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

[anitsirk]

Wow I can’t believe 2018 is coming to an end!! It’s actually felt like a really long year, especially compared to 2017 which went by so quickly. I’ve had *such* an eventful year, a few rough patches but lots of positive developments that definitely outweighed the negative

Not a whole lot of developments in terms of bags though, one in and one out so zero net bags haha. I’ve mostly been enjoying rotating the bags I own. I actually haven’t been thinking about handbags much this year; think I cured myself of bag addiction!! For Christmas I might go for some jewelry or a new fur coat, there are a few bags I like but I’m not exactly dying to get them. Can’t remember the last time I posted in this thread but I have been silently skimming the posts on here . Hope everyone is doing well and achieving their closet goals (and life goals)!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Life keeps moving and I miss hanging out with you girls.

Or indeed lilac. I don’t like croc effect (it’s actually calf leather) but the colour is so unusual and so me... it would go perfectly with some of my lilac-beige nail polishes....

Ah drat.

I’ll be the naysayer. I’m not a fan of this bag. The hard sides would be an issue for me. I’d feel like I was fighting the bag all the time. And the color is kinda meh. I think it would be ok for nails but be lost agsinst your outfit if on a bag.

i am on Santa's naughty list...

LOL!

I have no space left in my bag wardrobe without giving some away, so I need to only buy items that are absolutely perfect at this stage!

What I’ve learned is EVERY bag should an absolutely perfect addition. I think most of us compromise too much which keeps the hunger going. I’d rather miss a bag than compromise at this point. I’m really trying to apply that to my wadrobe as I rebuild it now.

C bug has bitten me badly I fell in love head over the heels with this pre-loved bag on the left in the pic below. My style is classic, neutral, boring that's why this bag would fit perfectly into my existing wardrobe. In addition, I can turn the bag inward if I need to hide the logo (which is the main issue with my Whitney - being too recognizable).

Only "but" is that
1) the price is $3k (yes, after discount) and pre-loved GSTs are within $1.5k range on average
2) possible colour transfer from darker materials
3) my goal is to keep my bag count under 10 but I don't have this colour but but I do have several bags in tan colour but but but isn't it gorgeous, is it? Arrgg! Please please help. I need help. Please release your inner critics dear fellow tPFs.

Bag in question is on the left and the rest pics are taken from the internet demonstrating my wardrobe.

I’ve seen that bag and I love it as well. I wouldn’t arm carry. That would have to be a shoulder carry for me. So if the strap drop works, I’d say go for it. I don’t worry about it looking seasonal. I’m kind of wanting C bags that aren’t the classic flap (or the other “forever” bags like the reissue or Boy) now. I want bags that have a little personality.

And, I don’t think it’s boring. I think it’s classic and fits your aesthetic. If you like neutrals it would probably be a fail to get a fuchsia or cobalt bag.

How is everyone doing this holiday season? Are you holding strong or are there goodies heading your way? So far this month only the wallet for me. I already counted what’s going to be under the tree last month. I am still hoping more things move at the consignment shop but so far only a sweater has gone this month. I want those ten bags to go.

OMG! I have gone online clothing shopping crazy. Y’all know I hate shopping in stores so I forced myself to spend literally hours buying everything from shoes to sweaters online. I needed to figure out which brands work for me at the price I’m willing to pay.

I’m not completely there yet but I at least I eliminated some stores / brands. For example, Macy’s was a complete fail on everything but jeans. I couldn’t wait to get their stuff back to them. In contrast, Elie Tahari has inexpensive but nice quality items for work that require minimal tailoring.

My continual struggle is to make sure I don’t settle. So I’ve told Mr. S & DD to hold me to a high standard for anything I add to my wardrobe and given them final approval / veto power over what I select. It’s been high comedy as we face time / Skype with me in random items. DS was here one weekend and just shook his head. Lol! But, it works. I really do love the very few items I’ve kept. And, I’ve narrowly missed keeping items I would have likely regretted.

