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

[Sparkletastic]

I want to join this thread! In 2016, I have made a few big purchases and I really feel that I should be content with what I have. I acquired some very hard to find Hermes bags and I think I have all occasions covered.
In 2017, I have one Hermes special order bag I really want it to come in. And I want to sell 3 of my none Hermes bags. I want to stop buying any SLG if I can help it because I really have too many already. I want to use what I have more in rotation. Wish me luck!

Welcome, XiangXiang! I looooove your avatar!!

We're glad to have you in the thread. Of course, I want to see your special order Hermes!!!! And, I'd love to see your SLG collection. You'll have to take a family shot and share.

 

[Sparkletastic]

This about not settling!! I finally bit the bullet on the Saint Laurent tote because I did not like to settle anymore to just later buy more and more because I'm not content. I found a good deal on a Tory Burch Perry tote (a bit similar to the YSL tote), and it was a good thing I was able to check it out in the TB store as I did not like the leather. That was when I decided I should really go for what I really wanted!

Yes, yes, 1,000 times YES! No more settljg. That is probably the most important rule in handbags and in life!!! Others will tell us to settle. We will talk ourselves out of what we want. But we should always hold out and get what works for us!!!

Good job, MSD!

 

[Sparkletastic]

And since I really want to further my "lessen the intimidation" project, I'll take one of my Chanel for the trip to DH's hometown next week. The trip will cross over to January 1st so I'll get to make the number as well.

Glad to hear you're using all of your Chanel. I have to get to that one day.

Oh Vink, you just HAVE to use those gorgeous Chanels you have. They are so easy to wear - they go with casual or dressy. Just pull them out, love them and go! Maybe you can make a point of wearing one a week to get in the habit.

 

[Evia]

Aw... I don't want to enable, but so you think this is a second chance for you to get the gray one?
Do you like that bag? If it's gray? I mean how did the bag fit and serve you, the color aside? Coz it could be just something that you keep wondering "what if", when in fact, it doesn't really work anyway? Or it may work if not for the color?
Think about that bag some more. You experience using it already. You should know better.

Hmm think you're right. I saw it by chance, I wasn't shopping for it or intentionally searching for one so I think that means I should let it go Thank you

 

[Sparkletastic]

Spark
So over next few years half of your collection needs to be flipped. This is well thought out plan. Do you know what two bags you have your eye on for this year

LOL! Luckily not even close to half. 19 are good. 7 of 26 - all of my contemporary bags - need to be upgraded. Only 6 bags to upgrade if I decide to sell the Kate Spade I just got. And even though I want to upgrade these bags, I like them so they aren't irritants. I just don't use my contemporary bags (except for my Coach Willis) so I want to have bags I'll use.

My priorities for additions this year: I'm getting 3 or fewer but since I don't know what will show up, I have listed 5 that are on my near term hit list.

1 & 2) Grey and Bordeaux M/L satchels:
Arm/hand carry workhorse satchels that look ladylike but are surprisingly rugged to use regularly without a lot of worry. Something like my Prada Bauletto black saffiano would be perfect but I don't want any more saffy and I want hyper discreet branding (better yet no branding). I'm open to all suggestions!!! Bags I'm considering but aren't quite right:

Proenza Schouler Hava Top Handle
Fendi Peekaboo
Jimmy Choo Rosalie
MSM milla tote (I hate the strap!)
St. Laurent Rive Gauche

3) Chanel Classic Single Flap Jumbo - I wear my Chanels a lot and the single flaps are becoming more rare every year. So if a great one comes along color TBD, I'll pounce.

4) Black non branded M/L satchel - I thought the MK Geneva would be it. Nope. So I want a premier replacement I can knock about without caring. I'll look preloved for this. It must be arm carry with a detachable shoulder strap.

5) Gold S/M casual shoulder bag

I have to say, I'm liking some of LV's bags but the branding is just too obvious. I wish they would offer some discreetly / non brand crazy options. I don't need everyone to know what I'm carrying. I just wanna know.

I always complain to my BFF that I'm working on my bags and she tells me to stop it. She thinks my collection is perfect but to me it's not

It's funny how people will have opinions on our collections. I ignore everyone. The only people I talk to about my bags are my immediate family who support my interest and my purse pocket friends.

 

[Sparkletastic]

There have been so many wonderful tips in the 2016 thread that have really helped keep my bag collection under control. One of the hardest tips was not to settle for a bag I liked somewhat because it was on sale. I have failed on this one multiple times and ended up selling it down the road. Saving up for what you really love and know will work for your lifestyle is a much better approach. Another thing is learn what really works for you personally. I have discovered I don't like floppy bags and bags have to be light weight or they don't get worn.

You've done SUCH a good job dc!!! I've seen your bag buying really become more thoughtful and you are obviously enjoying your bags more. I think your watershed moment was getting, loving and using your neverfull. It gives you so much joy it gives a context to all other potential purchases.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Dc, here are the main things I've learned the hard way that I'll carry into 2017

• Don't settle ever on anything for any reason! A $5,000 bag that isn't quite right will bug me just as much as a $50 bag that isn't right.
• Plan what I buy! I never buy on impulse any more. I list types of bags I may want (color, size, style) and give them a tick mark if I'd have used that bag INSTEAD of one of the bags I own. When a bag type gets 10+ ticks in a year, I hunt the perfect expression of that type and buy. That way I know the bag fits a real gap in my wardrobe.
• See bags in person. 50% of my mistakes are buying unseen. On new items / brands, I need to see construction quality and materials.
• ONLY buy new or pristine premier - the other 50% of my mistakes are buying contemporary or very good / good condition premier. I will very rarely reach over my premier bags to carry contemporary no matter how cute it is. And a worn preloved premier bag deflates my excitement level for the bag over the whole time I own it. I need to stop seeing these bags as stop gaps.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I originally picked the wrong colour, it was red with bright gold hardware - the hardware and colour combo made me feel like a beacon every time I wore it! Don't know what I was thinking and always regretted not buying the grey with silver but that quickly sold out. There's a nearly new one on the bay.......

