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

[vink]

If you don't need to free up the funds tied into this bag, it'd be good wait till spring when this colour is back in trend and you might get more inspiration to pair it with your outfits. You might fall in love with the colour or not. At least, you've tried to make it work. Seller's remorse is the worst. You need to be sure that you want to sell the bag.


If you ever decide to get a white bag, you might like to consider something from lower price point because white will eventually turn to yellow and colour transfer is another problem. My white bags are all chrome tanned with "covered" feeling on the leather which offer greater protection than vegetable tanned.


I don't know and to be honest, I don't want to add up It's enought for me that a) I stay within my budget and b) every purchase is well-thought-out / no impulse purchases / no buyer's remorse. Great way of using Pinterest! We have no gift policy so we put emphasis on quality time spent together. No headaches


It'd be nice to hear your opinion about the quality of the leather if you decide to get something for your aunt from them. I know they offer free returns, but still, I hate any unnecessary returns which could be avoided upfront.



You've such a great friend, Vink!!! Mine just encourage me to purchase anything I have an eye on so PF is my only help to buy more mindfully which is why I highly appreciate everyone's input. In my opinion, you can absolutely carry a mini if that's the size which works for you.


I use paper planner as well because my diary on smartphone might get erased after any update. Lesson learned. Of course, I set reminders if there's something important I need to remember. If you need any inspiration for bullet journaling, this is an excellent source: https://www.reddit.com/r/bulletjournal/

@catsinthebag
Do you have GP in gold? If you do, could you describe the colour? The pics I found look more like vivid tan but I'm not sure if that's the truth knowing Negonda has matter effect.

Thanks! [emoji4] I actually have both type of friends. One that will encourage me to buy and one that will likely to stop me from buying. So, once they both agree, I think there must be something there. [emoji28] And no. The mini is horrible size on me. And it cannot really carry anything. I’m good with medium-sized up. So, I’m saving my jumbo. I know I’ll get to wear them anyway. I really don’t care for mini bag. They’re not functional for me. Cute, yes. Good usage, definitely no. Even a m/l doesn’t hold enough. I use mine as a wedding bag.

I lost tons of my PDF documents (around 3,xxx) during latest iPad update, too. It hurts so bad. And I like my calendar tangible. I’ll check out your link. Thank you very much! [emoji4]

 

[vink]

I can only keep up with this thread when I have a relatively lax work load (and right now I’m off work for a fortnight ).

It’s ok. Happened to me countless of time. [emoji28]

 

[vink]

DH and I are getting ready to go food-shopping in a little while. I said to him "Help me make a shopping list, please." He said "Shall I get you a piece of paper?" I said "What for? I'm putting the list on my phone!!!"

[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] May I say I love him? [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] What did he do then? [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

 

[vink]

I use the out of milk app. I don't use all the bells and whistles that come with it, but what I like is that if I've put something on my list before, it remains on there, but at the bottom crossed out after I bought it, so it is easy to back through all the crossed out items and check them to put them back on the list. It's like a reminder of all the things we usually need.

That sounds super interesting. But I like browsing my refrigerator. [emoji848] as well as the supermarket aisles. [emoji848][emoji848][emoji848] Will this work? [emoji848][emoji848][emoji848]

 

[vink]

Interesting thread; I have really curbed my Handbag spending and while I have always been a Balenciaga gal, I will only spend the $$$ if it's an old bag (Chevre) and RARE .. period!!! I have so many bags, that I really don't need anymore .. and when I see something I like, I question myself "do you REALLY need this?" and most of the times, the answer is 'NO'!!

Since I also design/make jewelry (high-karat gold & diamonds), most of my energies / $$$ has been on that. I buy gold that I can recycle and get my gemstones from overseas wholesalers whom I trust. Been working on getting my line together; alas, I need to find a cheaper goldsmith out here in LA 'cos that is what is using up all my funds.

More importantly, after being laid off from Corporate America in 2016 (I guess my shelf-life was up), my work has been sporadic .. which is ridiculous because it's not like I don't have the skills, it's that companies want cheap labor and I'm not going to bust my a@@ to work cheap!!!

Hi Ceejay! Sorry about your work, but glad to hear you’re getting your jewelry line up. I hope it goes well. I really admire your Bal closet. It’s like heaven. Seeing you here makes me miss some other Bal girls like LovelyGarments. It’s been such a long time. And I think your rainbow stack is really a museum quality so if you want to ease out on spending, it wouldn’t be hard?

