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

[catsinthebag]

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?

Honestly? I think you may be trying too hard to find something right away. I’d have the same doubts about Polene — like you, I really need to get my hands on a bag before I know for sure if I want it.

Your Trussardi bag is so special, and frankly, the looks of the Polene bags you posted just don’t compare. I think maybe the reason the Trussardi breaks the mold yet stays in your collection is because it is so unique. The dragon(?) on the flap is like a piece of jewelry. It’s just so eye-catching and special. The Polene bags may be very nice, but the Trussardi is in a different league.

If the question about the Polene bags is one that needs to be answered or it will just keep bugging you, then get one, knowing it’s an experiment that may cost you some money if it doesn’t work out. But maybe you just need to list your other bags for sale, sit on it, and wait for something to come to you. KWIM?

 

[catsinthebag]

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.

Wow, thanks for sharing all that. It’s funny how different bags or brands come to mean something depending on our experience with those wearing them. I’ve always loved Chanel. Never knew anyone who had one growing up, but somehow it became associated with an Audrey Hepburn type of aesthetic for me. The brand I’ve always been conflicted about is LV. There was a time, when I was just out of college and making very little money, when all the women in my area who carried LV (always monogram, back then) seemed to have an attitude about it. I actually don’t dislike the monogram print, but somehow my mind has formed an association with a certain kind of snobbery. So I don’t do LV mono. Can’t. Don’t mind it on others, but every time I’ve tried on a monogram bag, I suddenly feel like I’m not myself. So I leave that one to others.

 

[msd_bags]

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?

You’re allowing yourself some fun bags, right? So I think this fits under that category. For this price point the leather doesn’t need to be super top quality. For me, you can go ahead. Enjoy the bag. When you tire of it then rehome it. It’s like you paid something for an experience (like some self pampering that doesn’t need to leave you some tangible stuff in the end).

 

[CoachMaven]

Hahaha, yes, what rich people wear for casual, Lol! But when I was a teenager, it wasn’t just for rich people, it was a real across-the-board trend. I would call that photo of Lady Di preppy as well.

Don’t worry about your Gucci loafers. They are much too stylish and edgy to count as preppy. Anyone remember Bass Weejuns? Again, I did a search to find a photo to make my point, and had an “OMG, they still make these!” moment.


View attachment 4104342

Oh yes they do! I have two pair as a matter of fact- one in oxblood and one in fuchsia pink suede

 

[vink]

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

I do have some good friends who don’t really care about anything else but myself and my personality and they’re really good friends to me. [emoji4] Some people, they care. And they’ll either want to come closer or run away when they know what I have, which I’m extremely uncomfortable with them especially the latter part. I just feel sad with the first part coz maybe we could be missing out on something, but I can’t help or force myself on people.

Ah.... People do assume. Not all, but some do. So, the older I get, the more I like to keep it low profile. Bal is good because no one care for it. It has no logo and not really what the magazine here will put on cover plastered with celebrities. But since the strap drop isn’t good for me anymore, I need time to look for a new one. Chanel is my weakness. They’re pretty enough I’m willing to overlook all the logo and recognizable characters. But it’s not as easy corporate it in circles of people I spend time with. Some will go Gaga over it. Some will get jealous, some don’t care and some will get curious.

I think the price for Polene isn’t bad and I have a thing for smaller brands so I think you should give it a try. And think hard about that teal Gucci flap. [emoji16]

I like Kelly, too. But not enough to make me part with that much money without overcoming all the guilt of spending that much on one bag. Plus, I don’t think it’ll work well on me. I carry stuff and prefer long strap. I don’t think it can withstand my abuse. [emoji28]

 

[Sparkletastic]

Honestly? I think you may be trying too hard to find something right away. I’d have the same doubts about Polene — like you, I really need to get my hands on a bag before I know for sure if I want it.

Your Trussardi bag is so special, and frankly, the looks of the Polene bags you posted just don’t compare. I think maybe the reason the Trussardi breaks the mold yet stays in your collection is because it is so unique. The dragon(?) on the flap is like a piece of jewelry. It’s just so eye-catching and special. The Polene bags may be very nice, but the Trussardi is in a different league.

If the question about the Polene bags is one that needs to be answered or it will just keep bugging you, then get one, knowing it’s an experiment that may cost you some money if it doesn’t work out. But maybe you just need to list your other bags for sale, sit on it, and wait for something to come to you. KWIM?

