2020 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?

[missie1]

Welcome back we missed you.

Thanks DC. I have been super busy but I vowed this year to make time for me and what I enjoy and this group is one thing I missed. I’m going to try to keep up this year. Can’t wait to see all the goodies you ladies have got.

 

[More bags]

This is so thoughtful and so wise. I hope to emulate many of your 2020 goals. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you for your kind words!

You are my kind of nerd. I love this. I never analyzed my usage by color but I can easily check my tick marks as I list them by color groups. It is a great idea.

Thanks dc! I have tracked colour wears in the past and credit goes to @Cookiefiend who shared her colour wears at the end of the 2019 thread which inspired me to post mine.

Great job and post! You post, stats, tracking are what I aspire to!
Which reminds me to start tracking since we are already into Jan! Do you find the jewelry and shoes tracking helpful? I have paired down my jewelry a lot in 2019 to very select number of high end pieces, and I know I use what I have. But shoes...for sure I don’t use my shoes and I buy too many...

Thank you lynne_ross. I find the tracking does help me with decisions to keep or toss/sell items from my closet. Each season I look at the low usage items and consider why I am not wearing these items, is it a functional issue or do I have something else I reach for over the item in question? I find having a list is also helpful to avoid unnecessary purchases, for example, I have a lot of ankle boots. It is fine because I know I wear them (long winter where I live), however, I don’t plan to add any more ankle boots at this time (prefer to avoid splitting my wears). Congratulations on editing your jewelry, this is the next group of items I am working on. Do you have any suggestions on how/where you sold the items you chose to release? I have a number of pieces from Birks I was gifted over the years and don’t wear frequently because I have other pieces I love and wear more frequently.

@More bags - What a great idea to keep track of what you use. Really shows preferences and what works best to help guide decision-making!

For the past few years I’ve been keeping an annual list of what I think I “need” (have to use quotes because we any of us really “need” it?) with my discretionary spending budget and edit it as purchases are made. But More bags’ tracking takes this much further! I love it - thanks for sharing!

Thanks foxgal, you’re very kind.

What an excellent post - I hope you don’t mind that I’ve taken a screen shot and I’m going to use it as my lock screen so that i see it every day!
These are fabulous goals/habits.

I did let it go - like you, I loved the color and the leather was just incredible, but the shoulder drop was just too short for comfortable carrying. I was always on the fence about it, but the last time I carried it (I think in October or November?) I knew it was time. I’m grateful it sold and I hope the new owner loves it.

Oh my goodness, you are so sweet Cookie! Feel free to apply what works for you and toss the rest!
Yes, that is a solid reason for letting your Mulberry Blossom tote go. You’ve really refined your collection this past year, well done!

This is amazing, what a fantastic post.............I feel inspired and in awe. I would like to "borrow" some of your ideas, I feel I can do better

Thank you Mulberrygal, as I mentioned above, feel free to take what works and resonates for you and toss the rest!

@More bags I’m starting a 30 Day Delayed Gratification List. Thank you for the excellent idea.

Thanks tenKrat!

I recommend “The Good Lord Bird” by James McBride. Finishing it up right now. It’s about the adventures of John Brown, the abolitionist, and his runaway slave companion named Onion who’s disguised as a girl. Some parts are quite hilarious.

Edit: I’ll PM you re: future recommendations to avoid hijacking this thread.

Thank you for the recommendation and review, I am adding it to my reading list - it sounds great!

Wow good for you. Love the idea of spending winter in a hot place.
My husband and I are drastically downsizing right now, but only temporarily and our family size is not shrinking anytime soon (3 young kids). So lots of stuff going into storage. I am looking forward to spending more time doing experiences vs. Doing stuff for our house. Houses take up so much time to maintain. Also considering pairing down a lot of our personal items to try and live with less longer term despite having the space. Taking a hard look at my purses and shoes. I am down to 18 purses (if you ignore the one at consignment), which feels pretty low but wondering if I can cut a few more.

