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

[whateve]

I mentioned I bought a TON of clothing on Black Friday. All in categories I needed. The orders are starting to trickle in and I’m having about a 30% hit rate. It’s so low because I’m trying some new brands and am figuring out their sizing and cut. And, I’m trying to apply the same “must love it / need it / enjoy the functionality” rule I’m applying to handbags. So there are a number of items that are “good enough” that I would have normally kept that I’m sending back.

Whew! That’s hard. When something looks nice and fits it’s really tempting to keep it since I hate to shop - even online. But, I really want a wardrobe of only clothes I love. I’m trying to hold strong. Lol!

I bought a ton of business clothes last month so now I’m just shopping for items for my non business life. I really gutted my closet so I’m in desperate need. So far I’m keeping one pair of boots, 3 pair of heels, 2 sweaters, a blouse and a cocktail dress.
That’s not much for a wardrobe in need.

How do you ladies determine how many of any one items you need?

In other wardrobe news... lol... Mr. S and I went to the jeweler (my happy place!) I picked out 5 things for my wishlist. I can’t wait to see which one he gets me.

And, I took 5 pieces in for them to sell on consignment (a ring, two ring settings, a necklace / pendant and a bracelet.) I also had a pouch of 14k yellow gold jewelry (no stones) that I just sold for scrap. (Some that I’d actually had since high school.) I seriously thought about how I could love / repurpose all of these. Especially the settings. One was from a lost emerald. One is from my wedding ring before the latest upgrade. And then I thought - this is jewelry. The very essence of optional joy. If I don’t absolutely do back flips over it, it needs to go.

I know I could get more if I sell them myself - even the scrap pieces are decent and could be sold. But I’m burned out on selling. Plus, even the settings are expensive and I’m very worried about fraud. I can tell if I get a fake bag back. There is no way I can know if someone switched out a diamond or ruby for a fake one.

I don't determine how many of each type of item that I need. I know I have too many in some categories, but if I use them all, why not? I love cozy lounge clothes. Everytime I see something that is extra soft, I buy it. I don't need any more, but I love them. They bring me joy and aren't expensive.

I don't think I could be as brave as you and cut down to a minimum amount before I bought replacements. There would be too much pressure to keep some new stuff that isn't perfect.

I also have a surplus of boots, but I love those too. I have only bought two new sweaters for my fall/winter wardrobe this year. I think I'm going to see if I can make it through the season without buying any more winter clothes, other than the Uniqlo order I haven't received yet. I don't like to go to stores this time of year and I'm not excited to shop online for things I need to see on.

I ordered new bath towels and bath rugs. It made me happy to buy them, almost as happy as I get from buying a new purse!

 

[catsinthebag]

In the last week, I’vr have had 4 offers which I accepted on the Dior. Yet none have gone through.

This is in addition to the 3 low ball offers I flatly declined.

So, I’ve listed both as 7 day auctions on eBay. They are still listed for straight purchase on the other sites. I’m terrified the Celine will sell for 42 cents.

Here me now. I am NEVER impulse buying a bag EVER again. Once I get rid of these last 3+2 (the Dior, the Celine, the MK and the two Proenza Schoulers that I will eventually replace) it will be because I wore it for years and it’s time is simply up in my closet.

I have the PS’s listed but at very high prices so if the sold I’d be giddy. I don’t have replacements so I’m a little scared to get rid of them just yet. I do think I want to replace the black apps with a Dior Diorama if I can find one in the all black with the studs. I’m KICKING myself because Mr. S and I were in the Dior boutique and he really liked the bag and wanted to get it for me. I felt I had enough black bags and one more would be overkill. Then I’m kicking myself because the WOC version can available on Fashionphile and I dithered til it was gone.

There is a sweet spot between buying like a drunken maniac and waiting til what you really want and need isn’t available. I’ve now lived at both extremes and need to get to the healthy and happy middle.

Sparkle, I’m watching your Celine bag drama with great interest! Hang in there! I’m sure it will feel like a roller coaster ride watching the bids, but I’m sure it won’t sell for 42 cents! Fingers crossed it goes for a price that makes you happy.

