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

[Sparkletastic]

I think Chanel flap is for ultra rich people and I’m not. It just look very rich and carry the air of elitist. But if you ask people around me they’ll just laugh. Everytime I carry mine, I feel like I’m having an identity crisis.

I grow up believing we’re middle class. My dad always in his office working and my mom put me on chores. We always have maids, but I had to learn how to iron all my clothes, wash dishes, and cook. (And I had to do my own school uniform during their annual holiday.) I even sewn all the badges on my uniform when I was young. (I kinda like needle work anyway.) All my classmates went to Europe for their summer holidays (This was key stage 1.) So, when they came back talking about where they went and what they saw, I, who spent my time at home or maybe at the project sites, always thought that we may have some, not as much as the others, but definitely more than the construction workers I met everyday so we must be in the middle. This idea sticks with me, even now, although, I started to notice some friends seems not to want to hang around me anymore once they saw my house or met my parents. (I was actively involved in some political movement group during my high school and once the head people saw my house, which we happened to drop by on our way back from one of the activities and my mom hosted us an impromptu dinner since we were all starving. They pointed out to our goblets and everything we use on the table asking if we use it for guest or everyday, which for me, they’re just normal thing we use everyday. For me, they’re no different than a plastic cup or anything. It’s just a thing to hold water. They just look nice and my mom likes nice things. But they talked to me less after that and tend to exclude me quite often. I was about to take a university entrance exam anyway so, we kind of lost touch.) Once in university, one day, an acquaintance pointed out a name on a newly renovated faculty library wall and asked if that name is my dad. I said yes and I think his eyes budged a bit. (My dad is an alumni and yeah... he has donated the money to the faculty and university every year since I remember. And in this case, I know the head guy who wanted it to get renovated asked like a dozen alumni to chip in so we can have a much better equipped library and my dad was one of those people he asked. It’s just what he do for his friends and his school. I never see it as a big thing. He works so hard to get us where we are. I think it’s fair he gets to spend his money how he sees fit. I still don’t get why people make it out as a big deal.) When I got my first car, it’s not even a new one. It’s my mom’s old Toyota Corolla which she passed it down to me. I think many of the rich kids drive BMW or Mercedes Benz. I just thought at least we’re well off enough for me to have my own car to drive around and that’s like I was a senior already. Plus, I never had any premier brand bags until I work and buy them with my own money. The rich kids carry their epi LV since high school. I just use whatever I like and can afford with my allowance at the moment. Mostly something I found from a local brands, flea market, or thrift store. Until I met my DBF-now-husband who laughed at my face the first time I said that I come from a middle class family (which I still insist) that I start to question my identity and where I stand on the social economic ladder. I know this may sound weird, but it actually confuses me how I should behave in some social situations. It’s funny come to think about the fact that I know we can afford nice jewelries, but not brandname bags. I never make a connection and maybe coz it’s not my parents’s things.

It’s like I know I earn myself that flap, but it’s for rich people and I don’t feel rich enough or maybe I’m rich but I don’t feel like I’m rich, but then the flap screams that I’m rich so am I really rich? And when I go out with the flap, I don’t like the way people treats me. I feel like they’re treating the flap, not me. I like the way people treat me when I carry normal simple bags. I feels like that’s who they’re and that’s easier for me to deal with. But the flaps are just so beautiful I can’t not own them. [emoji28]

No mention to LV here coz I don’t like logo much and seriously, no offense, I hope, but most of Hermes designs look old and boring to me. With that money, I’d rather get Chanel instead.

Oh my gosh. I am so sorry you’ve dealt with that. Prejudice and classism in any direction is so small minded and ignorant. So what if you are super wealthy. People should be happy for your good fortune. Especially friends.

I don’t see any bag as saying a person is wealthy. I know too many wealthy people who carry bags little better than raggedy sacks and too many broke, busted and disgusted people who wear designer items. This may be where culture makes a big differences. In the US you can’t tell who had what from a “thing”. That being said, most people do presume wealth with more and better things. Sigh.

