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

[westvillage]

THANK YOU
Elaine, Kemi, Dcooney, More bags, and Bakeacookie.

I appreciate the affirmation and encouragement. Yay!

 

[Hobbsy]

View attachment 3695651

I need to plan what accessories to wear now, or I'll be almost late daily lol.

But I did wear these two Alex and Ani bracelets to work to go with my blouse and Alma.

I like those, especially together.

 

[Hobbsy]

Omg the Coach Space items are online and I want everything. There's rocketships, NASA, dinosaurs! [emoji33]


Realistically I'll get a hangtag, and if I'm lucky, the jetpack rexy charm.

I know I don't need SLGs that I'll worry about getting scratched, and the newer Coach bags are heavy for me. [emoji17] but they're so cool!!

Lol! They are cool. I love Stuart.

 

[Hobbsy]

View attachment 3695682 These!

That blue color or that nude color would be great for spring/summer. Did you look at these in person?

 

[Hobbsy]

Lol!

I spent the weekend in a dilemma that touches on some of the subjects talked about today including 'dated, coats, and buying bags lower priced bags only to find a better one (not capture the subject at hand all that well.)

I love my Hermes Trimll black hobo in Clemence leather. I think it has the prettiest slouch due to the Clemence and is just the right size and comfort for me. I've had it for a decade or more, it barely shows wear and has been in regular rotation all that time and… the sign of a loved bag ... I never buy another in that style and color to compete with it.
Soooo a red version appeared on Ann's last week in Togo leather. I bought it in a nanosecond and it arrived two days later. Then I tied myself up in paroxysms of remorse for two reasons: how dated does this bag look really? It's been out of production for more than a decade. And then I had already bought in March, a cherry red Longchamp Cuir to round out my red bags and that one looks great with my black puffer coat. I didn't need two and the LC wasn't returnable due to the price. So I drove myself crazy and then decided to KEEP the RED TRIM II. I decided so because it's a better bag, I love my black one so I know it works for me, and I don't know when I'll see another in red, if ever. I remained uncomfortable for a few days but now I'm happy as a smiley face. So here they are, my dated but loved Trims.
View attachment 3695820 View attachment 3695819

Gorgeous! Love red bags!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Thanks for helping me think through my tote "issue"

I understand that you may not want to pay more. How about this? If you look at this new bag and think if you'll use it enough to make cost per wear very low? I mean, you don't have to worry if the cost is already low for you, right? How about trying to work it so the cost per wear of the more expensive one will be as low as that? I don't know if I phrase it right, but I hope you understand.

Good point. I will use it a lot so CPW will be low fairly quickly.

If you love it then it is worth it.

Maaaaaybe. But, this is a dangerous standard for me to start applying. LOL!! The items I love (particularly jewelry) could put me in the poorhouse. I have to have a sanity check and my inner cheapstake ...er ... thrifty princess usually does the trick.
I just have to make sure she doesn't run amok.

YES, just the fact that I have ever bought Hermès preloved at great prices makes the boutique price tag sting. I just psychologically detach myself from the "deals" and say, well, this is what this one costs, is it worth it to me? Yes, a new Kelly could buy me two pre-loved Kellys, but would they be the bags I want?
This is pretty much why the only Birkin I would pay full price for was my Barenia, as it's hard to find.
Can you think of your bargain purchase as a test run to prove this bag is well worth its price?

I hadn't thought of it that way. But, yes, my bargain tote was definitely the test run that showed me I can actually love a tote.

Your feeling about the preloved H when you look at the boutique H is exactly how I'm feeling right now. Buy you make a lot of sense in asking would the 2 preloved be exactly what you want. The thing is, however, I'm deliriously happy when I score a preloved bag because (as of the last couple years with the help of this thread) I only buy one if it is exactly what I want. So it's win win, funky chicken, happy dance all around.

But the black totes that I love are only available new. The similar preloved ones either look worn and dated or are only a few inconsequential dollars less than new.

For the first time I'm not feeling patient about waiting for the models to age and reach resale. Likely because I want to use the bag now and have sworn off my unproductive and crazy making habit of interim bags.

So, I'm leaning towards buying what I want new. We'll see.

I would just take it I got lucky that once. I really only buy (very) vintage not directly from the stores, and my only criteria for buying anything is (besides can I afford it?) is that the bag has to better than anything I own already. When I bought my H BBK (which is vintage) it ticked all the boxes (no pun intended) and I could afford it. It took me 8 years to find the right one (and such a nice seller) that included turning down a BBK Sellier new from Hermes after a 24 month wait for my order (I totally understood why they rested box soon after). There was a time when old Kellys (and Chanel flaps) could be snapped-up at lesser known auctions or vintage fairs for a very reasonable price but now 99% of people have the Internet and know full well what things are worth.