I haven’t bought any bags though. I do need a workout bag really badly. Sigh.

Dust bags are so clean and orderly but I need to SEE MY beauties. At least the ones behind glass (most of them) are not subject to dust either.

I never use dust bags. And, I’m picky. My bags don’t get dusty. Maybe because they all get used, rotated and maintained regularly?? I dunno.

I really like seeing them out and pretty. I use dust bags as part of the stuffing to keep the shape.

I’m feeling light as a feather because I listed 6 bags on ebay! Woot! I’m a bit scared about my Alexander wang going for the starting bid (29 plus 29 shipping. I will end up in the red if it goes for this, because that won’t quite cover fees and shipping.) but I am trying to be brave! It’s just too heavy for me.

Good job in listing bags you don’t want.

My auctions ended in abject misery. I’d NEVER do it again. My Celine went for nothing. My Dior went for half of what I got an offer for two days later on another site. NEVER again. So, I would set a starting bid no less than my minimum acceptable.

I only have the small MK and the 2 PS’s to sell now. They’re listed at fair prices (based on other sold listings) and can sit forever for all I care. No more giving away bags.

But, more importantly. No more bad purchases. Selling is a ridiculous hassle.

I think I mentioned I took several jewelry pieces to a local jeweler for consignment. Their list price and consignment rate were FAR better than what I was offered online. Happily, one piece just sold almost immediately. Yay!

 

[Sparkletastic]

It’s my bday month. Because of stupid schedules, yet again I’m waiting <endlessly> for presents.

My cruel, mean, evil, maniacal, heartless family has decided I must wait til this weekend to open presents. Both of my kids sent boxes that are sitting and mocking me. Each of the deliveres from my BFF’s are also sitting in the pile. Mr S. keeps deliberately messing with me by wanting to have pseudo philosophical conversations about how material things don’t matter or how love is about time spent together.

Um... yea...

Buuuuuuuut... I want something sparkletastic and I want it now!

Ok... so... I usually love his practical jokes and sense of humor but, this foolishness needs to end!

 

[ksuromax]

being compliant to my commitment i keep posting my bags with the tree, sorry, the trees are all the same (either mine at home, or one in the office), but at least i keep switching the bags
BV hobo #7 today

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

Ok I fixed my Wang issue with a pair of shears. The inner bag has been cut out and it dropped a ton of weight. It's now acceptable and just as gorgeous as before and more functional now because now I can see to the bottom and find stuff. 3 separated compartments were too much.
So that lovely lamb leather and rainbow hardware is staying in my collection! I love a white bag for summer!!! And white with rainbow hardware is prettier than anything!

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

Question: does everyone refer to the month when their birthday happens as "their birthday month" ? Have I been living so long away from native English speakers that the old way of referring to it as "my birthday is coming up soon" or "my birthday is this month" or just "my birthday's coming up" has now been replaced and everyone just refers to the whole month as their "birthday month?" I'm just not sure I've ever heard that out loud but I've read it many times on TPF. Then again this is a shopping centric forum so ....is it just popular here because it is nice to expand a birthday to a whole month to explain many new acquisitions without seeming so over the top consumerist/shopaholic? Honestly asking, not trying to be snarky or anything. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my English after 16 years abroad!
And happy birthday spark! Have you ever minded sharing your birthday month with Christmas? I always felt December babies were a bit shafted but I may be dead wrong on that.

 

[Miss_Dawn]

Life keeps moving and I miss hanging out with you girls.
I’ll be the naysayer. I’m not a fan of this bag. The hard sides would be an issue for me. I’d feel like I was fighting the bag all the time. And the color is kinda meh. I think it would be ok for nails but be lost agsinst your outfit if on a bag.
LOL!

What I’ve learned is EVERY bag should an absolutely perfect addition. I think most of us compromise too much which keeps the hunger going. I’d rather miss a bag than compromise at this point. I’m really trying to apply that to my wadrobe as I rebuild it now.
I’ve seen that bag and I love it as well. I wouldn’t arm carry. That would have to be a shoulder carry for me. So if the strap drop works, I’d say go for it. I don’t worry about it looking seasonal. I’m kind of wanting C bags that aren’t the classic flap (or the other “forever” bags like the reissue or Boy) now. I want bags that have a little personality.

