2018 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?

[dcooney4]

I didn't mean specifically, but photo recognition software just matches same/similar photos all over the net. So say you show your earrings off with your face covered on a social media site, it can match that photo to FB, Insta or any other site where you maybe less anonymous.

That is scary stuff.

 

[papertiger]

That is scary stuff.

I know. There is a face recognition software app so you can take a pic of someone and match all photos (usually has a name attached somewhere). Who is that software supposed to advantage except criminals, detectives and people too nosey for their own good?

 

[Sparkletastic]

Yes, I am totally like this, even down to liking jewelry but almost never going on the jewelry forum! IDK what it is about handbags, but they’ve been my “thing” forever. I used to be pretty jewelry obsessed, and even worked in a jewelry store in college, but I never made the leap to designers like Cartier and VCA, the way I made the leap to Chanel and Hermes with bags. Not sure why, but David Yurman, Ippolita and Tiffany silver is fine with me. Maybe it’s the combination of form and function that bags offer, making them a unique challenge. Jewelry, OTOH, is pure adornment (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). Same with scarves — I love them, but don’t obsess like I do with bags!

Yes, we are really similar. I’ve never fully made the leap to expensive branded jewelry. I just don’t see the value vs getting high quality pieces with the design, quality, carat / karat I want. For example why get a Tiffany's engagement ring v sourcing a diamond and band of similar quality and paying perhaps half the price?

That being said, I will buy branded if I like the design. I love Gucci’s horsebits and have bought a few pieces. I also like Bulgari and Cartier’s designs and may buy a one off piece one day. But in general, nope.

And I love buying preloved and estate pieces. Gold is gold and diamonds are diamonds. So I get a huge discount on great pieces.

Just need to vent and would love to hear thoughts on how you deal.. I am super happy about a bag purchase for about 2-3 weeks, then it starts to wane and in a month or so I'm craving a new bag... but doing my best to just divert my attention.

You are nursing which means you have a new little one and shifting hormones. And your body isn’t fully your own. So it makes “sense” that you are seeking sensory pleasure in new bags.

Just try to remember this time will pass. Even if you have more precious babies, eventually you will get back to a more stable body and be able ro buy new clothes and have other diversions. Perhaps set a limit for how many bags you can buy over the next year. Then spend time planning what they will be. That way you can extend the “high” of bag buying and get bags that suit you a bit better so the craving isn’t as high.

This has happened to me often. I am now trying to stick to a list of requirements I need for each bag. Which is helping me not get tired of them quickly. Make your own list of what works and what doesn't and try and stick to it. For me #1 is how comfortable is it to wear because if it is a pain I end up leaving it in the closet. #2 does it actually work with my wardrobe for that season style and color wise. I made a mistake recently buying a bag with visible gold hardware when I own three pairs of summer shoes in silver. Which left me with a pair of shoes that were not comfortable to wear with it. You get the idea. What is it about this recent bag that your not loving anymore or is it all the crazy sales?

Good advice.

I also try to buy only if the bag is meeting a clear need and I absolutely adore it. That keeps me happy with and playing with my new bag much longer longer than in the past.

I don't think monetary worth is always a reflection of how beautiful and useful something is. I think silver or even leather or wood jewellery can be as beautiful as a diamond in each ear or gold so I don't have the same value system as many in jewellery forums.

It's the same with my watches, they're good makes but I prefer vintage. That's not I prefer vintage 'till I can get my hands on Brand X, model Y. I actually prefer vintage watches completely, the look, what's inside and everything about them. I wouldn't say no to a VCA all gold/no diamonds Cadenas watch, but I suppose that's another story and a bit more bracelet than watch.

A handbags carries even more weight (no pun intended) signifying all sorts of things at once: fashionability; practicality; status; perhaps even a more public exclamation of personal expression (whereas jewellery is usually a more a private one) and therefor there's a whole lots more to discuss and consider.

Very good points, PT.

