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

[Vlad]

@Elliespurse - would you mind untagging the color week’s post for this thread? Thanks!

Done!

 

[Sparkletastic]

The color is storm grey. It is about 12 1/2" high by 12" wide with a ten inch strap drop. I wore it yesterday to pick up 7 paintings at a galley ,but I strolled all around a cute town first and it was very comfy. The clean lines make it easy to work with my wardrobe. Hence it is my version of a work bag or shopping bag.

10” strap drop is great for shoulder carry. It looked much shorter. Congrats.

Today, I am going to a friends for a bbq and I won't be wearing a real bag. I received a free floral tote with my makeup and I am going to use it as a pool bag and later to sit at the BBQ with all the people and their largish dogs. This way if something happens to it I could careless.

Good idea. I need to get some carefree bags again, I’ve offloaded almost all of mine because I didn’t love them.

My JC Hobo is a good carefree bag that I also love. So it’s a win. And, I go back and forth on keeping the MK mini hamilton that is used for the same purpose (it’s listed for sale right now). No love but, I like it.

My problem is I don’t “see” carefree bags. Since I don’t like to shop I’m laser focused when I’m in the mall. And I’ve been to busy to lurk eBay which is where I got crazy good deals on bags in the past.

I’ll just have to stumble across one.

Welcome back! Did it feel weird to be off tPF for that long? I’ve gone into “lurk and like” mode, but would miss the eye candy too much to take a complete break!

I thought I’d miss the eye candy more but it’s the same stuff over and over. Lol!
The only thing I miss is chatting with you girls.

Done!

Thanks!

 

[Sparkletastic]

On Sat, I went into Chanel. Then, yesterday, DH and I went into LV & Gucci. I was so underwhelmed I almost lapsed into a coma.

I really don’t like where Gucci is right now. The clothes and shoes are really gaudy (for my taste) and the bags aren’t calling me at all either.

I’ve never been the bigger LV fan but, have adored a couple of their bags in the past. Yesterday, however...meh.

Chanel is killing me. I’m just not seeing the quality to make me wanna drop any money. Gucci and LV definitely have better quality right now.

Oddly I popped over to Fashionphile and Yoogies and saw several bags I would have bought if I hadn’t reminded myself I don’t need them. Lol! I think I’m just liking the styles from the past 5 or so seasons before logomania hit. Til that wanes or til I go crazy over a new style despite the logo, I’m happy sitting on the bag sidelines.

I prob should run into Dior. But, do I really need to get a hankering for anything right now or let sleeping handbags lie.

 

[Sparkletastic]

<double post>

 

[ElainePG]

On Sat, I went into Chanel. Then, yesterday, DH and I went into LV & Gucci. I was so underwhelmed I almost lapsed into a coma.

I really don’t like where Gucci is right now. The clothes and shoes are really gaudy (for my taste) and the bags aren’t calling me at all either.

I’ve never been the bigger LV fan but, have adored a couple of their bags in the past. Yesterday, however...meh.

Chanel is killing me. I’m just not seeing the quality to make me wanna drop any money. Gucci and LV definitely have better quality right now.

Oddly I popped over to Fashionphile and Yoogies and saw several bags I would have bought if I hadn’t reminded myself I don’t need them. Lol! I think I’m just liking the styles from the past 5 or so seasons before logomania hit. Til that wanes or til I go crazy over a new style despite the logo, I’m happy sitting on the bag sidelines.

I prob should run into Dior. But, do I really need to get a hankering for anything right now or let sleeping handbags lie.

That's the way I'm feeling about Hermès scarves. Not about the quality, of course, but about the designs. I know there are many on the H threads who don't feel this way, and they look fabulous in the new designs they are modeling! But for me, the new designs are... I dunno... maybe too busy? Too bright? Too young????? (Could be that last one, sigh. I'm no spring chicken.)

I did recently buy one scarf from a few seasons ago, which (of course!) is no longer available in any of the boutiques, so I had to pay an eye-watering price for it from a trusted reseller. But it was exactly the color and design I wanted, and I find that I'm reaching for it a lot, so I'm rationalizing it on the basis of cpw. (I do track my scarf usage, so by the end of the year we'll see if this is true.)

And then I bought another one, which is old enough to be considered "vintage" (eek! what does that make ME???), which has been on my wish list forever. Hasn't arrived yet, but again it's one that I'm guessing I will want to wear a lot, in colors that will suit me well.