And, I don’t think it’s boring. I think it’s classic and fits your aesthetic. If you like neutrals it would probably be a fail to get a fuchsia or cobalt bag.
OMG! I have gone online clothing shopping crazy. Y’all know I hate shopping in stores so I forced myself to spend literally hours buying everything from shoes to sweaters online. I needed to figure out which brands work for me at the price I’m willing to pay.

I’m not completely there yet but I at least I eliminated some stores / brands. For example, Macy’s was a complete fail on everything but jeans. I couldn’t wait to get their stuff back to them. In contrast, Elie Tahari has inexpensive but nice quality items for work that require minimal tailoring.

My continual struggle is to make sure I don’t settle. So I’ve told Mr. S & DD to hold me to a high standard for anything I add to my wardrobe and given them final approval / veto power over what I select. It’s been high comedy as we face time / Skype with me in random items. DS was here one weekend and just shook his head. Lol! But, it works. I really do love the very few items I’ve kept. And, I’ve narrowly missed keeping items I would have likely regretted.

I haven’t bought any bags though. I do need a workout bag really badly. Sigh.
I never use dust bags. And, I’m picky. My bags don’t get dusty. Maybe because they all get used, rotated and maintained regularly?? I dunno.

I really like seeing them out and pretty. I use dust bags as part of the stuffing to keep the shape.
Good job in listing bags you don’t want.

My auctions ended in abject misery. I’d NEVER do it again. My Celine went for nothing. My Dior went for half of what I got an offer for two days later on another site. NEVER again. So, I would set a starting bid no less than my minimum acceptable.

I only have the small MK and the 2 PS’s to sell now. They’re listed at fair prices (based on other sold listings) and can sit forever for all I care. No more giving away bags.

But, more importantly. No more bad purchases. Selling is a ridiculous hassle.

I think I mentioned I took several jewelry pieces to a local jeweler for consignment. Their list price and consignment rate were FAR better than what I was offered online. Happily, one piece just sold almost immediately. Yay!

Glad you have had some clothes shopping successes online - I agree, clothes are so much harder than bags!

Thanks for the feedback on the Aspinal. I decided not to buy it, because of the rigid shape. I bought a lovely little Prada pink instead which I’ve carried every day this week. I’m very pleased with it.

Sorry to hear about the Céline and Dior auctions. I never sell bags anyways (no good resale routes in the UK, I think) so I donate. I agree that it’s hard to cull, but it’s still the right thing to do. Our tastes change over time. I’m sorry these particular bag exits were difficult for you

Good to hear about the successful jewellery sales!

 

[Miss_Dawn]

Amazing collection!

You have such a wonderful, varied collection! And I agree, bag organization = peace of mind! I tend to be cluttered, but my bags are always put away neatly.

Thank you both very much

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

I think if there's no joy in the bag, then getting it to the hands of someone who wants it is My primary goal. I normally consider money spent on a bag to be forever Sunk.
Recouping money is great but it's just hard for secondhand items from our closet. It's even worse for clothes. Your $500 dress is lucky to get twenty bucks.
That said if you buy on the secondary market it's great fun and then when you are done with it you can get your funds back or just give it away to a friend or donate without stress! Selling is completely awful in all regards, for reals! ...Except when you open up an envelope with a hundred dollar bill in it from an eBay buyer! Yesterday was wild!

 

[dcooney4]

It’s my bday month. Because of stupid schedules, yet again I’m waiting <endlessly> for presents.

My cruel, mean, evil, maniacal, heartless family has decided I must wait til this weekend to open presents. Both of my kids sent boxes that are sitting and mocking me. Each of the deliveres from my BFF’s are also sitting in the pile. Mr S. keeps deliberately messing with me by wanting to have pseudo philosophical conversations about how material things don’t matter or how love is about time spent together.