I completely agree that for jewelry, price isn’t the best indicator of beauty. To me a hugely encrusted, over designed diamond ring (that could be quite expensive) looks a bit tacky and Vegas show girl whereas a simple silver or copper ring could look beautiful on someone who can rock a BoHo look.

And, some costume / crystal / other jewelry are just beautiful works of art.

I think your love of vintage watches is super cool. I’m not a watch gal. But at one point I had a collection of Star Trek watches. LOL! I proudly wore them with my fine jewelry simply because they made me happy.

I didn't mean specifically, but photo recognition software just matches same/similar photos all over the net. So say you show your earrings off with your face covered on a social media site, it can match that photo to FB, Insta or any other site where you maybe less anonymous.

Hmmmm...I hadn’t thought about that. I don’t cross pollinate photos on forums with my personal social media (specifically for privacy purposes) so this hadn’t occurred to me. But this is a great watch out.

For those of you who post photos of bags, jewelry, on your personal FB, insta, etc., I have a question. It would come across as very braggy and a bit gauche with my social circle if I posted photos specifically showcasing expensive things and therefore be received quite poorly. If you aren’t a fashion blogger, how does that work? When I’m excited about a “thing” I can come here. But IRL, I rarely even share a pic in a text with my closest friends.

 

[papertiger]

Yes, we are really similar. I’ve never fully made the leap to expensive branded jewelry. I just don’t see the value vs getting high quality pieces with the design, quality, carat / karat I want. For example why get a Tiffany's engagement ring v sourcing a diamond and band of similar quality and paying perhaps half the price?

That being said, I will buy branded if I like the design. I love Gucci’s horsebits and have bought a few pieces. I also like Bulgari and Cartier’s designs and may buy a one off piece one day. But in general, nope.

And I love buying preloved and estate pieces. Gold is gold and diamonds are diamonds. So I get a huge discount on great pieces.
You are nursing which means you have a new little one and shifting hormones. And your body isn’t fully your own. So it makes “sense” that you are seeking sensory pleasure in new bags.

Just try to remember this time will pass. Even if you have more precious babies, eventually you will get back to a more stable body and be able ro buy new clothes and have other diversions. Perhaps set a limit for how many bags you can buy over the next year. Then spend time planning what they will be. That way you can extend the “high” of bag buying and get bags that suit you a bit better so the craving isn’t as high.
Good advice.

I also try to buy only if the bag is meeting a clear need and I absolutely adore it. That keeps me happy with and playing with my new bag much longer longer than in the past.
Very good points, PT.

I completely agree that for jewelry, price isn’t the best indicator of beauty. To me a hugely encrusted, over designed diamond ring (that could be quite expensive) looks a bit tacky and Vegas show girl whereas a simple silver or copper ring could look beautiful on someone who can rock a BoHo look.

And, some costume / crystal / other jewelry are just beautiful works of art.

I think your love of vintage watches is super cool. I’m not a watch gal. But at one point I had a collection of Star Trek watches. LOL! I proudly wore them with my fine jewelry simply because they made me happy.
Hmmmm...I hadn’t thought about that. I don’t cross pollinate photos on forums with my personal social media (specifically for privacy purposes) so this hadn’t occurred to me. But this is a great watch out.

For those of you who post photos of bags, jewelry, on your personal FB, insta, etc., I have a question. It would come across as very braggy and a bit gauche with my social circle if I posted photos specifically showcasing expensive things and therefore be received quite poorly. If you aren’t a fashion blogger, how does that work? When I’m excited about a “thing” I can come here. But IRL, I rarely even share a pic in a text with my closest friends.

I've been asked to do a style blog many times, even a sponsored one, but it means people adding up prices of everything. I'm not about cheap, expensive, vegan, crazy, minimalist, I'm just about expression (and getting out the house in 20 mins). Instead of tee, skirt and bag people want brand A tee = £x, skirt brand B = £x, bag plus likes x followers etc. I'm not into that. My style is more than a sum of my brands square their prices, but that doesn't work for word-searches, tags or niche advertising. It's all about numbers.

