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

[Sparkletastic]

I am the same way with flats!!! I hear so many people raving about the comfort of various flats and then I try some out and they rip my heels to shreds. And then, if the leather isn’t soft enough, I have pain on the sides of my foot near the bones where they come into contact with the shoe. And my heels also hurt from walking without padding because I must not have enough cushion there. I think that the Gucci loafers could work for me but I haven’t wanted to spend that much money on shoes other than at Hermes in awhile. Right now, I’m living in all my flat-ish booties since it’s winter where I live! I love boots and booties and I have way too many shoes in general. But flat boots work for me in a way that flats do not. I also have so many professional clothes and shoes that I won’t wear much for awhile now that I’m in school for the foreseeable future. But it wouldn’t make sense to get rid of them. I’ll have to count up my shoes so I can post what I find out!

Yes!!! Flats are just not comfy for my foot.
Gucci heels are really comfortable so maybe I should try their flats.

Your professional clothes should last til after grad school. They don’t change very much skirt length or pant bottom width (bootcut, straight, etc.). New buttons or a quick tailoring can update clothes more than you’d think. One of my favorite suits is older than my daughter and it always gets tons of compliments.

Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate all of the vulnerability you share with us in your personal stories, your great analysis of the next bag you are pondering and the thought provoking questions and challenges. You are great at facilitating a grand conversation on this thread!


I think the weight and strap width are terrific advantages. Your Valentino has some similar features with my Etoupe Hermes Evelyne. Re: the unlined part, I use a bag insert/organizer. It could offer your bag a little structure depending on the one you choose, if that’s a route you’d consider. I wear more black rather than brown, so I can see how the idea of a brown bag might be perceived as a con. Your bag is a lovely shade and can be a year round neutral. I have admired this particular style and I think it’s a great bag in your amazing collection. Enjoy using it in the weeks ahead and best wishes with your decision!


Wise words!

You are such a sweethewrt and always encouraging!

I have trouble finding comfortable flats. The only truly comfortable ones I ever found were made by Ugg. They were well padded.

I'm a Coach authenticator on the forum. If you find a vintage Coach you like, we can authenticate it for you on the Coach AT thread. I became an authenticator because I had bought a fake. Then I went on a mission to learn everything I could so that would never happen to me again.

i don’t know why more shoes in general aren’t well padded. I used to live in coach pumps say 12ish years ago because they were so well padded. It can’t cost much to provide a comfortable foot bed. So why don’t manufacturers do it. For a while Cole Hawn has a line of shoes with supposed Nike technology but I think they cut that out as I haven’t seen it recently. I just don’t get why shoes are constructed with a bias more to comfort - no matter the height of heel.

And thanks for the offer on the vintage Coach. I think I’ll start hunting and will definitely come to you for advice.

I adore those McQueens...but you must be a lot younger! I would have jumped in the Uber after a 1/2 hour and taken them off on the way HOME!!

Thanks! Pink is my favorite color and it’s hard to find in clothes / shoes that aren’t too twee.

And lol! I have no idea how old you are but I’m not a baby. HA! I do pick my shoes to be comfy which helps. I don’t “suffer for beauty”. And, I add pads at the ball of the foot in almost all my heels. But, I do think I just have feet that do well in heels....and horribly in flats.

 

[Dawn Brockman]

Yes!!! Flats are just not comfy for my foot.
Gucci heels are really comfortable so maybe I should try their flats.

Your professional clothes should last til after grad school. They don’t change very much skirt length or pant bottom width (bootcut, straight, etc.). New buttons or a quick tailoring can update clothes more than you’d think. One of my favorite suits is older than my daughter and it always gets tons of compliments.
You are such a sweethewrt and always encouraging!
i don’t know why more shoes in general aren’t well padded. I used to live in coach pumps say 12ish years ago because they were so well padded. It can’t cost much to provide a comfortable foot bed. So why don’t manufacturers do it. For a while Cole Hawn has a line of shoes with supposed Nike technology but I think they cut that out as I haven’t seen it recently. I just don’t get why shoes are constructed with a bias more to comfort - no matter the height of heel.

And thanks for the offer on the vintage Coach. I think I’ll start hunting and will definitely come to you for advice.
Thanks! Pink is my favorite color and it’s hard to find in clothes / shoes that aren’t too twee.