I hope you do get your beautiful Chanels out and about more since you love them.

And, I agree on most Hermes. I feel like I should love the brand but I just don’t. The styles are a bit older and equestrian meets preppy for my tastes. That being said, I do like the Kelly. I just don’t love it nearly enough to pull the trigger at that price point. I don’t think I’d get the happy dance when I wear it (like I do with my Chanels and Diors). And, I don’t run in circles where people would be “impressed”. LOL! They can (and or do) buy their own or not as they see fit. No biggie.

I’d say try it. Get out of your comfort zone and give it a chance. I can’t see the photo you post so I don’t know what this bag look like, but why not try something new? If you don’t love it, sell it or give it away. Consider the loss as a price to pay for a lesson or just to try on new bag. Like when you go to a public swimming pool and have to pay for a fee. At the end, you’ll either find something you love or cross something and a doubt out of your list. Worth so much for me. [emoji4]

Good points! The chain strap mini and the other little weird circular one are calling me. Those cost less than a Chanel wallet.

If it’s velvet and you really like the color, are you sure you want to buy second hand? There maybe some imperfections put on it by a previous owner. [emoji848][emoji848][emoji848]

Sorry for such enabling. [emoji28]

Anothet good point, vink. If I buy second hanf velvet, it would have to be from a trusted reseller who will accurately disclose condition.

Also I worry about getting fakes with Gucci. So, in store is my preference for that brand. So far, 3 of the 4 Gucci bags I’ve had were purchased new in store. That’s because the 2 other Guccis I purchased (one off Tradesy and one from the now defunct MyHabit) were fake. And, the only fake bags I’ve ever bought in my life were fake Gucci. I can spot a fake Chanel from photos very easily. And, I’m pretty good at spotting a fake Dior from photos. But, I am horrible at spotting a fake Gucci until it gets into my hands. I knew both bags were fake immediately but who wants the hassle of getting and returning a fake bag.

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

Or you can try an indie bag, spark! https://etsy.me/2JcIpo8

 

[catsinthebag]

and these go back decades before 80s Pretty or something (and were called Weejuns because this type of indoor slip-on shoe was invented in Norway (Norwegians).

I don't mind seeing preppy, I would say half of Europe still dresses like this, which far better than what most of the other half wear.

OMG, I had no idea Weejun was from Norwegians! That’s awesome.

I totally agree with you on the preppy vs. what most of the other half wears. I don’t love preppy for me, just because the concept is so rooted in a certain time for me. But the preppy look is, at the very least, clean and neat. Which stands in stark contrast to what Tim Gunn has called, “the slobbification of America!”

 

[dcooney4]

So, I’m poking around a bit looking at bags again. I’m really loving the Polene handbags. Here are four styles / colors that are super adorable. View attachment 4104908
They meet my basic criteria. I’ve been lusting after them for a while, they would be unique adds to my collection, and they look very wearable.

However, my concern is I can’t touch the bags before buying and I’m not sure the leather is what I want. The hand feel of leather can definitely make or break a bag for me.

Also, since Polene isn’t one of my favorite brands (Dior, Gucci and Chanel) I wonder if I would actually choose one of these over my other bags.

Two red flags would say “don’t buy”.

BUT! My mini Trussardi is kind of in the same space. Something different for my collection. A size I never wear. A brand I knew nothing about. And a leather that while very high quality isn’t “sumptuous” (its structured pebbled leather.)View attachment 4104912
I just adore this bag and wear it frequently. I wonder if one of these Polene bags would be another relatively inexpensive “win” for my collection.

What do you ladies think?

I saw one in person on a woman at the outlets. I walked very close to her to get a good look at the Polene and it was gorgeous leather. I did not know the woman so I could not feel up her bag. lol

 

[dcooney4]

The Neverfull. I like my Speedies but the stickers look better on the Neverfull.