There's so much about fashion out there but it's all literally skin deep. Even magazines at the end of the day are answerable to advertisers ad not readers.

Apart from tPF I find other forms of social media particularly shallow. Just constant putting out of images and love/hate. I like how we all have different tastes and styles and yet can discuss and help each other with common elements on here and other threads.

 

[ksuromax]

Does this bag look odd with my hair color and skin tone?

me, being red-headed, have figured out that reds with blue undertones don't work well with my copper red hair, orange-y ones do and they even compliment my skin tone.
so i avoid raspberry, purplish reds, they are 'cold' reds and they clash with my warm toned hair. Maybe that's what your DH means?

 

[Sparkletastic]

I've been asked to do a style blog many times, even a sponsored one, but it means people adding up prices of everything. I'm not about cheap, expensive, vegan, crazy, minimalist, I'm just about expression (and getting out the house on 20 mins). Instead of tee, skirt and bag people want brand A tee = £x, skirt brand B = £x, bag plus likes x followers etc. I'm not into that. My style is more than a sum of my brands square their prices, but that doesn't work for word-searches, tags or niche advertising. It's all about numbers.

There's so much about fashion out there but it's all literally skin deep. Even magazines at the end of the day are answerable to advertisers ad not readers.

Apart from tPF I find other forms of social media particularly shallow. Just constant putting out of images and love/hate. I like how we all have different tastes and styles and yet can discuss and help each other with common elements on here and other threads.

I don’t follow any instagrammers or you tubers. I’m sure some bring great value. But my strong perception is that most are simply promoting brands for the wow / bragging rights from the cash out lay and they and their followers get from owning the item (even if it’s just for show for the day). Or they are “personalities” like on reality shows (another thing I don’t watch).

Fashion media puts me in the mind of the demise of HGTV. (Is it widely viewable outside of the US?) The channel used to have a shows from a variety of perspectives that shared insight on how to make your home and garden beautiful. Lots of realistic DIY projects. Some showcases, etc. Shows ranged from easy fixes to aspirational / inspirational mega projects. But, all of it was about real items for different types of real people who cared about their home be it a lean to or a mansion. Colors, fabrics, plants, wood, processes, techniques, approaches etc. were the subject matter.

Now the channel is worthless. It’s one reality house flipping or selling show after another. The few home improvement decorating / gardening shows have zero attachment to real life effort or price levels. Redo your kitchen, master suite and kid’s treehouse in 3 days for $49.99! Huh?!

So when I see fashion bloggers throwing together an outfit worth $20,000 like it’s “normal” or focusing on the brands v elements of style, my eyes roll back into my head and I run for the hills.

 

[papertiger]

I don’t follow any instagrammers or you tubers. I’m sure some bring great value. But my strong perception is that most are simply promoting brands for the wow / bragging rights from the cash out lay and they and their followers get from owning the item (even if it’s just for show for the day). Or they are “personalities” like on reality shows (another thing I don’t watch).

Fashion media puts me in the mind of the demise of HGTV. (Is it widely viewable outside of the US?) The channel used to have a shows from a variety of perspectives that shared insight on how to make your home and garden beautiful. Lots of realistic DIY projects. Some showcases, etc. Shows ranged from easy fixes to aspirational / inspirational mega projects. But, all of it was about real items for different types of real people who cared about their home be it a lean to or a mansion. Colors, fabrics, plants, wood, processes, techniques, approaches etc. were the subject matter.

Now the channel is worthless. It’s one reality house flipping or selling show after another. The few home improvement decorating / gardening shows have zero attachment to real life effort or price levels. Redo your kitchen, master suite and kid’s treehouse in 3 days for $49.99! Huh?!

So when I see fashion bloggers throwing together an outfit worth $20,000 like it’s “normal” or focusing on the brands v elements of style, my eyes roll back into my head and I run for the hills.

We don't have that channel but you made me laugh!

 

[vink]

I don't know if it's safe to upload pics of jewellery on the Internet, esp now with so much recognition software. I have no idea of why it's OK to show a $3K bag and not a $3K ring, that's me too.