You’re allowing yourself some fun bags, right? So I think this fits under that category. For this price point the leather doesn’t need to be super top quality. For me, you can go ahead. Enjoy the bag. When you tire of it then rehome it. It’s like you paid something for an experience (like some self pampering that doesn’t need to leave you some tangible stuff in the end).

The two of you have different opinions but both have great insights.

The price point for Polene is low enough that I can risk not loving it. I won’t feel gutted for spending $200-$400 on a bag and having to give it away. (I doubt there is any second hand market for these bags yet.)

But, I still don’t want to buy poorly. Even though I’m getting rid of a number of bags, these are all older bags in my collection. (Except for the Fendi which I will give myself room on because it was a great buy. I just am now finding a way to keep the bag it was supposed to replace.)

If I could only see the Polene bags I’d know. The picture of my Trussardi wouldn’t have made me pull the trigger. Seeing it, however, stopped me in my tracks because the red is so vibrant and the hardware just glows. I had to buy.

And @catsinthebag, the little animal on the clasp is a greyhound. @papertiger gave us a little tutorial on the brand when I first bought the bag last summer.

I do have some good friends who don’t really care about anything else but myself and my personality and they’re really good friends to me. [emoji4] Some people, they care. And they’ll either want to come closer or run away when they know what I have, which I’m extremely uncomfortable with them especially the latter part. I just feel sad with the first part coz maybe we could be missing out on something, but I can’t help or force myself on people.

Ah.... People do assume. Not all, but some do. So, the older I get, the more I like to keep it low profile. Bal is good because no one care for it. It has no logo and not really what the magazine here will put on cover plastered with celebrities. But since the strap drop isn’t good for me anymore, I need time to look for a new one. Chanel is my weakness. They’re pretty enough I’m willing to overlook all the logo and recognizable characters. But it’s not as easy corporate it in circles of people I spend time with. Some will go Gaga over it. Some will get jealous, some don’t care and some will get curious.

I think the price for Polene isn’t bad and I have a thing for smaller brands so I think you should give it a try. And think hard about that teal Gucci flap. [emoji16]

I like Kelly, too. But not enough to make me part with that much money without overcoming all the guilt of spending that much on one bag. Plus, I don’t think it’ll work well on me. I carry stuff and prefer long strap. I don’t think it can withstand my abuse. [emoji28]

I’m glad you have friends who love you no matter what. And I hope you start wearing your Chanels more. Except for business where my money is up for grabs lol!, I refuse to wear anything but what I want to wear. If people judge that is their pergoative. I’m just not going to be moved by it.

That being said, most of us are at least a little (or a lot) brand conscious. So, do whatever makes you feel good.

I’m thinking about how you and I feel on the H Kelly. It’s not that we can’t buy the bag. But, we have this barrier in our heads on the price we’re willing to pay. I used to think $400 for a bag was reeeaaally high. Now $4000ish is my fainting point though I greatly prefer to be in the $1000ish range if possible. (But isn’t it crazy how bags are either several hundred dollars or catapult to $3k. Shouldn’t there be a lot of recognizable brand bags from $800 - $2000???? That article on TPB was so on point. It’s ridiculous!) Anyway, I wonder how our brains set these numbers.

 

[vink]

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'd get a heart attack, too. What if she accused your friend of trying to pick or steal her bag?

But well, the first time I saw an LV monogram speedy IRL, I followed that bag around the shopping mall like a puppy. I mean I saw it in photo too many times to count, but seeing it being used IRL just worth more. The owner of the bag finally took notice of me and gave me stink eye so I had to run and hide. I think I lost my mind a bit after that. [emoji28]

 

[vink]

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.

I try to make wearing it a habit so I would careless, but sometimes, it's not me who can't get used to it. It's people around me and their reaction makes me feel uncomfortable. That's why they're kind of shopping mall bag for me. [emoji28]

 

[ElainePG]

My weekly post on shopping my closet again, it’s a Mulberry week for me.

View attachment 4104306

Love the color of this Bayswater. It's such a classic.

 

[vink]

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! [emoji14] 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! [emoji14] 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.

I like your DH. Mine doesn't care or simply say if I like it, get it or if he think I'm buying too often and we have some other plans, like traveling, he'd say he prefer me putting that down and think about the trip we are going to have and the fact that I always buy something during the trip anyway. [emoji28]

 

[Sparkletastic]

Speaking of price. The two most expensive bags I’ve ever purchased were not great buys for me. I didn’t know much about what I was buying and made emotional, TPF mania fueled decisions. Which is ok. TPF’r support has truly helped me create a collection I love. Shame on me for not using the site properly early on. I’ve sold one of those bags and I’m putting the other one up for sale now.

