Hugs to you my friend. May the rest of this year be better and next year be the best,Something not good happened to me, well to my house, early December (I’m not ready to talk about it though) and this has kept me from both B&M and online shopping because I am just not in the mood. Plus I have had unexpected expenses following the incident. So I really am safe from shopping, at least for now.
2019 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?
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I'm not too organized when it comes to buying. I don't make lists. There are some things that I decide I want and then start actively looking for. These are usually things I'm looking for on the resale market, so I'm looking for a good price. I don't know 100% that these things will work for me so I want to be able to resell easily if I don't like it. Sometimes I won't be too picky on color as the important thing is to try out the style. Once I know I like the style, I can look again for the perfect color and then I'm willing to pay more.I know we’re all working to be more mindful of (or even ban) our purchases.
So, I’m curious. How do you approach possible buying? Do you have a detailed plan of acquisition with a list of specific models and target dates? Are you looking to fill certain usage gaps like big tote or casual WOC but don’t have a specific model in mind? Are you working without a plan and simply evaluating each bag as it crosses your fancy? Are you still impulsive and struggling to contain buying? Other?
Please share your perspective and any insight on working / not working. And no worries, no matter how haphazard or out of control you feel, most of us have been there and are here for support. Or if you are super rigid and disciplined that’s ok too! No criticism.
For me, I have a specific list of types of bags (not specific models) I need. I’ve developed this list from tracking each time I want to wear a bag I don’t have on my closet. In the last couple years, I’ve gotten good at not going outside my well thought out list. (After years of buying and selling like a manic cuckoo bird. Lol!)
In full transparency, however, I’m “helped” with this as Mr. S buys me at least one bag a year that’s a surprise indulgence. So, I don’t feel the “pain” of being super disciplined. Kinda knowing a surprise will come my way at some point helps me be “good” and not go rogue.
Another part of buying is when I just look in stores to see what I like. Sometimes this will result in an impulse buy. I don't live near good shopping so I only have big shopping trips when we travel. I don't like to buy things online unless it is something I'm already familiar with. When on these shopping trips, I usually look at everything available before I make a decision. I feel I have to make the decision while I'm there because it will be a long time before I get back to the store again. Then I feel like the decision is final since I can't come back to return, so I'm usually pretty careful.
The third buying experience I have is haphazard. This is when I find something special in a thrift store. The price is usually too good to pass up but the item is usually something I never considered before. It is rare that these purchases turn out to be ideal but they are a cheap way to try out a style.
I have a similar issue. Any decent malls are well over an hour away.
I'm at least 3 hours away from decent shopping.
That is way worse. I would do the same as you living that far. By that the hour and forty five minutes is nothing to my favorite mall.
Something not good happened to me, well to my house, early December (I’m not ready to talk about it though) and this has kept me from both B&M and online shopping because I am just not in the mood. Plus I have had unexpected expenses following the incident. So I really am safe from shopping, at least for now.
I'm so sorry *hugs*
My house was completely flooded twice in a year from burst pipes (and I live on the top of a mountain FGS). If it wasn't for kind neighbours lending us their pump to get the water out fast and spell of sunny days after we'd still be drying out.
We've just re-plastered but things are still not back to normal.
I hope your situation resolves satisfactorily, I know that it can feel very lonely and scary at such a time.
Oh dear, I'm so sorry to hear this. Of course you know you can always come here to vent, but it's also okay to have it be private. I totaly understand that after an unexpected bad "something" happens, especially one that costs a lot of $$$, shopping for luxuries would be the last thing on your mind.Something not good happened to me, well to my house, early December (I’m not ready to talk about it though) and this has kept me from both B&M and online shopping because I am just not in the mood. Plus I have had unexpected expenses following the incident. So I really am safe from shopping, at least for now.
Be well… sending good thoughts your way.
Me, too! Which is good news/bads news… I get sucked into looking at items on line, and that can be a slippery slope. On the other hand, I've learned (the hard way) that it really doesn't work for me to buy clothes on line, especially since I've lost weight. So I don't do that any more, which is saving me a lot of disappointments, and is saving Mr. PG a lot of trips to the post office or the UPS store with returns!
It is such a gamble to buy clothes online unless it the same thing as something you already own except in a different color. I hate returning so sometimes I'll keep stuff I don't really like.Me, too! Which is good news/bads news… I get sucked into looking at items on line, and that can be a slippery slope. On the other hand, I've learned (the hard way) that it really doesn't work for me to buy clothes on line, especially since I've lost weight. So I don't do that any more, which is saving me a lot of disappointments, and is saving Mr. PG a lot of trips to the post office or the UPS store with returns!
I’m so sorry. I hope everything resolves easily and that you are in a better place soon.Something not good happened to me, well to my house, early December (I’m not ready to talk about it though) and this has kept me from both B&M and online shopping because I am just not in the mood. Plus I have had unexpected expenses following the incident. So I really am safe from shopping, at least for now.
