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

[Rhl2987]

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?

To each his or her own. I get the most pleasure from purchasing my Hermes bags because the experience at the boutique is extremely special to me. I am close with my SA and he adores my sister and Mom as well. Also, the quality of what they sell there and the fact that the bags I keep can be sent to spa and will last for generations, if well taken care of, is important to me. I am 31 years old. In terms of pleasure from owning and using bags, I would say this is similar between my H and LV bags, which are at fairly different price points. I love my Petite Boite Chapeau (little hat box) and Cannes bags from LV and it brings me joy to use these, just as when I use my Kelly sellier bags from H. I think accessories can certainly age you but it’s all about how you wear them and how you feel when wearing them. For example, I feel young and wearing my H bags does not make me feel as though I’m in my 50s or 60s. What is key is how you carry yourself and my style is super casual but, I hope, cute and a little stylish. I like wearing jeans and a t-shirt and one of my bags! And, taking good care of your things, no matter how much they cost, can go a long way.

I also really love Tata Harper skincare, which may also not be entirely “age appropriate” but it is so wonderful and, to me, worth the cost! I am obsessed with it and it has made me feel better through the unfortunate pregnancy breakouts I faced in the first trimester [emoji4] I used to have really lousy skin in my freshman year of college and a little bit before.

 

[Rhl2987]

I was replying on another thread about versatile bags, and I wanted to ask what you guys find to be your most versatile bag?

What are your most flexible bags?

My most flexible bag is my Hermes mini Roulis in Gris Asphalte, which is a medium to light gray. This bag is quite small but I barely carry anything around during the day or night (keys, wallet, lip stuff). It’s very versatile because it can go with jeans and a casual top and also with a cuter/dressier outfit. It probably wouldn’t be practical as an evening bag but I don’t go to any evening events, except the occasional wedding, so I’m okay with that.

 

[LuxMan]

They are both nice. It depends on your budget. If you can do the black one comfortably I would go with that. The red you will have to be very careful with because of dye transfer from dark clothing . What does your gut say?

You are absolutely right! The black one will be better. I had forgotten about the dye transfer. Black is the best option.

 

[LVintage_LVoe]

Sturdy is a good word for it. I wore the heck out of it for a long time, and the only wear I can see is a little on the edge of the strap.

The LV Pochette Accessoires seems like such a great little bag, especially with the crossbody strap. I don’t think that one will ever go out of style!

Wow, how I wish most designer bags nowadays are as sturdy as this tough bag of yours. Even at such a high price point, there are lots of complaints about the quality of these bags going down.

Thanks! I don’t eat many sweets but, cookies are definitely a serious love of mine. I would happily accept!

Speaking of food, what is everyone’s favorite foods - main meal item, dessert and drink?

My favorite main meal items are seafood - anything that swims, floats, creeps or crawls in the water will get happily eaten by me. My favorite dessert is WARM SUGAR COOKIES!!! My favorite drink is fresh lemonade. I like lemonade so much that I can’t have it in the house and avoid it like it’s crack. I would drink a gallon a day and keep looking for more. LOL!

I bake oatmeal cookies! Here's what I'll send you (if only I could).



My favorite main meal is also seafood. I love oysters, lobster, crab, manta shrimp and salmon sashimi the most! For dessert, my faves are cheesecake and cheese ice cream. I don't have a particular fave drink but I was once a Coca Cola addict. Not anymore, thank goodness!

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]

Thanks vink! I miss you!
I thought of you during the pageant, vink. And yes, we all think she definitely deserves the crown. I hope one day I get to see her in an event here. She looks divine on cam.
Wish me luck with my journey towards minimalism. I know I don't have to get rid of all my bags. I'll start with other clutter first before tackling my "babies". Though I'm currently happy with all of them, I still feel that I can get rid of the redundancies like my totes and small crossbody bags.

 

[Miss_Dawn]

To each his or her own. I get the most pleasure from purchasing my Hermes bags because the experience at the boutique is extremely special to me. I am close with my SA and he adores my sister and Mom as well. Also, the quality of what they sell there and the fact that the bags I keep can be sent to spa and will last for generations, if well taken care of, is important to me. I am 31 years old. In terms of pleasure from owning and using bags, I would say this is similar between my H and LV bags, which are at fairly different price points. I love my Petite Boite Chapeau (little hat box) and Cannes bags from LV and it brings me joy to use these, just as when I use my Kelly sellier bags from H. I think accessories can certainly age you but it’s all about how you wear them and how you feel when wearing them. For example, I feel young and wearing my H bags does not make me feel as though I’m in my 50s or 60s. What is key is how you carry yourself and my style is super casual but, I hope, cute and a little stylish. I like wearing jeans and a t-shirt and one of my bags! And, taking good care of your things, no matter how much they cost, can go a long way.