 

[catsinthebag]

Since it's December, here are my year-end numbers.

SLGs in: 0
SLGs out: 2

Bags in: 1
Bags out: 3

And I know we don't usually do other items, but I have a wee Hermès scarf issue , so this year I promised myself that I would do a serious clear-out of the H scarves I rarely wear. As a result...
Scarves in: 1 (I simply could NOT resist!)
Scarves out (consigned): 10 (3 of them have sold, the others are still with the consignor, but I'm still counting this as "10 out" since they are no longer occupying space.)

I also made minimal clothing purchases, zero shoe or jewelry purchases, and did two closet/bureau purges. It's a good feeling to get dressed in the morning and see only options that really work for me!

Awesome stats! I know the appeal of those little strips of silk too well — good for you for being able to part with some.

 

[essiedub]

And I know we don't usually do other items, but I have a wee Hermès scarf issue , so this year I promised myself that I would do a serious clear-out of the H scarves I rarely wear.

It's a good feeling to get dressed in the morning and see only options that really work for me!

This is aspirational and inspirational for me.
(I also have an Hermes scarf problem..but have not done anything about it)

 

[vink]

That is great.

Thanks! [emoji4] Took me some time coz I really like the style, the color, and the leather. But at the end, I think it deserves a better home and more attention. [emoji4] The best thing is that I get to spend those money for my new jeans during Black Friday sale. [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16]

 

[vink]

Good job!

I actually want another wallet. I use my dior one every day (unless I carry one of my card cases) and would like something in color.
Good job too on both your bag stats and your purges!

No. [emoji16] I’m not saying anything about wallet to you. [emoji4] I’m all set and want to settled for at least two more years on the wallet part. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

 

[vink]

Since it's December, here are my year-end numbers.

SLGs in: 0
SLGs out: 2

Bags in: 1
Bags out: 3

And I know we don't usually do other items, but I have a wee Hermès scarf issue , so this year I promised myself that I would do a serious clear-out of the H scarves I rarely wear. As a result...
Scarves in: 1 (I simply could NOT resist!)
Scarves out (consigned): 10 (3 of them have sold, the others are still with the consignor, but I'm still counting this as "10 out" since they are no longer occupying space.)

I also made minimal clothing purchases, zero shoe or jewelry purchases, and did two closet/bureau purges. It's a good feeling to get dressed in the morning and see only options that really work for me!

That’s superb! I really want to curve my closet, too, but I can’t do it for a long period of time. Every time winter comes and I have trips abroad, I’ll always end up buying something new for the trip. [emoji28] You’re doing great! Keep on doing it! [emoji1360][emoji1360]

 

[vink]

I mentioned I bought a TON of clothing on Black Friday. All in categories I needed. The orders are starting to trickle in and I’m having about a 30% hit rate. It’s so low because I’m trying some new brands and am figuring out their sizing and cut. And, I’m trying to apply the same “must love it / need it / enjoy the functionality” rule I’m applying to handbags. So there are a number of items that are “good enough” that I would have normally kept that I’m sending back.

Whew! That’s hard. When something looks nice and fits it’s really tempting to keep it since I hate to shop - even online. But, I really want a wardrobe of only clothes I love. I’m trying to hold strong. Lol!

I bought a ton of business clothes last month so now I’m just shopping for items for my non business life. I really gutted my closet so I’m in desperate need. So far I’m keeping one pair of boots, 3 pair of heels, 2 sweaters, a blouse and a cocktail dress.
That’s not much for a wardrobe in need.

How do you ladies determine how many of any one items you need?

In other wardrobe news... lol... Mr. S and I went to the jeweler (my happy place!) I picked out 5 things for my wishlist. I can’t wait to see which one he gets me.

And, I took 5 pieces in for them to sell on consignment (a ring, two ring settings, a necklace / pendant and a bracelet.) I also had a pouch of 14k yellow gold jewelry (no stones) that I just sold for scrap. (Some that I’d actually had since high school.) I seriously thought about how I could love / repurpose all of these. Especially the settings. One was from a lost emerald. One is from my wedding ring before the latest upgrade. And then I thought - this is jewelry. The very essence of optional joy. If I don’t absolutely do back flips over it, it needs to go.

