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

[whateve]

Sparkle’s May Stats

Month:
Bags In / Out: 0 / 1
SLG’s In / Out: 0 / 0

YTD:
Bags In / Out: 1 / 3
SLG’s In / Out: 0 / 0

TOTAL: Bags: 22, SLG’s: 3

I have 3 bags still left to sell. But, I’m waffling on all three.

Re: the Chanel. I’m seeing that others like this aren’t selling. And, I’ve gotten consistently low offers. So, I really think I’d have to take a four figure bath to sell. I’m absolutely, 100%, unequivocally not willing to do that. I’d rather dye it and enjoy it. (Or even wear it as a hat. LOL!) I know many have told me not to dye it but, I’ve had other bags dyed and been happy with the results. At this point, I’m not wearing it and it’s not selling. So... what’s really the downside?

The Jimmy Choo isn’t moving either. I actually love the look of this bag. I just hate the slouchiness. I can’t find my things so, it drives me batty. I tried pouches but, shocker! they got lost too. Help!! I’m open to all suggestions. Perhaps a bag organizer? Do they exist for slouchy bags? I hate “rooting” around for my things!!!!

The last is my MK mini Hamilton. This bag has worked harder for me than anything else in my life. I haven’t worn it in at least 2 1/2 years but, I keep thinking “what if?” It’s worth next to nothing so, I’m tempted to keep it. But, I don’t like extra stuff in my house soooo...? I dunno.

Is the handbag market slower than in previous years? I’ve never had as much trouble selling bags. And, I’ve sold over 150 bags at all price points from $25 to $4000. Is there a glut of supply? Are people less interested in bag? I wondered as traffic on tPF and tPB seems to be slowing too. Even more reason for me to buy veeeeeery carefully going forward.

I think the handbag market is slower. I'm having a terrible time selling. Only the cheapest items sell. Yet in the market for the items I sell, I'm seeing others listed at high prices and people buying them.

My biggest concern with dyeing a bag would be how it changes the texture.

Is the problem with the Jimmy Choo that it is too deep? I have problems with tall slouchy hobos. They kind of fold up into themselves, and everything is jumbled together in the bottom. An organizer might help. If you don't need all the room, would it help to put some padding into the bottom of the bag to force everything up closer to the top?

I have bags like your MK mini Hamilton. They aren't worth enough to sell. I figure that as long as I carry them once or twice a year, I'm getting my money's worth.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I think the handbag market is slower. I'm having a terrible time selling. Only the cheapest items sell. Yet in the market for the items I sell, I'm seeing others listed at high prices and people buying them.

My biggest concern with dyeing a bag would be how it changes the texture.

Is the problem with the Jimmy Choo that it is too deep? I have problems with tall slouchy hobos. They kind of fold up into themselves, and everything is jumbled together in the bottom. An organizer might help. If you don't need all the room, would it help to put some padding into the bottom of the bag to force everything up closer to the top?

I have bags like your MK mini Hamilton. They aren't worth enough to sell. I figure that as long as I carry them once or twice a year, I'm getting my money's worth.

I’ve noticed bags on Fashionphile and Yoogi’s that would have been gone quickly but are now sitting a while. So, I do think it’s slowing. It could just be more outlets means more supply. But, it’s certainly not like it was before.

I’ve had two lambskin bags dyed. One just barely touched up where there were scratches from the previous owner. The other all over when the true condition wasn’t disclosed. The one dyed all over does have a bit of a texture difference but nothing significant. Now that could be because less dye is used when you stay the same color.

This is glazed calf which has an odd-ish texture anyway from the glazing. So I don’t think dying would do that much harm.

The JC has a fold over flap which in combo with the super slouchy shape makes finding things hard. this is an old photo but I had those athletic leggings on at the gym today too.

The round shape plus super soft material (it’s sueded lambskin but, so soft it feels like fabric) makes me think a rectangular bag insert would be visible from the outside and look odd / bumpy.
Stock photo on model to show approx. how it looks on. Although it certainly wouldn’t hold that perfect round shape unless stuffed to the gills

 

[whateve]

I’ve noticed bags on Fashionphile and Yoogi’s that would have been gone quickly but are now sitting a while. So, I do think it’s slowing. It could just be more outlets means more supply. But, it’s certainly not like it was before.

I’ve had two lambskin bags dyed. One just barely touched up where there were scratches from the previous owner. The other all over when the true condition wasn’t disclosed. The one dyed all over does have a bit of a texture difference but nothing significant. Now that could be because less dye is used when you stay the same color.

This is glazed calf which has an odd-ish texture anyway from the glazing. So I don’t think dying would do that much harm.

The JC has a fold over flap which in combo with the super slouchy shape makes finding things hard. View attachment 4448179 this is an old photo but I had those athletic leggings on at the gym today too.