ROFL! on the beacon! I had a red patent bag that made me feel that way. It had to go!!

On the grey. Do you want / need a grey bag? Will you have a good number of occasions to wear it? Will you reach for it instead of bags you currently have? If so, I say get it since you know the fit and function work for you and you've had long term regret. This doesn't feel like an impulse purchase to me.

 

[Evia]

Dc, here are the main things I've learned the hard way that I'll carry into 2017

• Don't settle ever on anything for any reason! A $5,000 bag that isn't quite right will bug me just as much as a $50 bag that isn't right.
• Plan what I buy! I never buy on impulse any more. I list types of bags I may want (color, size, style) and give them a tick mark if I'd have used that bag INSTEAD of one of the bags I own. When a bag type gets 10+ ticks in a year, I hunt the perfect expression of that type and buy. That way I know the bag fits a real gap in my wardrobe.
• See bags in person. 50% of my mistakes are buying unseen. On new items / brands, I need to see construction quality and materials.
• ONLY buy new or pristine premier - the other 50% of my mistakes are buying contemporary or very good / good condition premier. I will very rarely reach over my premier bags to carry contemporary no matter how cute it is. And a worn preloved premier bag deflates my excitement level for the bag over the whole time I own it. I need to stop seeing these bags as stop gaps.

Worn bags just don't work for me, learnt the hard way. I like the idea of "vintage", and admire it on others who can carry it off, but I can't. The excitement fades dead quickly also

 

[Evia]

ROFL! on the beacon! I had a red patent bag that made me feel that way. It had to go!!

On the grey. Do you want / need a grey bag? Will you have a good number of occasions to wear it? Will you reach for it instead of bags you currently have? If so, I say get it since you know the fit and function work for you and you've had long term regret. This doesn't feel like an impulse purchase to me.

I liked it, I really did, but I didn't love, love, love it though. And I wouldn't reach for it ahead of most of my bags (great tip btw). Not going to look at again Phew!

 

[Sparkletastic]

I liked it, I really did, but I didn't love, love, love it though. And I wouldn't reach for it ahead of most of my bags (great tip btw). Not going to look at again Phew!

Ok then I agree. Pass. I try to never buy a bag if I can't see me reaching for it many times over what I have.

Crisis averted. LOL!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Missie, you had asked what bags I may sell. Of course all my contemporary are gonna go but the bags in my collection I can see going first are:

• Kate Spade Parchment Drive Rosaline (this was a buying error. It's gorgeous but I won't wear it over my premier bags.)
• Kate Spade Saturday Cobalt Mini A. (Love the color, love the shape. The hardware is the cheapest I've ever seen. It's reeeaally bad. I want a fun premier bag in true green or another in cobalt to replace. Maybe an LV Alma BB???)
• Urban Expressions Faux Croc clutch (got this for $30 at Nordstrom Rack. I will replace when I find a new clutch OR I may have this made because I like the style and can get it in real lizard or perhaps croc for relatively little and it will be my own custom piece)
• Proenza Schouler Small Courier in Silver (I like it but I'm just not wearing it. Insert sad panda face)
• Gucci teal Nubuck medium chain shoulder bag. (I'm wearing this today to see how I feel about letting it go.)

 

[Sparkletastic]

Anyone have a bag they crave but know they need to stay away?

My first is the Gucci Dionysus. I don't need another premier "lady bag" that I can't wear for work. And they haven't offered the right color / material choice for me. I hate the appliqués and I don't want coated canvas/mono. I love the suede but it's impractical.

Another is the LV Capucines. I adore this bag. But the branding means no work usage. This bag is really hard to resist. I just think it's stunning!!!

The last is a Chanel bookbag. I don't wear fashion backpacks and I certainly don't need one at a highway robbery price. But fashion backpacks look so cute on other people and this bag is adorable!

So I need to not get hyped up and buy one of these just because I think they're gorgeous.

 

[ElainePG]

I have to say, I'm liking some of LV's bags but the branding is just too obvious. I wish they would offer some discreetly / non brand crazy options. I don't need everyone to know what I'm carrying. I just wanna know.

Have you checked out the LV leather bags? They aren't branded at all... or, in the case of empreinte, the branding is super subtle.
I never thought I'd own a LV bag, because of the in-your-face branding of the canvas bags, but now I own two (count 'em!) of the leather bags, and they're very under-the-radar. I adore the styles and (of course) the quality.

 

[ElainePG]

Anyone have a bag they crave but know they need to stay away?

My first is the Gucci Dionysus. I don't need another premier "lady bag" that I can't wear for work. And they haven't offered the right color / material choice for me. I hate the appliqués and I don't want coated canvas/mono. I love the suede but it's impractical.

Another is the LV Capucines. I adore this bag. But the branding means no work usage. This bag is really hard to resist. I just think it's stunning!!!

The last is a Chanel bookbag. I don't wear fashion backpacks and I certainly don't need one at a highway robbery price. But fashion backpacks look so cute on other people and this bag is adorable!

So I need to not get hyped up and buy one of these just because I think they're gorgeous.

Is the LV Capucines too branded for you? It's just the LV in the front, and you can wear it with the flap over the logo if you don't want that to be obvious. I am crazy about my Capucines.