I know I could get more if I sell them myself - even the scrap pieces are decent and could be sold. But I’m burned out on selling. Plus, even the settings are expensive and I’m very worried about fraud. I can tell if I get a fake bag back. There is no way I can know if someone switched out a diamond or ruby for a fake one.

I actually basically wear the same thing everyday. So, I just make sure I have 12 pairs of pants I like to wear. (In case I have to travel. I don’t want to come home and have nothing left to wear.)

Jeans is hard. Once I found one, I buy 2 to 4 pairs. Depends on how much I can afford. And that’s all I’ll have in my closet at one time. I don’t retire them until they die on me.

Tops is the hardest coz I tend to buy multiple. I own a dozen of the same simple white t-shirt. But I wear it everywhere from work (paired with cardigan and vest) to play (on its own) and since my size is abysmal here, when I find something that fits, I hoard them.
But I don’t have many styles. Just a couple styles that suit me well and I will buy them in different colors and I wear my clothes to death. I wear them until the thread are bare I see my bras in the mirror. [emoji28] Then, it’s time I retire them and find new things. Meanwhile, I’ll encounter some great pieces that I get as a “one time thing” in my closet. But these are rare pieces for me.

My weakness is outerwear; vests, cardigans, jackets, etc. although I live in tropical, I like them. I find them instantly upgrade my look although I go very casual for the last couple of years since it gets very hot and people around me dress so casually. I still like them anyway.

I wear my clothes until they die on me. I can say the oldest piece in my closet that I’m still wearing are my sleepwear which is over 20 years old. So, unless they’re really really on their last life, I continue to wear them coz I like them.

Oh! But sometimes when I’m bored, I’ll go out and get something cheap from the market just for fun, which isn’t often. I usually donate them to shelter and charity. So,... it’s actually I stress shop and then donate them just to feel less guilty. [emoji28]

 

[bellarusa]

My weakness is outerwear; vests, cardigans, jackets, etc. although I live in tropical, I like them. I find them instantly upgrade my look although I go very casual for the last couple of years since it gets very hot and people around me dress so casually. I still like them anyway.
[emoji28]

I love outerwear too!

 

[Sparkletastic]

I don't determine how many of each type of item that I need. I know I have too many in some categories, but if I use them all, why not? I love cozy lounge clothes. Everytime I see something that is extra soft, I buy it. I don't need any more, but I love them. They bring me joy and aren't expensive.

I don't think I could be as brave as you and cut down to a minimum amount before I bought replacements. There would be too much pressure to keep some new stuff that isn't perfect.

I also have a surplus of boots, but I love those too. I have only bought two new sweaters for my fall/winter wardrobe this year. I think I'm going to see if I can make it through the season without buying any more winter clothes, other than the Uniqlo order I haven't received yet. I don't like to go to stores this time of year and I'm not excited to shop online for things I need to see on.

I ordered new bath towels and bath rugs. It made me happy to buy them, almost as happy as I get from buying a new purse!

I have a thing for super soft blankets. I have a blanket closet. Lol! And when (casual) company comes I offer them a blanket to curl under.

I knew that if I didn’t purge, I wouldn’t buy because I hate to shop. Lol! Plus, it made it easier to see what I need. But, yeah, the pressure to fill the gap is hard sometimes.

One issue I have is my 4 BFF’s and I have VERY different styles: hippy dippy boho, corporate preppy, sexy cougar and the one who still has little kids wear what I call “harried mom don’t care wear” (I remember those days. Lol!). None of those are close to my style. So it’s not like I can take them shopping with me and have them help me pick out clothes. So I’m on my own. Mr. S can help as he nails my style - Very clean but I love them? And can youeven pushing me a bit to get things I didn’t realize would be great. But he’s a guy. He will tend to land on the sexier / glam side of things. And sometimes ya just need a standard sweater and cute flats.

No. [emoji16] I’m not saying anything about wallet to you. [emoji4] I’m all set and want to settled for at least two more years on the wallet part. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

LOL! You know you are my best enabler!!i want to see what wallets you like!