Best wishes with the downsizing efforts. Well done on curating your bags, congratulations!

 

[sexycombover]

Is anyone else having fomo when selling bags? I feel like I've been getting low offers, but at the same time, I know I never use the bags I'm selling. It seems silly at the end of the day. I need to be in the mindset of I'm paying for (proverbially) my poor purchases. Or I've already enjoyed this bag for what it's worth, I think. Ugh.

 

[More bags]

It's so interesting to see which of your goals carried over from 2019, and which new ones you have added, @morebags . I don't think I knew about your 30-day Delayed Gratification list! Do you use it for all kinds of purchases, or only handbags? Are you able to stick to it?

I have added "no settling" to the top of my goal list as well, and just this afternoon it kept me from spending $120 on a cotton top that's almost (but not quite) what I'm looking for to wear with medium-wash jeans this spring. In the general scheme of things, it's not a TON of $$$, not a designer item, but it definitely would have been settling.

Happy New Year, and best of luck with your well-thought-out 2020 goals!

Thank you dear Elaine! Yes, I use the 30 Day Delayed gratification list for most potential purchases - bags, SLGs, jewelry, etc. I generally stick to it, however, it can be challenging when I am tempted by something I see when I am traveling. Then I have other questions I ask myself- is it a need or want, am I tempted because it is on sale, do I have something similar, will I reach for this over items I already own, do I have 3 outfits I already own that I would wear this with, where will I wear this, do I really love it, will I wear it often, etc (another list).

It is… thank you for asking. The concussion symptoms are very nearly all gone.
I saw my doctor on Friday, and she was amazed at how quickly I've healed. She also cleared me to drive!!!

Way to go! Thank goodness for getting your driving privileges back!

I apologize in advance to thread members if I'm incorrect, but I believe we've posted book recommendation here from time to time.
I certainly have benefited from this, and I think other thread members have as well… yes? No? What do we all think? If we're reading, we can't be shopping, right?
I'm going to look for "The Good Lord Bird."

There seem to be quite a few of us of a like mind. I'm also going to find it a challenge without the storage space. I'm trying to give myself time and sell it off now.

I was horrified when I saw a friend's small airing cupboard after they downsized and wondered how I'd fit my 16 duvet covers in.........16 why do I need 16? There is only the two of us.............that's 2 covers for the spare room that nobody has stayed in for years and 14 for our bed

I bought them because we have too much choice, in huge stores, online, sales etc..........just too much. Some were on offer, too good a deal to pass up, others I couldn't decide, they were all pretty so I bought two or three ........ I've got decision fatigue just trying to decide which to get rid of or which to put on the bed next!

In the old days when I didn't have the room 2/3 were plenty, when they got tired looking, I changed the decor or got fed up etc I'd get another and throw/donate, one in one out. The end result is the same and it's good to have a change rather than have too much stuff

Lol, I'm cured of buying "stuff"



Yes please, I'm always looking for reading ideas. I struggle to find books I like now but was a big reader in the past.
Like you say, it will stop us shopping.........ideal minds

It definitely seems like the thread police (at least the nasty one) have left the premises! I am OK when the topics wander.

Absolutely love a good recommendation!

No apologies needed @ElainePG we have shared book recommendations in the past and I put my hand up as another person who enjoys the book recommendations on this thread.

 

[More bags]

I left the group before because I failed miserably. Last year I purchased three very expensive bags and I am tired of my lack of self control in that area. This year I made a decision that I will not buy any handbags. I am also going to let go of my jewelry shopping as well. I put in an order for some studs and I finished designing a ring for a stone I’ve had forever and then that’s it. I did ask my husband for a Cartier bracelet last year, which I pray he gives to me .... lol but I am taking my hands off. I need to overcome this weakness of mine when it comes to handbags. I can easily go without clothes and shoes but bags ...... oh my .... it’s a huge struggle for me.

Welcome back, we’ll support you on achieving your goals!

