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

[More bags]

@More bags - 8 out already is amazing. You are doing such a good job refining your collection.

Mr. S. and I are pretty good at holding each other accountable on a number of fronts from him helping to control my raging sugar cookie addiction to me dragging him to the crypt of evil...er... I mean the gym. So, I was glad to have him weigh in.

He didn’t know much (anything lol!) about bags before but, he knows I love them so he’s got up to speed. He can actually buy me nice bags with a little hinting from me or input from DD. Kinda like me and football I know enough to enjoy his hobby with him even though I couldn’t care less about that sport.

There have been a few more shifts after more thinking, talking and whining. Being honest, I knew that most of these weren’t serving me. But, I was keeping them because either I really liked them even though they weren’t working well or I sorta liked them and knew I wouldn’t get much money from selling them.

But, we don’t keep “stuff” we don’t use. And how many times have I exhorted others on TPF to get rid of bags they don’t use. Walk the talk, right???? So I wasn’t really being true to that standard. And, as he said, I should just buy what will make me happy and clear out what doesn’t serve me. So much easier said than done.

Here are the bags I’m removing from my collection with the reasons I’m not keeping them. Bear with me. This is a long post.

SELLING (7)
• Celine Python Edge - It just doesn’t work for me. I really want it to. It’s gorgoeus and so well made. But it’s not “me”. I’m going to lose a TON of money selling. But, I only wear it when we have a challenge so, it needs to go.

• Chanel Beige & Black Lamb Tote -This is a gorgeous bag! I just don’t love it. And, since I don’t wear larger bags outside of work that often, it’s easy to pass it over. Someone else will adore it so, I need to let it go to its new home.

• Chanel Blk Patent Jumbo Classic Flap - I used to love patent leather but don’t anymore. Candidly, I may need a different brand for this use (dressy black bag). I’m not crazy about caviar, I have enough lambskin and the patent wasn’t the best option.

• Chanel Red Caviar Jumbo Flap - I purchased a red lambskin because I prefer lamb to caviar for this bag. So this is a duplicate.

• Gucci Teal Nubuck Tote - Again, I’m not much for larger bags / totes. So while I adore the color, look and quality, it doesn’t ever get worn. It just looks so big on me.

• Monika Chiang Pony Bucket - Cute, cute bag! But, I never wear it. My other bags fit my style better. This is a bit too boho for me.

• Roberto Cavalli Tote - Another tote problem. Sigh. I need to put on my big girl pants and buy the one or two totes I’ll love.

GIVE AWAY (3)
• Urban Expressions Blk Faux Croc Clutch - This has been laying around. I just need to give it away.
• Vieta Silver Jeweled Evening Bag &
• Aldo Jeweled Evening Bag - No love for these. I just need to buy a couple of decent evening bags.

SHORT TERM PROBATION
These are bags that probably will go but I’m pulling for them. LOL!

• Fendi Black By the Way Bag - I wear this to death. So why is it going? I have never been in love. It’s STRONG like plus function so it’s easy to wear But, I had to be honest. I love the crazy exploding YSL that this was supposed to replace. So, today, I sent the YSL to Leather Surgeons to be permanently fixed and will sell the Fendi....

...I think. I could see a place for this because it’s more casual. So, I’m going to keep it for the next 3 months ish after the YSL comes back and see if I switch out enough to justify it. I don’t know that I will. My Jimmy Choo hobo came in like a lion and “stole” a ton of my casual day black bag uses. I only need so many black bags. So I may be rehoming this bag.

That being said, I would sooooo get the BTW in another color that could push this to love. It’s a GREAT bag!

• Proenza Schouler Silver Small Courier - I’ve worn this 4 times this year. So, it’s on the bubble. But, I love my other two silver bags muuuuuuuch more. So, it may make sense to replace her with something I will truly love. Sigh. 3 month probation.

• Proenza Schouler Black Small Courier - This has gotten 9 wear so it’s well over the minimum but, again, it’s not love. And, it’s increasingly been squeezed out because I love my other black bags more. I’m going to track uses for the next 3 months and see if it has a place. It could be a bench strength bag.

