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

[ElainePG]

[QUOTE="Cookiefiend, post: 33461078, member: 617259"
Hrmmm - but you don’t want to wear dressier shoes because you’re just running errands. The outfit sounds great, but having to hold onto a clutch isn’t easy while getting errands done.
I have one clutch - for formal events only. even then it has a thin chain so I can pop it on my shoulder.[/QUOTE]
This clutch has a chain, so I could potentially carry it on my shoulder, but I don't know if I like the look of a thin dressy gold chain with casual sneakers. And for sure I want to wear my most comfy shoes when I'm running around town doing errands.
So now I'm thinking, I might could carry this clutch when dressed semi-casually (still in jeans, but nicer shoes), but going someplace (like to lunch) as opposed to running errands.

 

[muchstuff]

Oops… forgot to post the photo!

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I think the clutch looks fine with the outfit but needs a black boot rather than the footwear you’re wearing.

 

[papertiger]

Thank you again i just purchased my first H scarf today after having it authenticated over on the authentication thread

So pleased for you.

 

[dcooney4]

I really like my new Ferragamo Studio bag.
It’s the small size, holds everything AND it’s a great red. Smooth leather inside and out, not too heavy, has both a top handle and a nice shoulder strap. Also not fussy to get into!
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Stunning!

 

[Cookiefiend]

Stunning!

Thank you sweetie!

 

[dcooney4]

[QUOTE="Cookiefiend, post: 33461078, member: 617259"
Hrmmm - but you don’t want to wear dressier shoes because you’re just running errands. The outfit sounds great, but having to hold onto a clutch isn’t easy while getting errands done.
I have one clutch - for formal events only. even then it has a thin chain so I can pop it on my shoulder.

This clutch has a chain, so I could potentially carry it on my shoulder, but I don't know if I like the look of a thin dressy gold chain with casual sneakers. And for sure I want to wear my most comfy shoes when I'm running around town doing errands.
So now I'm thinking, I might could carry this clutch when dressed semi-casually (still in jeans, but nicer shoes), but going someplace (like to lunch) as opposed to running errands.[/QUOTE]
I think that might work better. I hate not being hands free when running errands.

 

[ElainePG]

I think the clutch looks fine with the outfit but needs a black boot rather than the footwear you’re wearing.

Yes, I think you're right. An ankle boot? Black???

 

[jbags07]

You betcha!
Can’t wait to see your new H scarf - they are so beautiful! Congratulations and welcome to the silky side!
(Or slide - iykwim )

Why thank you and i can see where this can easily be a silky slide

 

[jbags07]

I saw your post on the AT. So glad you found one. It looks like a goodie!

So pleased for you.

Thank you both so much

 

[jbags07]

Oops… forgot to post the photo!

View attachment 4599855

Oh i love this clutch, and the whole outfit/scarf looks great with it...i do agree with @muchstuff that black boots would tie everything together nicely....

 

[Cookiefiend]

This clutch has a chain, so I could potentially carry it on my shoulder, but I don't know if I like the look of a thin dressy gold chain with casual sneakers. And for sure I want to wear my most comfy shoes when I'm running around town doing errands.
So now I'm thinking, I might could carry this clutch when dressed semi-casually (still in jeans, but nicer shoes), but going someplace (like to lunch) as opposed to running errands.

I think that might work better. I hate not being hands free when running errands.[/QUOTE]
I think you’re right - that’s an excellent plan.
And I like the ankle bootie idea too, though a full boot would work too.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Hey, all. Sorry, I’ve been AWOL. I think I mentioned, Mr. Sparkle has been quite ill. At one point, we thought we would lose him. I thought I was going to lose my mind. He’s my everything.

But, he’s much better now. So, I’m taking time out to be incredibly grateful, decompress and enjoy the complete lightness of bag candy.

We've gone through the list of contemporary designers as per TPF. We have five premier designers left. Since there haven't been a ton of posts let's do the last five all together this week. Then next week we can do all of the designers that you have that haven't been covered by the TPF lists.
So, this week, unless anyone has an objection, we'll do:
Prada
Proenza Schouler
Saint Laurent
Tods
Valentino

Thanks for keeping us on track. You’re awesome!

Back home - woot!
We had a lovely time in Paris, but I’m reporting back about the shoe question...
I did bring the ones with the chunky heel and wore them twice.
View attachment 4595768
And that’s the last time I’ll ever wear them again. They were SO uncomfortable. They fit fine when I bought them, but the first time I wore them, my feet kept sliding forward in them (even though I wasn’t wearing hosiery), so I thought I’d just put gel pads at the ball of my foot and would be okay. Nope-ity, nope nope.
They are well made shoes, but too wide. Humbug!

Oh no! You look quite chic so I’m sorry the shoes are a no go. Did you wear them a bit before the trip? The last time I was in Paris I took relatively new shoes and completely regretted it. I know better and should have taken ones that were broken in. But, the cuteness factor fogged my brain.

