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

[catsinthebag]

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 think friends who truly love you for who you are is a rare thing, regardless of social status or income level. I know what you mean about being overly conscious of how people see you and your stuff. Most of the people who work at the place where I volunteer couldn’t dream of spending what I spend on a handbag. So I go out of my way not to be seen with a high-end bag. I also don’t talk much about my lifestyle, but then that’s a barrier to friendship too. There’s another volunteer who has much more money than me, and she is always in ratty clothes and the last bag I saw her carry was an old Kate Spade or Tory Burch. (Which, ironically, may be more recognizable than some of the bags I carry.)

Have you considered a Chanel Reissue? All the beauty of Chanel, without the recognizable CC logo. Just a thought.

I’ve dealt with the guilt of the Kelly price by going vintage. And I still sometimes can’t believe I spent that much on a bag! They’re more rugged than you would think. Not always the easiest bag to use, but I always use a shoulder strap. The clasp takes some getting used to but if you only use the turnlock, it’s not that much different from a Chanel flap.

 

[Sparkletastic]

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

I love it when I can fly under the radar with a cool bag. It’s like I’m in my own special bubble. LOL! But, It’s just so hard to find bags I truly love with no immediately recognizable logo.

For example, my much beloved Miss Diors have the tiniest stamped branding on the clasp. (This is not my bag. It’s my unicorn that I can’t find. Waaaaaah!)
I love that they don’t scream DESIGNER BAG!!!

But, we are now in the season of brands doing the visual equivalent of screeching the brand name.

I mean... c’mon!!!! For the love of Pete we even saw this foolishness this year.

How the Gucci trademark attorneys didn’t have a stroke over this, I’ll never know.

So, I quietly wait for a return to moderation (dare I hope, whispers?) in branding. I don’t want to be out of style. And let’s play with logos. But sheesh!

 

[catsinthebag]

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’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.

A greyhound! I love greyhounds! I should do some research on the brand. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in my area.

 

[Sparkletastic]

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]

I didn’t even see a Chanel flap til I was in my 20’s. I do have the association of Chanel with old money wealth from somewhere?? but, since I know some people spend their rent on bags and super fakes are a “thing”, I don’t ever presume.

The bag that I have a hard past mental association with is the LV mono - particularly the speedy and the hobo (I don’t know what the style is called for LV) I saw sooooooo many fakes on women who were pretty crass that it stuck in my head that LV mono is tacky. TPF has absolutely opened my eyes to the reality of LV mono and the LV brand in general. So, I can see them for what they are. But, some of that still sticks a little.

Birkins suffer from overexposure from new money (often fake money / lots o’ debt) housewives and then celebretantes (Kardashians etc al). Again, so ridiculously unfair. But, we get imprinted in weird ways.

Being on TPF helped me realize how a lot of my perceptions were weird and erroneous. And, I find myself liking all kinds of bags.

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!

That is so wonderful! I didn’t know that! I sew but don’t knit. My mom taught me to knit and I immediately abandoned it. I should try again.

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.

True. But, if you can afford it, does it matter? I’m sure a bunch of Uber rich people spent the value of my home on their kids 1st birthday party. If they have it, so be it.

I think friends who truly love you for who you are is a rare thing, regardless of social status or income level. I know what you mean about being overly conscious of how people see you and your stuff. Most of the people who work at the place where I volunteer couldn’t dream of spending what I spend on a handbag. So I go out of my way not to be seen with a high-end bag. I also don’t talk much about my lifestyle, but then that’s a barrier to friendship too. There’s another volunteer who has much more money than me, and she is always in ratty clothes and the last bag I saw her carry was an old Kate Spade or Tory Burch. (Which, ironically, may be more recognizable than some of the bags I carry.)

Have you considered a Chanel Reissue? All the beauty of Chanel, without the recognizable CC logo. Just a thought.