And lol! I have no idea how old you are but I’m not a baby. HA! I do pick my shoes to be comfy which helps. I don’t “suffer for beauty”. And, I add pads at the ball of the foot in almost all my heels. But, I do think I just have feet that do well in heels....and horribly in flats.

Lucky you! In my 20s 30s 40s, I ran around in heels like they were nothing. In my 50s I blew 3 disks and the nerve damage twisted my feet pretty badly. It’s now really tough to find a comfortable heel. About the only designer shoe I can wear in a heel is a Stuart Weitzman. Sigh.

 

[vink]

I like medium to large bags in general, working breeds as I am fond of calling them, but am allowing myself several, small cuties that will sit on a shelf mostly. One of them has a kisslock inside. Another that people sell for over $100 that I scored for $3 at a flee market, in British Tan, my Achilles heel.

I’m all for practicality. But yes. I do spend money on crazy bags because it’s cute. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

 

[vink]

I am the same way with flats!!! I hear so many people raving about the comfort of various flats and then I try some out and they rip my heels to shreds. And then, if the leather isn’t soft enough, I have pain on the sides of my foot near the bones where they come into contact with the shoe. And my heels also hurt from walking without padding because I must not have enough cushion there. I think that the Gucci loafers could work for me but I haven’t wanted to spend that much money on shoes other than at Hermes in awhile. Right now, I’m living in all my flat-ish booties since it’s winter where I live! I love boots and booties and I have way too many shoes in general. But flat boots work for me in a way that flats do not. I also have so many professional clothes and shoes that I won’t wear much for awhile now that I’m in school for the foreseeable future. But it wouldn’t make sense to get rid of them. I’ll have to count up my shoes so I can post what I find out!

Frankly speaking, I don’t like flats. They’re too flat and not comfortable. I’ve tried them all; Chanel, Tods, Ferragamo, Next, etc. whatever people raves about. I prefer sneakers and Hush puppies. Clarks sometimes.

 

[vink]

Gorgeous NYE present, I’ll bet it looks amazing with your red gown!


Congratulations on your recent shopping wins and whoa, what a lovely Gaby!

Thanks! [emoji4]

 

[vink]

This is my only pair of heels and I can run in it. [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16]

But I refuse to go any higher or with smaller heels. This one, although looks weird, has a nice balance just fine.

 

[eggtartapproved]

Surprisingly, Michael Kors has really comfortable flats. My personal goto favourites are Cole Haan, and MK for work; I recently discovered a brand called Vionic (can find them at Nordstrom) but their styles are hit and miss but I believe they are designed by actual foot doctors. Coach shoes are quite comfy too.

 

[vink]

Surprisingly, Michael Kors has really comfortable flats. My personal goto favourites are Cole Haan, and MK for work; I recently discovered a brand called Vionic (can find them at Nordstrom) but their styles are hit and miss but I believe they are designed by actual foot doctors. Coach shoes are quite comfy too.

I need to try those. But after I worn out all my new shoes though. [emoji16]

 

[vink]

Happy new year to everyone!

 

[ElainePG]

Please, I understand. I am not trying to out-tragic you, lol, but it does seem even more pathetic that I have gone back and forth and around the block, over hot mess rehab specials no less !!
But you mentioned it was, the new word I learned here, fiddly. And one thing I know for me, fiddly bags do not last long!!

That's it exactly!!!
So when I use it over the next few weeks, I'm just going to not use the top clasp at all. I'll carry it as an open tote. I don't live in a city, and I don't take public transportation (there isn't very much here... now THAT is what I call tragic, lol!). So I honestly feel safe leaving the top of the bag un-clasped. And then I'll just see how I feel.

 

[ElainePG]

I think the weight and strap width are terrific advantages. Your Valentino has some similar features with my Etoupe Hermes Evelyne. Re: the unlined part, I use a bag insert/organizer. It could offer your bag a little structure depending on the one you choose, if that’s a route you’d consider. I wear more black rather than brown, so I can see how the idea of a brown bag might be perceived as a con. Your bag is a lovely shade and can be a year round neutral. I have admired this particular style and I think it’s a great bag in your amazing collection. Enjoy using it in the weeks ahead and best wishes with your decision!

