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

[Sparkletastic]

are those 20% all shoes????

you can start slowly, imho, summer is the best time to do it - you keep a few simple tops for rotation and jeans + shorts and 1 or 2 summer dresses to sustain.
Pile up the rest and start separating them by groups - colours, brands, condition, etc, you know better, and then see which group is the first to attack.
When you start getting rid of old stuff and replacing by new, you might find the new ways of use your older pieces, working a lot better with something new you'll get.
i have a 'purgatory' chair, i pile stuff i am not sure about in it, and keep walking around for a week or two, after some time when my eyes are fresh i see clearly, if it stays or has to go. When we keep washing-wearing cycle we lose this freshness and just carry on using it, but if you take a break, then you see if it's worn, lost the shape or brightness, has some other small faults, in other words - does not spark joy any more...

Great ideas!

No, the 20% isn't shoes, its overall. LOL! I have some nice shoes (not nearly on the level of my bags) but they aren't my thing like bags and jewelry. And I never wear shorts and don't like wearing jeans / pants. So I'm whittling things away to mostly dresses, skirts and tops.

One problem is I lost weight (unintentionally) I've been so busy and I have a tendency to forget to eat. So I'm under my normal size and debating whether to get rid of stuff or wait til my weight normalizes again.

When I brought my clothes home from my trip I did a one in / one out. It was necessary but it killed me. I told myself just to eliminate 8 items a month (2/week and buy 4 items a month.

I started using a Stylebook at the beginning of the year. I'm going to use it religiously starting July 1 to see what I do and don't wear.

 

[ksuromax]

Great ideas!

No, the 20% isn't shoes, its overall. LOL! I have some nice shoes (not nearly on the level of my bags) but they aren't my thing like bags and jewelry. And I never wear shorts and don't like wearing jeans / pants. So I'm whittling things away to mostly dresses, skirts and tops.

One problem is I lost weight (unintentionally) I've been so busy and I have a tendency to forget to eat. So I'm under my normal size and debating whether to get rid of stuff or wait til my weight normalizes again.

When I brought my clothes home from my trip I did a one in / one out. It was necessary but it killed me. I told myself just to eliminate 8 items a month (2/week and buy 4 items a month.

I started using a Stylebook at the beginning of the year. I'm going to use it religiously starting July 1 to see what I do and don't wear.

i didn't mean to teach you, i was just thinking aloud suggesting ideas basis my way of dressing... lol
of, course, you go by your preferred items, but you get the point? when you start moving in and out you might end up moving less, e.g. if you get one new skirt that will do well with your current 3-4 tops, you will not need to get new tops... you just need to see which things HAVE TO GO NOW, just to define the starting point.
i know, easier said than done, but i have this plan in my head for myself and once i have some more spare time (kids will travel to their Grans soon) i plan to do big cleanout and purge. God help me!

 

[papertiger]

I'm with you on knowing what my size should be or close to, but I have to try on. I hate being in cramped little rooms changing clothes, trying to see if you like it, separating the yesses to the maybes to the not in this lifetime!! Ugh....
My two best friends both hate to shop for anything, so I have to go alone. You're so right about what goes around comes around. I was looking up clothes from the 70s and thought I still like that and would wear it!

Brands I usually buy RTW new are Gucci, All Saints, H&M, Cordings and Cos, maybe a couple of cotton jersey dresses for Summer from M&S (see below). None of them seem to have anything in common but I'm usually looking for atypical things anyway. I used to be a reg customer at Alexander McQueen and Dolce Gabanna too but I feel like I already have what they're offering, have far fewer formal events to go to and the prices now make my eyes water, for that money I'd rather invest in accessories (or my house).

I feel have to try on too, I can't stand all that returns stuff and then waiting for the new size to come etc. If there's no alternative I don't mind shopping online but then I have to stick to brands that have consistent sizing. For instance I would never buy anything at Cos without trying as their sizing is all over the place.

My sister is the opposite she'll only buy online bar one day shop for work clothes in a store called Marks and Spencer, I went with her on one occasion and we were there all day, I thought I was going to die of boredom LOL.

 

[papertiger]

Here is the MK studded strap with my Alma. I have looked at several straps. I narrowed my choice to: genuine leather and strap length of no more than 40" or just close to it. I would have preferred for this to be shorter but this is at the shortest setting.
View attachment 3736799
I have also attached this to my AMQ Padlock bag (birch color) but the picture is not on this phone. Incidentally, my main phone is at the Apple service center for diagnostics. I was told that best case scenario is battery replacement, which costs a little over $100. Sigh, it's easier to spend on bags than these stuff.

That looks perfect with your trusty Alma
Is there a 'spare strap' thread in this sub-forum ? I'd love a cute inter-changeable one like yours )looked at MK website - nothing .

 

[Hobbsy]

LOL! Where does she put her wallet, keys, sunglasses? Even a tomboy carries those.

No wallet. She carries her drivers license inside folded money which then goes in back pocket of jeans. Sunglasses on top of head and keys just get set down wherever, table at restaurant/bar, lap at movie.....I can't close my eyes and see her with a purse.

 

[papertiger]

So, my carefree bump around bag came in and I'm very happy with it. It's the Rebecca Minkoff Isobel Satchel. View attachment 3737077
I really needed a top zip, leather, convertible satchel that is roomy, "quiet" on branding and in personality and a little slouchy for low profile on my body. Plus, I was inspired by @dcooney's new carefree bags to keep the cost of the bag low. I found this brand new for $100 which is 70% off!

I'd read a lot of negatives about RM and was a little apprehensive. My big worry was that the leather would feel plasticky or cheap. But it's very nice - certainly better than the price I paid would suggest. And I don't see any obvious places for performance failure (poorly attached handles, etc.)

