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

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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 don't much like the little round bag, but I love the lines on the other Polenes. Also the size and proportions!
 
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. :biggrin:
I’m glad you have friends who love you no matter what. :flowers: 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. :flowers:

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.
I don't need it to be a recognizable brand, but just a great bag! Yes, I would love this!!
 
I love the little Fendi you have shown, but I guess the opportunities of use would be more limited. There is a Polène bag on eBay, by the way.
I saw a Polene on eBay but the one I saw was listed at retail. :huh: Can’t understand that. In any case, I would buy the bag new.

Still love the little Fendi! I’m hoping it goes on sale. It is a novelty bag and I can’t see paying retail.
Now, here we are hearing another kind of voice from you! [emoji169] You might be on to something. Check this bag out irl asap...
Have to! It’s gorgeous!!! I’m half hoping I don’t like it. :lol: I’d like to fall in love with another practical bag like my Jimmy Choo or Gucci stirrup. The RS Spike is definitely a style bag.
@Sparkletastic
I'm probably not going to sell the red new lock. It's a buyer's market so I'll just stay on that side of the secondary market. I just don't use that color very often unfortunately.
It’s definitely a buyers’ market which is making me a little depressed about selling my bags.
I saw an older style with some spikes and almost bought it the other day. The only thing that stopped me was I need another black bag like a hole in the head. Now you have me worried about spike falling off if I got it. I was still thinking about it .
I may be completely over thinking the spike thing. I haven’t ever heard anyone mention the spikes falling off any Rockstud item before. But it would be nice to get extras. Kind of like how sweaters and coats come with extra buttons.

Tell me about your opinions on the RS Spike. What did you think about the quality / leather / weight, etc.?
Thanks for this link. Please get this bag, spark, and review it for us!
LOL! There is a strong chance I may get it. I’m going to go eyeball the Valentino and Fendi this weekend. I don’t want to get a bunch of bags now so I have to see what and if one calls my heart.
 
Do you know what the consolation is to sitting in a meeting at an external office which started at 10am and ended at 4pm? Having my yummy smelling Proenza Schouler tote beside me during those hours! I got a whiff of ‘fragrance’ every now and then. [emoji3]

I’ve not been here a lot after my vacay, things are just hectic at work. Can only manage likes.
 
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I would love the Delices in pink.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/112450308442

But I'm not able to play with only 50% off retail. 90% off and in my most versatile neutral color for my wardrobe was a no brainer.

Funny how you see a lot of bags listed at half off retail but when you search sold listings 80-90% off retail is more the norm, at least for Diors several years old. Which is exactly why I will not be selling my red. To get it sold you have to go so cheap. Not worth it.
 
I saw a Polene on eBay but the one I saw was listed at retail. :huh: Can’t understand that. In any case, I would buy the bag new.

Still love the little Fendi! I’m hoping it goes on sale. It is a novelty bag and I can’t see paying retail.

Have to! It’s gorgeous!!! I’m half hoping I don’t like it. :lol: I’d like to fall in love with another practical bag like my Jimmy Choo or Gucci stirrup. The RS Spike is definitely a style bag.
It’s definitely a buyers’ market which is making me a little depressed about selling my bags.
I may be completely over thinking the spike thing. I haven’t ever heard anyone mention the spikes falling off any Rockstud item before. But it would be nice to get extras. Kind of like how sweaters and coats come with extra buttons.

Tell me about your opinions on the RS Spike. What did you think about the quality / leather / weight, etc.?
LOL! There is a strong chance I may get it. I’m going to go eyeball the Valentino and Fendi this weekend. I don’t want to get a bunch of bags now so I have to see what and if one calls my heart.
The leather was very nice. The chain seemed a bit heavy but it was black so I moved on. I saw it at saks off fifth.
 
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Interesting discussion, everyone!
It's always interesting when we learn more about each other- esp since we have to create our own 'image' of everyone based on their posts!

It's so true with the resale deals if you're buying. I'm glad it was mentioned since it made me feel better (YET AGAIN) sure all these 'new' purchases! (And not much selling for rock bottom...)

This discussion is especially interesting, since it brings up so many societal/cultural expectations & norms. I've thought a lot about this, since it seems that everyone has a different take. Then also, people don't seem to take into consideration those who are fine with crazy amounts of debt, and then those who are really great shoppers who always find THE most incredible deal on whatever (some ppl are just very savvy in this sense)...
The bag-touching bit made me laugh (but that would KILL ME if it happened to me, as I'd feel 'violated' somehow!) Ppl also seem to love to pet my coats- as a private but social person, I totally don't mind talking about it (and invite ppl to pet if we're both THAT excited about it!) but really, I freak out when strangers go touching my things uninvited!!! (Probably also since I'm highly aware of how dirty/sticky/disgusting a lot of people's hands are!!!):yucky:
 
Oh criminy! No! I thought we, the humans of the universe, had agreed that we sinned when we bought these bags.