No handbags are calling my name, though I can't say I've been stalking the usual sites with much energy. Gucci and LV don't have anything that's making me want to visit the boutiques when we go up to San Francisco. I really don't think Chanel is for me, since the style I like best is the Reissue, but it has a double flap, and I'm quite sure a double flap would make me crazy.

I'm on the hunt for the perfect black cashmere v-neck sweater… not too long, not too oversized, not too low-cut in the neck, a decent quality cashmere but not a million dollars. But it's not even cashmere season yet, so this little project is on the back burner.

 

[Cookiefiend]

That's the way I'm feeling about Hermès scarves. Not about the quality, of course, but about the designs. I know there are many on the H threads who don't feel this way, and they look fabulous in the new designs they are modeling! But for me, the new designs are... I dunno... maybe too busy? Too bright? Too young????? (Could be that last one, sigh. I'm no spring chicken.)

I did recently buy one scarf from a few seasons ago, which (of course!) is no longer available in any of the boutiques, so I had to pay an eye-watering price for it from a trusted reseller. But it was exactly the color and design I wanted, and I find that I'm reaching for it a lot, so I'm rationalizing it on the basis of cpw. (I do track my scarf usage, so by the end of the year we'll see if this is true.)

And then I bought another one, which is old enough to be considered "vintage" (eek! what does that make ME???), which has been on my wish list forever. Hasn't arrived yet, but again it's one that I'm guessing I will want to wear a lot, in colors that will suit me well.

No handbags are calling my name, though I can't say I've been stalking the usual sites with much energy. Gucci and LV don't have anything that's making me want to visit the boutiques when we go up to San Francisco. I really don't think Chanel is for me, since the style I like best is the Reissue, but it has a double flap, and I'm quite sure a double flap would make me crazy.

I'm on the hunt for the perfect black cashmere v-neck sweater… not too long, not too oversized, not too low-cut in the neck, a decent quality cashmere but not a million dollars. But it's not even cashmere season yet, so this little project is on the back burner.

I hear you on the H scarves that are so busy - I *like* them… but have learned that they're not for me. Of course there are always exceptions! I do like many of the vintage ones (vintage myself don'tcha know!) except for some with the really wide borders.
I can't wait to see your new scarves!
I am still not exactly 'Purse Content'. Yesterday I got a bee in my bonnet about an upcoming trip and felt like I needed a navy purse. Naturally I started poking around on Ebay and Posh, discovered several and put them in my watch list.
Today though, I thought 'What on earth am I doing? Stop!!'. I started questioning myself - what's wrong with the navy purse I already have? Nothing… but it's not particularly chic. Why do you want to look chic? Because I'll be in Paris and I don't want to look frumpy. Do you feel frumpy at home when you carry it? Not really, but...
and then omg - I had a terrible epiphany. I am label conscious.
Now I'm mad at myself and deleted all the bags I was watching.
Except for the Chanel at a really good price…

 

[dcooney4]

On Sat, I went into Chanel. Then, yesterday, DH and I went into LV & Gucci. I was so underwhelmed I almost lapsed into a coma.

I really don’t like where Gucci is right now. The clothes and shoes are really gaudy (for my taste) and the bags aren’t calling me at all either.

I’ve never been the bigger LV fan but, have adored a couple of their bags in the past. Yesterday, however...meh.

Chanel is killing me. I’m just not seeing the quality to make me wanna drop any money. Gucci and LV definitely have better quality right now.

Oddly I popped over to Fashionphile and Yoogies and saw several bags I would have bought if I hadn’t reminded myself I don’t need them. Lol! I think I’m just liking the styles from the past 5 or so seasons before logomania hit. Til that wanes or til I go crazy over a new style despite the logo, I’m happy sitting on the bag sidelines.

I prob should run into Dior. But, do I really need to get a hankering for anything right now or let sleeping handbags lie.

I am feeling the same way. There are no premier bags that are grabbing my attention and I won’t spend that kind of money for just okay. I am having a bit of fun with color and lighter weight bags with out hurting my budget.