I like that - other than the zipper - it has black hardware. I think that helps the bag look a little more expensive. View attachment 3737079 The only two things I don't like are that the base of the bag is a little too unstructured so it could sag and the tassel hangs oddly when the shoulder strap is used. I'll just get a cheapy bag shaper or bag organizer for the sag and cut off the tassel and tie it through the handle hardware. Easy peasy!View attachment 3737083
And since I am loving @msd_bags new strap, I have to find one for this bag. I think it would be perfect to dress it up a bit. But, since the strap will likely cost more than the bag, I need to get one that will also work on my new Fendi and maybe even my black PS Small Courier. I don't think I have any other bags that would look good with a new strap.

So, anyway, this is a perfect carefree bag. I won't count it in my collection but I'll be very glad to have it when I need a bag that I can't baby.

That is an amazing price for that bag!

It's got a stealth vibe going on too. My Chloe Paddy is all-black (if I leave the padlock off no one even knows what bag it is) I love that ultra-dark vibe.

 

[Hobbsy]

wearing one of my recently acquired H scarves, feels so right for my job...

Pretty. Do you work with boats, ships?

 

[papertiger]

I do need to distract myself. And something that would point to my wardrobe would be a good idea. But other then fine jewelry and sunnies, I don't really wear accessories. And I've bought most of the fine jewelry and al the sunnies I planned to buy this year.

I need a battle plan for my wardrobe like when I had my list of bags to buy. I tried to make a list of things I want / need starting with a capsule wardrobe. But I didn't find much on line to help since I prefer the foundation of my wardrobe to be dresses v separates.

But no excuses. I need to make a list. That will make shopping easier. Right now my wardrobe reboot just feels like I'm on a foggy road to somewhere. I have 20% great pieces and 80% needs to go. But I can't be naked so I have to do this a little at a time.

Little at a time is better. The idea of sticking to a number every week will help if you're a goal focused person too. My advice would be to put all your 20% of perfect together and see what you've got, shapes, colours and styles, then you can work through the rest.

 

[Hobbsy]

Great ideas!

No, the 20% isn't shoes, its overall. LOL! I have some nice shoes (not nearly on the level of my bags) but they aren't my thing like bags and jewelry. And I never wear shorts and don't like wearing jeans / pants. So I'm whittling things away to mostly dresses, skirts and tops.

One problem is I lost weight (unintentionally) I've been so busy and I have a tendency to forget to eat. So I'm under my normal size and debating whether to get rid of stuff or wait til my weight normalizes again.

When I brought my clothes home from my trip I did a one in / one out. It was necessary but it killed me. I told myself just to eliminate 8 items a month (2/week and buy 4 items a month.

I started using a Stylebook at the beginning of the year. I'm going to use it religiously starting July 1 to see what I do and don't wear.

I'm getting rid of all dresses, skirts, suits.....if I never put a dress on again I would be forever happy and grateful. So you wear dresses casually, like on a day off, around the house?

 

[Hobbsy]

Brands I usually buy RTW new are Gucci, All Saints, H&M, Cordings and Cos, maybe a couple of cotton jersey dresses for Summer from M&S (see below). None of them seem to have anything in common but I'm usually looking for atypical things anyway. I used to be a reg customer at Alexander McQueen and Dolce Gabanna too but I feel like I already have what they're offering, have far fewer formal events to go to and the prices now make my eyes water, for that money I'd rather invest in accessories (or my house).

I feel have to try on too, I can't stand all that returns stuff and then waiting for the new size to come etc. If there's no alternative I don't mind shopping online but then I have to stick to brands that have consistent sizing. For instance I would never buy anything at Cos without trying as their sizing is all over the place.

My sister is the opposite she'll only buy online bar one day shop for work clothes in a store called Marks and Spencer, I went with her on one occasion and we were there all day, I thought I was going to die of boredom LOL.

You're so right, I hate the return process. I used to enjoy and look forward to long hours of shopping, even just wandering and window shopping, but not anymore. It's nice of you to go with your sister.

 

[ksuromax]

Pretty. Do you work with boats, ships?

Thanks
yes, i do, for some time i even worked ON ships...

 

[msd_bags]

That looks perfect with your trusty Alma
Is there a 'spare strap' thread in this sub-forum ? I'd love a cute inter-changeable one like yours )looked at MK website - nothing .

I don't think there is a thread on this. There are the more expensive ones like Fendi, Valentino and Anya Hindmarch (not sure if they have some on sale). Then you have Rebecca Minkoff, Kate Spade and Michael by Michael Kors. But you have to check if the length suits you as most are non-adjustable. Then, I recently came across local sellers here advertising that they have Piumelli straps from Italy. I checked its website just now and I only found 1 design available for 49 euros. Here, they are selling it for close to $140.

 

[Hobbsy]

Thanks
yes, i do, for some time i even worked ON ships...

Cool, doing what? If that's too personal a question, tell me to quit being so nosey!

 

[Evia]

I'm getting rid of all dresses, skirts, suits.....if I never put a dress on again I would be forever happy and grateful. So you wear dresses casually, like on a day off, around the house?

This made me laugh! I prefer dresses and skirts and don't like jeans or trousers much at all I have 2 pairs of jeans (one of which is just for super scruffy jobs around the house) and no other trousers at the mo. Occasionally I buy linen trousers for summer but that's about it

 

[Evia]

No wallet. She carries her drivers license inside folded money which then goes in back pocket of jeans. Sunglasses on top of head and keys just get set down wherever, table at restaurant/bar, lap at movie.....I can't close my eyes and see her with a purse.

Can't get my head round this at all and what a wasted opportunity