 

[vink]

Wow, 15 pages already? I don't know how I'll be able to keep up. But I'm so happy for this thread. It has really grown through the years!

I've been MIA most of the time in the 2018 thread. My last post was in October I think and I was able to do some of the challenges but wasn't able to share it with you guys. Then MIA again in November. I'm now watching a replay of the recently concluded Miss Universe (so proud of our "kababayan" Catriona Gray for winning the crown!) and thought I would drop by.

Anyways, my resolution for 2019 is to not add anymore bags or SLGs unless I sell first (or not buy at all even if I made a sale). Bec. most of the time, what happens is that I will buy a bag and promise to sell one but it never really happens. Now, I want to really, really do this. I am quite satisfied with my current small collection.

Also, I've been watching minimalist videos for the past months because I want to get rid of clutter once and for all. I'm learning to be more intentional with my purchases not only with my bags but with other things. So that being said, when January comes and my kids go back to school, I will spend most of my free time decluttering rather than my usual bag/wallet stalking (and eventually, buying.) Lol! I will either sell, give a friend/close relative, or donate stuff. The money I will save from the sales will not fund a new bag but rather will go into a savings account, most probably my children's kiddie savings account. They're growing up too fast so I'm starting to teach them the value of saving money. I should set a good example then.[emoji6]

This is kinda long already. So, I might go MIA again and return back from time to time to report or do a challenge. I know I am always welcome here with my pocket friends, old and new.

Thanks again egg, for such a wonderful and successful thread.

Hi! I’m glad to see you back! Oh... that lady is fierce. I didn’t watch the contest even though it hosted here, but her swirl is so famous among the social media here. People keep saying that she swirls like a Queen! And from some video clips that I got to watch, I’ve got to agree with them. She timed it so perfectly. The hair, the step and everything. She’s got it all. Congrats on winning the title. And yes. Going more minimalist will be nice, too. [emoji4]

 

[vink]

Oh my, I am already behind!
I read along with the 2018 thread and it inspired me to pay attention to my thought process with purchasing/selling/selecting what to wear. I recently spent more than originally planned because a favorite brand is closing, so need to strategize if I want to add anything to my collection. Looking ahead I am also working with a reduced budget because I changed jobs. Will work on exactly what my resolution list is for 2019, but for the moment there is just this one:
Keep my closet organized and clean so that I can easily grab a bag without digging!
I managed to do a big clear-out over the last six months or so and re-organized based on a couple failed attempts. Now I have current season bags on lower cubbies where I can reach them. Also, I am coming to terms with how limited my space is/how much I do not want to be a hoarder. Not quite ready for a one in/one out commitment, but am getting close.

Oy... you wouldn’t want to know what a damage Marco did to my closet and my account. I still don’t know whether if I should count all his “closing order” into my buying or not since they’re not like I’ll not buy them. But I’ll definitely phase them into a longer period of time if not for his business closing right now. But my wallet is crying and crying and crying.

 

[LuxMan]

Hello, I am trying to purchase a man bag and I need help deciding what color to buy from, below are the pictures of the Versace Man Clutch/Pouch. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I can get the red version on sale but the black version is full price. Any advice?

 

[vink]

My Evernote helped me stop carting the paper notebook. It backs up itself so I never risk losing anything.

I usually take a water bottle with me but never put it in my bag. I don’t want it sweating on my lining and everything else. I do put it in my laptop bag when I’m working.
I just added up how much my bags cost me (not necessarily retail) and it was almost exactly what I thought. To me, it’s a HUGE number when I think I actually spent that on bags. But, they make me happy and we can afford the spend so I don’t really care.

We definitely spent more time celebrating everything when the kids arrived. That didn’t necessarily mean big gifts thought. While my kids were growing up I focused on presents that were fun but enhanced their intellect and / or creativity. I also made a number of presents so that they could feel how much I cared. The biggest category of gifts was experiences because I felt those “lasted” and stuff wouldn’t. I was right about that. It’s only been in the last 4-5 years I’ve bought my kids more expensive gifts and this is because their value system is set. They never ask for anything and are always happy to received whatever. If I get them something sentimental for $5 or shiny for $500, they're equally grateful. But, their favorite is always experiences. So I still tend to lean in that direction.
I have dined in some amazing restaurants across the globe and don’t know where I can go and spend B money on a dinner. Last night Mr. S and I went to the so called #1 steak restaurant in Dallas, the total cost wasn’t brand new Coach or MK money. So, I’m intrigued and a little terrified by the dining experience in B money territory!!! Is it that there are a lot of you at the expensive restaurant? With our little family of 4 it would be hard to eat several thousand dollars of anything a piece. LOL!