Can’t wait to see it!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Or you can try an indie bag, spark! https://etsy.me/2JcIpo8

I saw this when you posted it on another thread. It’s pretty and unique.

I always think I need a white bag. But I never get dressed and think - dang it, white would go perfect with this. LOL! So, no white for now.

I saw one in person on a woman at the outlets. I walked very close to her to get a good look at the Polene and it was gorgeous leather. I did not know the woman so I could not feel up her bag. lol

Oh, wow! That’s great to hear!

And, wouldn’t it be funny if we walked up to people with pretty bags and started fondling them. Well, not funny but...

 

[dcooney4]

I saw this when you posted it on another thread. It’s pretty and unique.

I always think I need a white bag. But I never get dressed and think - dang it, white would go perfect with this. LOL! So, no white for now.
Oh, wow! That’s great to hear!

And, wouldn’t it be funny if we walked up to people with pretty bags and started fondling them. Well, not funny but...

I have a friend on tpf who I was shopping with years ago and we walked passed a woman wearing an LV cloud bag . My friend raised her hand and very gently touched the woman’s bag as we walked passed. I almost had a heart attack . It is not something I would ever do and I am not fond of people touching my stuff . She said she was curious how it felt. I had to laugh but at the same time I was shocked.

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

I wear so much white in summer that white would go very well for me. But I know that I'm in the minority! I would even say that white is more functional to me in matching my summer clothes than any other color or even more useful to me than black in winter. The problem is, for me, summer is incredibly short so I don't collect them.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I have a friend on tpf who I was shopping with years ago and we walked passed a woman wearing an LV cloud bag . My friend raised her hand and very gently touched the woman’s bag as we walked passed. I almost had a heart attack . It is not something I would ever do and I am not fond of people touching my stuff . She said she was curious how it felt. I had to laugh but at the same time I was shocked.

I’m with you. I couldn’t / wouldn’t want to touch anyone’s bag and really don’t want anyone touching mine.

But, in an alternate universe, it would be nice if we could inspect pretty bags whenever we see them.

 

[papertiger]

I think Chanel flap is for ultra rich people and I’m not. It just look very rich and carry the air of elitist. But if you ask people around me they’ll just laugh. Everytime I carry mine, I feel like I’m having an identity crisis.

I grow up believing we’re middle class. My dad always in his office working and my mom put me on chores. We always have maids, but I had to learn how to iron all my clothes, wash dishes, and cook. (And I had to do my own school uniform during their annual holiday.) I even sewn all the badges on my uniform when I was young. (I kinda like needle work anyway.) All my classmates went to Europe for their summer holidays (This was key stage 1.) So, when they came back talking about where they went and what they saw, I, who spent my time at home or maybe at the project sites, always thought that we may have some, not as much as the others, but definitely more than the construction workers I met everyday so we must be in the middle. This idea sticks with me, even now, although, I started to notice some friends seems not to want to hang around me anymore once they saw my house or met my parents. (I was actively involved in some political movement group during my high school and once the head people saw my house, which we happened to drop by on our way back from one of the activities and my mom hosted us an impromptu dinner since we were all starving. They pointed out to our goblets and everything we use on the table asking if we use it for guest or everyday, which for me, they’re just normal thing we use everyday. For me, they’re no different than a plastic cup or anything. It’s just a thing to hold water. They just look nice and my mom likes nice things. But they talked to me less after that and tend to exclude me quite often. I was about to take a university entrance exam anyway so, we kind of lost touch.) Once in university, one day, an acquaintance pointed out a name on a newly renovated faculty library wall and asked if that name is my dad. I said yes and I think his eyes budged a bit. (My dad is an alumni and yeah... he has donated the money to the faculty and university every year since I remember. And in this case, I know the head guy who wanted it to get renovated asked like a dozen alumni to chip in so we can have a much better equipped library and my dad was one of those people he asked. It’s just what he do for his friends and his school. I never see it as a big thing. He works so hard to get us where we are. I think it’s fair he gets to spend his money how he sees fit. I still don’t get why people make it out as a big deal.) When I got my first car, it’s not even a new one. It’s my mom’s old Toyota Corolla which she passed it down to me. I think many of the rich kids drive BMW or Mercedes Benz. I just thought at least we’re well off enough for me to have my own car to drive around and that’s like I was a senior already. Plus, I never had any premier brand bags until I work and buy them with my own money. The rich kids carry their epi LV since high school. I just use whatever I like and can afford with my allowance at the moment. Mostly something I found from a local brands, flea market, or thrift store. Until I met my DBF-now-husband who laughed at my face the first time I said that I come from a middle class family (which I still insist) that I start to question my identity and where I stand on the social economic ladder. I know this may sound weird, but it actually confuses me how I should behave in some social situations. It’s funny come to think about the fact that I know we can afford nice jewelries, but not brandname bags. I never make a connection and maybe coz it’s not my parents’s things.