Um... yea...

Buuuuuuuut... I want something sparkletastic and I want it now!

Ok... so... I usually love his practical jokes and sense of humor but, this foolishness needs to end!

Happy Birthday!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Question: does everyone refer to the month when their birthday happens as "their birthday month" ? Have I been living so long away from native English speakers that the old way of referring to it as "my birthday is coming up soon" or "my birthday is this month" or just "my birthday's coming up" has now been replaced and everyone just refers to the whole month as their "birthday month?" I'm just not sure I've ever heard that out loud but I've read it many times on TPF. Then again this is a shopping centric forum so ....is it just popular here because it is nice to expand a birthday to a whole month to explain many new acquisitions without seeming so over the top consumerist/shopaholic? Honestly asking, not trying to be snarky or anything. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my English after 16 years abroad!
And happy birthday spark! Have you ever minded sharing your birthday month with Christmas? I always felt December babies were a bit shafted but I may be dead wrong on that.

I’ve celebrated my (and my family members’) birthday month for as long as I can remember. My parents actually did this with me.

It’s really about two things that have zero to do with consumerism / presents. First, it’s about having fun with the people you love and making a huge deal out of the fact that you “get” to have them in your life. A month of fun activities, focused on the person makes them feel super special. For example, when Mr. S turned 50, on one of the days in his bday month he awoke to learn he had to scavenge around the house for 50 notes - each saying something different that I love about him. It took him almost a month to find all of them and he looooooved it. Fun things like that happen all during our birthday months.

Second with super busy lives and rotating days of the week on which the birthday falls, it allows for fully celebrating the person no matter what else comes up on the specific day. It’s takes the pressure off of making a birthday that lands on a Tuesday when people may be studying for a final exam, traveling for business or sick, etc. feel special when it can be fully celebrated on another day. Or when a celebratory trip is planned for a completely different week.

So, I adore bday months and wouldn’t have it any other way.

And, no I have no problems with being a December baby. I’m an only child of two only children who had 7 years of infertility issues before I was born. So, I am the only grandchild too. Add to that I have a Catholic family who wanted a large brood of babies. And, my parents and two of my grandparents were educators (my parents eventually became entrepreneurs) who had a strong overall love for children. So, trust me, I got mooooooore than enough attention. And, all appropriate deities get their due as well. Lol!

Glad you have had some clothes shopping successes online - I agree, clothes are so much harder than bags!

Thanks for the feedback on the Aspinal. I decided not to buy it, because of the rigid shape. I bought a lovely little Prada pink instead which I’ve carried every day this week. I’m very pleased with it.

Sorry to hear about the Céline and Dior auctions. I never sell bags anyways (no good resale routes in the UK, I think) so I donate. I agree that it’s hard to cull, but it’s still the right thing to do. Our tastes change over time. I’m sorry these particular bag exits were difficult for you

Good to hear about the successful jewellery sales!

Thank you so much for the care. It’s been really frustrating.

I can’t say I’ll never sell again. I can get tired of my bags and I like that I can recoup money. It keeps the crazy prices from seeming quite so crazy.

But, my selling rate is going down to nil. I haven’t sold anything that I’ve bought in the last 2 years which is a huge step forward for me. Especially since I don’t see myself selling anything other than the alreadya earmarked bags any time in the next 5-10 years. I was flipping bags as soon as 30 - 60 days after purchase. Just kooky and irresponsible.

I think if there's no joy in the bag, then getting it to the hands of someone who wants it is My primary goal. I normally consider money spent on a bag to be forever Sunk.
Recouping money is great but it's just hard for secondhand items from our closet. It's even worse for clothes. Your $500 dress is lucky to get twenty bucks.
That said if you buy on the secondary market it's great fun and then when you are done with it you can get your funds back or just give it away to a friend or donate without stress! Selling is completely awful in all regards, for reals! ...Except when you open up an envelope with a hundred dollar bill in it from an eBay buyer! Yesterday was wild!

