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

[TankerToad]

I know right? I don’t even know how to wear jeans if not with a blazer

It is not a work thing for me. Or not only, because it’s true I would not be without one at the office. But I started wearing blazers as a teenager. I remember my first one perfectly. A Daniel Hechter madras print in blues and greens that I wore with surfer t-shirts and Levis 501s... They have been my uniform since, even through that dark period at the end of the 90s when no one even slightly fashionable wore them until Stella McCartney came to the rescue.

If I go shopping, for trousers, or a shirt, or underwear, whatever... somehow I come back with a blazer. It is all I see in the shops. It is some sort of condition...

We are both suffering for better or for worse from the same blazer condition - like you I never feel better or even fully dressed with out a blazer or fitted jacket or long coat - mostly blazers, it's true

 

[TankerToad]

A Great blazer is a wardrobe staple and it’s so hard not to buy everyone you see. I love to wear with jeans a blouse and pumps. I am currently eyeing a tan Balmain blazer but I’m trying to stay focused on my jewelry goals. I’m going to Vegas this weekend so I hopefully don’t get distracted. I plan to go to VCA as I need to try on the 4 motif bracelet that I have on list for my birthday.

Focus ! With VCA it doesn’t leave room for distraction-

 

[missie1]

Focus ! With VCA it doesn’t leave room for distraction-

I’m rapidly learning that. I just bought 1vca sweet and 2 Cartier loves since October so I’m like girl slow down. You gotta pace yourself. Definitely need to try few things so I can establish my list.

 

[Rhl2987]

@sexycombover - Vacations and sales are bad temptations for impulse purchases...but does anyone else also have problems with really nice salespeople? There have been a few independent boutiques where I’ve gotten to know the owner and then I almost feel pressured to support their business and buy every time I visit. Anyone else feel this? How do you leave a store gracefully without buying when you’ve spent a lot of time with the SA?

Yes to all of these!! I think setting expectations, like I recently met with a friend/small sustainable clothing biz owner and said that if I were working I'd buy everything she has in her store! I will definitely buy from her in the future but can't be buying every time we meet. Also, I think that if you want to visit but don't want to buy something, bring them a treat as your "reason" to visit. That's always a way for them to be grateful and you to not feel pressured into buying.

 

[Rhl2987]

We are both suffering for better or for worse from the same blazer condition - like you I never feel better or even fully dressed with out a blazer or fitted jacket or long coat - mostly blazers, it's true

At least it means you get use out of your blazers! I suffer from a blazer condition where I buy them and then rarely use them. I have mostly JCrew and other like brands, but I just got a number of Chanel ones and I need to wear them!!

Does anyone have tips for how to wear a blazer in winter? Do you try to fit a jacket over it? I think it would be too cold to wear the blazer outside by itself, but most of my jackets won't fit over a blazer.

 

[missie1]

At least it means you get use out of your blazers! I suffer from a blazer condition where I buy them and then rarely use them. I have mostly JCrew and other like brands, but I just got a number of Chanel ones and I need to wear them!!

Does anyone have tips for how to wear a blazer in winter? Do you try to fit a jacket over it? I think it would be too cold to wear the blazer outside by itself, but most of my jackets won't fit over a blazer.

You have to wear blazer and cape with it or drape coat over shoulders. I prefer the cape.

 

[doni]

A Great blazer is a wardrobe staple and it’s so hard not to buy everyone you see. I love to wear with jeans a blouse and pumps. I am currently eyeing a tan Balmain blazer but I’m trying to stay focused on my jewelry goals. I’m going to Vegas this weekend so I hopefully don’t get distracted. I plan to go to VCA as I need to try on the 4 motif bracelet that I have on list for my birthday.

Oh well, I just sold my tan Balmain blazer (more like vanilla) recently.
And I am already regretting it.
So I better not give you any advice as to what I think the priority is here

 

[missie1]

Here is my newest red bag contribution. Saw it in Saks and was like perfect for crossbody or clutch which we all know I adore. It’s strathberry. Such a cute little bag

 

[missie1]

Oh well, I just sold my tan Balmain blazer (more like vanilla) recently.
And I am already regretting it.
So I better not give you any advice as to what I think the priority is here

I know that was hard ‍♀️....I’m going to check it out in Vegas. Gotta stay strong and focused

 

[Uptown Luxer]

Yes to all of these!! I think setting expectations, like I recently met with a friend/small sustainable clothing biz owner and said that if I were working I'd buy everything she has in her store! I will definitely buy from her in the future but can't be buying every time we meet. Also, I think that if you want to visit but don't want to buy something, bring them a treat as your "reason" to visit. That's always a way for them to be grateful and you to not feel pressured into buying.