I haven't followed this thread before but given my desire to stick to my goal I thought it might be fun to literally shop my closet and come up with new ways of breathing life into an older unused bag.

I came up with this combination over the weekend. I have almost let go of this bag multiple times. Given that the resale on LV Epi is pretty awful, I've always stopped short of letting her go. That and my dear departed mom loved bucket bags and navy/white. So this first attempt is to honor her! This is a limited edition LV bag paired with Christian Dior strap and twilly. I'm trying to get over mixing brands and hardware which will help a great deal in coming up with new ways to wear. I might occasionally pop back in with new ideas! One week in and sticking to my goal

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This is so pretty! What a lovely way to celebrate your mom!

 

[More bags]

Happy New Year Ladies. I have missed you guys. I have added a few bags that I needed. My goal for this year is no more than 2 bags to be added as I’m working on my jewelry. I have specific jewelry list and I’m trying not to deviate from this.

Welcome back@missie1

I've already started following this thread - it's been really helpful already to give me a sense of the size that I'm looking for, and all of the different color and leather possibilities!



I love what you've done with the bag. I bet the new strap and twilly give it a complete different look too!

I constantly have to remind myself that I do not need another Bolide after looking at that thread!

I concur with ladies earlier in this thread who've mentioned "not settling" (this is something that first resonated to me when I was re-evaluating my last serious relationship - we were together 4+ years, and I was settling for someone when I deserved more). It's actually a philosophy I take with me to examine more than just handbags and my wardrobe. That conversation is off-topic, but at any rate, it's been a useful metric for what and who I decide to keep in my life.

I also have taken to gifting experiences rather than material things, if they seem right for the recipient. For myself, I typically would prefer to receive no gifts (for a birthday, Christmas, etc.) in favor of folks arranging for a coffee date with me, or going window-shopping together, or coming to a food/wine/experience outing, and so on. I value the quality time together way more than, say, a new book or a new trinket (even if I like the new book or trinket). It also helps to reduce clutter! I have such a hard time getting rid of or re-gifting things that were given to me out of love/friendship.

To go back on topic, though - I have never named it but the 30-day delayed gratification list is something I've tried very hard to do with clothing purchases. This is definitely something I should create for my handbag wishlist as well!

Beautiful post and lovely ideas.

Thank you both! I adore them - they are super pretty and have that punch of color (the amethysts) which is perfect for me! Picture below because I love sharing.

View attachment 4632611

Thanks for sharing the pic. They are even more beautiful than I imagined. They must have amazing presence on your ears!

 

[missie1]

Welcome back@missie1


I constantly have to remind myself that I do not need another Bolide after looking at that thread!


Beautiful post and lovely ideas.


Thanks for sharing the pic. They are even more beautiful than I imagined. They must have amazing presence on your ears!

 

[More bags]

Is anyone else having fomo when selling bags? I feel like I've been getting low offers, but at the same time, I know I never use the bags I'm selling. It seems silly at the end of the day. I need to be in the mindset of I'm paying for (proverbially) my poor purchases. Or I've already enjoyed this bag for what it's worth, I think. Ugh.

Yes and when I get low offers from consignment stores and the item sells quickly I wonder if I could have made more money. Then I try to be thankful that the item is out of my closet, that I enjoyed it while I wore it, that someone will enjoy it and wear it more than I would now and I find a little extra cash in my account.

 

[Cookiefiend]

Is anyone else having fomo when selling bags? I feel like I've been getting low offers, but at the same time, I know I never use the bags I'm selling. It seems silly at the end of the day. I need to be in the mindset of I'm paying for (proverbially) my poor purchases. Or I've already enjoyed this bag for what it's worth, I think. Ugh.

Ugh is right!
Yes I struggle with that too. I've been getting low offers - ridiculously low… One woman said "I'm sorry to make such a low offer, but it's a present for my sister." Uh - okay?
I want to sell it, I want to get it out of the closet - but I'd like to get 'something' from it, otherwise I'll just donate it... Now you know why I donate as much as I do - it's easier, and I'm doing something good for the community.