What will put me off a bag price-wise is a huge retail price hike. Those hikes are never about labour or material costs they're about what the market will bear. I see with Hermes/Chanel, even Gucci, lots of people buy 'almost anything' in that model just because they think the prices will only get higher (which they will). But if a brand('s marketing policy) plays that game...I got bags to play with, for a l o n g time but they don't get me. When the ships sailed it's gone forever and bye bye major purchase, plenty more bags in the sea.

I think of cost-effectiveness and longevity rather than price.

Great points! I've been won over to the cost effectiveness + longevity benchmark which is why I've focused mainly on buying "forever" bags. I am beyond sick of selling and hunting bags. So, most of the time, I have a lower regard for price and focus on 1. do I love it, 2. will I keep loving it 3. will it last (style and quality).

But, wow! I like your criteria of the bag has to be better than anything you own. <mind blown> I've never thought of it that way. It's a simple but powerful approach that really does make sense when you think about it.

I'm going to try to apply this to my entire wardrobe. This advice is timely as I plan to do quite a bit of clothes shopping on this trip. And going forward, this will certainly stop the crazy impulse urges I can get.

-----
Argh! At the end of the day my struggle with the tote is my upbringing (super thrifty, ultra sensible, completely non fashion interested people) warring with my current situation (I like pretty, sparkly things and can afford the bag.) I've gotten much better about being thoughtful so I get exactly what I want / need. I'm probably just hearing my mom's voice in my ear a little too much on this purchase.

 

[bakeacookie]

I like those, especially together.

Thank you!

 

[Hobbsy]

Thanks for helping me think through my tote "issue"

Good point. I will use it a lot so CPW will be low fairly quickly.
Maaaaaybe. But, this is a dangerous standard for me to start applying. LOL!! The items I love (particularly jewelry) could put me in the poorhouse. I have to have a sanity check and my inner cheapstake ...er ... thrifty princess usually does the trick.
I just have to make sure she doesn't run amok.

I hadn't thought of it that way. But, yes, my bargain tote was definitely the test run that showed me I can actually love a tote.

Your feeling about the preloved H when you look at the boutique H is exactly how I'm feeling right now. Buy you make a lot of sense in asking would the 2 preloved be exactly what you want. The thing is, however, I'm deliriously happy when I score a preloved bag because (as of the last couple years with the help of this thread) I only buy one if it is exactly what I want. So it's win win, funky chicken, happy dance all around.

But the black totes that I love are only available new. The similar preloved ones either look worn and dated or are only a few inconsequential dollars less than new.

For the first time I'm not feeling patient about waiting for the models to age and reach resale. Likely because I want to use the bag now and have sworn off my unproductive and crazy making habit of interim bags.

So, I'm leaning towards buying what I want new. We'll see.
Great points! I've been won over to the cost effectiveness + longevity benchmark which is why I've focused mainly on buying "forever" bags. I am beyond sick of selling and hunting bags. So, most of the time, I have a lower regard for price and focus on 1. do I love it, 2. will I keep loving it 3. will it last (style and quality).

But, wow! I like your criteria of the bag has to be better than anything you own. <mind blown> I've never thought of it that way. It's a simple but powerful approach that really does make sense when you think about it.

I'm going to try to apply this to my entire wardrobe. This advice is timely as I plan to do quite a bit of clothes shopping on this trip. And going forward, this will certainly stop the crazy impulse urges I can get.

-----
Argh! At the end of the day my struggle with the tote is my upbringing (super thrifty, ultra sensible, completely non fashion interested people) warring with my current situation (I like pretty, sparkly things and can afford the bag.) I've gotten much better about being thoughtful so I get exactly what I want / need. I'm probably just hearing my mom's voice in my ear a little too much on this purchase.

Why don't you get the black Chanel tote on your vacation, and it will always be a fond memory of your families trip?

 

[Sparkletastic]

I still keep looking at the furla tote with the metropolis lock.

That's a good sign. When we keep coming back to a bag we know we like it. I forget. Did this one have a springy color? If not, does it come in a different color that would broaden your tote collection?

View attachment 3695742 Here's my one metallic bag, a pencil case style clutch that works with everything. I think it looks dated now so I use it as a traveling jewery case a lot, and sometimes dump the jewelry into the hotel safe and turn it back to a clutch

I don't think it looks dated. It's a nice clutch with clean lines. And it's cool that you get 2 functions in one!

Lol!

I spent the weekend in a dilemma that touches on some of the subjects talked about today including 'dated, coats, and buying bags lower priced bags only to find a better one (not capture the subject at hand all that well.)