The round shape plus super soft material (it’s sueded lambskin but, so soft it feels like fabric) makes me think a rectangular bag insert would be visible from the outside and look odd / bumpy.
Stock photo on model to show approx. how it looks on. Although it certainly wouldn’t hold that perfect round shape unless stuffed to the gills View attachment 4448187

I think the problem is with the fold over flap. It seems like too much work to unzip, unfold the flap and then reach inside. Once that flap is unfolded, it is a long reach to the bottom. I can't think of a solution that would work with this style. I never buy fold over bags. I do buy flaps but not when the opening is at the end of the flap.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I think the problem is with the fold over flap. It seems like too much work to unzip, unfold the flap and then reach inside. Once that flap is unfolded, it is a long reach to the bottom. I can't think of a solution that would work with this style. I never buy fold over bags. I do buy flaps but not when the opening is at the end of the flap.

Yep. You nailed it. This was my one because it is so cute. But, I’ll never buy this style again. I’m an easy access / structured bag gal all the way.

So now, what to do about the bag since it’s not selling. It’s a $1700 bag that’s only 3 years old on very good condition. I have it listed for $450 so it’s not like I’m trying to hold to a high price. DD doesn’t like it and I don’t have friends into bags. Hmmmm

 

[jbags07]

I’ve wondered how you were. Nice to hear back from you. Sorry about what happened. My Mom died at a young age of 52, more than 25 years ago. We didn’t get to be close because at that time she was a bit uptight with finances and I sort of resented that. Or maybe I just couldn’t grasp why she was like that when I believed we had enough. And she was not warm like parents are now. There was distance, but she definitely cared for us. Anyway, I feel like we would have been closer years later, when everyone was working and they wouldn’t have to support us. But then she was gone. I guess what I’m saying is, given the chance we would have been really close.

Wow. Very strange to read this as my mom also died 25 years ago, at the age of 51. And my experience was similar. So hard on so many levels, isn’t it!

 

[jbags07]

Sparkle’s May Stats

Month:
Bags In / Out: 0 / 1
SLG’s In / Out: 0 / 0

YTD:
Bags In / Out: 1 / 3
SLG’s In / Out: 0 / 0

TOTAL: Bags: 22, SLG’s: 3

I have 3 bags still left to sell. But, I’m waffling on all three.

Re: the Chanel. I’m seeing that others like this aren’t selling. And, I’ve gotten consistently low offers. So, I really think I’d have to take a four figure bath to sell. I’m absolutely, 100%, unequivocally not willing to do that. I’d rather dye it and enjoy it. (Or even wear it as a hat. LOL!) I know many have told me not to dye it but, I’ve had other bags dyed and been happy with the results. At this point, I’m not wearing it and it’s not selling. So... what’s really the downside?

The Jimmy Choo isn’t moving either. I actually love the look of this bag. I just hate the slouchiness. I can’t find my things so, it drives me batty. I tried pouches but, shocker! they got lost too. Help!! I’m open to all suggestions. Perhaps a bag organizer? Do they exist for slouchy bags? I hate “rooting” around for my things!!!!

The last is my MK mini Hamilton. This bag has worked harder for me than anything else in my life. I haven’t worn it in at least 2 1/2 years but, I keep thinking “what if?” It’s worth next to nothing so, I’m tempted to keep it. But, I don’t like extra stuff in my house soooo...? I dunno.

Is the handbag market slower than in previous years? I’ve never had as much trouble selling bags. And, I’ve sold over 150 bags at all price points from $25 to $4000. Is there a glut of supply? Are people less interested in bag? I wondered as traffic on tPF and tPB seems to be slowing too. Even more reason for me to buy veeeeeery carefully going forward.

With regard to your question about the handbag market...gosh i think its super slow right now....i’ve only ever sold my bags on ebay, and i used to do really well. But now it seems like people want bargains, and they are very difficult to deal with. Things have really changed. It’s almost not worth it, unless you are selling premier bags you can expect to take a huge hit. I’ve lost so much money on bags still new with tags, i am going to be much less impulsive with my buying!

Keep your Chanel! Not worth losing that much money. I love Samorga organizers for my LV and Chanel, but there are lots of other options on Etsy. Many sellers customize, so perhaps one can create the perfect organizer for your Jimmy Choo?

 

[msd_bags]

Wow. Very strange to read this as my mom also died 25 years ago, at the age of 51. And my experience was similar. So hard on so many levels, isn’t it!

I sort of have a lot of 'what ifs' now.

 

[msd_bags]

I’m happy to share my new Massaccesi bag. Zhoe Legend in Port Merinos leather.

 

[papertiger]

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.

Most designer stuff is a snooze fest atm. I think it's because we have better.