 

[dcooney4]

I hear you on the H scarves that are so busy - I *like* them… but have learned that they're not for me. Of course there are always exceptions! I do like many of the vintage ones (vintage myself don'tcha know!) except for some with the really wide borders.
I can't wait to see your new scarves!
I am still not exactly 'Purse Content'. Yesterday I got a bee in my bonnet about an upcoming trip and felt like I needed a navy purse. Naturally I started poking around on Ebay and Posh, discovered several and put them in my watch list.
Today though, I thought 'What on earth am I doing? Stop!!'. I started questioning myself - what's wrong with the navy purse I already have? Nothing… but it's not particularly chic. Why do you want to look chic? Because I'll be in Paris and I don't want to look frumpy. Do you feel frumpy at home when you carry it? Not really, but...
and then omg - I had a terrible epiphany. I am label conscious.
Now I'm mad at myself and deleted all the bags I was watching.
Except for the Chanel at a really good price…

Lol I love your train of thought.

 

[muchstuff]

On Sat, I went into Chanel. Then, yesterday, DH and I went into LV & Gucci. I was so underwhelmed I almost lapsed into a coma.

I really don’t like where Gucci is right now. The clothes and shoes are really gaudy (for my taste) and the bags aren’t calling me at all either.

I’ve never been the bigger LV fan but, have adored a couple of their bags in the past. Yesterday, however...meh.

Chanel is killing me. I’m just not seeing the quality to make me wanna drop any money. Gucci and LV definitely have better quality right now.

Oddly I popped over to Fashionphile and Yoogies and saw several bags I would have bought if I hadn’t reminded myself I don’t need them. Lol! I think I’m just liking the styles from the past 5 or so seasons before logomania hit. Til that wanes or til I go crazy over a new style despite the logo, I’m happy sitting on the bag sidelines.

I prob should run into Dior. But, do I really need to get a hankering for anything right now or let sleeping handbags lie.

I've never been a Chanel girl, I have only one pre-loved bag...until now. Just bought another. And am eyeing a third. Most Chanel styles aren't anything I'd carry, too much flap/chain etc. (except for the Deauville, for some reason I really love that bag). But I'm finding some older bags on the pre-loved market that I really like. Hobo styles...not what the average Chanel lover goes for I guess, but based on what I'm hearing perhaps the quality of my older bags is a good bet.

 

[Anesthestia]

I hear you on the H scarves that are so busy - I *like* them… but have learned that they're not for me. Of course there are always exceptions! I do like many of the vintage ones (vintage myself don'tcha know!) except for some with the really wide borders.
I can't wait to see your new scarves!
I am still not exactly 'Purse Content'. Yesterday I got a bee in my bonnet about an upcoming trip and felt like I needed a navy purse. Naturally I started poking around on Ebay and Posh, discovered several and put them in my watch list.
Today though, I thought 'What on earth am I doing? Stop!!'. I started questioning myself - what's wrong with the navy purse I already have? Nothing… but it's not particularly chic. Why do you want to look chic? Because I'll be in Paris and I don't want to look frumpy. Do you feel frumpy at home when you carry it? Not really, but...
and then omg - I had a terrible epiphany. I am label conscious.
Now I'm mad at myself and deleted all the bags I was watching.
Except for the Chanel at a really good price…

"I had a terrible epiphany. I am label conscious."
Oh my gosh! Your post gave me a good giggle. I had the same epiphany early last year, when I really started "going in" for designer bags, especially Chanel. I crossed bags off my list without even looking into them properly, and found myself thinking they weren't "expensive enough". The hell of a thought is that?? I gave myself a good slap in the brain and this year I've been delving more into pre-loved items and smaller brands like Yuzefi and Elleme, which both offer better price points as well as great quality.

Honestly, I think pre-loved is the way to go because.... reduce, reuse, recycle... One woman's unused handbag is another woman's treasure!! While I cannot seem to stay away from handbags, I can definitely make the conscious effort to not buy brand new from boutique!

 

[muchstuff]

"I had a terrible epiphany. I am label conscious."
Oh my gosh! Your post gave me a good giggle. I had the same epiphany early last year, when I really started "going in" for designer bags, especially Chanel. I crossed bags off my list without even looking into them properly, and found myself thinking they weren't "expensive enough". The hell of a thought is that?? I gave myself a good slap in the brain and this year I've been delving more into pre-loved items and smaller brands like Yuzefi and Elleme, which both offer better price points as well as great quality.

Honestly, I think pre-loved is the way to go because.... reduce, reuse, recycle... One woman's unused handbag is another woman's treasure!! While I cannot seem to stay away from handbags, I can definitely make the conscious effort to not buy brand new from boutique!

I agree! I have over 40 bags currently (and have bought and sold many more) and only one of them came new, directly from a boutique. Many of the bags I have look pretty much new, there are some great deals out there if you're prepared to do your homework.

