2019 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?

[catsinthebag]

What works for me is knowing my exact measurements for rise, inseam, and waist. I know Everlane provides these measurements, and I really think all honest retailers should! I never go by size anymore, but by measurements. This is all a learning experience from returning SO many ill-fitting jeans over the span of a couple of years. Black jeans tend to be tighter because of the kind of dye and material needed to get a true black!

Dye matters, as does the way denim is stacked before it’s cut. Many (too many to count!) years ago, I had a summer job in a store that sold a lot of jeans — brands like Lee and Levi. The manager told me the reason two pairs of jeans in the same size will fit differently is that denim is stacked and then machine cuts straight down through the stack. The result is that jeans from the denim at the top of the stack will be a little smaller than the denim at the bottom. I don’t know if it’s true but it makes sense for mass-produced clothing.

 

[Cookiefiend]

It looks fantastic. I get annoyed at to many different colored dust bags too. Lol

Hahaha! Thank you and I’m glad I’m not alone! [emoji38]

 

[netter]

There’re a couple, I believe. I think there’s even a thread on that. Or you can check Etsy.

There's a vegan designer thread here on purse forum for vegan handbags? I will do a search. Just exploring at this time because I have examined vegan handbags to a very limited extent here and the styles and quality vary enormously. The Givenchy vegan leather antigona satchel is the quality I am looking for and this Givenchy is my start point for quality. Although I have not actually held this handbag, I have to start somewhere on this journey. So far I am building a website to detail my search. I am going to take my camera out on the road and take photos.

This is all about my 2019 project and I will take this entire year to explore this. I stay away from Etsy. I have ordered a number of fountain pens from sellers on Etsy when I was collecting fountain pens, but now that I am not adding any more fountain pens to my collection, I do not go to Etsy. Don't know why - it's just not where I like to shop.

 

[Cookiefiend]

This looks fantastic. So neatly organised and I love the colour coded labelling! I think your black / hot pink bucket bag is my favourite [emoji813]

Thank you!
That pink lining was what caught my eye - I was so glad DH agreed that I *needed* it [emoji38]

 

[vink]

I've never been able to buy jeans on line. A size 4 in one brand is a size 6 in a different brand and a size 2 in yet a third brand, and it drives me crazy.
Even yesterday, when I finally found the brand and style that suited me, I took a size 4 in two of the colors, but I needed to go up to a size 6 in the third color. If I had just tried on one pair to get my correct size, and then taken the other two pairs without trying them on, I would have been really annoyed when I got home!

But I already tried it on and just want more. So, it’s ok for me. [emoji4]

 

[vink]

I’m an hourglass so small waist and bigger bottom / hips. Interestingly I look best in (not super tight) skinny jeans or (not quite) straight leg jeans. I’ve read so many articles that say I’d looks best in regular straight leg or even boot cut and they look terrible on me.

And I agree, some stretch is a requirement for my jeans so they can be comfy. (I’m not a fan of wearing jeans in general because I don’t find them as comfortable as a dress.)

I don’t think you’re hourglass then. Perhaps maybe heavy in the front and back so the number makes you look like an hourglass. But by expansion, you’re not. Coz I’m a seriously pear shape and I can’t even wear a straight legs.

 

[ElainePG]

I’m selling a bag. I always use the maximum number of pictures and closely photograph / fully describe any signs of wear.

A potential buyer contacted me with questions. I quickly responded. Then she wanted me to put the words “100% authentic” in the listing. I told her I didn’t use those words because it’s illegal to even list a fake bag and something can’t be 50% authentic. But, I edited the listing and put the words in anyway.

Then she wanted even more photos in different lightings. I sent them to her. Now she wants to lowball me with an offer that is 35% off my listing and wants me to give free shipping on top

Here is my new policy. Since I clearly and accurately photograph and describe my bags, I will answer one email of questions. After that, I won’t do anything else including sending any photos until I share my bottom line / non negotiable price and the buyer agree in principal to that.

People are really inconsiderate. I would never handle things this way. I always make sure to put all my questions and requests into ONE email. And I don’t bother the person at al if I know I’m not willing to pay at least a price pretty close to their asking price.

The person sounds like a real flake. I hope you aren't going to sell to her, even if she changes her mind and wants to give you a reasonable price. I'd worry that she'd end up scamming you in some way... either not paying, sending the bag back, or claiming that it was lost in the mail.