I also really love Tata Harper skincare, which may also not be entirely “age appropriate” but it is so wonderful and, to me, worth the cost! I am obsessed with it and it has made me feel better through the unfortunate pregnancy breakouts I faced in the first trimester [emoji4] I used to have really lousy skin in my freshman year of college and a little bit before.

All very reasonable points, and I’m sure you wear your collection beautifully; the main point is that it works for you and makes your heart sing.

I’m very fickle with my skincare. I use a mix of things.

Same with makeup. I have enough to last several lifetimes which is profligate (I’ve slowed down in my purchasing!) and it’s a mix of brands. A lot of Chanel, Tom Ford, but also most highly reviewed in each category (UD eyeshadow, Nars blushes, whatever). I think my approach to makeup buying does now classify as seeking “best in class” because I love makeup, and am reasonably informed about new formulas / releases, but have become quite selective in what I actually buy.

Sorry, going off topic

 

[Miss_Dawn]

Wow, how I wish most designer bags nowadays are as sturdy as this tough bag of yours. Even at such a high price point, there are lots of complaints about the quality of these bags going down.



I bake oatmeal cookies! Here's what I'll send you (if only I could).

View attachment 4287577

My favorite main meal is also seafood. I love oysters, lobster, crab, manta shrimp and salmon sashimi the most! For dessert, my faves are cheesecake and cheese ice cream. I don't have a particular fave drink but I was once a Coca Cola addict. Not anymore, thank goodness!



Thanks vink! I miss you!
I thought of you during the pageant, vink. And yes, we all think she definitely deserves the crown. I hope one day I get to see her in an event here. She looks divine on cam.
Wish me luck with my journey towards minimalism. I know I don't have to get rid of all my bags. I'll start with other clutter first before tackling my "babies". Though I'm currently happy with all of them, I still feel that I can get rid of the redundancies like my totes and small crossbody bags.

Your cookies look lovely, and so well-packaged!

 

[Miss_Dawn]

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.

DD sounds like a sensible and well-adjusted lady

 

[Rhl2987]

All very reasonable points, and I’m sure you wear your collection beautifully; the main point is that it works for you and makes your heart sing.

I’m very fickle with my skincare. I use a mix of things.

Same with makeup. I have enough to last several lifetimes which is profligate (I’ve slowed down in my purchasing!) and it’s a mix of brands. A lot of Chanel, Tom Ford, but also most highly reviewed in each category (UD eyeshadow, Nars blushes, whatever). I think my approach to makeup buying does now classify as seeking “best in class” because I love makeup, and am reasonably informed about new formulas / releases, but have become quite selective in what I actually buy.

Sorry, going off topic

[emoji173]️ How do you feel about organic and clean/natural skincare? I used to not care about ingredients too much and was buying Murad, Trish McAvoy and other branded and lovely products. But now, with the pregnancy, I’m more cognizant of what is in the products that I use. And I always love hearing what products others swear by!

 

[vink]

Wow, how I wish most designer bags nowadays are as sturdy as this tough bag of yours. Even at such a high price point, there are lots of complaints about the quality of these bags going down.



I bake oatmeal cookies! Here's what I'll send you (if only I could).

View attachment 4287577

My favorite main meal is also seafood. I love oysters, lobster, crab, manta shrimp and salmon sashimi the most! For dessert, my faves are cheesecake and cheese ice cream. I don't have a particular fave drink but I was once a Coca Cola addict. Not anymore, thank goodness!



Thanks vink! I miss you!
I thought of you during the pageant, vink. And yes, we all think she definitely deserves the crown. I hope one day I get to see her in an event here. She looks divine on cam.
Wish me luck with my journey towards minimalism. I know I don't have to get rid of all my bags. I'll start with other clutter first before tackling my "babies". Though I'm currently happy with all of them, I still feel that I can get rid of the redundancies like my totes and small crossbody bags.

Oh my! Your cookies look good! Not the best tome for me now that it’s 10 pm and I’m raiding my house trying to find where I stash DD’s present. [emoji29][emoji29][emoji29]

 

[vink]

DD sounds like a sensible and well-adjusted lady

Thank you very much. I really hope I raise her right. Both me and my husband are the first child from both families. She’s the first born, too. I think she’ll be my only child. I’m so afraid she’ll get spoiled, so I thank whatever out there that help me keep her head straight and be sensible every time we discuss things like this. Sometimes, I do wonder if she ever want to have those things just like her friends coz actually, we can, but I don’t want her to. I don’t want her to get caught up in materialism at the young age where she cannot take care of the needs and the wants all by her own yet. I may sound selfish coz buying so many bags is definitely one type of being materialistic, but at least, that comes out of my earning and I have to be responsible not to get myself into trouble. Now, it’s not her time to be interested in this stuff yet. At least, that’s what I feel and I’m so afraid coz right now, the world moves so fast and there’re so many strange things out there.