 

[Anesthestia]

I agree! I have over 40 bags currently (and have bought and sold many more) and only one of them came new, directly from a boutique. Many of the bags I have look pretty much new, there are some great deals out there if you're prepared to do your homework.

Yes! It's a win-win situation! Save some $$ as well as support the pre-loved market, every un-loved bag deserves a new home

 

[More bags]

On Sat, I went into Chanel. Then, yesterday, DH and I went into LV & Gucci. I was so underwhelmed I almost lapsed into a coma.

I really don’t like where Gucci is right now. The clothes and shoes are really gaudy (for my taste) and the bags aren’t calling me at all either.

I’ve never been the bigger LV fan but, have adored a couple of their bags in the past. Yesterday, however...meh.

Chanel is killing me. I’m just not seeing the quality to make me wanna drop any money. Gucci and LV definitely have better quality right now.

Oddly I popped over to Fashionphile and Yoogies and saw several bags I would have bought if I hadn’t reminded myself I don’t need them. Lol! I think I’m just liking the styles from the past 5 or so seasons before logomania hit. Til that wanes or til I go crazy over a new style despite the logo, I’m happy sitting on the bag sidelines.

I prob should run into Dior. But, do I really need to get a hankering for anything right now or let sleeping handbags lie.

Great restraint Sparkle! You made me laugh about the “let sleeping handbags lie,” comment.

That's the way I'm feeling about Hermès scarves. Not about the quality, of course, but about the designs. I know there are many on the H threads who don't feel this way, and they look fabulous in the new designs they are modeling! But for me, the new designs are... I dunno... maybe too busy? Too bright? Too young????? (Could be that last one, sigh. I'm no spring chicken.)

I did recently buy one scarf from a few seasons ago, which (of course!) is no longer available in any of the boutiques, so I had to pay an eye-watering price for it from a trusted reseller. But it was exactly the color and design I wanted, and I find that I'm reaching for it a lot, so I'm rationalizing it on the basis of cpw. (I do track my scarf usage, so by the end of the year we'll see if this is true.)

And then I bought another one, which is old enough to be considered "vintage" (eek! what does that make ME???), which has been on my wish list forever. Hasn't arrived yet, but again it's one that I'm guessing I will want to wear a lot, in colors that will suit me well.

No handbags are calling my name, though I can't say I've been stalking the usual sites with much energy. Gucci and LV don't have anything that's making me want to visit the boutiques when we go up to San Francisco. I really don't think Chanel is for me, since the style I like best is the Reissue, but it has a double flap, and I'm quite sure a double flap would make me crazy.

I'm on the hunt for the perfect black cashmere v-neck sweater… not too long, not too oversized, not too low-cut in the neck, a decent quality cashmere but not a million dollars. But it's not even cashmere season yet, so this little project is on the back burner.

Congratulations on your recent scarf additions! So lovely to hear that you are getting exactly what you want in the exact colourway you want. Waving at my fellow cashmere lover, I’ve heard a few people mention they like their Equipment Sloane Cashmere sweater. I don’t have one, it’s on my watch list. Also Everlane and JCrew get mentioned when it comes to cashmere sweaters. Here’s a link for a review of cashmere sweaters, https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-cashmere-sweater

I hear you on the H scarves that are so busy - I *like* them… but have learned that they're not for me. Of course there are always exceptions! I do like many of the vintage ones (vintage myself don'tcha know!) except for some with the really wide borders.
I can't wait to see your new scarves!
I am still not exactly 'Purse Content'. Yesterday I got a bee in my bonnet about an upcoming trip and felt like I needed a navy purse. Naturally I started poking around on Ebay and Posh, discovered several and put them in my watch list.
Today though, I thought 'What on earth am I doing? Stop!!'. I started questioning myself - what's wrong with the navy purse I already have? Nothing… but it's not particularly chic. Why do you want to look chic? Because I'll be in Paris and I don't want to look frumpy. Do you feel frumpy at home when you carry it? Not really, but...
and then omg - I had a terrible epiphany. I am label conscious.
Now I'm mad at myself and deleted all the bags I was watching.
Except for the Chanel at a really good price…

Have a fantastic Paris trip! Will you be taking your BBK beauty? I am label conscious, too. You are normal. When I was growing up I got some of my clothes at the discount rack of the local department store and had hand me downs from cousins. In junior high I so craved the labels the popular kids wore. I can afford to buy nice things now, and while I don’t lean towards monogram at the moment, I still lean toward certain brands I am familiar with. At least I am conscious of this bias, I have to remind myself to broaden the net of things I look at. There are so many great recommendations from this group, of different brands and styles of bags that work for them and their lifestyle, I have learned a ton!