I think I could sell the Fendi and black PS and buy one additional black bag I would adore and be excited to wear. So that may be what I do.

The other thing I realized is that I want to add to my colored bag line up. I wear my Miss Diors to death during the summer. I’d like to have one or two more colored bags to give me variety so I don’t get tired of them.

So that leaves me with these bags to buy:

• Black fashion tote (has to be amazing since I’ve proven totes and I struggle)
• Work bags (2)
• Fun colored bags (2)
• Dressy black bag
• Evening bag (2)

I am still totally uninterested in evening bags which is why neither of mine cost over $25. LOL! But, I need something decent to carry. So if anyone has a suggestion of great cocktail / date night bags that I can also wear with evening gowns, let me know!

I feel naked and a little concerned because I’m just not clamoring for any new bag. I see many I really, really like. (Bal City Edge, Loewe Puzzle, Givenchy Antigona, Hermes Kelly, Chanel Boy in black to name a few) But, none that are yet must haves. I recall how much I haaaaaaaad to have my silver Dior Diorama, LV LockMe II BB and Miss Diors. I wasn’t able to rest because those bags were on my mind. That’s how I want to feel about all new bags. (Hence no purchases in 10 months.) I think the pink pearl Fendi Mon Tresor may be that next bag because I’m still really wanting it a couple of weeks after seeing it and still am mentally planning outfits around it. LOL! But, I want (need, must) to be completely sure on any new purchases. So, I have to take my time.

Hi Sparkle, thanks so much for your kind words!
I love your analysis and thought process on this great post. Cheers to Mr. Sparkle, as well. You show great self awareness of what you like/don’t like and why. It is helpful to the rest of us as we think about our own bag wardrobes/collections/closets. Like @vink mentioned, your conclusions are consistent with comments you’ve made on this thread (and the 2017 thread). I appreciate it can be daunting to think of dropping the axe all in one go. What a fun and exciting adventure! Wishing you all the best on your curating journey, as you take your already amazing collection to truly outstanding.

 

[ksuromax]

OMG! I’ve mentioned I evaluate my bags each year in September to decide what I should keep. If I haven’t worn it at least 6 months in the year, I sell it. (unless it’s a special use bag or there is another VERY good reason for me not having used it.)

Well, I was puttering around in the closet and talking out loud fairly randomly to Mr. S about my bags and what I’ve worn (He was watching TV. I really thought he was pleasantly half listening - if that, LOL! - to my chatter.)

All of a sudden he says “About 3/4 of the year is gone. What bags haven’t you worn at least 4ish times?”

I looked at my list and saw that there were 8 bags fitting that criteria which he encouraged me to pull out so he could see which ones they were.

The next 20 minutes are a haze of chaos, mayhem and generalized fashion trauma as he asked me pointed questions about why I wasn’t wearing the bags, whether I really loved the bags and if there were better bags I could replace them with. He said he was tired of seeing a few just sit there and dared even tell me one bag is just “homely”.

Soooooo...at the end of this inquisition “we” decided to get rid of 7 of the bags. And, I’ve been given the mission to replace them with a few bags I actually love and will use.

But, er... I don’t have a wish list of bags right now. Which is why I hadn’t bought anything. So I’m down to 22 bags and feeling a little naked. No idea what I’m gonna do next. LOL!

Brilliant!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Hi Sparkle, thanks so much for your kind words!
I love your analysis and thought process on this great post. Cheers to Mr. Sparkle, as well. You show great self awareness of what you like/don’t like and why. It is helpful to the rest of us as we think about our own bag wardrobes/collections/closets. Like @vink mentioned, your conclusions are consistent with comments you’ve made on this thread (and the 2017 thread). I appreciate it can be daunting to think of dropping the axe all in one go. What a fun and exciting adventure! Wishing you all the best on your curating journey, as you take your already amazing collection to truly outstanding.

Thank you for the encouragement!!!

I was thinking about bags I may want and I think some of my buying “paralysis” is due to me finally being certain of what has worked for me. So, when I see a bag outside of those parameters I get very concerned that it won’t last in my collection.