I actually basically wear the same thing everyday. So, I just make sure I have 12 pairs of pants I like to wear. (In case I have to travel. I don’t want to come home and have nothing left to wear.)

Jeans is hard. Once I found one, I buy 2 to 4 pairs. Depends on how much I can afford. And that’s all I’ll have in my closet at one time. I don’t retire them until they die on me.

Tops is the hardest coz I tend to buy multiple. I own a dozen of the same simple white t-shirt. But I wear it everywhere from work (paired with cardigan and vest) to play (on its own) and since my size is abysmal here, when I find something that fits, I hoard them.
But I don’t have many styles. Just a couple styles that suit me well and I will buy them in different colors and I wear my clothes to death. I wear them until the thread are bare I see my bras in the mirror. [emoji28] Then, it’s time I retire them and find new things. Meanwhile, I’ll encounter some great pieces that I get as a “one time thing” in my closet. But these are rare pieces for me.

My weakness is outerwear; vests, cardigans, jackets, etc. although I live in tropical, I like them. I find them instantly upgrade my look although I go very casual for the last couple of years since it gets very hot and people around me dress so casually. I still like them anyway.

I wear my clothes until they die on me. I can say the oldest piece in my closet that I’m still wearing are my sleepwear which is over 20 years old. So, unless they’re really really on their last life, I continue to wear them coz I like them.

Oh! But sometimes when I’m bored, I’ll go out and get something cheap from the market just for fun, which isn’t often. I usually donate them to shelter and charity. So,... it’s actually I stress shop and then donate them just to feel less guilty. [emoji28]

I’m like you. If I love something, I’ll buy multiples and different colors.

I always wore the same thing - dress and heels (strappy, boots, wedge, etc.). And I still prefer to wear dresses. But, styles / society has changed and women are wearing fewer dresses. So, I can’t find cute ones. I used to always be able to find casual / nice casual dresses. Now most dresses are either slinky evening or work wear - nothing you can wear with some cute wedge sandals to go to the mall or casual dinner out. Oddly, I don’t like skirts. They never seem to fit well and I feel cut off in the middle visually.

So I’m having to evolve. I’ve started wearing more jeans with cute tops and heels but, as I mentioned finding cute ones that fit are like finding a needle in a haystack. I think perhaps 5-6 pair of jeans would be all I need. I desperately need pants. Maybe 10 pair would be good (?).

But, I completely agree that lots of tops are needed. You can wear one pair of jeans / pants with 10 tops and look different each time.

Shoes...LOL! I don’t have a limit. But, still like with my bags, I wouldn’t want anything I don’t wear.

I’m still semi purging. Three in / one out is my soft rule.

When it comes to brands of clothes I don’t buy like I do for bags. I’m 15% premier 80% contemporary, 5% sub contemporary (PJ’s etc.)

 

[Sparkletastic]

I have a thing for super soft blankets. I have a blanket closet. Lol! And when (casual) company comes I offer them a blanket to curl under.

I knew that if I didn’t purge, I wouldn’t buy because I hate to shop. Lol! Plus, it made it easier to see what I need. But, yeah, the pressure to fill the gap is hard sometimes.

One issue I have is my 4 BFF’s and I have VERY different styles: hippy dippy boho, corporate preppy, sexy cougar and the one who still has little kids wear what I call “harried mom don’t care wear” (I remember those days. Lol!). None of those are close to my style. So it’s not like I can take them shopping with me and have them help me pick out clothes. So I’m on my own. Mr. S can help as he nails my style - Very clean but I love them? And can youeven pushing me a bit to get things I didn’t realize would be great. But he’s a guy. He will tend to land on the sexier / glam side of things. And sometimes ya just need a standard sweater and cute flats.
LOL! You know you are my best enabler!!i want to see what wallets you like!
I’m like you. If I love something, I’ll buy multiples and different colors.

I always wore the same thing - dress and heels (strappy, boots, wedge, etc.). And I still prefer to wear dresses. But, styles / society has changed and women are wearing fewer dresses. So, I can’t find cute ones. I used to always be able to find casual / nice casual dresses. Now most dresses are either slinky evening or work wear - nothing you can wear with some cute wedge sandals to go to the mall or casual dinner out. Oddly, I don’t like skirts. They never seem to fit well and I feel cut off in the middle visually.