I hadn't thought of a bag organizer. That's interesting!
And I hadn't made the connection between my bag and the Evelyne, but of course you're absolutely right... they are very much the same proportions, aren't they. Is the Evelyne also unlined? I know my H scarves, but I have yet to slide down the slippery orange slope of H leather goods!

 

[ipsum]

@ElainePG are studs really over?? Cuz I’m still out there looking for the perfect studded bag or shoes for myself [emoji33]

I think anything edgy and milleniallish is in at the moment but wear anything you feel comfortable and love wearing. I remember when mini skirts was hot back in my teenage years but never felt good trotting around with minimal piece of cloth and getting unwanted stares… I definitely couldn’t wear it with grace thought some of my peers were able to and they looked stunning because they loved the mini style!

I don't think you should rely on strangers on the internet for investment advice. You can ask but then you should do your own research. There is information about all the funds available on the Internet. It seems overwhelming at first. We both have our IRAs split among 4 funds each. Each fund has a different portfolio so it balances out. Don't just look at stock funds. Consider bond funds too.

We were with Fidelity for a very long time. Most investment companies give you special service, including a dedicated advisor, if you have enough money with them. We left when they asked my husband to get a power of attorney to manage his money. They were implying he wasn't competent to manage his own money! DH didn't do the research before he jumped from Fidelity because he was so mad, that we went to Wells Fargo, which was a huge mistake. Now we are at Schwab. We make our own decisions, the fees are low, and we can move things around and take withdrawals online without talking to anyone.

Great advice and yup, it seems very überhelming with all the options available and the infomercials looks like skincare ads... a lot of promises plus I have to take into account which my country tax policy favors... I'll study all day today just about investing and bonds too.

I'd be irked away too if any fund advisor would ask unlimited PoA to maintain my funds... If it was limited to certain part then I do understand, because banking sectory (at least in my country) is as heavily regulated as health care so they cannot basicly do anything without PoA on behalf of me. Great you're happy with Schwab.

What is everyone’s favorite pair of shoes?

Alexander McQueen pink sandals looks very cute. My favourite is pair of leather lace-up shoes from late 90s. Of course I've to take it to be re-soled once a while but they are so well made and timeless. No wonder that the company filed bankruptcy. Not enough business if every customer buy a new pair of shoes from them after two decades… I sort of understand why the quality has decreased radically.

I feel like I need much more variety in my shoes than my bags. Do they rest of you feel that way?

I’m using actively maybe 5 pairs but I’ve over 300 pairs so I’m definitely on a ban (or one in one out). I’vent bought a single pair last year and don’t feel the urge to buy anytime soon. I’m more than content with my shoe collection. Major slippery slope had been 70-80 % off from secondary market and that I worked at a shoe importer office where I had access to any pairs in my wildest dream from the brands we presented.

Working breeds Lolol. I love it. I’m also a lover of working breeds.

This is my favourite working breed:

I am the same way with flats!!! I hear so many people raving about the comfort of various flats and then I try some out and they rip my heels to shreds. And then, if the leather isn’t soft enough, I have pain on the sides of my foot near the bones where they come into contact with the shoe. And my heels also hurt from walking without padding because I must not have enough cushion there.

Lucky you! In my 20s 30s 40s, I ran around in heels like they were nothing. In my 50s I blew 3 disks and the nerve damage twisted my feet pretty badly. It’s now really tough to find a comfortable heel. About the only designer shoe I can wear in a heel is a Stuart Weitzman. Sigh.

Frankly speaking, I don’t like flats. They’re too flat and not comfortable. I’ve tried them all; Chanel, Tods, Ferragamo, Next, etc. whatever people raves about. I prefer sneakers and Hush puppies. Clarks sometimes.

@Rhl2987, @Dawn Brockman, @vink
If you can find any of German speaking brands like Rieker, Högl or Gabor, I highly recommend checking them out especially their comfort line with padded insoles!

I feel you @Rhl2987. I guess a bone near my ankle joint is grown lower than average too so ballerinas and sneakers are one of those models I have to try one first but the rest (boots, mules, heels) I can buy without trying.

 

[HopelessBagGirl]

I recommend these for insanely sneaker like comfy in a heel: https://www.betabrand.com/womens/shoes/athletic-inspired-travel-heels-pumps-black
I own them and love them. I also have a pair of sofft Mary Jane heels similar to these and they are comfy but not as comfy as the betabrand.