 

[sexycombover]

@Cookiefiend I hear you loud and clear. I only have myself to blame for not buying something I'd get more use out of before wanting to do away with it. Life lessons are hard to learn! Which charities do you usually send your stuff to? Like dress for success kind of places?

I was getting $6 offers on some of my stuff where poshmark would take a $4 plus tax cut on it. I am not going through the effort of packing something that cheap! Then I get snarky messages saying how I should keep my item. Thank you, I will!

 

[Cookiefiend]

@Cookiefiend I hear you loud and clear. I only have myself to blame for not buying something I'd get more use out of before wanting to do away with it. Life lessons are hard to learn! Which charities do you usually send your stuff to? Like dress for success kind of places?

I was getting $6 offers on some of my stuff where poshmark would take a $4 plus tax cut on it. I am not going through the effort of packing something that cheap! Then I get snarky messages saying how I should keep my item. Thank you, I will!

Yes - places like a Dress for Success and Salvation Army. I used to donate a lot through the Junior League’s resale shop, but it has closed. I give things to family members first though if possible!
Ha! Yes, if I’m going through the effort to package it up nicely and haul it to the post office - I’d like a little more than $2.00, thank you very much! I haven’t gotten any snarky messages yet - thank goodness - but seriously... I’m not having a fire sale, I’m not making a living by selling on PM, I’m just trying to pass on a quality item for a third or less than retail.
Now I feel like pulling everything and just donating it!
Oof - let’s talk about something more cheerful! What’s everyone carrying today?
I carried my red Ferragamo Studio bag - I’m so happy with it!

 

[whateve]

Yes - places like a Dress for Success and Salvation Army. I used to donate a lot through the Junior League’s resale shop, but it has closed. I give things to family members first though if possible!
Ha! Yes, if I’m going through the effort to package it up nicely and haul it to the post office - I’d like a little more than $2.00, thank you very much! I haven’t gotten any snarky messages yet - thank goodness - but seriously... I’m not having a fire sale, I’m not making a living by selling on PM, I’m just trying to pass on a quality item for a third or less than retail.
Now I feel like pulling everything and just donating it!
Oof - let’s talk about something more cheerful! What’s everyone carrying today?
I carried my red Ferragamo Studio bag - I’m so happy with it!
View attachment 4633660

I love your Ferragamo! I'm carrying the Michael Kors I got last year. DH calls it a toy purse. He doesn't like all the colors! I'm switching to a more conservative purse since my daughter is visiting and she doesn't like a lot of color, having lived in NYC. This Coach purse is a year away from being vintage. I added the flowers to the strap last year.

 

[Cookiefiend]

I love your Ferragamo! I'm carrying the Michael Kors I got last year. DH calls it a toy purse. He doesn't like all the colors! I'm switching to a more conservative purse since my daughter is visiting and she doesn't like a lot of color, having lived in NYC. This Coach purse is a year away from being vintage. I added the flowers to the strap last year.

Oh gosh - they’re both so fun! I love that pop of yellow on the MK, and the flower strap is darling!

 

[Uptown Luxer]

Yes - places like a Dress for Success and Salvation Army. I used to donate a lot through the Junior League’s resale shop, but it has closed. I give things to family members first though if possible!
Ha! Yes, if I’m going through the effort to package it up nicely and haul it to the post office - I’d like a little more than $2.00, thank you very much! I haven’t gotten any snarky messages yet - thank goodness - but seriously... I’m not having a fire sale, I’m not making a living by selling on PM, I’m just trying to pass on a quality item for a third or less than retail.
Now I feel like pulling everything and just donating it!
Oof - let’s talk about something more cheerful! What’s everyone carrying today?
I carried my red Ferragamo Studio bag - I’m so happy with it!
View attachment 4633660

Love that bag!!!!! Congrats

 

[Cookiefiend]

Love that bag!!!!! Congrats

Thank you - I like this so much that I would consider another...