Did you get any new cute finds?

I’ve sold many bags in the past so it’s not a new thing for me but I’ve realized that there are definitely bags in my collection that I’m hanging onto for no good reason. I know the feeling I get when I carry a bag and it simply works for me. That’s what I need from every bag in my closet. The work begins...but it’s such a bad time to sell, the market’s sooooo slowwwww.

Kudos to you for getting to this key insight. I think it’s the pivotal one needed to truly curate a great collection.

I’m not sure what country you’re in but, in the US and several other countries we are approaching the holiday / buying season. So it’s the best time to offload bags. List them ASAP.

I've done that for the past four years, due to the influence of this thread. I just went through my notes to see what I've let go (because, who can remember???). Since 2016 I've donated/sold 23 bags. Eek! But here's the thing. I don't miss a single one of them. I've never reached into my closet and thought "Drat. If only I still had ______."

Last year we had a "love it or list it" challenge at the beginning of the year. Maybe it would be good to do that again in 2020?

Yes!!! This thread has been so influential in getting me to make the hard calls to sell bags (and clothes and anything else) that I don’t love and use. And except for 2 bags, I haven’t regretted selling any of the 150+ I’ve sold. Pretty good hit rate. I’m learning that if I’m in doubt, just sell it.

Agreed. Isn't that interesting? I'm coming to the conclusion that emptying the closet feels better than filling it!

Yes! I like the free physical and mental space. Plus I love knowing I haven’t wasted money on bags that sit on shelves / in boxes.

And, when I do buy an item, I find I adore it because I’ve taken time to really consider it. So it’s win / win. No museum pieces and ever upgraded items to wear!

 

[Sparkletastic]

I’m skimming so much. Please don’t feel slighted if I missed a juicy post of yours.

I've done that for the past four years, due to the influence of this thread. I just went through my notes to see what I've let go (because, who can remember???). Since 2016 I've donated/sold 23 bags. Eek! But here's the thing. I don't miss a single one of them. I've never reached into my closet and thought "Drat. If only I still had ______."

Last year we had a "love it or list it" challenge at the beginning of the year. Maybe it would be good to do that again in 2020?

omg! I just counted. Since 2016 I’ve sold 56 bags.

I’m comfortable with my current 21 bags but need about 5 more to fill in gaps.

And, yes. Let’s do a LI or LI challenge in the new

We had a fabulous time - had a couple rainy days, had a spectacular time in the Champagne region and had two tastings. One at Pierre Gimonnet (love their Special Clubs) and at Gaston Chiquet where we even we taken down to the caves! Since I’m also reading about the history of this region, it was fascinating.
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Oceans of Champagne!
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We walked through Notre-Dame de Reims - where all of France’s kings were coronated. There were windows by Marc Chagall! I have a thing for beautiful old churches.
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We spent a day at the Louvre:
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I carried the Dinky to Champagne and to the Louvre - it’s a no fuss no muss purse and light weight. While it is small, I can take ID and a CC and put them in the kiss lock pocket where they are very safe, that leaves room for my epipen, a lippy, sunglasses, phone and tissues. Though the phone is in the exterior back pocket.
I carried the K one afternoon walking (in the rain), to dinner without a shoulder/crossbody strap (two places had little places for me to set the purse so it wasn’t on the floor - so nice,), and to the Atelier de Lumiere - which was really cool, but made us so dizzy we had to sit down! The K got pretty wet one day, but I had moisturized and polished her before we left just in case that might happen. She did look a little rough that afternoon, but by evening she was as good as new.
I saw a few B’s in the hotel, lots of LV, a few Proenza Schoulers, quite a few Goyards, and a lot YSL. We did go to H at Faubourg and honestly I didn’t pay any attention to who was wearing what except for the very regal woman who was carrying a Goyard Jeanne - it was very nice. When we walked to the Louvre, we walked down Rue Faubourg... me gasping “Ohmigoodness - there’s Moynat, Delvaux, Goyard, X, Y, and Z!!’, the entire way.
Mr Cookie says ‘I’ve never heard of these brands.”
Oh! And I did take the K to Hermes while wearing my Della Cavaliere moussie.

Great photos. And you are a cutie!

Thank you so much! This was for our 40th anniversary - it was very special.

40th?! Yea, so you got married in grade school?

Certainly buying bags is easier and less time consuming than selling.

Yes! But it should be the reverse. Lol! I am reeeeaaaalllly slow to buy now. In part because I love what I have and have adopted your view that any new bag has to upgrade / add to my collection. But, also because I can’t stand any more selling. I need to know that what I buy is absolutely the right bag and won’t require any rehoming any times soon.

So everyone is having trouble selling lately it seems like? I thought it was just me, but a couple of you have mentioned a slow market....usually this time of year is a good time to sell, i wonder why things are so slow?