Is it that the entree is that expensive? That there are tons of courses and each is expensive? That individual items are rare? That you are getting rare liquors or wines? What kind of cuisine? Tell us more!!!!

I’m like you. I have 3 bags that are more than $5k retail. To me, that is a LOT to spend on a bag and I’m not really excited to spend that kindness of money again. Spending $2k - $2500 or less is more comfortable and even that seems like a whole lot for what is essentially a pretty leather sack.

I’m glad I’m pretty content with my collection and don’t feel the hunger to buy I used to feel. Because I can’t keep justifying these levels of expenditure. It doesn’t matter that I can “afford” them. I’m personally reaching my limit on what I want to invest. There were a couple of recent years that I spent $25k+ on bags. (offset by some selling) I don’t have any desire to do that again.
I want to start tracking my wardrobe better. I think I’ll start a tally list in my Evernote Jan 1 and just add what I wear each day. I was doing Stylebook but it was a pain to photograph all the items.
Thanks for mentions this. I just downloaded the app. I’ve been using Shopper and they removed some functionality on the free version.
No, I was originally curious if people had a total max cost they had for their collection and were trying to stay under it. I hadn’t given any thought as to how that would work for them. It doesn’t seem anyone is managing to a total number which as you point out could have a myriad of issues.

For the whole family, it’ll be both my parents, me and my two brothers, our spouses and 2 grand kids. The full course is about 8-10 courses meals so yeah... and with the ingredients these days especially in eastern cuisine, it’s very possible.

I value experience than present, too. But when my kid attend school and grow up around everyone that celebrate Christmas and get many many gifts, it’s kinda hard. [emoji28] I think I’m quite lucky none of the patients at our old school were over spending on those or even if they were, we didn’t know. This new school though it’s just so much different. Kids with iPhone XR everywhere, personal iPad to play Roblox and YouTube, and everybody must have Smiggles. [emoji37][emoji37][emoji37] I feel so lucky DD doesn’t care. It seems like she has her own set of values and knows what she wants in life. (At least, at the level of what an 8 years old can do) I only gift her one Christmas present, but we try to take trips quite often and join in any interesting activities as much as we can.

 

[Miss_Dawn]

I think this is what I'm trying to get to - which is that in the past I didn't understand my needs well, but now I hope I'm better at it.

I definitely think I'm adopting "better fewer, but better" as my new motto.

You know, my father said this to me the other day. That I should buy a few items but the best in class (that I can afford) for everything I buy.

I get the sentiment, but I think there’s so much choice and an imperfect correlation between price and quality, plus preferences and options are constantly changing (e.g. new models in technology, or trends in mini vs big bags etc.) which makes it hard sometimes to follow the “buy few, but best in class” advice if you don’t know for sure what best in class is!

Plus, best in class isn’t always age appropriate. Best in class skincare may be La Prairie skincare or Hermés only bag collections but I don’t think I would benefit from or enjoy those at the age of 32. For example, I know that I objectively derive more pleasure from a Marmont crossbody in Hibiscus Red than I would from a crossbody K25 in Rouge Grenat if I owned it.

That’s funny actually. I think some accessories age you.

What do others think?

 

[Miss_Dawn]

I wanted to share some of my birthday goodies.

Mr. Sparkle was still fussing about me not asking him to get my new to me Dior WOC when I first saw it. I keep telling him. Old thrifty habits die hard (if at all!) Lol! So he put the money back in my “fun spend” fund and bought the bag as one of my Bday presents. I used it last night and it’s DEFINITELY love!View attachment 4287213 He also surprised me with some other special gifts. I had been wanting these Tom Ford Miranda sunnies ever since I saw them over the summer. Yay!View attachment 4287215
And, he picked the piece of jewelry I wanted the most. This gorgeous diamond necklace! I’m redoing my everyday jewelry and this is perfect! Classic, not too much but, still loads of sparkle and fun. It coordinates really well with my wedding rings. View attachment 4287214 But, now I need some better earrings. Lol! The ones I have fall a little flat when I’m wearing this. Lol! I typically never spent much on earrings. My everyday nice ones are all just metal - white gold or yellow gold - no stones. But, think I’d like one or two good diamond ones for regular wear - a smallish hoop and something snug to the ear (not studs. I don’t like studs). Maybe I’ll ask Santa or the Valentine’s Cupid to put some on the list. LOL!