For example, I adore flap bags - particularly Dior and Chanel. But, I don’t really “need” more. I need variety. But when I see a great bag like the Loewe puzzle I wonder if it will be a case of me liking it for a little while and then gravitating back to flaps.

My JC hobo has been a game changer in my collection. I almost never wore hobos. I don’t know how I knew it would “work”. I took the chance mainly because it was so ridiculously discounted. But, it’s been a perfect add. Do I want more hobos? Nope. This one satisfies that need.

So, I don’t know exactly how to expand for variety. I really like the Hermes Kelly and think it could work in my collection. But it feels like “work” to figure out the leathers and colors and then hunt resale (no way I’m buying in store). I’m kinda over hunting for bags. And, the fussy clasp worries me. I’m also over making excuses for my bags not working perfectly for me.

I know I like relatively lightweight, smallish to medium sized structured flaps and satchels made from leather with great hand feel. I get discontent if I feel the bag looks or will look dated. I don’t typically like lots of large logos. And, I can’t make myself buy an expensive bag with poor resale.

But, I do want some variety.

I’m going to proceed slowly. Otherwise I’ll make mistakes and / or end up with nothing but quilted flap bags.

And, since the bags I’m removing are ones I really wasn’t wearing, it’s not like I have gaps that need to be filled right this minute. So, I’m actively looking but on hard pause.

 

[papertiger]

Thanks for all the love and best wishes ladies

 

[catsinthebag]

Pretty much stuck to my green H Garden Party and Gucci Animalier Bright for a couple of weeks.

Thing is I've been going either to hospitals then work (or the other way round) and a ton of meetings. Apart from watering the garden (which takes hours) I haven't had time for much else.

The GP is very UTR when bumping into other relatives (in hospitals) and fine for Summer meetings/conferences as folders, papers, pouches, notebooks etc are so easy to pull out or put back without even looking (or in the dark for odd ppt presentation)

The Bright has a great organisation for a cross-body/shoulder. Even though the Bright has a horse-bit no one thinks it's Gucci (I'm guessing most only know the sig-print or the running GG).

I was just thinking last night as I was on the train, since there were quite a few inverted snobs at the conference for work (fashion!!! Media!!! FGS!) yesterday and lots of strangers at the hospital, it's soooooooo nice not to have any logos or writing (brand) on (most of) my bags.

I love that photo of your GP. It looks so fresh and glowy in the corner! I need to keep the UTR factor in mind in deciding what to do with my GP. The Chanel tote I just got works better functionally, but there is something to be said for a high-end bag that is unrecognizable to those who are not in the know.

Sorry to hear about all the hospital trips. That is no fun at all.

 

[papertiger]

I love that photo of your GP. It looks so fresh and glowy in the corner! I need to keep the UTR factor in mind in deciding what to do with my GP. The Chanel tote I just got works better functionally, but there is something to be said for a high-end bag that is unrecognizable to those who are not in the know.

Sorry to hear about all the hospital trips. That is no fun at all.

I just remember thinking on the train the HUGE sense of happiness that my bags were 'my own'. Just so much more of an easier life.

I had a C GST, had it for years, most of the time in the cupboard. In the end I swapped it with my mother for her custom lizard Gucci that she never used (thought it was too old fashioned).

Not sure if people really notice logos (they're everywhere real and fake). I just feel I have to remember where I'm going all day and who I'm seeing.

Still thinking about the Gucci Med Rebelle in Python. But I know I don't really need it nor do I want to miss out. It's either that or an H DS, don't need that either but there's a nice colour atm.

Thank you, both mums are so much better. I feel like I have my mum back - she was OUT with the fairies for a while.

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

A ‘bag that got away’ that is rare to find, is now on ebay right now for a price RIGHT in my comfort zone, way lower than I’ve ever seen it before, and I am tempted to ask my mom for her cc number to get it as an early birthday gift from her to me..... (because my husband changed my paypal password after overspending in April and has thoroughly banned me)......