Your new policy sounds very sensible.

"Something can't be 50% authentic"... SMH!!!

 

[ElainePG]

My closet is finally back together - it took forever. @HopelessBagGirl asked how we keep/store our bags and after spending the day putting things away,
I took a picture.
This is how it looks when they’re not in the bags:
View attachment 4306563
And how it looks when they’re in the bags - I keep them in the bags when they’re in the closet because of sun, dust and my dog.
View attachment 4306564
I switched most of them to all the same color bag because the different colors bothered me... says the girl who wears mostly black, blue, and white. [emoji38]

This looks beautiful... so organized! I'm assuming the tags are there to show the color of the bag, but do they also have other info, like which bag it is?

 

[ElainePG]

Essiedub, I’m 5’6 and size 4-6, slim, but NOT skinny. I’ve got some curves and muscles and don’t want skin-tight jeans. The best ones I’ve found so far are AG’s Prima Cigarette leg jeans. They’re a little tapered but are pretty much the straight tube you’re talking about. They have some stretch so are very comfy.

Just went to the AG web site. They look great, and there's a store in San Francisco. I know where I'll be dragging The Hubster next fall!

 

[ElainePG]

But I already tried it on and just want more. So, it’s ok for me. [emoji4]

Well, sure, that makes perfect sense! I do that too.

 

[ElainePG]

Dye matters, as does the way denim is stacked before it’s cut. Many (too many to count!) years ago, I had a summer job in a store that sold a lot of jeans — brands like Lee and Levi. The manager told me the reason two pairs of jeans in the same size will fit differently is that denim is stacked and then machine cuts straight down through the stack. The result is that jeans from the denim at the top of the stack will be a little smaller than the denim at the bottom. I don’t know if it’s true but it makes sense for mass-produced clothing.

Fascinating! So that's why I was so frustrated in the fitting room yesterday!

 

[vink]

I'm 5'4". That may be the average height in the US, but clothes are usually made for someone 5'6" or 5'7". I'm too tall for most petite but too short for regular styles. My daughter is 5'7" and she has trouble finding jeans that are long enough. Sometimes I can buy the short lengths. I have one pair now that didn't come in different lengths and it is a little too short for my taste. Men's clothes seem to be more standardized. Women's sizes are all over the place.

ETA: I can't even buy sweaters online. The sizes are all over the place, even within the same brand.

I agree with you. I’m 5’4” and perhaps 10-20 years ago, the average length for pants is fine for me. Now, I need them to be hemmed in most of the new brands. I guess for the new brands, they’re modeling it for a 5’6” or 5’7”.
Sometimes, short would work for me or sometimes, they’ll be about an inch or two too short. [emoji30]

I don’t buy clothes online except I already try that exact one and just want more of the same thing.

 

[vink]

I’m curvy and athletic (big thighs) with a small waist. Not right now, of course. I’m into higher waisted stretchy jeans usually. I hate low waisted pants.

Me, too! And it’s so hard coz my jeans usually worn out where my thigh rub together. [emoji37] or that I can pull the jeans up all the way until it hits the thigh and I have to take it off coz it just can’t make it up to the top. [emoji28]

 

[vink]

My closet is finally back together - it took forever. @HopelessBagGirl asked how we keep/store our bags and after spending the day putting things away,
I took a picture.
This is how it looks when they’re not in the bags:
View attachment 4306563
And how it looks when they’re in the bags - I keep them in the bags when they’re in the closet because of sun, dust and my dog.
View attachment 4306564
I switched most of them to all the same color bag because the different colors bothered me... says the girl who wears mostly black, blue, and white. [emoji38]

I like how the tag is colored the same as your bag! That’s genius! May I borrow your idea? I use the tag, too, but they’re all white and it’s kinda boring and hard to find stuff sometimes. This is genius!

 

[Cookiefiend]

This looks beautiful... so organized! I'm assuming the tags are there to show the color of the bag, but do they also have other info, like which bag it is?

Thanks! The tags do show or represent the color of the bag, but I haven’t written anything on them. I thought about it but then thought better of it - my handwriting is a bit illegible occasionally and I don’t have *that* many bags... yet. [emoji38]