Browsing through jewellery threads, it seems unless you like/know about the most popular entry level lines of VAC, Cartier or the finest SS pearls or jade there's not that much to talk about.

Even the 'Tiffany people' seem to have an inferiority complex. I've just bought my first 2 ever pieces from Tiff and am very happy. I very much like companies that no one else likes, prob. a good thing but I'd be in a club thread with just myself (and possibly a couple of tPF mates).

I don't think monetary worth is always a reflection of how beautiful and useful something is. I think silver or even leather or wood jewellery can be as beautiful as a diamond in each ear or gold so I don't have the same value system as many in jewellery forums.

It's the same with my watches, they're good makes but I prefer vintage. That's not I prefer vintage 'till I can get my hands on Brand X, model Y. I actually prefer vintage watches completely, the look, what's inside and everything about them. I wouldn't say no to a VCA all gold/no diamonds Cadenas watch, but I suppose that's another story and a bit more bracelet than watch.

A handbags carries even more weight (no pun intended) signifying all sorts of things at once: fashionability; practicality; status; perhaps even a more public exclamation of personal expression (whereas jewellery is usually a more a private one) and therefor there's a whole lots more to discuss and consider.

I don’t really care about branded jewelry. I once went inside Tiffany on that famous fifth ave store trying so hard to find something to buy. I really wanted to just get a piece of whatever they sell there. I walked round and rounds, spent too much time than I should there (don’t remember how long, but i felt it’s too long even now), only to leave the store empty handed. I couldn’t make myself care for anything they sell there. Years after years, I try to get on the branded jewelry wagon, but I’m just not interested. To be frank, a couple brands I care about are Cartier and Chopard. That’s all. (OK, and a bit of Chanel costume jewelry, but that’s because I like Chanel and crazy enough to pay for a piece of plastic and become a walking billboard for them.) If I’m going to pay big bucks for jewelry, it’d better be real diamonds, rubies, sapphires, etc (any real gemstones). Please don’t hate me for bashing VCA, but I don’t care how they make mother of pearl look attractive. I’d rather get a string of pearls from my local jewelers. I can see how pretty they’re, and that include all the pretty rings, but I don’t get the price they’re charging. I grow up with my dad who loves to take my mom to his favorite local jeweler. This guy is one of the best in our country. At the peak of his time, he’s the to-go guy of every ambassadors in the country. The US president, Reagan or Bush, the senior, visited his small, but exclusive store hidden in a small alley when they visited my country. Every ambassador will take their state men there if they want to buy jewelry. I learn from my early age in life to look for quality and design that I love without caring for branding when it comes to jewelry. So, I get most of my pieces done locally. I even buy second hand jewelry or antique if they’re of good quality and come to the design that I like. But I guess without the brand that you can feel like you can share or related to on some ground, the discussion just isn’t there.

 

[vink]

Good morning everyone!
I decided to take a weekend jaunt away every since my overnight 'getaway' got rained out last week, so now I'm in a waterfront lake house, much to my surprise!!! So happy I'm still jet lagged to actually enjoy this view & mild weather!!!

I'll start backwards-
@momasaurus , I'm a HUGE sucker for linings!!! I actually really disliked the KS bag which was gifted to me by an otherwise-awful bf long ago. The bag itself was gorgeous, just not exactly my style/color (it's pinkish salmon!!!), but I kept it all this time since I looked the polka dotted lining! NOW, I love the bag. It's still not exactly 'me', but at least now I can carry it and it's not completely random! (I'd go find it but i only brought a tiny plus travel bag with me...)
Actually the lining is striped. What am I thinking!
@Sparkletastic, and everyone else who regularly lists bags- once you decide to do this, what do you do if the bags don't sell? I'm new to this, but realize I'm not totally ready to part with them, which is why they're priced higher than I'd personally pay for them. Which I get is a separate issue; but do you just keep lowering, or just gift/donate; or keep? I have a pile in a box in this scenario...