I’ve dealt with the guilt of the Kelly price by going vintage. And I still sometimes can’t believe I spent that much on a bag! They’re more rugged than you would think. Not always the easiest bag to use, but I always use a shoulder strap. The clasp takes some getting used to but if you only use the turnlock, it’s not that much different from a Chanel flap.

I haven’t yet fallen for the reissue. I need to look at it again.

A greyhound! I love greyhounds! I should do some research on the brand. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in my area.

I found this bag in Venice. I don’t know if it’s sold in the US. But, I just love it. The leather isn’t “chewy” but the quality is impeccable.

 

[essiedub]

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.

Oh..no way! (Unintended pun!) learn something new everyday. Wow! Thanks for that papertiger

 

[essiedub]

Ooh I like this idea!!!
I'm about to go to the US and was thinking of selling my LV Chrissie and maybe even my red Diors if the price was reasonable. I have thousand dollar pink Dior heels as well that I would love to sell since I can't do heels anymore but is this just for handbags? Not shoes? Come to think of it some Jimmy Choo shearling boots, two pair, I would sell because they're not warm enough for my winters and they were $1500/each so I wouldn't want to sell them for less than five hundred for both and I don't think my eBay handle with not so much feedback will inspire people to pay that much. So consignment has always interested me for high end designer stuff I could part with but not getting half the proceeds.

Oh and you're right about the mini boxer but the belt is different And I don't love the look.

There is a linen version I might try for the look without so much weight.

I don’t know why I thought you were in the US..

 

[papertiger]

Oh..no way! (Unintended pun!) learn something new everyday. Wow! Thanks for that papertiger

When you've lived in Norway (or should that be No-way? ) you tend to know these things

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

I don’t know why I thought you were in the US..

Because my voice is American. And yes you can hear it when you read my words. For example, quick poll from you guys, in all the posts since 2016 did anyone ever doubt I was any nationality than American? I am sure I "sound" American even in these posts.
Because I was born in Honolulu! Of course I am American. And going there next week to be with my mama in Appalachia. That's where she's from, a very pretty natural pale blonde 5'4" 90lb that got carded until she was 30 little pocketful of shy pretty that is my link to my poor white trash maternal ancestry. My dad immigrated from the middle East in the 60s, and the American loving leader of his home country was overthrown the very year I was born in Hawaii, 1979.

Ok that's more than anyone wants to know about me! Hahahaha! Where's my morning caffeine? I'm loopy.

 

[dcooney4]

I love it when I can fly under the radar with a cool bag. It’s like I’m in my own special bubble. LOL! But, It’s just so hard to find bags I truly love with no immediately recognizable logo.

For example, my much beloved Miss Diors have the tiniest stamped branding on the clasp. (This is not my bag. It’s my unicorn that I can’t find. Waaaaaah!) View attachment 4105716
I love that they don’t scream DESIGNER BAG!!!

But, we are now in the season of brands doing the visual equivalent of screeching the brand name.
View attachment 4105731
I mean... c’mon!!!! For the love of Pete we even saw this foolishness this year. View attachment 4105721

How the Gucci trademark attorneys didn’t have a stroke over this, I’ll never know.

So, I quietly wait for a return to moderation (dare I hope, whispers?) in branding. I don’t want to be out of style. And let’s play with logos. But sheesh!

I was at the coach outlet the other day and the bags with c's on them were all over the store again. I thought people were getting away from logos but I see you are right.

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

I was at the coach outlet the other day and the bags with c's on them were all over the store again. I thought people were getting away from logos but I see you are right.

What?! Not again! God it reminds me of 2002.

 

[minoxa33]

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’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.

Dear Sparkle, I am - not unselfishly - quite interested in you buying the Polène numéro un bag. It looks beautiful online and in the pictures here on tpf and instagram. Somehow I am considering it, too. So, a brutally honest review from your experienced and knowing self would be great! But, of course, I could experiment with it myself. You have such a streamlined collection now, you really have to think well about which bag will be allowed to cross the threshold of your closet!

