I want to let go of a back pack my MIL bought for me a couple years ago. It was fun to wear when I got it, but it's a bit too small for me for the times I actually need a backpack ... it's a very bight pink so it would be noticeable if gone ... i just feel bad c'uz she was so proud to have picked out a bag for me..on that note though, talking about it has given me an idea to just remove the straps and use it as a top handle, which may actually be more functional for me... hm.
congrats on your up and coming #4!!! The last two years felt like I was reconnecting with my style, or trying to figure out what it really was.. in doing so, I did let go of a lot, clothes and bags.. it really helps to talk it out
this is a very informative post and when I get to that life stage, I'm going to read it for tips!Welcome SuzieSueSure! Congratulations on #4! I'm also a mom of 4, one still in diapers so I feel ya on the mom bag + own bag dichotomy. However, I find when the kids are with me I can leave their 'supply bag' in the car and take a mini crossbody with essentials in for errands. Of course with a newborn you need everything all the time. Jujube diaper bags are incredible with insane resale value, just saying. I have a be right back backpack style one in black nylon with gold hardware that looks very grown up, but their tokidoki and hello kitty prints are super popular. The bff is probably the most popular (messenger/backpack convertible), and they can all be thrown in the wash. Very handy when carting poppy cloth diapers home (if you are into that). That said, I only carry MY bag now that my baby is out of the explosive poop stage and just have certain criteria for the size shape and structure of my own bag such that it works hands free and I can get a diaper out with one hand, etc. Exterior pockets for two sippy cups is a big plus for me these days and harder to find in a pretty leather purse that I consider one of MY bags, but not impossible! One brand i like with multiple exterior pockets for water bottles and sippys is mz wallace and it's lighter than an all leather bag but still so pretty. Their actual diaper bag(Kate) is way too big unless transatlantic travel with two littles is what you are doing that day (that was me on Monday and Tuesday this week).
Ok I'm done! You did not even ask for a soliloquy on bags when you have four kids but I guess I felt like spewing my thoughts regardless!
I really like how you identified your goal number and your realistic number.. that's a great way to stay focused on not added more, but at the same time, letting go. I'm gong to try that! thansk for the idea! We talk a lot about other areas of our closet here too, so feel free to share! I know a lot of us try to minimize here as well... there's also the Cleaning out the Closet thread which is great too!My current collection -> my goal (in brackets what I really need/use)
10 -> 7 (4) SLGs
3 -> 0 small bags
11 -> 5 (2) work bags/medium-sized bags
5 -> 2 (1) laptop bags
5 -> 2 (1) leisure bags (after work bags)
2 -> 1 (0) summer bags
2 -> 0 travel bags
5 -> 1 (1) evening bags
3 -> 1 (1) gym bags
Most of the surplus purchases happened when I tried to search a perfect work bag in black. I found many perfect bag models but they weren't available in black so I bought in other neutral colours. :/ With a realistic approach, I don't believe I could get all surplus bags sold during next year but will see. If I succeed, I can use the money for ordering a custom made work bag which will cost around $800 and I need get used to the habit of not buying new bags every year. If I get bored, the used custom made bag will sell for $30-50 which is not wise at all.
Total ban would not work for me. This will only increase the change of craving even more bags. When I slip, I end up buying even more. I would rather allow myself to buy one bag in a whole year so I have to choose wisely.
My bag collection is not a real issue yet but my wardrobe has became hard to manage (along with the makeup, accessory, jewellery & shoes collection). I just realized I've makeup for entire next year supply. Downsizing rate for these categories will be around -90% but that's off topic.
Is there another thread where I can find very mean people who can make you feel very bad if you slip from your goal?
WOW, way to ring in the new year! She's gorgeous.OMG! My new bag came in!!!Some of you know I've been going down my "to buy" list and hunting a gold bag for 2 years. Finding the perfect one that doesn't make me look like I'm a Vegas show girl was hard.
But I found it! I just got a new medium Chanel Boy in perforated gold lamb.
I. Love. This. Bag!!
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I'm sleepy so this isn't a great beauty shot but work with me. LOL!
I got her in almost like new condition with all the extras: box, flower, ribbon, book, cloth, etc. from a very lovely lady. I'm sending the bag off to be authenticated but I got an initial visual verification and to my (uneducated and excited) eye
This will replace my gold Dior Rendez Vous that never really worked for me - too small, strap drop not good for my height - another stupid compromise. I'll learn one day
Getting this bag changes my goals for 2017 because I planned to seriously hunt a gold bag next year. So I'll rethink my goals and share in a bit.
But til then...WHOO HOO!!! Thanks for helping me shop and analyze my closet. All the conversation and positive peer pressure has really helped me stay on task and get the bags I need for my collection.I really appreciate it!!!
It may seem like overkill to dither over it so long (and I appreciate everyone's patience as I keep asking and talking about an item) but that process leads to zero regrets. My collections of everything have gotten smaller but much higher quality and interestingly much higher utility and variety so it's been a fun ride.
and a few pair of interesting earrings. This purge put quite a few items on my fine jewelry to buy list. 
But in the end, I'll have half the "junk" but an even more well rounded fine jewelry collection.