 

[vink]

[emoji173]️ How do you feel about organic and clean/natural skincare? I used to not care about ingredients too much and was buying Murad, Trish McAvoy and other branded and lovely products. But now, with the pregnancy, I’m more cognizant of what is in the products that I use. And I always love hearing what products others swear by!

Avoid Retin-A if you’re pregnant. Whatever on the label, read them. Organic or not, there’ll be some ingredients that’s not suitable for pregnant woman such as Retin-A and Ylang-Ylang essential oil. Go with the simplest stuff you can find. You can pile them back on later in life. I didn’t change much of my skin care routine except that I’m very careful on reading the label and learning about what I can use and what not. It’s been years so I forget a lot. Avoid anything with steroid. Read the label. That’s the most important thing that you should know.

 

[catsinthebag]

Wow, how I wish most designer bags nowadays are as sturdy as this tough bag of yours. Even at such a high price point, there are lots of complaints about the quality of these bags going down.



I bake oatmeal cookies! Here's what I'll send you (if only I could).

View attachment 4287577

My favorite main meal is also seafood. I love oysters, lobster, crab, manta shrimp and salmon sashimi the most! For dessert, my faves are cheesecake and cheese ice cream. I don't have a particular fave drink but I was once a Coca Cola addict. Not anymore, thank goodness!



Thanks vink! I miss you!
I thought of you during the pageant, vink. And yes, we all think she definitely deserves the crown. I hope one day I get to see her in an event here. She looks divine on cam.
Wish me luck with my journey towards minimalism. I know I don't have to get rid of all my bags. I'll start with other clutter first before tackling my "babies". Though I'm currently happy with all of them, I still feel that I can get rid of the redundancies like my totes and small crossbody bags.

Oatmeal cookies are my favorite! Your packaging is beautiful!

 

[catsinthebag]

(Told you I’m very active while I’m on holiday...)

I was replying on another thread about versatile bags, and I wanted to ask what you guys find to be your most versatile bag?

I think my black classic m/l flap is very versatile for obvious reasons (intermediate size, classic style, neutral colour).

Surprisingly I find some coloured bags quite versatile too. The Alma BB I bought this year has exceeded my expectations.

I recently took it away on a weekend.
- I was working in an office in a different city in the morning,
- meeting a friend for coffee in the afternoon,
- attending a black tie party in the evening,
- and then staying overnight including shopping/tourist things with my husband the next day.
It was perfect throughout.

Granted my Alma BB is in rose ballerine epi leather (much more formal than the canvas in my view) and I picked outfits that would match including a pink chiffon dress for the party, but I think that’s very flexible.

What are your most flexible bags?

My most versatile bag is my LV Empreinte Speedy B25. It’s not large but holds a lot, has multiple carry options, and the black Empreinte leather is dressy enough to go most places in my life. It’s THE bag in my collection that I can wear all day and then carry out to dinner or to a hockey game. Because of its shape and the fact that the handles fold down, it easily sits in my lap. I love the newer model with the pocket on the outside for my phone. If I needed something a bit dressier, I’d go with my Chanel Reissue 227 (also in black with GHW). I don’t do many fancy events and don’t even own a bag that would be suitable for Black Tie, so the Speedy will easily cover most things in my life. Plus it’s durable so I don’t have to worry about it.

 

[Sparkletastic]

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?

I completely agree that we should buy best in class...in categories that matter to us or that must function for a while. I think best in class is a mix of quality, style and need - overweighting any one would result in a poor purchase IMO. For example, Hermes has great quality and resale. But, I don’t care for most of the styles so they would be a poor purchase for me. And like @ipsum, I’m not a gamer nor do I do heavy computations on my computer, so I don’t need the “best” laptop. Best for me is heavily weighted towards literal weight and size because I carry mine everywhere.

I agree that some accessories are aging or dating. On tPF, the refrain to “wear what makes you happy” is always shouted from the rooftops. But, while I absolutely agree with it (I will wear sparkly stuff regardless of popularity) it completely and naively ignores the hard reality that fashion items speak clearly and directly to whether someone is fashionable. Fashionable, on trend or even youthful / classic / edgy / whatever may be descriptors that a person finds irrelevant to their life and psyche. But, they can’t escape how others will view them. And, humans are a rather harsh bunch who will pick people apart for the “wrong” nail color. So, yes. Some accessories and clothing absolutely are aging. I’d say my C jumbos are more “aging “ than my new Diorama WOC. It just is what it is. LOL! But, I also think that just about any item can be incredible fashionable, youthful and appropriate if styled well. Otherwise my 23yo, 5’ tall, weighs less than a summer breeze daughter wouldn’t rock my C jumbos so well.