That doesn’t make me gun shy on buying an expensive bag. I just have to make sure I am buying what I crave. Keep me honest please. I’m antsy and want a new bag. But, I really don’t want to buy an almost bag.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I'd get a heart attack, too. What if she accused your friend of trying to pick or steal her bag?

But well, the first time I saw an LV monogram speedy IRL, I followed that bag around the shopping mall like a puppy. I mean I saw it in photo too many times to count, but seeing it being used IRL just worth more. The owner of the bag finally took notice of me and gave me stink eye so I had to run and hide. I think I lost my mind a bit after that. [emoji28]

LOL!

 

[vink]

Wow, thanks for sharing all that. It’s funny how different bags or brands come to mean something depending on our experience with those wearing them. I’ve always loved Chanel. Never knew anyone who had one growing up, but somehow it became associated with an Audrey Hepburn type of aesthetic for me. The brand I’ve always been conflicted about is LV. There was a time, when I was just out of college and making very little money, when all the women in my area who carried LV (always monogram, back then) seemed to have an attitude about it. I actually don’t dislike the monogram print, but somehow my mind has formed an association with a certain kind of snobbery. So I don’t do LV mono. Can’t. Don’t mind it on others, but every time I’ve tried on a monogram bag, I suddenly feel like I’m not myself. So I leave that one to others.

Well, when I grow up, the very rich ladies will carry Chanel flaps. Everyone in high school or some groups in university seemed to have an epi LV. The monogram isn't a go-to type of material. The old Noe style was a very popular one. There's another which I don't remember the style's name. (I only remember a local nickname which I know won't work. [emoji16]) I think it's discontinued. Lucky me most of them were actually nice people or else I stay away from them. [emoji16]

 

[ElainePG]

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.

You know who does a version of this? Knitters! At least, I've found this to be true. The convention seems to be, if you're wearing a sweater you knit yourself, and you see another woman in a sweater that SHE obviously knit HERself (assuming you're both in a neutral public space, like the supermarket), it's considered okay to walk up to her and ask her about it... the yarn, the pattern, which local knitting shop she goes to, and so on.

It's NOT considered okay, btw, to fondle her sweater! But talking about it (unless she's obviously in a rush, or pushing a fussy toddler in a stroller) is not only fine, it's often welcome.

I agree, it WOULD be nice if we could do this with bags!

 

[vink]

The two of you have different opinions but both have great insights.

The price point for Polene is low enough that I can risk not loving it. I won’t feel gutted for spending $200-$400 on a bag and having to give it away. (I doubt there is any second hand market for these bags yet.)

But, I still don’t want to buy poorly. Even though I’m getting rid of a number of bags, these are all older bags in my collection. (Except for the Fendi which I will give myself room on because it was a great buy. I just am now finding a way to keep the bag it was supposed to replace.)

If I could only see the Polene bags I’d know. The picture of my Trussardi wouldn’t have made me pull the trigger. Seeing it, however, stopped me in my tracks because the red is so vibrant and the hardware just glows. I had to buy.

And @catsinthebag, the little animal on the clasp is a greyhound. @papertiger gave us a little tutorial on the brand when I first bought the bag last summer. [emoji3]
I’m glad you have friends who love you no matter what. And I hope you start wearing your Chanels more. Except for business where my money is up for grabs lol!, I refuse to wear anything but what I want to wear. If people judge that is their pergoative. I’m just not going to be moved by it.

That being said, most of us are at least a little (or a lot) brand conscious. So, do whatever makes you feel good.

I’m thinking about how you and I feel on the H Kelly. It’s not that we can’t buy the bag. But, we have this barrier in our heads on the price we’re willing to pay. I used to think $400 for a bag was reeeaaally high. Now $4000ish is my fainting point though I greatly prefer to be in the $1000ish range if possible. (But isn’t it crazy how bags are either several hundred dollars or catapult to $3k. Shouldn’t there be a lot of recognizable brand bags from $800 - $2000???? That article on TPB was so on point. It’s ridiculous!) Anyway, I wonder how our brains set these numbers.

It hit me when the price keep rising and I notice that a price of one Chanel flap can mean a down payment for a small house or a car, or one whole motorbike. Or maybe a tuition of whole primary years for a kid in public school. That's when I put a break on and pause.