So I’m having to evolve. I’ve started wearing more jeans with cute tops and heels but, as I mentioned finding cute ones that fit are like finding a needle in a haystack. I think perhaps 5-6 pair of jeans would be all I need. I desperately need pants. Maybe 10 pair would be good (?).

But, I completely agree that lots of tops are needed. You can wear one pair of jeans / pants with 10 tops and look different each time.

Shoes...LOL! I don’t have a limit. But, still like with my bags, I wouldn’t want anything I don’t wear.

I’m still semi purging. Three in / one out is my soft rule.

When it comes to brands of clothes I don’t buy like I do for bags. I’m 15% premier 80% contemporary, 5% sub contemporary (PJ’s etc.)

OMG! So many typos in my post. And too late to change.

 

[More bags]

My November results

Month
Bags: 1 in / 0 out
SLGs: 0 in / 0 out

YTD
Bags: 2 in / 14 out
SLGs 0 in / 3 out

Still up for sale: 3 bags / 0 SLG’s
Total in collection: 24 bags / 3 SLG

Great year Sparkletastic!

 

[Sparkletastic]

More clothes arrived and almost all of these were a bust.

I really wish I had a wardrobe fairy godmother who would make clothes appear in my closet.

Anyone up for challenges this month?

1) Holiday Colors Challenge
Pick the color that reminds you of the holiday you observe or simply find fun (for example red or green for Xmas, blue for Hanukkah, red or purple for Saturnalia, etc.) Wear all the bags at least 1 time this month.

2) Festive Times Challenge
Wear all your special (as you define it) bags at least one time. These could be your evening bags, metallic bags, embellished bags, etc. Get those beautiful but, more rarely used bags out at least 1x this month.

3) Most and Least Challenge
Wear the most and least expensive bags in your collection at least 2x this month.

And, since several members (including me) have had success managing their closets with this challenge, we’ll repeat it:

4) Love It or List It - Pick a bag that is on the “bubble” in your collection and wear it twice in a month. If you don’t like it commit to selling / donating it at the end of the month

———

I went down in flames on my challenge last month. So, of course, I’ll try 2 this month. LOL!

Festive Times
• Chanel gold Boy
• Dior silver Diorama
• Dior cream Diorama

Most / Least
• Dior cream Diorama (yep I’m cheating a bit. LOL!)
• Trussardi red mini Lovy

 

[dcooney4]

More clothes arrived and almost all of these were a bust.

I really wish I had a wardrobe fairy godmother who would make clothes appear in my closet.

Anyone up for challenges this month?

1) Holiday Colors Challenge
Pick the color that reminds you of the holiday you observe or simply find fun (for example red or green for Xmas, blue for Hanukkah, red or purple for Saturnalia, etc.) Wear all the bags at least 1 time this month.

2) Festive Times Challenge
Wear all your special (as you define it) bags at least one time. These could be your evening bags, metallic bags, embellished bags, etc. Get those beautiful but, more rarely used bags out at least 1x this month.

3) Most and Least Challenge
Wear the most and least expensive bags in your collection at least 2x this month.

And, since several members (including me) have had success managing their closets with this challenge, we’ll repeat it:

4) Love It or List It - Pick a bag that is on the “bubble” in your collection and wear it twice in a month. If you don’t like it commit to selling / donating it at the end of the month

———

I went down in flames on my challenge last month. So, of course, I’ll try 2 this month. LOL!

Festive Times
• Chanel gold Boy
• Dior silver Diorama
• Dior cream Diorama

Most / Least
• Dior cream Diorama (yep I’m cheating a bit. LOL!)
• Trussardi red mini Lovy

I love these challenges. I will start with festive I have one gunmetal / silver hand bag. I will attempt to use all my clutches as well for the festive one. My gold bag is linen and would look weird in winter so I won't wear it . All my red bags are at the consignment shop and I don't own a green. I will also try to do the least used. I am going to skip most used because they are just that ,most used.

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

more pequin fabric today! What are you guys carrying?