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!

Thank you! He’s a keeper.

I completely “get” you on having some categories that seem reasonable to purchase when the other just don’t even if I spend the same. Jewelry always feels ok to me because I’m such a jewelry addict - as I mentioned even more than bags. I have to consciously tell myself NO! Then on the same shopping trip, Mr. S will almost have to hold me down and grab my feet to get me to buy a pair of shoes less than a tenth of the cost. Lol!! Hair care? Ha! I begrudge every red cent I’ve ever spent on my mop. I love how my hair looks finished (and ironically it’s my most complimented attribute which is why I freaked out when so much fell out after the surgeries this summer. Thank goodness it’s finally growing back but, I felt like a plucked chicken. LOL!) But, I refuse to spend any extra money or time on it. I’m lucky my hair is essentially wash and go because I can only stand to go into a salon every 6 weeks for color and cut. When I see videos of people putting various balms, elixirs and poultices in their hair and taking hours to fix it, I almost get hives.

Omg ! What a fabulous haul. I love your WOC.

Thank you!!! I love it! It’s going to make me a WOC convert. LOL!

 

[Sparkletastic]

I wanted to ask what you guys find to be your most versatile bag?

I think my black classic m/l flap is very versatile for obvious reasons (intermediate size, classic style, neutral colour).

Surprisingly I find some coloured bags quite versatile too. The Alma BB I bought this year has exceeded my expectations.

I recently took it away on a weekend.
- I was working in an office in a different city in the morning,
- meeting a friend for coffee in the afternoon,
- attending a black tie party in the evening,
- and then staying overnight including shopping/tourist things with my husband the next day.
It was perfect throughout.

Granted my Alma BB is in rose ballerine epi leather (much more formal than the canvas in my view) and I picked outfits that would match including a pink chiffon dress

What are your most flexible bags?

I love the Alma BB and hope to find the perfect one for me one day!

My most versatile bag with which I have history is my LV LockMe II BB. I can wear this bag in just about ANY situation. It’s a great crossbody when I’m wearing jeans, is girly enough to look super cute with my dresses and can become a clutch and look great with date night / cocktail wear.

But, I think my newest bag - the Diorama - is going to end up being my most versatile. I can see that I’ll be able to wear it to work (no branding), it’s easy enough to carry casually, it’s perfect for date night and because the chain is removable, it also works for formal wear.

I also find my metallic bags to be very versatile.

But versatile doesn’t equate all that well to most functional because a bag has to get small to look right in the evening. My most functional bag remains my Fendi By The Way. That bag is a beautiful and durable workhorse with great organization and wearability.

Your hubby is great at picking gifts. How about a challenge wearing by materials like straw bags (in summer), lamb, calf, canvas, exotics etc.?


Happy to hear Alma is your grab bag. Mine is Furla Metropolis satchel in red. At the time I picked it up, I didn't have any red bags and loved the model but it did indeed sit in my closet for several months until I didn't care colour coordinating my outfits.

Thanks! I appreciate that he likes to make me feel spoiled.

I like the idea of a challenge to wear by type!

Wow, how I wish most designer bags nowadays are as sturdy as this tough bag of yours. Even at such a high price point, there are lots of complaints about the quality of these bags going down.



I bake oatmeal cookies! Here's what I'll send you (if only I could).

View attachment 4287577

My favorite main meal is also seafood. I love oysters, lobster, crab, manta shrimp and salmon sashimi the most! For dessert, my faves are cheesecake and cheese ice cream. I don't have a particular fave drink but I was once a Coca Cola addict. Not anymore,

Those cookies look super yummy!! I’ll drop by and pick up a few!

[emoji173]️ How do you feel about organic and clean/natural skincare? I used to not care about ingredients too much and was buying Murad, Trish McAvoy and other branded and lovely products. But now, with the pregnancy, I’m more cognizant of what is in the products that I use. And I always love hearing what products others swear by!

My skin is super easy to maintain which has made me super lazy when it comes to products. I use a mild glycolic acid cleanser for daily wash and a moisturizer with SPF 30 for daily moisturizing. I use a very gentle cleanser at night and add moisturizer. All except the glycolic acid cleanser are drugstore brands. The cleanser is MD Formulations which was discontinued. I just hoarded a bunch. I’m actually on my last bottle and have no clue with what I should replace it.

Mr. S took me to Dior and spent good money that should have gone towards a bag (LOL!) on skin care for me. It’s all sitting in my drawer and I give it the hairy eyeball from time to time. It just looks like so much work (said in my most whiny and petulant voice.)

I need to lurk the skincare threads.