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

At €330 you can gift it away if you don't love it. What's your favorite color for the numero un, spark?

Maybe go for the all black smooth leather in case it's softer than the grainy leather?

http://www.temporaryhousewifey.com/...8/3/19/polene-review-numero-un-bag?format=amp

 

[vink]

I think friends who truly love you for who you are is a rare thing, regardless of social status or income level. I know what you mean about being overly conscious of how people see you and your stuff. Most of the people who work at the place where I volunteer couldn’t dream of spending what I spend on a handbag. So I go out of my way not to be seen with a high-end bag. I also don’t talk much about my lifestyle, but then that’s a barrier to friendship too. There’s another volunteer who has much more money than me, and she is always in ratty clothes and the last bag I saw her carry was an old Kate Spade or Tory Burch. (Which, ironically, may be more recognizable than some of the bags I carry.)

Have you considered a Chanel Reissue? All the beauty of Chanel, without the recognizable CC logo. Just a thought.

I’ve dealt with the guilt of the Kelly price by going vintage. And I still sometimes can’t believe I spent that much on a bag! They’re more rugged than you would think. Not always the easiest bag to use, but I always use a shoulder strap. The clasp takes some getting used to but if you only use the turnlock, it’s not that much different from a Chanel flap.

I have some reissues. [emoji4] But they just don’t release it with as many exciting colors as classic flaps and I only like it in aged calf. [emoji4] I actually get more use out of my reissue, too.

I actually just came out of Chanel hibernate in February to buy a Gabrielle hobo and I just love it I couldn’t stop wearing it for weeks... until one of the up and coming actresses here confirm that she’s now dating one of the media darling actors (People love this guy. His all around talented (screen writing, acting, directing) and famous for keeping himself very low profile in everything while she’s well known for owning expensive things and going to Paris fashion week.) and the image of him carrying a Gabrielle bag for her made me put my bag away in the closet for a while. [emoji28] My friends laughed when they knew what I did, but yeah... it’s something I feel like I have to do since now the media start teasing the actor about carrying a six-figure (local currency) bag for his girlfriend while wearing his ratty t-shirt. As much as I love that bag, I don’t think it’s a good idea for people I work with to know how much I spend on stuff.

 

[catsinthebag]

Because my voice is American. And yes you can hear it when you read my words. For example, quick poll from you guys, in all the posts since 2016 did anyone ever doubt I was any nationality than American? I am sure I "sound" American even in these posts.
Because I was born in Honolulu! Of course I am American. And going there next week to be with my mama in Appalachia. That's where she's from, a very pretty natural pale blonde 5'4" 90lb that got carded until she was 30 little pocketful of shy pretty that is my link to my poor white trash maternal ancestry. My dad immigrated from the middle East in the 60s, and the American loving leader of his home country was overthrown the very year I was born in Hawaii, 1979.

Ok that's more than anyone wants to know about me! Hahahaha! Where's my morning caffeine? I'm loopy.

Well, I find it really interesting! I love hearing about people’s backgrounds. And yours is a really interesting blend.

 

[essiedub]

Because my voice is American. And yes you can hear it when you read my words. For example, quick poll from you guys, in all the posts since 2016 did anyone ever doubt I was any nationality than American? I am sure I "sound" American even in these posts.
Because I was born in Honolulu! Of course I am American. And going there next week to be with my mama in Appalachia. That's where she's from, a very pretty natural pale blonde 5'4" 90lb that got carded until she was 30 little pocketful of shy pretty that is my link to my poor white trash maternal ancestry. My dad immigrated from the middle East in the 60s, and the American loving leader of his home country was overthrown the very year I was born in Hawaii, 1979.

Ok that's more than anyone wants to know about me! Hahahaha! Where's my morning caffeine? I'm loopy.

That’s so interesting HopelessBagGirl.
For whatever reason .. I thought you were Scandinavian, living in Tennessee.
OMG