This would be a forever bag! Although... I thought that about the Fendi Mia degrade shopper, and now I’m realizing that while it’s a forever, yes, it’s bigger than I thought it would be so it will not be used nearly as often as it would if it were 15% smaller. Still I’m 99% sure this would be an all purpose use constantly bag and in my favorite leather color that I never even knew it came in (caramel). So tempted.

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

How many of you in this lovely group are still considering the Polene Numero Un? I remember a couple months ago at least 2-3 of you were but I haven’t seen you guys in the Polene thread. Just wondering....

 

[papertiger]

How many of you in this lovely group are still considering the Polene Numero Un? I remember a couple months ago at least 2-3 of you were but I haven’t seen you guys in the Polene thread. Just wondering....

I'm liking the L'Oiser, but I have a Gucci basket with a bamboo handle already so I have to slap, slap my hand away from buying.

 

[msd_bags]

Sparkle, same as Vink I’m only a bit surprised that Fendi BTW is on your list, oh and maybe Gucci nubuck too. Most are bags you had mentioned before. Which has made me think that sometimes we (or I) subconsciously “force” ourselves to fall back again, but really the love has gone or may even not have been there in the first place! Inspired by your list, I’m also thinking of letting go 2-3 bags. We’ll see how this goes. [emoji3]


Papertiger, I also posted the BV Pillow in the identify thread in BV. I was told it could be Byzantine. But when I checked Orchid as you said, it (Orchid) seems to be it. Then I saw an Amethyst too and thought it could be that too. Confused now, lol. [emoji3]

 

[msd_bags]

I got back last night from my trip. I’ve ‘declared’ my BV purchase earlier, but I also got a non-branded nylon small backpack (from Legato Largo of Japan). As I mentioned before, I seem to be developing an interest in backpacks. But I just couldn’t bring myself to buy even the nylon Marc Jacobs one I saw at the Gotemba outlets (not as nice a price as Hautelook). This is like an experiment and I just couldn’t go for a high price. Bought this for roughly $35.

Here are my Japan trip bag goodies on me at the airport.

And can I add that I found a nice Japan made pair of boots using Gore-Tex material and made with ceramic sole. I will be spending this year’s Christmas in the US and it would be right for that trip!

 

[catsinthebag]

@More bags - 8 out already is amazing. You are doing such a good job refining your collection.

Mr. S. and I are pretty good at holding each other accountable on a number of fronts from him helping to control my raging sugar cookie addiction to me dragging him to the crypt of evil...er... I mean the gym. So, I was glad to have him weigh in.

He didn’t know much (anything lol!) about bags before but, he knows I love them so he’s got up to speed. He can actually buy me nice bags with a little hinting from me or input from DD. Kinda like me and football I know enough to enjoy his hobby with him even though I couldn’t care less about that sport.

There have been a few more shifts after more thinking, talking and whining. Being honest, I knew that most of these weren’t serving me. But, I was keeping them because either I really liked them even though they weren’t working well or I sorta liked them and knew I wouldn’t get much money from selling them.

But, we don’t keep “stuff” we don’t use. And how many times have I exhorted others on TPF to get rid of bags they don’t use. Walk the talk, right???? So I wasn’t really being true to that standard. And, as he said, I should just buy what will make me happy and clear out what doesn’t serve me. So much easier said than done.

Here are the bags I’m removing from my collection with the reasons I’m not keeping them. Bear with me. This is a long post.

SELLING (7)
• Celine Python Edge - It just doesn’t work for me. I really want it to. It’s gorgoeus and so well made. But it’s not “me”. I’m going to lose a TON of money selling. But, I only wear it when we have a challenge so, it needs to go.

• Chanel Beige & Black Lamb Tote -This is a gorgeous bag! I just don’t love it. And, since I don’t wear larger bags outside of work that often, it’s easy to pass it over. Someone else will adore it so, I need to let it go to its new home.

• Chanel Blk Patent Jumbo Classic Flap - I used to love patent leather but don’t anymore. Candidly, I may need a different brand for this use (dressy black bag). I’m not crazy about caviar, I have enough lambskin and the patent wasn’t the best option.