 

[Miss_Dawn]

Shoes.

I shall try to engage with the shoe diaries. However, I don’t generally feel much of an emotional attachment to shoes

And yet I own about a hundred pairs. Much more than the average person and 25x as many as @vink, but 200-ish less than @ipsum

My mother is a shoes person. My father gave her a new shoe cupboard for their last anniversary Before my wedding, she and I went shopping to buy a dozen shoes to coordinate with every colour in my wardrobe

I’m satisfied with my collection. I largely operate a one in one out policy at this stage, and I throw shoes away reasonably frequently. I don’t buy preloved shoes.

I have:
- a cupboard in my office with an excellent mix of choices for heeled pumps (around 10 pairs),
- a series of shoe organisers under the bed which fit about 60 pairs,
- some of the superbrands in boxes (around 15 pairs)
- some boots and sneakers on a shoe rack by the door (around 6 pairs)
- and a stack of more occasional shoes, maybe 30 pairs, including party shoes and beach shoes (an important category for someone who lives in England ) in dust bags, in my party clothes wardrobe. I attend a lot of formal events and parties, so I have a separate party clothes wardrobe.

Of these, I have about 25 superbrands. Mix of brands. Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent and Armani.

Why do I have so many shoes? I need lots of categories of shoes. For party wear I do coordinate colours. For work, I wear suits and blazers and I have heeled pumps to coordinate with whatever colour shirt / blazer I’m wearing. I have a lot of ballet pumps for commuting, mostly Prada and Gucci.

I don’t like boots. I have two pairs. My feet feel a bit claustrophobic in boots.

I don’t have many pictures of shoes, but here’s a few I can find on my phone. Two examples of the types of tall heels I wear in office (Chanel, Prada), and 3-4 examples of my “uniform” of ballet pumps (Prada, Miu Miu, Gucci).

Eta: I do feel an emotional attachment to some shoes, just not shoes in general (unlike bags). The navy & black Chanel pumps for example, Mr Dawn chose and gave me as a complete surprise. When I got promoted to Director last year, I started wearing them a lot more because they felt very “power dressing”. Now those shoes make me feel strong

 

[Rhl2987]

Shoes.

I shall try to engage with the shoe diaries. However, I don’t generally feel much of an emotional attachment to shoes

And yet I own about a hundred pairs. Much more than the average person and 25x as many as @vink, but 200-ish less than @ipsum

My mother is a shoes person. My father gave her a new shoe cupboard for their last anniversary Before my wedding, she and I went shopping to buy a dozen shoes to coordinate with every colour in my wardrobe

I’m satisfied with my collection. I largely operate a one in one out policy at this stage, and I throw shoes away reasonably frequently. I don’t buy preloved shoes.

I have:
- a cupboard in my office with an excellent mix of choices for heeled pumps (around 10 pairs),
- a series of shoe organisers under the bed which fit about 60 pairs,
- some of the superbrands in boxes (around 15 pairs)
- some boots and sneakers on a shoe rack by the door (around 6 pairs)
- and a stack of more occasional shoes, maybe 30 pairs, including party shoes and beach shoes (an important category for someone who lives in England ) in dust bags, in my party clothes wardrobe. I attend a lot of formal events and parties, so I have a separate party clothes wardrobe.

Of these, I have about 25 superbrands. Mix of brands. Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent and Armani.

Why do I have so many shoes? I need lots of categories of shoes. For party wear I do coordinate colours. For work, I wear suits and blazers and I have heeled pumps to coordinate with whatever colour shirt / blazer I’m wearing. I have a lot of ballet pumps for commuting, mostly Prada and Gucci.

I don’t like boots. I have two pairs. My feet feel a bit claustrophobic in boots.

I don’t have many pictures of shoes, but here’s a few I can find on my phone. Two examples of the types of tall heels I wear in office (Chanel, Prada), and 3-4 examples of my “uniform” of ballet pumps (Prada, Miu Miu, Gucci).

Eta: I do feel an emotional attachment to some shoes, just not shoes in general (unlike bags). The navy & black Chanel pumps for example, Mr Dawn chose and gave me as a complete surprise. When I got promoted to Director last year, I started wearing them a lot more because they felt very “power dressing”. Now those shoes make me feel strong

Lovely! Can tell you like the round toe shoes [emoji4]