Yes! And the fact that a “regular” bag stopped me - not a special fancy bag - was surprising to me. The box literally just arrived. I’m going to open and share! Hope it’s love!
When I hunt for preloved bags, it drives me crazy because I want to find it exactly as I want it (style, conditions color, etc.) It gets to be an obsession because I can’t just go out and get it - the time factor keeps it building in my mind.
You seem to have a much more sane approach. Lol!
I have such a low hit rate on buying clothes online that I try to avoid it. I don’t know how people do it. I hate returning items so the uncertainty on fit typically keeps me out of the online marketplace unless it’s accessories or sometimes shoes.Me, too! Which is good news/bads news… I get sucked into looking at items on line, and that can be a slippery slope. On the other hand, I've learned (the hard way) that it really doesn't work for me to buy clothes on line, especially since I've lost weight. So I don't do that any more, which is saving me a lot of disappointments, and is saving Mr. PG a lot of trips to the post office or the UPS store with returns!
Thanks ladies for sending your hugs and concern. Means a lot to me.
On a humbug, I went to the higher end mall in my town today - only brands like Hermes, Dior, Cartier, etc. I never do that. So why in the world today???Anyway, after lurking my favorite brands’ stores, I ended up with three more items on my Pinterest to be considered list - a jewelry piece, a bag I don’t hardly need and of all things, a watch I’m not a watch girl but, I can’t get the watch off the brain.
Once again I see: the best way to keep from buying is to stay out of the stores. Duh!
I’m really at a point where I don’t crave things like I used to. I’ve scratched the itch on every category I care about. And, I own 90% of the things I could possibly want. (Not all the things I could likebut, things I actually want.) And, while I’m not a minimalist, I don’t like owning anything I don’t actively use - from furs to toothpicks. So, that necessarily puts an upper limit on quantities in any category. For example with bags. I can’t own 200 bags because I can’t use 200 bags regularly with only 365 days in a year.
But, the temptation of shiny, new whatevers is real. I’m glad I have a set wish list in spendy categories like jewelry and bags to keep me somewhat honest and stop the impulse purchases.
I know nothing I said is new insight to any of us. But, it helps me to restate the obvious at times so I don’t go off the wagon.
I’m getting some very nice presents for my bday and XMas. So I’m telling myself to chill out and enjoy these before I go lusting for the next thing.
Brilliant ideas, remove the temptation by staying away from the shops and do housework and minimising to keep off the online shopping.........easier said than done though.
I guess that's the whole idea of shopping our closets.I discovered KonMari recently and spent ages watching Maria Kondo. My drawers and cupboards have all had a make over and I never put anything away until it's folded properly I can't quite make myself empty the contents of my wardrobe onto the bed but maybe in January I'll give it a go
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The key with metallics is in getting the right shade, material and size - even more so than with other colors. This is for two reasons. The first is practical. Poorly done metallics can show wear quickly. The color rubs or flakes off making the bag look a mess. Happily, none of my current metallic bags seem to be at risk for this and I’ve used them all quite a bit. The second reason is that the wrong color can be too “loud” and give off a badly aging Vegas showgirl / cougar vibe. Lol!
That being said, I’m a HUGE fan of metallic bags!!!! I currently own three - Gold New Medium Boy, Silver Dior Diorama and silver Fendi floral tube WOC.
Here is the Diorama you mentioned considering. I HATE losing money on bag resale with the heat of a thousand suns. BUT! I happily bought this bag full retail when I was last in Paris. I wear this bag e-ver-y where. Here is a picture I took when I was at the mall. View attachment 4617030 I paired the bag with jeans, silver sparkly flat sandals and a multi colored one shoulder blue top that has a sparkly silver band on the “bare” shoulder. The outfit was cute casual and the bag didn’t look out of place at all. So I’d vote that if you want this bag, go for it!
I’d also vote for the Chanel. I have a pearly grey medium Chanel flap that reads slightly metallic in certain lights. It’s also one of my most beloved bags.
If you wear a lot of silver or white gold, I’d go for a silver bag first. You are used to that color range so I think you could incorporate it easily into your wardrobe.
The dark gold Chanel WOC actually would have made “sense” for my wardrobe because all my yellow gold is 18k which is a little richer than the 14k typical for the US. For people who wear 22k/24k it would be an even better sartorial choice. But, visually, with my outfits, I just like a lighter gold bag for now. That may change as styles change.So, the hunt continues!
(edit: yes I returned both bags! So, no issues)
Yes this is the Diorama 
I'm drooling, it's heart stopping, I am so very jealous 
I've been lusting after this since I saw a girl on the train with one and I just knew I had to have it I rarely see designer bags in my home town or there abouts, very, very occasionally I'll spot a Mulberry or LV. This is the first Dior I've seen within 35 miles of home and my heart skipped several beats.I know where there was one available but my biggest problem is talking Mr M round
I've got nil brownie points left after buying three Chanels 
but a Dior when I've still got one out for sale for £1.5k less than I paid, . Is really rubbing salt into the wounds, especially as I only used it for a few weeks. I'll have to bide my time 
but I'm not holding my breath. Of course they can only devalue if you try to sell them, your's is a keeper? I doubt such a beauty will ever price drop.