@vink, what is 'anti-theft' strap? I thought a lot about this these past few weeks while traveling. What is it made of? Do you always swap out straps then? To laugh, I ACTUALLY CONSIDERED a fanny pack for like ten seconds before (relief! Gasp!!!) concluding they're really unsafe regarding pickpocketers.
@catsinthebag, I'm totally with you. I think somehow along the way, my 'collections' of 'stuff' needed to get more practical (kind of like eating as 'entertainment'...), so it seems that I like to be able to actually actively use my 'collected stuff' vs. having them just sit the for me to look at. And I guess this point is arguable, w the crazy# of bags I have!!!
@dcooney4, I love this bag on you! I think it enhances your coloring. I'd run with all these colors if I had your coloring!

Oh... [emoji4] there’s a background story to this. Arden Cove is a startup and they make anti-theft bags. I backed their first project on Indiegogo a couple years ago. The bag came with a very substantial chain strap which is very heavy so, I wore it once despite loving it. Then, one day, I decided to check their website to see how far they’re now and I see they’ve launched new lines of products and that include a faux leather strap for my bag! And it’s made of slash-proof material. So, I order that strap for my bag. They actually have a smaller chain strap for sell, too. The weight is about half of the original one that I have, but I didn’t order that one. I find that I like this one much better. It’s more me. [emoji4]

Check out their website if you’re looking for anti-theft bags. I highly recommend them. The design is pretty and look very normal. I find the quality to be solid. I haven’t wear mine long enough to give any higher rating, but the look already won me over.

https://ardencove.com/

 

[vink]

Yes, we are really similar. I’ve never fully made the leap to expensive branded jewelry. I just don’t see the value vs getting high quality pieces with the design, quality, carat / karat I want. For example why get a Tiffany's engagement ring v sourcing a diamond and band of similar quality and paying perhaps half the price?

That being said, I will buy branded if I like the design. I love Gucci’s horsebits and have bought a few pieces. I also like Bulgari and Cartier’s designs and may buy a one off piece one day. But in general, nope.

And I love buying preloved and estate pieces. Gold is gold and diamonds are diamonds. So I get a huge discount on great pieces.
You are nursing which means you have a new little one and shifting hormones. And your body isn’t fully your own. So it makes “sense” that you are seeking sensory pleasure in new bags.

Just try to remember this time will pass. Even if you have more precious babies, eventually you will get back to a more stable body and be able ro buy new clothes and have other diversions. Perhaps set a limit for how many bags you can buy over the next year. Then spend time planning what they will be. That way you can extend the “high” of bag buying and get bags that suit you a bit better so the craving isn’t as high.
Good advice.

I also try to buy only if the bag is meeting a clear need and I absolutely adore it. That keeps me happy with and playing with my new bag much longer longer than in the past.
Very good points, PT.

I completely agree that for jewelry, price isn’t the best indicator of beauty. To me a hugely encrusted, over designed diamond ring (that could be quite expensive) looks a bit tacky and Vegas show girl whereas a simple silver or copper ring could look beautiful on someone who can rock a BoHo look.

And, some costume / crystal / other jewelry are just beautiful works of art.

I think your love of vintage watches is super cool. I’m not a watch gal. But at one point I had a collection of Star Trek watches. LOL! I proudly wore them with my fine jewelry simply because they made me happy.
Hmmmm...I hadn’t thought about that. I don’t cross pollinate photos on forums with my personal social media (specifically for privacy purposes) so this hadn’t occurred to me. But this is a great watch out.

For those of you who post photos of bags, jewelry, on your personal FB, insta, etc., I have a question. It would come across as very braggy and a bit gauche with my social circle if I posted photos specifically showcasing expensive things and therefore be received quite poorly. If you aren’t a fashion blogger, how does that work? When I’m excited about a “thing” I can come here. But IRL, I rarely even share a pic in a text with my closest friends.