I've never been a Chanel girl, I have only one pre-loved bag...until now. Just bought another. And am eyeing a third. Most Chanel styles aren't anything I'd carry, too much flap/chain etc. (except for the Deauville, for some reason I really love that bag). But I'm finding some older bags on the pre-loved market that I really like. Hobo styles...not what the average Chanel lover goes for I guess, but based on what I'm hearing perhaps the quality of my older bags is a good bet.

It sounds like you have great self awareness of what you like and what works for you! Will you be sharing pics of your new addition?

 

[muchstuff]

Great restraint Sparkle! You made me laugh about the “let sleeping handbags lie,” comment.


Congratulations on your recent scarf additions! So lovely to hear that you are getting exactly what you want in the exact colourway you want. Waving at my fellow cashmere lover, I’ve heard a few people mention they like their Equipment Sloane Cashmere sweater. I don’t have one, it’s on my watch list. Also Everlane and JCrew get mentioned when it comes to cashmere sweaters. Here’s a link for a review of cashmere sweaters, https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-cashmere-sweater


Have a fantastic Paris trip! Will you be taking your BBK beauty? I am label conscious, too. You are normal. When I was growing up I got some of my clothes at the discount rack of the local department store and had hand me downs from cousins. In junior high I so craved the labels the popular kids wore. I can afford to buy nice things now, and while I don’t lean towards monogram at the moment, I still lean toward certain brands I am familiar with. At least I am conscious of this bias, I have to remind myself to broaden the net of things I look at. There are so many great recommendations from this group, of different brands and styles of bags that work for them and their lifestyle, I have learned a ton!


It sounds like you have great self awareness of what you like and what works for you! Will you be sharing pics of your new addition?

Once she's here and authenticated. I'm really not part of Chanel Nation and am a little intimidated by the sub forum generally . Here on this thread might be OK though!

 

[Sparkletastic]

That's the way I'm feeling about Hermès scarves. Not about the quality, of course, but about the designs. I know there are many on the H threads who don't feel this way, and they look fabulous in the new designs they are modeling! But for me, the new designs are... I dunno... maybe too busy? Too bright? Too young????? (Could be that last one, sigh. I'm no spring chicken.)

I did recently buy one scarf from a few seasons ago, which (of course!) is no longer available in any of the boutiques, so I had to pay an eye-watering price for it from a trusted reseller. But it was exactly the color and design I wanted, and I find that I'm reaching for it a lot, so I'm rationalizing it on the basis of cpw. (I do track my scarf usage, so by the end of the year we'll see if this is true.)

And then I bought another one, which is old enough to be considered "vintage" (eek! what does that make ME???), which has been on my wish list forever. Hasn't arrived yet, but again it's one that I'm guessing I will want to wear a lot, in colors that will suit me well.

No handbags are calling my name, though I can't say I've been stalking the usual sites with much energy. Gucci and LV don't have anything that's making me want to visit the boutiques when we go up to San Francisco. I really don't think Chanel is for me, since the style I like best is the Reissue, but it has a double flap, and I'm quite sure a double flap would make me crazy.

I'm on the hunt for the perfect black cashmere v-neck sweater… not too long, not too oversized, not too low-cut in the neck, a decent quality cashmere but not a million dollars. But it's not even cashmere season yet, so this little project is on the back burner.

Omg! I have 2 Chanel double flap bags and I suffer through the flaps because I think those specific bags are so pretty. But, I haaaaaaaaaaaaate the double flaps. They’re just stupid. They’re fiddly, take up room and make the bag heavier. And for anyone who says they’re needed to keep the bag’s structure, I screech in defiance and say “Well how is EVERY other bag from EVERY other designer holding its shape?!” Don’t believe the propaganda and lies!!!

If I find a like new SF lamb jumbo in the shade of red I love, I’m selling my Jumbo IMMEDIATELY! I think I have to deal with my pearl grey M/L as there are no sf options in that size.

Also, I do want last year’s metallic green Chanel flap that only comes in DF. That may have to stay a desire unmet. I do plan to eventually get a black flap but, it will be a preloved single flap. DF is NOT an option. I’m just not hepped up to look right now.