They are both beautiful bags and your styling of the Diorama sounds fantastic. I mainly wear yellow gold but do mix it up quite a bit. I also have my small Boy in irredesant beige caviar so for me I desperately need silver metallic
Your compliment means more than you know. Ask anyone who has seen my comments on tPF (say 3-4 years ago) and they will say the hallmark of my behavior was settling for something almost good enough and then going back into the sell and re-buy cycle. It was painful. Making that mistake literally over 100 times (I’ve sold over 150 bags) finally semi-cured me. It’s just too much hassle to have a back that doesn’t work well and then having to sell / rehome it.
I was a hair away from keeping the chevron Chanel. It was pristine preloved with all the extras (box, etc.) but I knew that I wouldn’t be happy with it when I wear white or light colors. The aged hardware just makes it too heavy. So I grabbed myself by the neck and returned it.
Mr. Sparkle is a great help here. He wants better for me than I want for myself. So he will ask me the tough questions and help (push LOL!) me to get what will really make me happy. This is a new dynamic. When I was in the throes of working and child rearing I didn’t have 5 minutes to consider my wardrobe. Now, that the kids are adults and all we have is work and fun, we have the time to do fun things like try on clothes for each other. I really like it.
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I am glad my compliment made you feel good And i meant what i said, plus previous posts of yours helped me see things too in my shopping behavior/patterns that i need/want to change. Your ability to transform your approach, and sharing the journey with us here, is so helpful and so very appreciated. I hope in 3-4 years time, like you mentioned, i too can transform my habits. I think i am now where you used to be, except even worse lol. I am around the age now my mom was at when she fell ill and we lost her....in her 30s/40s, she loved to shop and was in perpetual buying mode. Those were formative years for me. She was 48 when she got sick and 50 when she died....and never got to experience life after kids were grown...and her ‘hobby’ while we were growing was shopping....i feel like i am stuck in a perpetual buying mode... ..instead of enjoying what i have, on to the next thing.....this also precludes me from being careful and selective....and the merry go round continues....as you said, the hassle of buying/selling cycle! And less stuff, better stuff, stuff you love, results in so much less chaos, clutter, stress....so i hope i can reach the place you’ve landed....its an inspiring goal 
Somehow i need to break that shopping/hoarding mode that was kind of ingrained in me.....and my relationship never evolved from that point with my mom, so that needs to be worked out too....
Glad u returned the chevron rather then settling! Wait for the right bag....keep moving foward....
I think its wonderful Mr Sparkle is so helpful, and encourages you to wait for what you really want. That kind of support is priceless. My DH is very sweet but has no clue with helping me .....when i ask if he likes something, he always responds...do you like it? Lol.....
I was a hair away from keeping the chevron Chanel. It was pristine preloved with all the extras (box, etc.) but I knew that I wouldn’t be happy with it when I wear white or light colors. The aged hardware just makes it too heavy. So I grabbed myself by the neck and returned it.
Mr. Sparkle is a great help here. He wants better for me than I want for myself. So he will ask me the tough questions and help (push LOL!) me to get what will really make me happy. This is a new dynamic. When I was in the throes of working and child rearing I didn’t have 5 minutes to consider my wardrobe. Now, that the kids are adults and all we have is work and fun, we have the time to do fun things like try on clothes for each other. I really like it.
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I am glad my compliment made you feel good
And i meant what i said, plus previous posts of yours helped me see things too in my shopping behavior/patterns that i need/want to change. Your ability to transform your approach, and sharing the journey with us here, is so helpful and so very appreciated. I hope in 3-4 years time, like you mentioned, i too can transform my habits. I think i am now where you used to be, except even worse lol. I am around the age now my mom was at when she fell ill and we lost her....in her 30s/40s, she loved to shop and was in perpetual buying mode. Those were formative years for me. She was 48 when she got sick and 50 when she died....and never got to experience life after kids were grown...and her ‘hobby’ while we were growing was shopping....i feel like i am stuck in a perpetual buying mode... ..instead of enjoying what i have, on to the next thing.....this also precludes me from being careful and selective....and the merry go round continues....as you said, the hassle of buying/selling cycle! And less stuff, better stuff, stuff you love, results in so much less chaos, clutter, stress....so i hope i can reach the place you’ve landed....its an inspiring goal Somehow i need to break that shopping/hoarding mode that was kind of ingrained in me.....and my relationship never evolved from that point with my mom, so that needs to be worked out too....Glad u returned the chevron rather then settling! Wait for the right bag....keep moving foward....
I think its wonderful Mr Sparkle is so helpful, and encourages you to wait for what you really want. That kind of support is priceless. My DH is very sweet but has no clue with helping me .....when i ask if he likes something, he always responds...do you like it?
Lol.....