• Chanel Red Caviar Jumbo Flap - I purchased a red lambskin because I prefer lamb to caviar for this bag. So this is a duplicate.

• Gucci Teal Nubuck Tote - Again, I’m not much for larger bags / totes. So while I adore the color, look and quality, it doesn’t ever get worn. It just looks so big on me.

• Monika Chiang Pony Bucket - Cute, cute bag! But, I never wear it. My other bags fit my style better. This is a bit too boho for me.

• Roberto Cavalli Tote - Another tote problem. Sigh. I need to put on my big girl pants and buy the one or two totes I’ll love.

GIVE AWAY (3)
• Urban Expressions Blk Faux Croc Clutch - This has been laying around. I just need to give it away.
• Vieta Silver Jeweled Evening Bag &
• Aldo Jeweled Evening Bag - No love for these. I just need to buy a couple of decent evening bags.

SHORT TERM PROBATION
These are bags that probably will go but I’m pulling for them. LOL!

• Fendi Black By the Way Bag - I wear this to death. So why is it going? I have never been in love. It’s STRONG like plus function so it’s easy to wear But, I had to be honest. I love the crazy exploding YSL that this was supposed to replace. So, today, I sent the YSL to Leather Surgeons to be permanently fixed and will sell the Fendi....

...I think. I could see a place for this because it’s more casual. So, I’m going to keep it for the next 3 months ish after the YSL comes back and see if I switch out enough to justify it. I don’t know that I will. My Jimmy Choo hobo came in like a lion and “stole” a ton of my casual day black bag uses. I only need so many black bags. So I may be rehoming this bag.

That being said, I would sooooo get the BTW in another color that could push this to love. It’s a GREAT bag!

• Proenza Schouler Silver Small Courier - I’ve worn this 4 times this year. So, it’s on the bubble. But, I love my other two silver bags muuuuuuuch more. So, it may make sense to replace her with something I will truly love. Sigh. 3 month probation.

• Proenza Schouler Black Small Courier - This has gotten 9 wear so it’s well over the minimum but, again, it’s not love. And, it’s increasingly been squeezed out because I love my other black bags more. I’m going to track uses for the next 3 months and see if it has a place. It could be a bench strength bag.

I think I could sell the Fendi and black PS and buy one additional black bag I would adore and be excited to wear. So that may be what I do.

The other thing I realized is that I want to add to my colored bag line up. I wear my Miss Diors to death during the summer. I’d like to have one or two more colored bags to give me variety so I don’t get tired of them.

So that leaves me with these bags to buy:

• Black fashion tote (has to be amazing since I’ve proven totes and I struggle)
• Work bags (2)
• Fun colored bags (2)
• Dressy black bag
• Evening bag (2)

I am still totally uninterested in evening bags which is why neither of mine cost over $25. LOL! But, I need something decent to carry. So if anyone has a suggestion of great cocktail / date night bags that I can also wear with evening gowns, let me know!

I feel naked and a little concerned because I’m just not clamoring for any new bag. I see many I really, really like. (Bal City Edge, Loewe Puzzle, Givenchy Antigona, Hermes Kelly, Chanel Boy in black to name a few) But, none that are yet must haves. I recall how much I haaaaaaaad to have my silver Dior Diorama, LV LockMe II BB and Miss Diors. I wasn’t able to rest because those bags were on my mind. That’s how I want to feel about all new bags. (Hence no purchases in 10 months.) I think the pink pearl Fendi Mon Tresor may be that next bag because I’m still really wanting it a couple of weeks after seeing it and still am mentally planning outfits around it. LOL! But, I want (need, must) to be completely sure on any new purchases. So, I have to take my time.

I love how analytical and thorough you are in your bag assessments! And, I have to say, there weren’t a lot of surprises on your “out” list because you’ve mentioned them all before. I’ll be really interested to see what you ultimately decide to do with the Fendi BTW bag because bags that are strong-like-but-not-love, yet highly functional are a common conundrum for me. I tend to put a very strong emphasis on function, sometimes to the detriment of love. But we should be able to have both, right?