I love my Hermes Trimll black hobo in Clemence leather. I think it has the prettiest slouch due to the Clemence and is just the right size and comfort for me. I've had it for a decade or more, it barely shows wear and has been in regular rotation all that time and… the sign of a loved bag ... I never buy another in that style and color to compete with it.
Soooo a red version appeared on Ann's last week in Togo leather. I bought it in a nanosecond and it arrived two days later. Then I tied myself up in paroxysms of remorse for two reasons: how dated does this bag look really? It's been out of production for more than a decade. And then I had already bought in March, a cherry red Longchamp Cuir to round out my red bags and that one looks great with my black puffer coat. I didn't need two and the LC wasn't returnable due to the price. So I drove myself crazy and then decided to KEEP the RED TRIM II. I decided so because it's a better bag, I love my black one so I know it works for me, and I don't know when I'll see another in red, if ever. I remained uncomfortable for a few days but now I'm happy as a smiley face. So here they are, my dated but loved Trims.
View attachment 3695820 View attachment 3695819

Congrats!!! These are gorgeous bags. And the red really pops on this model!

I don't even see how you could think these are dated. They're beautiful! They remind me a bit of one of the styles that Gucci keeps bringing back (I think the Jackie??) because the silhouette is timeless.

This is a great add!! Especially since it seems you are a red bag loving girl like me!

 

[papertiger]

Lol!

I spent the weekend in a dilemma that touches on some of the subjects talked about today including 'dated, coats, and buying bags lower priced bags only to find a better one (not capture the subject at hand all that well.)

I love my Hermes Trimll black hobo in Clemence leather. I think it has the prettiest slouch due to the Clemence and is just the right size and comfort for me. I've had it for a decade or more, it barely shows wear and has been in regular rotation all that time and… the sign of a loved bag ... I never buy another in that style and color to compete with it.
Soooo a red version appeared on Ann's last week in Togo leather. I bought it in a nanosecond and it arrived two days later. Then I tied myself up in paroxysms of remorse for two reasons: how dated does this bag look really? It's been out of production for more than a decade. And then I had already bought in March, a cherry red Longchamp Cuir to round out my red bags and that one looks great with my black puffer coat. I didn't need two and the LC wasn't returnable due to the price. So I drove myself crazy and then decided to KEEP the RED TRIM II. I decided so because it's a better bag, I love my black one so I know it works for me, and I don't know when I'll see another in red, if ever. I remained uncomfortable for a few days but now I'm happy as a smiley face. So here they are, my dated but loved Trims.
View attachment 3695820 View attachment 3695819

They both look delicious, and though it may have been agony, I think you made the right decision

 

[Sparkletastic]

Why don't you get the black Chanel tote on your vacation, and it will always be a fond memory of your families trip?

That's what I'm thinking of doing. I hope they have what I want in stock. If so, I'll get to have the exact, new bag I want. And with the exchange rate / vat, I can Jedi mind trick my brain to believe I got it "on sale."

Plus the big bonus is I can take DD to the Chanel mothership in Paris and get something for her. She got the in-store shopping gene I sooooooo didn't get and will either faint dead away the minute she enters or chain herself to a display and refuse to leave. I'm betting on the latter. Who can shop when they're unconscious.

 

[bakeacookie]

Lol! They are cool. I love Stuart.

I just wish it wasn't heavy for me [emoji17] Then I'd have more than just charms.

 

[Hobbsy]

That's what I'm thinking of doing. I hope they have what I want in stock. If so, I'll get to have the exact, new bag I want. And with the exchange rate / vat, I can Jedi mind trick my brain to believe I got it "on sale."

Plus the big bonus is I can take DD to the Chanel mothership in Paris and get something for her. She got the in-store shopping gene I sooooooo didn't get and will either faint dead away the minute she enters or chain herself to a display and refuse to leave. I'm betting on the latter. Who can shop when they're unconscious. [emoji38]

It will be like on sale! And, besides that, who can put a price on an enjoyable Chanel shopping trip with a daughter?! No one, that's who.

 

[Hobbsy]

I just wish it wasn't heavy for me [emoji17] Then I'd have more than just charms.

My rogues are heavy, but I don't notice it that much. Now anyway, someday I will.

 

[dcooney4]

That blue color or that nude color would be great for spring/summer. Did you look at these in person?

I tried it again and I agree on the colors. My shoulder was hurting today before I tried it again but it hurt more with it on. I don't think it was the bag but I am going to attempt to wait for the lighter tote. I will check again next time I am there if that one hurts my shoulder when it is not sore to begin with.