It’s like I know I earn myself that flap, but it’s for rich people and I don’t feel rich enough or maybe I’m rich but I don’t feel like I’m rich, but then the flap screams that I’m rich so am I really rich? And when I go out with the flap, I don’t like the way people treats me. I feel like they’re treating the flap, not me. I like the way people treat me when I carry normal simple bags. I feels like that’s who they’re and that’s easier for me to deal with. But the flaps are just so beautiful I can’t not own them. [emoji28]

No mention to LV here coz I don’t like logo much and seriously, no offense, I hope, but most of Hermes designs look old and boring to me. With that money, I’d rather get Chanel instead.

What a great story. I actually think we have a lot of similarities in our up-bringing.

Chanel bags are certainly eye-catching. I'm not very good with chain straps or I'd have bought more. Loved the Coco the minute I saw it but there are only so many bags one can have and I have quite a few single handle flap bags. You certainly don't need to feel intimidated buy one, I think the more one wears whichever bag the more it becomes second nature and you stop thinking about it so much.

 

[papertiger]

I also am eyeballing this Gucci. I really love the color of my tote. But as I said, it’s too big.

I’m thinking this could be the right bag for me. I don’t plan to buy soon. I’ll wait til preloved prices come down a bit more because being velvet, I’d have to baby it and it’s only 5-6 months wearable where I live. But, it could be very fun to own and wear. View attachment 4104960

It's the most beautiful colour!

To keep velvet, suede or nubuck clean just use a baby's brush. Remember, my hot pink velvet/python bag is ancient. Still looks fine though.

 

[papertiger]

So, I’m poking around a bit looking at bags again. I’m really loving the Polene handbags. Here are four styles / colors that are super adorable. View attachment 4104908
They meet my basic criteria. I’ve been lusting after them for a while, they would be unique adds to my collection, and they look very wearable.

However, my concern is I can’t touch the bags before buying and I’m not sure the leather is what I want. The hand feel of leather can definitely make or break a bag for me.

Also, since Polene isn’t one of my favorite brands (Dior, Gucci and Chanel) I wonder if I would actually choose one of these over my other bags.

Two red flags would say “don’t buy”.

BUT! My mini Trussardi is kind of in the same space. Something different for my collection. A size I never wear. A brand I knew nothing about. And a leather that while very high quality isn’t “sumptuous” (its structured pebbled leather.)View attachment 4104912
I just adore this bag and wear it frequently. I wonder if one of these Polene bags would be another relatively inexpensive “win” for my collection.

What do you ladies think?

The good think with Polene (and Trussardi where you are maybe) is no one knows the brand, it just looks like a great bag.

 

[catsinthebag]

Spark,

I love and fear Mr. S at the same time. To have spouse that pays attention and helps with bag/wardrobe decisions is ideal. However the questions and forcing to reconcile the wardrobe would drive my crazy.. I would be so scared his reasoning would be so good and force my hand on items I loved.