Re. the cocktail party/evening gown bag, this area is NOT my forte, but have you looked at the BV Knot clutch? They have a larger size now, with a detachable chain strap. I love this bag but know I’d never ever use it. Also, the BV Mini Montebello: cute and cocktail-y, but also with a removable chain strap so you can use it as a clutch. There is, I believe, a metallic version. Just a thought.

Maybe it’s the season, but I’ve had colored bags on the brain too, lately. Out of nowhere, I am jonesing for a bright blue bag. Not sure where the urge came from, but it’s pretty strong right now!

 

[catsinthebag]

Thank you for the encouragement!!!

I was thinking about bags I may want and I think some of my buying “paralysis” is due to me finally being certain of what has worked for me. So, when I see a bag outside of those parameters I get very concerned that it won’t last in my collection.

For example, I adore flap bags - particularly Dior and Chanel. But, I don’t really “need” more. I need variety. But when I see a great bag like the Loewe puzzle I wonder if it will be a case of me liking it for a little while and then gravitating back to flaps.

My JC hobo has been a game changer in my collection. I almost never wore hobos. I don’t know how I knew it would “work”. I took the chance mainly because it was so ridiculously discounted. But, it’s been a perfect add. Do I want more hobos? Nope. This one satisfies that need.

So, I don’t know exactly how to expand for variety. I really like the Hermes Kelly and think it could work in my collection. But it feels like “work” to figure out the leathers and colors and then hunt resale (no way I’m buying in store). I’m kinda over hunting for bags. And, the fussy clasp worries me. I’m also over making excuses for my bags not working perfectly for me.

I know I like relatively lightweight, smallish to medium sized structured flaps and satchels made from leather with great hand feel. I get discontent if I feel the bag looks or will look dated. I don’t typically like lots of large logos. And, I can’t make myself buy an expensive bag with poor resale.

But, I do want some variety.

I’m going to proceed slowly. Otherwise I’ll make mistakes and / or end up with nothing but quilted flap bags.

And, since the bags I’m removing are ones I really wasn’t wearing, it’s not like I have gaps that need to be filled right this minute. So, I’m actively looking but on hard pause.

There are worse things than a closet full of quilted flap bags! I hear you on the variety issue, though. Lately I feel like between my Chanel Reissues and my Hermes Evelynes, I’m kind of covered. But I don’t want to wear ONLY those two styles! #totallyfirstworldproblems

 

[catsinthebag]

I just remember thinking on the train the HUGE sense of happiness that my bags were 'my own'. Just so much more of an easier life.

I had a C GST, had it for years, most of the time in the cupboard. In the end I swapped it with my mother for her custom lizard Gucci that she never used (thought it was too old fashioned).

Not sure if people really notice logos (they're everywhere real and fake). I just feel I have to remember where I'm going all day and who I'm seeing.

Still thinking about the Gucci Med Rebelle in Python. But I know I don't really need it nor do I want to miss out. It's either that or an H DS, don't need that either but there's a nice colour atm.

Thank you, both mums are so much better. I feel like I have my mum back - she was OUT with the fairies for a while.

So glad to hear your mums are both better!

What color DS are you looking at? I was tempted a long time ago by Blue Electrique/Graphite, but realized I can’t handle an unstructured bag that large.

 

[vink]

I just remember thinking on the train the HUGE sense of happiness that my bags were 'my own'. Just so much more of an easier life.

I had a C GST, had it for years, most of the time in the cupboard. In the end I swapped it with my mother for her custom lizard Gucci that she never used (thought it was too old fashioned).

Not sure if people really notice logos (they're everywhere real and fake). I just feel I have to remember where I'm going all day and who I'm seeing.

Still thinking about the Gucci Med Rebelle in Python. But I know I don't really need it nor do I want to miss out. It's either that or an H DS, don't need that either but there's a nice colour atm.

Thank you, both mums are so much better. I feel like I have my mum back - she was OUT with the fairies for a while.

Glad to hear that your mum is getting better. I wish her a great recovery.