bag. But, after being in the hot seat and doing some styling, I realized this is the right blck flap for me. I wear a lot of black and the balck patent pops beautifully against black fabric in ways my other black bags just can't.

The last bags on my probation list were the PS Small Couriers. We did more styling and both the black & silver are a great little bags. And, DD also made a great point that they have no visible branding which is huge. I need non branded bags for a variety of situations so they'll have non cannibalizing uses.

So, here is where I ended:

Happily Keeping:
• Celine python Edge
• Chanel black patent jumbo Classic Flap
• Prada red Double Zip Tote
• Prada pink Double Zip Tote
• Proenza Schouler black Small Courier
• Proenza Schouler silver Small Courier

Happily Switched:
• Chanel red caviar Chanel flap for Chanel red lamb Chanel flap

I'm so glad I spent time truly thinking about these bags. What I learned is that I need to keep seeing my bags in a fresh light to continue the love. That's important as I go along so I don't flip my bags but can consistently and happily shop my closet.

YAY! For this thread. There is NO way I would have spent this time thinking about my bags before. I would have continued flipping and rebuying like a crazy woman.

 

[ksuromax]

Bake, it's such a great process, I hope you find your soul-mate dog and it's even more cool as the next year will be a year of Dog in Chinese zodiac!!!

 

[ksuromax]

I am zero in in December, 2 out, sent 2 least used bags to consignment
on a year goal I failed terribly, planned to buy 2, maybe 3, if I could squeeze in the budget, but both, number and the budget went through the window and I got and spent a lot more! but good side of it was that it was all worth it, my 2 Cabats are my dream bags, and I do not regret getting them, on spending over the budget!
I moved out/gifted a few low branded/unbranded bags, and plan to gift a few more.
need to think over my goal for 2018

 

[ksuromax]

my planned purchase of 2017 was having fun yesterday

 

[msd_bags]

Update on

Project: Fall Back In Love

DD swept into town for the Xmas holiday late last night. It was sooooo good to have my baby home!! I miss her so much when she's not with me.

After all the hugging and catching up, our conversation turned, of course, to our mutual
passion - handbags. I told her about the bags I had on probation and she went to work.

First, we looked at the two red Chanels. She actually likes the caviar much better than the lamb. When I told her I was selling the caviar, she graciously offered to take it off my hands. Er...I adore DD but a $4500 gift wasn't what I was planning for Xmas. Lol! So, I told her that I'd see what I can get for it through consignment and if it isn't what I'd like, I'll hold it and give it to her for her bday in April. #spoiled

Her answer to the two Prada bags was for us to wear them today - me in red (with a red Santa hat), her in pink (with a pink Santa hat). It was fun, silly and festive. And, it made me love the bags again. It's cool and rainy here today and I didn't have to worry about either bag. And, they are so functional. So, they're staying! I'm going to relaunch my search for cute straps.

Tonight we played around with the black patent Chanel and different outfits. Halfway through she asked me some painfully obvious questions:
1) Why would I replace it with caviar when I don't really like caviar. My response
2) Do I want a much used black bag to be in delicate lamb. My response
3) Do I really not like the patent? Or am I struggling with feeling like I "should" have a more "popular" material vs. being content with what I chose. My response

(I see the college money paid off in tough questions for Mama. Lol!)

DD also selflessly offered to adopt this bag. But, after being in the hot seat and doing some styling, I realized this is the right blck flap for me. I wear a lot of black and the balck patent pops beautifully against black fabric in ways my other black bags just can't.

The last bags on my probation list were the PS Small Couriers. We did more styling and both the black & silver are a great little bags. And, DD also made a great point that they have no visible branding which is huge. I need non branded bags for a variety of situations so they'll have non cannibalizing uses.

So, here is where I ended:

Happily Keeping:
• Celine python Edge
• Chanel black patent jumbo Classic Flap
• Prada red Double Zip Tote
• Prada pink Double Zip Tote
• Proenza Schouler black Small Courier
• Proenza Schouler silver Small Courier

Happily Switched:
• Chanel red caviar Chanel flap for Chanel red lamb Chanel flap

I'm so glad I spent time truly thinking about these bags. What I learned is that I need to keep seeing my bags in a fresh light to continue the love. That's important as I go along so I don't flip my bags but can consistently and happily shop my closet.

YAY! For this thread. There is NO way I would have spent this time thinking about my bags before. I would have continued flipping and rebuying like a crazy woman.

Isn't it great to rediscover your bags!! And nice processing with DD! And your pocket friends. [emoji4]