This year has been slower for me. I'm way behind what I've usually done by this time of year. I think there is more competition and less bargains for buyers. Sellers like me are forced to raise prices to cover fees and postage, which have gone up, and now that most selling sites collect sales tax, buyers have to factor that in when they are considering if your item is a bargain.

I think there's more to it though than just taxes and shipping costs. Even HG bags that would have disappeared in hours are now just sitting, even with reasonably low asking prices. I personally blame Marie Kondo for the whole thing .

I’ll offer a couple more factors that I think are causing sales to be slow is the economies of most countries are doing well. People are / feel more prosperous so they are more likely to buy new than in tighter economic times.

And, I think the handbag craze peaked and we are on a gentle decline to the “normal” demand.

My only contribution this week with Proenza Schouler PS Courier small - truly a @Sparkletastic bag!
It’s adorable and all my things fit perfectly!
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So glad you are enjoying this bag. She deserved a happy home!

 

[Sparkletastic]

OK. I give up on trying to read everything. Lol! My last comments.

And did you see? She now has HER OWN e-site, where she's selling ALL KINDS of useless junk! $75 for a tuning fork and crystal, which supposedly reset your… um… something?

I hope I haven't offended anyone. Maybe tuning forks and crystals work. I'm certainly all for meditation; I do it every evening. But $75 feels like a lot of $$$ for something that will most likely gather dust. Especially when it's being sold by the guru of "tidying up." And don't get me started on the brass tool holder for your kitchen counter, which can be yours for a mere $275.

Seriously?!? I guess it’s hard to turn a profit and stay true to the “less is more” philosophy. LOL!

Hermes scarves are at an all-time low - I am seeing things sell for shockingly low prices. (Of course, if I were still acquiring I'd be happy!). And I have two Trims listed that are generating absolutely no interest. IDK why things are so slow....

I have 2 bags and a lot of jewelry posted and it’s all moving like frozen molasses - not at all. Hopeful for the holidays.

Yep. No museums here. I use the good silver for backyard cookouts also, because why not?

Yes!!! Yes!!! A thousand times YES! I don’t “save” anything I can use today. And I try to use my best things the most often.

Having almost lost Mr. S far too soon, I’m glad we haven’t burned very much daylight waiting for tomorrow for what we could have done/ enjoyed / used today.
Life is shorter than we realize. Vibrant health has an even more limited time son. So, please everyone wear / use / do be right now. Don’t wait.

Last night DH took me to dinner to celebrate getting a new job. I took my Gucci Hysteria clutch in violet lizard. and wore a LBD with mink/fox jacket. I think it was all this talk with @ElainePG about her lovely V Bow clutch and how it's made Newley fashionable by the the rise of the BV Pouch. The Hysteria is an excellent roomy size for day or evening, especially since I wasn't feeling in a minimalist mood.

Slightly OT. I used Charlotte Tilbury Clay mask in the afternoon for the first time and I can totally recommend it. I've never had a facemark I can use on the same day as going out.

Yay! Congrats on your job.

Thanks. Yes, it's mainly the color that keeps this bag in my collection!


I also saw a red Halzan! The Halzan is a bag I'd like to have someday, and red would be awesome, but that's not going to work out right now with my budget.
Good to know about the bow clutch not holding much. I realize that a bright red bag is going to be something of a specialty item for me, so it probably should not ALSO be fussy and small.
Do other people have bright red bags they'd like to comment on?

I have two bright red bags. A mini Trussardi Lovy and a jumbo SF lamb Chanel. I love them both and they are great neutrals in my closet.

[QUOTE="Cookiefiend, post: 33461078, member: 617259"
Hrmmm - but you don’t want to wear dressier shoes because you’re just running errands. The outfit sounds great, but having to hold onto a clutch isn’t easy while getting errands done.
I have one clutch - for formal events only. even then it has a thin chain so I can pop it on my shoulder.

This clutch has a chain, so I could potentially carry it on my shoulder, but I don't know if I like the look of a thin dressy gold chain with casual sneakers. And for sure I want to wear my most comfy shoes when I'm running around town doing errands.
So now I'm thinking, I might could carry this clutch when dressed semi-casually (still in jeans, but nicer shoes), but going someplace (like to lunch) as opposed to running errands.[/QUOTE]Perhaps use it when you go to nice causal dinners, etc with your hubby?

 

[essiedub]

Hey, all. Sorry, I’ve been AWOL. I think I mentioned, Mr. Sparkle has been quite ill. At one point, we thought we would lose him. I thought I was going to lose my mind. He’s my everything.

But, he’s much better now. So, I’m taking time out to be incredibly grateful, decompress and enjoy the complete lightness of bag candy.

!

Oh dear. I am sorry you’ve both had to go through this. Really happy to hear that all is better. Health is everything. Happy thanksgiving!