I don’t post “my stuff” online. I keep myself very low key. Not even a fancy restaurant on my feed. Some memories about the trip, yes, but a very selective ones. Nothing material out there. People who know me know what I can do and can have. People who don’t know me have no business in knowing that. They’re already very lucky I decided to accept their request on my crazy moment. [emoji16] (The last sentence may sound arrogant, but its actually more like I have to add you because I have something that need to be in contact with you, but it doesn’t mean you should get to know that much about me so I wouldn’t let you know that much about me.)

 

[vink]

I don’t post “my stuff” online. I keep myself very low key. Not even a fancy restaurant on my feed. Some memories about the trip, yes, but a very selective ones. Nothing material out there. People who know me know what I can do and can have. People who don’t know me have no business in knowing that. They’re already very lucky I decided to accept their request on my crazy moment. [emoji16] (The last sentence may sound arrogant, but its actually more like I have to add you because I have something that need to be in contact with you, but it doesn’t mean you should get to know that much about me so I wouldn’t let you know that much about me.)

And I rarely do “reveal”. I do it a couple times out of excitement and sometimes to share back to people since I feel like I owe the information I get to make decision to them. This thread is where I share the most so far through our projects. Otherwise, I don’t. I’m too lazy and maybe I have too many bags I just already tired from juggling them. [emoji28]

 

[More bags]

I don't know if it's safe to upload pics of jewellery on the Internet, esp now with so much recognition software. I have no idea of why it's OK to show a $3K bag and not a $3K ring, that's me too.

Browsing through jewellery threads, it seems unless you like/know about the most popular entry level lines of VAC, Cartier or the finest SS pearls or jade there's not that much to talk about.

Even the 'Tiffany people' seem to have an inferiority complex. I've just bought my first 2 ever pieces from Tiff and am very happy. I very much like companies that no one else likes, prob. a good thing but I'd be in a club thread with just myself (and possibly a couple of tPF mates).

I don't think monetary worth is always a reflection of how beautiful and useful something is. I think silver or even leather or wood jewellery can be as beautiful as a diamond in each ear or gold so I don't have the same value system as many in jewellery forums.

It's the same with my watches, they're good makes but I prefer vintage. That's not I prefer vintage 'till I can get my hands on Brand X, model Y. I actually prefer vintage watches completely, the look, what's inside and everything about them. I wouldn't say no to a VCA all gold/no diamonds Cadenas watch, but I suppose that's another story and a bit more bracelet than watch.

A handbags carries even more weight (no pun intended) signifying all sorts of things at once: fashionability; practicality; status; perhaps even a more public exclamation of personal expression (whereas jewellery is usually a more a private one) and therefor there's a whole lots more to discuss and consider.

I've been asked to do a style blog many times, even a sponsored one, but it means people adding up prices of everything. I'm not about cheap, expensive, vegan, crazy, minimalist, I'm just about expression (and getting out the house in 20 mins). Instead of tee, skirt and bag people want brand A tee = £x, skirt brand B = £x, bag plus likes x followers etc. I'm not into that. My style is more than a sum of my brands square their prices, but that doesn't work for word-searches, tags or niche advertising. It's all about numbers.

There's so much about fashion out there but it's all literally skin deep. Even magazines at the end of the day are answerable to advertisers ad not readers.

Apart from tPF I find other forms of social media particularly shallow. Just constant putting out of images and love/hate. I like how we all have different tastes and styles and yet can discuss and help each other with common elements on here and other threads.