I like Gucci's Zumi bag and some jewellery, otherwise I just miss my SAs. I wish Gucci would lose money just so they'd do something different again, I have mountains of vintage clothes that look like Gucci's RTW, what I need is elegant, well made, well cut pieces that calm down all my vintage stuff.

Chanel's costume jewellery is appalling quality. I still have a beautiful runway chain belt every time I wear it another stone falls out. Chanel undoubtedly looks good on others, I have a couple of jackets, bags, shoes etc but mainly I still don't feel grownup enough to pull it off. I can't help but feel like Chanel looks great on very young, 'ladies of millage' and those who are ultra-petit and/or feminine. I think I should do a Chanel challenge to wear the stuff I have... and that'll include RTW.

Dior I have not forgiven for it's terrible CS in Harrods. I had a bag on hold and they sold it, they had one more the UK and it was faulty. I'm pretty sure that's why 'mine' was sold before. I don't go into LV, it's hard to find anything that isn't branded, not impossible but hard.

 

[papertiger]

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'm not happy with H scarves for this and the forth coming season. They seem to put all their efforts into 1 or 2 designs and the others are just afterthoughts. I bought 2 scarves this season, the Perspectives, a heaven-sent reissue I've been wanting forever. Had the cws been better I would have bought many more than one. Equateaur (Wash) was another design I didn't have, and I love the Aqua colour. No idea if I'm buying anything this AW, I do have a soft spot for Act III, I managed to acquire 3 cws in the 90s but it is busy. I do like eyeliner and bandana scarves but there's no doubt these are cheaper for H to make.

Which past season scarf did you have to pay over the odds for, was it Samurai?

Before I forget Brora https://www.brora.co.uk/cashmere/women or Johnstons of Elgin https://www.johnstonsofelgin.com/retail/womens.html cashmere. I can't tell you if they'll do the perfect shape black V for you but they usually do classic colours as well as more fancy stuff. I had a real blow-out in the sales in Edinburgh (great time to buy cashmere!) including the most lovely shawl. I'm pretty sure some H's new offerings are made by Johnstons including the reverse weave men's 100 Caducee Rock that says 'Made in Great Britain' as I had scarf by them made in exactly the same way years ago.

 

[papertiger]

View attachment 4448418 I’m happy to share my new Massaccesi bag. Zhoe Legend in Port Merinos leather.

That's lovey, modded wonderfully too

I feel as though designer bags are getting uglier, logo-louder and more ridiculous and contemporary is looking better.

 

[papertiger]

I’m back in my hometown as I just had to be here for the next step in care for my mother. She is doing ok but, highly resistant to the OT she needs to do. DH couldn’t join me and my BFF is out of town so, I’m low on support. But, get through this, I will.

Let’s think about happy - anyone up for purse challenges in June? How about we do a flashback to a couple golden oldies along with two new ones?

I’m going to combine “Least 3” and “Summer madness.” It’s time to get some of my fun / warm weather bags out to play. I’m focusing on my cream Diorama, yellow Miss Dior and pink Miss Dior.

I feel for you dear Sparkle. I lost my mother last year after a fight on and off for years (she was born with a heart defect).

I want to do Summer Madness too.

We could also do a 'wear your bag as a hat' challenge

 

[papertiger]

This is one of the ones I have but I wanted a bit more structure. There are so many different kinds . Just make sure you measure your bag and check their measurements before you order something.

I like that one. Is it felt?

 

[papertiger]

I think the handbag market is slower. I'm having a terrible time selling. Only the cheapest items sell. Yet in the market for the items I sell, I'm seeing others listed at high prices and people buying them.

My biggest concern with dyeing a bag would be how it changes the texture.

Is the problem with the Jimmy Choo that it is too deep? I have problems with tall slouchy hobos. They kind of fold up into themselves, and everything is jumbled together in the bottom. An organizer might help. If you don't need all the room, would it help to put some padding into the bottom of the bag to force everything up closer to the top?

I have bags like your MK mini Hamilton. They aren't worth enough to sell. I figure that as long as I carry them once or twice a year, I'm getting my money's worth.

Don't you think the pre-loved market always slows in Summer?

According to friends who do it full time for living no, but I think people make-do for Summer much more than Winter and are certainly making do in the UK's uncertain economy atm.

 

[papertiger]

May stats

Bags
In 0
Out 0

SLG
In 1 Hermes Gold Swift Eazip Book Holder in the Globe Trotter size. It's like an agenda holder without the steel hooks, easy generic notebook holder for me and I've already bought 3 that fit perfectly for apron $5 each in Waterstones. The Eazip has a zipped pocket as the front flap.
Out 0

Restocked on cashmere in the sale (this is part of an annual 'thing').