Seriously, I know they will be bought and loved. But of all logos, the Coach C’s are my absolutely, unequivocal least favorite. I think it cheapens the brand and derails where it was going which was great quality at a “reasonable” price point. But, it’s not for me to manage. :popcorn:

Thanks for your vote of confidence in me. I’m not sure I’m worthy but, after a very, very tough day, I appreciate it. :flowers:

If the Un Mini we’re still available in cobalt I would have gone for it in a heartbeat. I need a replacement for the Kate Spade I sold.

As it is now, I like the Un Mini in the pale pink. But I also like the pink Fendi which would have the same use. So that’s a no go. I also like it in the other pastels like mint and baby blue but I don’t usually do pastels. So, I’m still mulling what I want to do.

Thanks for sharing this review! I definitely wouldn’t do black. If I buy another black, non tote bag it will be my unicorn (black Miss Dior sliding chain with ghw), a black Chanel Boy or a Chanel Classic flap.

I love the N Un in Camel, sand and grey. It comes in other great colors but none that I need in my collection. I need a Bordeaux bag but I don’t see this as being “it”. I want a killer bag for that color. LOL!


As I read your comments I’m flummoxed. For the US, in non fashion, non entertainment industry corporate environments, everyone kinda wears a uniform which is clothing in a fairly tight range. Yes, senior execs dress better than interns but no one really “flosses” on the job. In contrast, small business owners can (generally) wear what they want. Employees, etc. aspire and / or ignore. Smart owners don’t rub it in but, they do feel free to drive a big car or wear a luxe watch, etc. No one is under any illusion that they don’t have far more than others. It’s generally expected.

So, I wonder if this is cultural. We Americans labor under the belief (which is such a lie) that everyone has fulll opportunity to be equally successful. So displayed badges of success motivate others (or inspire awe) as often as they irritate.

I may be missing that in your culture there is deeper meaning (and possibly) offense when one carries a symbol of the disparity in wealth levels. If so, I “get” why you are circumspect in business. Still a little puzzled for personal unless it’s the same thing.

Bottom line we talk about these things like we are experiencing the same inputs but our cultural norms can be so different. Even region to region in the same country.

I don’t wear uniform. Everybody else have to, but not me. I have one ordered just so if we have to go somewhere as a truly corporate team we’ll get the feel, but I never wear mine. The accounting department send me income sheet to see everyday. So, there’s no illusion that I should have more than they do. Expensive car is not easy to understand since I clearly can afford it while they can’t, although I’m happy with my Camry. People perceive cars as a long term buy. Unless you change it every a couple of months. (I know someone who does that.) Luxe watch? I don’t think anyone will notice unless it’s peppered with diamonds. It’s too small to get notice. Bag is another thing. It’s the item that fashion company tend to promote and put their names on. It’s the most easily recognizable out of the stuff, especially one plastered with logo and gossip magazine will often put the price on for the world to see. This is also part of my preference to keep my life private. I’ve been with some of my colleague for more than 10 years. They’re like a friend or a family. I prefer for them not to know too much about my spending habit. And I also want to be friend or get to know the new hired or young blood (We’re only about 200 people with the majority of women and I like to know them all by name and something about their life and how they work or what they think etc.) and if they put more attention on what I wear or use, then it’s not good. If removing one item out of my work days will help my work become easier, I’m willing to do that.

I think it’s the type of people you spend your time with and also your upbringing as well as your own personality.
 
Do you know what the consolation is to sitting in a meeting at an external office which started at 10am and ended at 4pm? Having my yummy smelling Proenza Schouler tote beside me during those hours! I got a whiff of ‘fragrance’ every now and then. [emoji3]

I’ve not been here a lot after my vacay, things are just hectic at work. Can only manage likes.

You’re much better than me. Don’t worry. [emoji4]
 
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By the way am I the only one who has a DH who says I should simply never acquire another purse ever?

Just me?
No- my SO was fine until one day he declared something along these lines. This coming from someone who has two pairs of shoes, and thinks everything is replaceable/not worth caring for/disposable. Or something! I'm seriously considering this a major issue. I'm joking, but SO NOT joking!!! We can never have glasses since he keeps breaking them ALL!!! I feel like I may as well live with five toddlers :facepalm:
I really hate the quality of people treating their 'things' carelessly. It is a trait which doesn't affect me unless you have to live with the person. It's unbelievable how many 'things' I've had to replace, based on others' carelessness (pots, pans, dishes, mugs...) :mad:
 
By the way am I the only one who has a DH who says I should simply never acquire another purse ever?

Just me?
My kids say that to me but not my dh. He knows I only use my fun money and never house hold money and I never charge something I can’t pay in full when the bill arrives. So as long as I am happy and not driving him batty with it, I am good to go.
 
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