I hear you on the H scarves that are so busy - I *like* them… but have learned that they're not for me. Of course there are always exceptions! I do like many of the vintage ones (vintage myself don'tcha know!) except for some with the really wide borders.
I can't wait to see your new scarves!
I am still not exactly 'Purse Content'. Yesterday I got a bee in my bonnet about an upcoming trip and felt like I needed a navy purse. Naturally I started poking around on Ebay and Posh, discovered several and put them in my watch list.
Today though, I thought 'What on earth am I doing? Stop!!'. I started questioning myself - what's wrong with the navy purse I already have? Nothing… but it's not particularly chic. Why do you want to look chic? Because I'll be in Paris and I don't want to look frumpy. Do you feel frumpy at home when you carry it? Not really, but...
and then omg - I had a terrible epiphany. I am label conscious.
Now I'm mad at myself and deleted all the bags I was watching.
Except for the Chanel at a really good price…

Why not indulge your desire to be chic wherever you are? Parisians don’t own the “chic”market. I think it makes sense to dress for your location. I’m not going to wear skimpy clothes in the Middle East or sparkly heels to a livestock show - both I’ve been to multiple times. Lol! So if you go to Paris, have fun taking your clothing game up a notch.

And, I truly LOL’d on your epiphany that you are label conscious. Well of course! Almost everyone on tPF is! I don’t care what they say. We all could tote our things in no name high quality leather or nylon sacks - but we don’t. And, most styles are available in some form much more cheaply than any contemporary or premier designer brand costs.

But, it’s ok! Nothing wrong with liking what we like. People buy Lexus v Toyota purely for the brand. Most of us picked spouses / maters / partners in at least part because we found them attractive. And, we know looks have zero bearing on mate quality. So, enjoy your love of brands. I’m a sucker for Dior and always intend to be. Lol!

I am feeling the same way. There are no premier bags that are grabbing my attention and I won’t spend that kind of money for just okay. I am having a bit of fun with color and lighter weight bags with out hurting my budget.

This!!!!! Why spend good money and not be totally wowed?!? Enjoy acquiring your fun bags! I hope I find some fun carefree bags over the next year.

I've never been a Chanel girl, I have only one pre-loved bag...until now. Just bought another. And am eyeing a third. Most Chanel styles aren't anything I'd carry, too much flap/chain etc. (except for the Deauville, for some reason I really love that bag). But I'm finding some older bags on the pre-loved market that I really like. Hobo styles...not what the average Chanel lover goes for I guess, but based on what I'm hearing perhaps the quality of my older bags is a good bet.

I’m getting more comfy with my love of older bags.

Just as @Cookiefiend had her brand epiphany, I’m having my trend epiphany. I finally had to accept that I refuse to carry bags that look “dated”. What I realized is it’s not that I mind carrying an older bag. I actually adore the oldest bags in my collection and would even love some vintage bags. It’s that I don’t want to carry a bag that people generally recognize as an “it” bag from a certain year. So I avoid those like the plague. If someone 5 years from now will say “that’s so 2019!”, the bag is dead to me.

So, for example, while I like Fendi B bags, I sold mine. It is what it is. I’m not trying to make myself uncomfortable over a bag. I have nothing to “prove” about my character in my bag choices. ROFL!

And, I love preloved! You get all the happy at a fraction of the price!!!

"I had a terrible epiphany. I am label conscious."
Oh my gosh! Your post gave me a good giggle. I had the same epiphany early last year, when I really started "going in" for designer bags, especially Chanel. I crossed bags off my list without even looking into them properly, and found myself thinking they weren't "expensive enough". The hell of a thought is that?? I gave myself a good slap in the brain and this year I've been delving more into pre-loved items and smaller brands like Yuzefi and Elleme, which both offer better price points as well as great quality.

Honestly, I think pre-loved is the way to go because.... reduce, reuse, recycle... One woman's unused handbag is another woman's treasure!! While I cannot seem to stay away from handbags, I can definitely make the conscious effort to not buy brand new from boutique!

Here is my weirdness. I will happily buy a relatively inexpensive bag that is well made and beautiful IF the brand isn’t well known. If it IS well known, my internal brand snob won’t buy.

So, I’m happy with my little known, very reasonably priced Trussardi (which I happened to carry today.) But, I wouldn’t buy a similarly priced Henri Bendel bag even if it had equal quality and style.

This is irrational as heck. But, again, I’ve given up the ghost on trying to be sane with my bags. I’m buying and carrying what I like and what makes me feel good. No apologies. End of story.