Hi papertiger - you’ve shared some deep, insightful comments on both jewelry and on blogging. I admire your style as an expression of what you like, especially the way you style separate items into an outfit. Additionally, I like the great conversations on tPF and what you contribute to them. Thanks for all of your countless hours as a moderator. I have learned a lot and I appreciate it.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I don’t really care about branded jewelry. I once went inside Tiffany on that famous fifth ave store trying so hard to find something to buy. I really wanted to just get a piece of whatever they sell there. I walked round and rounds, spent too much time than I should there (don’t remember how long, but i felt it’s too long even now), only to leave the store empty handed. I couldn’t make myself care for anything they sell there. Years after years, I try to get on the branded jewelry wagon, but I’m just not interested. To be frank, a couple brands I care about are Cartier and Chopard. That’s all. (OK, and a bit of Chanel costume jewelry, but that’s because I like Chanel and crazy enough to pay for a piece of plastic and become a walking billboard for them.) If I’m going to pay big bucks for jewelry, it’d better be real diamonds, rubies, sapphires, etc (any real gemstones). Please don’t hate me for bashing VCA, but I don’t care how they make mother of pearl look attractive. I’d rather get a string of pearls from my local jewelers. I can see how pretty they’re, and that include all the pretty rings, but I don’t get the price they’re charging. I grow up with my dad who loves to take my mom to his favorite local jeweler. This guy is one of the best in our country. At the peak of his time, he’s the to-go guy of every ambassadors in the country. The US president, Reagan or Bush, the senior, visited his small, but exclusive store hidden in a small alley when they visited my country. Every ambassador will take their state men there if they want to buy jewelry. I learn from my early age in life to look for quality and design that I love without caring for branding when it comes to jewelry. So, I get most of my pieces done locally. I even buy second hand jewelry or antique if they’re of good quality and come to the design that I like. But I guess without the brand that you can feel like you can share or related to on some ground, the discussion just isn’t there.

I don’t post “my stuff” online. I keep myself very low key. Not even a fancy restaurant on my feed. Some memories about the trip, yes, but a very selective ones. Nothing material out there. People who know me know what I can do and can have. People who don’t know me have no business in knowing that. They’re already very lucky I decided to accept their request on my crazy moment. [emoji16] (The last sentence may sound arrogant, but its actually more like I have to add you because I have something that need to be in contact with you, but it doesn’t mean you should get to know that much about me so I wouldn’t let you know that much about me.)

Yes! I agree with everything you said in both of these posts.

 

[bakeacookie]

I know. There is a face recognition software app so you can take a pic of someone and match all photos (usually has a name attached somewhere). Who is that software supposed to advantage except criminals, detectives and people too nosey for their own good?

It’s how Facebook can auto tag people in photos too, right?

It’s why I’m too shy to do mod shots lol.

 

[papertiger]

I don’t really care about branded jewelry. I once went inside Tiffany on that famous fifth ave store trying so hard to find something to buy. I really wanted to just get a piece of whatever they sell there. I walked round and rounds, spent too much time than I should there (don’t remember how long, but i felt it’s too long even now), only to leave the store empty handed. I couldn’t make myself care for anything they sell there. Years after years, I try to get on the branded jewelry wagon, but I’m just not interested. To be frank, a couple brands I care about are Cartier and Chopard. That’s all. (OK, and a bit of Chanel costume jewelry, but that’s because I like Chanel and crazy enough to pay for a piece of plastic and become a walking billboard for them.) If I’m going to pay big bucks for jewelry, it’d better be real diamonds, rubies, sapphires, etc (any real gemstones). Please don’t hate me for bashing VCA, but I don’t care how they make mother of pearl look attractive. I’d rather get a string of pearls from my local jewelers. I can see how pretty they’re, and that include all the pretty rings, but I don’t get the price they’re charging. I grow up with my dad who loves to take my mom to his favorite local jeweler. This guy is one of the best in our country. At the peak of his time, he’s the to-go guy of every ambassadors in the country. The US president, Reagan or Bush, the senior, visited his small, but exclusive store hidden in a small alley when they visited my country. Every ambassador will take their state men there if they want to buy jewelry. I learn from my early age in life to look for quality and design that I love without caring for branding when it comes to jewelry. So, I get most of my pieces done locally. I even buy second hand jewelry or antique if they’re of good quality and come to the design that I like. But I guess without the brand that you can feel like you can share or related to on some ground, the discussion just isn’t there.

ITA that the actual materials, workmanship and design come joint first, the brand is superfluous unless someone's thinking about selling before they've bought. I like Art Deco and mid-century modern, I think it's basically designs that do it for me.