Very true!!!!! I do that to a Chanel SA i love to death. I will stop by to keep in touch and say hi and I will bring her a small box of chocolate, small treats, Starbucks gift card, etc. of course, I don’t do it every month .... maybe Valentines day, beginning of Summer, Holidays. And I will tell her that I won’t look at stuff to avoid getting in trouble. I write her thank you cards as well to lift her up. She is REALLY good at respecting my boundaries and she is not pushy at all.

 

[doni]

At least it means you get use out of your blazers! I suffer from a blazer condition where I buy them and then rarely use them. I have mostly JCrew and other like brands, but I just got a number of Chanel ones and I need to wear them!!

Does anyone have tips for how to wear a blazer in winter? Do you try to fit a jacket over it? I think it would be too cold to wear the blazer outside by itself, but most of my jackets won't fit over a blazer.

How does one NOT wear a blazer in Winter? Or any other season?

But I get what you mean with fitted coats. So some solutions:

Wear a cape or, weather permitting, one of those blankets. OR wear your coat as a cape, on top of the blazer.
Fur coats and puffer jackets tend to have more arm room.
Keep a blazer in the office, you go there wearing a top under your coat, and put it on at work.
Use a thick blazer (tweed, courdroy) as a coat. Get it one size bigger, wear a knit underneath and wrap a big scarf on top.
I have a Moncler jacket that has zipped sleeves. If you open them up completely it is almost like a cape. It is perfect for blazers. So of course I had to get two of them

 

[Uptown Luxer]

At least it means you get use out of your blazers! I suffer from a blazer condition where I buy them and then rarely use them. I have mostly JCrew and other like brands, but I just got a number of Chanel ones and I need to wear them!!

Does anyone have tips for how to wear a blazer in winter? Do you try to fit a jacket over it? I think it would be too cold to wear the blazer outside by itself, but most of my jackets won't fit over a blazer.

I would be curious to know as well!!!! Great question

 

[muchstuff]

@sexycombover - I totally hear you about feeling conflicted about taking low offers for bags. You say it so well - “literally paying for past poor buying choices”. I have a vintage Ferragamo classic gancini flap that I LOVE the look of but it just doesn’t suit my lifestyle or wardrobe. And I know I’d only get pennies on the dollar for it. But, in the spirit of this thread, I either need to use it or let it go...not languish in the back of my closet!

Vacations and sales are bad temptations for impulse purchases...but does anyone else also have problems with really nice salespeople? There have been a few independent boutiques where I’ve gotten to know the owner and then I almost feel pressured to support their business and buy every time I visit. Anyone else feel this? How do you leave a store gracefully without buying when you’ve spent a lot of time with the SA?

The owner must know that service is the way to bring you back in, and that you won't be purchasing each time. Compliments as to the quality of her service are nice to give though. You could also ask for some business cards to hand out to friends.

I just had a wonderful Longchamp SA text me mod shots and pics of bags (I'm in Canada, he was in the US) but I didn't buy as the colours weren't what I was looking for. I did however get the name of his manager and sent an email complimenting the service I received, naming names. The manager is bumping the email up to the regional office. People are often quick to complain but don't often take the time to send compliments!

 

[dcooney4]

Here is my newest red bag contribution. Saw it in Saks and was like perfect for crossbody or clutch which we all know I adore. It’s strathberry. Such a cute little bag

It is so cheerful and beautiful!

 

[lynne_ross]

Reading everyone’s goals and getting inspired.
This is a big year for me. I will be leaving my long-time corporate job in a few months to venture in new waters. That means new wardrobe needs, but also significantly less income for the time being so I am going to have to thread carefully!

So, joining this thread with these 2020 goals:

- Stop buying blazers! I have already sold my non-denim Balmains and a couple others. But I have also just fell for a Ganni one on the sale... Not a big expense but blazers are my weakness and I need to keep that in check.

- Don’t add to my total number of handbags. That doesn’t mean not buying a new handbag, as my needs are going to change. But if one comes in one goes out, no way around it. I am quite happy with my handbags at the moment, so if I buy anything, I should like it better than something I already have.

- Repeat to myself like a mantra: I have no need for more coats. And truly, I don’t.

- Set up a budget for fashion/clothes and stick to it religiously.

- Within that budget, buy more vintage/ pre-loved. I don’t tend to buy pre loved clothes but when I have done I have been very happy, so I want to explore that more as I am attracted by the sustainability aspect, the chase for unique pieces, and, of course, the prices.

- Take proper care of my clothes: mend buttons, deal with stains and small repairs quickly, handwash, take shoes regularly to the cobbler (better yet, learn how to properly treat leather shoes and bags) keep them tidy and well stored, that sort of thing.

I am sure there will be more. Work in progress.

Wishing everybody the best possible start of the decade!

Congrats on a big more career wise! I hope one day I have the guts to do this, for now addicted to the corporate pay and stability.
My husband and I have been managing to budgets for over a decade. I find it makes spending easier cause you have already pre- spent in a way. So no guilt with purchases, assuming you larger stick to your overall budget.