I also got some wonderful smaller but equally precious gifts from Mr. S and the kids like books, a goofy wine glass, and fuzzy socks I’m a sucker for fuzzy socks! Mine look like these but, are pink and fuzzy. I’d take a picture but...I’m wearing them.
View attachment 4287220
I hope everyone follows directions.

In any case, I am soooo incredibly happy with my presents. Thanks for letting me share.

Yay for Mr Sparkle! These are lovely presents. Enjoy all of them!

 

[vink]

I am also curious at how you could spend the price of a Birkin for one meal. It is usually just DH and I. We don't have super expensive restaurants in our town but we never set a dollar limit on eating and when we travel, we try a lot of restaurants. Unless you are buying expensive liquor, it rarely goes over $200-$300.

Perhaps because when we go as a family, it’s really a big group of family. [emoji28] And the price of a really pricey restaurant here can be astronomical if you want it to be. My dad doesn’t like traveling (that’s my mom’s thing), but he loves to treat us and good food is what he deem best because it gets everyone together.

 

[vink]

We usually do the Bag Showcase by Color early in the year and Bag Showcase by brand in the fall.

Do we want to do these again in 2019? Any suggestions on other ways to get us involved in and excited about the entirety of our collections?

Feel free to do so. I’m sure there must be someone that’ll enjoy this challenge and it’s actually a good one to reflects on one’s collection, but I have to opt out of it this year again. This challenge is too much for me. [emoji28]

 

[vink]

I wanted to share some of my birthday goodies.

Mr. Sparkle was still fussing about me not asking him to get my new to me Dior WOC when I first saw it. I keep telling him. Old thrifty habits die hard (if at all!) Lol! So he put the money back in my “fun spend” fund and bought the bag as one of my Bday presents. I used it last night and it’s DEFINITELY love!View attachment 4287213 He also surprised me with some other special gifts. I had been wanting these Tom Ford Miranda sunnies ever since I saw them over the summer. Yay!View attachment 4287215
And, he picked the piece of jewelry I wanted the most. This gorgeous diamond necklace! I’m redoing my everyday jewelry and this is perfect! Classic, not too much but, still loads of sparkle and fun. It coordinates really well with my wedding rings. View attachment 4287214 But, now I need some better earrings. Lol! The ones I have fall a little flat when I’m wearing this. Lol! I typically never spent much on earrings. My everyday nice ones are all just metal - white gold or yellow gold - no stones. But, think I’d like one or two good diamond ones for regular wear - a smallish hoop and something snug to the ear (not studs. I don’t like studs). Maybe I’ll ask Santa or the Valentine’s Cupid to put some on the list. LOL!

I also got some wonderful smaller but equally precious gifts from Mr. S and the kids like books, a goofy wine glass, and fuzzy socks I’m a sucker for fuzzy socks! Mine look like these but, are pink and fuzzy. I’d take a picture but...I’m wearing them.
View attachment 4287220
I hope everyone follows directions.

In any case, I am soooo incredibly happy with my presents. Thanks for letting me share.

Your DH is incredibly sweet. And I like the necklace. I’m contemplating getting a similar one, but can’t pull the trigger, yet. This year isn’t a good year for us business-wise so I don’t think it’s time for a diamond purchase. [emoji848] Funny I rarely think of this when it comes to bags. [emoji848] Wear yours in good health!

 

[vink]

@Rhl2987 Thank you
@ElainePG With a bag that is in decent condition, and with the right products, you can do a lot! The black bag was over all in great shape, no edge wear, a couple scratches, but it was universally faded. When my usual conditioners did not do the trick, I used a black dye /recolorant suggested by another rehabber (no, not the Kiwi polish with the sponge top applicator from the supermarket!!), with a final conditioner for the glow! The taupe bag has wrinkling under flap and on the bottom , but the leather on the flap is luscious, if I may say so. So so sorry to hear about the bag that stolen .
@Sparkletastic I don’t think they will bring back unlined bags with a plain suede interior anytime soon, if at all. And if they use the original weight leather, I don’t think it is conducive to lining because of the bulk factor. People do have nice things to say about the Coach Rogue.
@eggtartapproved Glad to see you, fellow vintage Coach carrier
@vink The Patti is such a great bag when I want to put out an understated yet professional look. And carries a bit. My company came under new ownership earlier this year. When I was going to our new office location and meeting the new owners for the first time, I wore my *interview* outfit and carried this Patti. She’s got my back for subtlely looking professional and stylish.

Oh! I Love hearing story like this! You go girl! [emoji1360][emoji1360][emoji1360]