Which bags are on the chopping block

Yup, had it about a decade ago. Since then I treat myself. I’m still thrifty but, I have no problems buying myself what I want / doing for myself since I make sure I don’t waste in other areas.
Love your shoes. A
Love it, @vink!
I knew there were differences in structure and nomenclature between UK and US schools. I didn’t know there was this much. I’m not sure I’m clear just yet. I need to google.

In the US, we have public schools (funded mostly by property taxes) which vary wildly in quality based on geography. Wealthier areas have better schools. Poorer areas have poorer schools. Which is ridiculous. But, society at large doesn’t seem to care as long as they can move into a “good” school district for their own kids.

Private schools are paid for by parents. They can be religious or secular. Typically children from wealthier families go to private schools. However many middle class and lower class families (speaking financial terms here) will make the sacrifice to send their children to a private school. There are some limited academic scholarships and some financial aid opportunities which help fund a few children.

This is all for K - 12 which are the years before college (university). At that point public or private status of universities isn’t overly relevant and it isn’t predictive of quality or type of student who attends. Usually it’s research quality that makes one school “better” than another but this is certainly not the only factor. That being said, public universities are usually far less expensive than private universities - especially for in state students. So there are great bargains to be had.

Middle class people in the US usually have no problems saying they are middle class and instead take pride in being so.

Socially, we do also have other types of groupings - too many to name - old money, blue bloods, middle class, disadvantaged, whatever, etc. I personally find it silly that people like to slice and dice themselves socially. But Dr. Suess’s Star Belly Sneetches lesson still hasn’t sunk in unfortunately.
I’ve always liked this bag and came within a hair’s breath of buying one. I didn’t because the company went out of business and I worrried about resale.
Its been a little crazy making at times. But, since 1)I always end up getting rid of stuff I probably shouldn’t have bought in the first place and 2) he had no problems with me replacing / upgrading , it works out. LOL! Remember, I’m not getting rid of anything I love. He’s just nudging (pushing) me to get rid of extra i’m not using and lackluster items that I am using.

We did have a hard convo about my black Prada bauletto. He thinks that it’s not serving me since I don’t wear it as often as I used to. I had to bring out the fire breathing dragons to protect that bag. It’s not going away. I just need to rotate it in better. It’s just big and in non work situations, I usually don’t carry enough to justify a large hand carried bag.
Agree. In the 80’s preppy had nothing to do with wealth. It was just a very widespread style. Lucky for me that by the time I got to college, it was done.

And OMG on the penny loafers. I’m having flashbacks. LOL!
I’ve always liked this bag of yours.

Sparkle and Missie,

Having a DH who is, um, involved in my handbag collecting can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, DH knows what suits me, sometimes better than I do. He can look at a bag and immediately tell me I’ll never wear it. Or that it does, indeed, fit the description of what I say I’m trying to be or look like. Going back to @papertiger’s comment about feeling “worth it,” — while I struggle with this, DH has no such demons! The fact that he thinks I’m worth it makes the whole buying experience more fun.

On the other hand, he won’t enable me (or maybe he will, but it has limits). Case in point: I have become ever so slightly obsessed with Chanel’s Coco Handle bag. I don’t know what took me so long, since I love Chanel flaps, love the Kelly bag, and this is Chanel’s version of a Kelly. It’s a no brainer for me. But, since I just got the Chanel tote for my birthday, I have absolutely no business thinking of getting another bag this soon. In spite of that, there I was yesterday, at the Chanel boutique, trying on bags. DH was traveling, so I sent him an email with photos and the question, “Which color do you like better?” (the choices were blue and light gold). His answer: “Is there a third option?” Well, that burst my bubble! But I know deep down he’s right: the blue has gold HW and I want silver, and the light gold color isn’t really me.

So, I will wait for the right color to come along. I know he’s right. I hate that.

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

My DH is very involved. He says a) you're addicted and b) don't buy anymore. That's not a long conversation. Hehehehe

 

[catsinthebag]

If you do this I would be very interested to see what your thoughts are when it sells.

+1 me too!