I think of clothes as sunk costs. Even premier designer clothes don’t resale that well.

But, I have trended to bag styles and brands that have good resale. 90% because I just happen to like those brands. 10% because I want to be able to recoup funds. So, when I buy resale carefully, more often than not I recoup all my money. In many cases I actually “earn” 5-15% over what I paid.

These last two bags were horrible anomalies. One a relatively unpopular model from a brand with horrible resale that I knew nothing about. The other an older model from a brand with not so great resale in just ok condition. I bought it that way and it cured me of buying any pre owned bag that isn’t new / like new / pristine unless it’s a unicorn AND I can send it to the spa and get it back like new.

Happy Birthday!

Thank you!!!!

 

[ksuromax]

Question: does everyone refer to the month when their birthday happens as "their birthday month" ? Have I been living so long away from native English speakers that the old way of referring to it as "my birthday is coming up soon" or "my birthday is this month" or just "my birthday's coming up" has now been replaced and everyone just refers to the whole month as their "birthday month?" I'm just not sure I've ever heard that out loud but I've read it many times on TPF. Then again this is a shopping centric forum so ....is it just popular here because it is nice to expand a birthday to a whole month to explain many new acquisitions without seeming so over the top consumerist/shopaholic? Honestly asking, not trying to be snarky or anything. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my English after 16 years abroad!
And happy birthday spark! Have you ever minded sharing your birthday month with Christmas? I always felt December babies were a bit shafted but I may be dead wrong on that.

not a native speaker, but speak fluently for the last 20 years, lots of native speakers good friends.
never heard this until i joined tPF.
i think, it's global tendence and marketing, i noticed this for the last few years, all those sites that request you to fill their sing-up forms start sending you alert/promo emails pushing you for buying more "coz it's you Bday month and you deserve it"

 

[catsinthebag]

Question: does everyone refer to the month when their birthday happens as "their birthday month" ? Have I been living so long away from native English speakers that the old way of referring to it as "my birthday is coming up soon" or "my birthday is this month" or just "my birthday's coming up" has now been replaced and everyone just refers to the whole month as their "birthday month?" I'm just not sure I've ever heard that out loud but I've read it many times on TPF. Then again this is a shopping centric forum so ....is it just popular here because it is nice to expand a birthday to a whole month to explain many new acquisitions without seeming so over the top consumerist/shopaholic? Honestly asking, not trying to be snarky or anything. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my English after 16 years abroad!
And happy birthday spark! Have you ever minded sharing your birthday month with Christmas? I always felt December babies were a bit shafted but I may be dead wrong on that.

tPF is the only place where I’ve heard people talk about their “birthday month.” Maybe it’s common in some places, but with the people I know IRL, it’s either your birthday or it’s not. I kind of feel like “birthday month,” is an excuse to shop all month long — not that that’s a bad thing!

 

[catsinthebag]

For example, when Mr. S turned 50, on one of the days in his bday month he awoke to learn he had to scavenge around the house for 50 notes - each saying something different that I love about him. It took him almost a month to find all of them and he looooooved it. Fun things like that happen all during our birthday months.

Second with super busy lives and rotating days of the week on which the birthday falls, it allows for fully celebrating the person no matter what else comes up on the specific day. It’s takes the pressure off of making a birthday that lands on a Tuesday when people may be studying for a final exam, traveling for business or sick, etc. feel special when it can be fully celebrated on another day. Or when a celebratory trip is planned for a completely different week.

I love this idea for your DH! How fun, and truly in the spirit of appreciating a loved one on their b-day.

I never heard of celebrating a birthday month before tPF, but it would have been a great solution for my birthday as a child. My birthday falls very close to Memorial Day, so my friends were always away when my mother was planning my birthday party. Now, I kind of like that my b-day falls around a holiday weekend, but as a kid, it sucked!

 

[ksuromax]

Happy Birthday, Spark! hope you have a great time and fun!