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

[msd_bags]

Re: my soon to be necklace. I think I’d mentioned that over the short term, I’m moving my focus from bags to jewelry. I’ve always been a jewelry girl long before handbags. So, it really was time to put a fresh eye on what I had.

I’ve sold and gifted a number of pieces and am looking to fill just a few gaps. One is for a diamond pendant necklace that is an “everyday” item but still has star power. That’s a hard combo to figure out.

I have a love for elongated cut stones (oval, emerald, pear but not marquis) so we picked out a beautifully cut 2.5 carat oval. That’s big enough to be a nice centerpoint for the design but, not so big that it looks showy or fake. Now I just have to find the right setting. I don’t want something ultra traditional but I also don’t want anything trendy or avant garde. So, I’m stumped.

Here are some designs I’m playing with. Interestingly they all come from costume or very inexpensive fine designs.View attachment 4691920View attachment 4691921 View attachment 4691922
I dunno. None of these are making me excited. They feel a little flat.

Meanwhile, I did get my yellow gold diamond and ruby ring dipped in rhodium and it looks gorgeous! I read so many horror stories and I’m glad I took the risk despite.

Also, I received the earrings the jeweler made to match the diamond bracelet Mr. S got me last year. They are perfect for everyday wear!

But, the BIG happy is Mr. S bought me a super fantastic diamond tennis bracelet!! Dear Lort! I almost went to the light when he gave it to me because while we had been talking about one, I wasn’t close to “expecting” it yet. I think I may have mentioned it here right before I went AWOL?? Anyway, I luuuuuurve it!!!! I’ll share photos of my new babies this week once I get my clothes back in our re-redone closet.

Yay for the new jewelry pieces!! Especially the tennis bracelet!

I've noticed the same things even with bags - that the non-branded ones sometimes have the nicest of designs!! Maybe they are not afraid to experiment and execute.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Yay for the new jewelry pieces!! Especially the tennis bracelet!

I've noticed the same things even with bags - that the non-branded ones sometimes have the nicest of designs!! Maybe they are not afraid to experiment and execute.

Thanks!

And, I think you’re right. I’d bet that when people spend more, they’re less likely to take chances. But, I don’t want a necklace that looks like meh. I’d really like to have something super special. Luckily the jeweler we‘ve started patronizing here is known for custom. I feel comfortable he’ll execute flawlessly. I just can’t find a design that makes my heart sing.

 

[essiedub]

The shelter in place hasn’t come to our county yet (we’re South of you) but there’s an emergency meeting tomorrow, and it might happen then. Does it actually mean you’re on lockdown inside your house, or can you go out for important things?

Nonessential businesses must close. Everyone should stay home.but you can go to grocery stores, banks, gas stations etc..just maintain 6ft distance (even while walking the dog) All this hoarding is ridiculous. Toilet paper, bottled water...and OMG guns. Seriously the last thing we need is more guns bought by freaked out people. Anyway, I suppose we could be stopped and asked why we’re out..but I doubt it since we’re not under martial law. Essential trips only. I can handle that.

 

[essiedub]

Re: my soon to be necklace. I think I’d mentioned that over the short term, I’m moving my focus from bags to jewelry. I’ve always been a jewelry girl long before handbags. So, it really was time to put a fresh eye on what I had.

I’ve sold and gifted a number of pieces and am looking to fill just a few gaps. One is for a diamond pendant necklace that is an “everyday” item but still has star power. That’s a hard combo to figure out.

I have a love for elongated cut stones (oval, emerald, pear but not marquis) so we picked out a beautifully cut 2.5 carat oval. That’s big enough to be a nice centerpoint for the design but, not so big that it looks showy or fake. Now I just have to find the right setting. I don’t want something ultra traditional but I also don’t want anything trendy or avant garde. So, I’m stumped.

Here are some designs I’m playing with. Interestingly they all come from costume or very inexpensive fine designs.View attachment 4691920View attachment 4691921 View attachment 4691922
I dunno. None of these are making me excited. They feel a little flat.

Meanwhile, I did get my yellow gold diamond and ruby ring dipped in rhodium and it looks gorgeous! I read so many horror stories and I’m glad I took the risk despite.

Also, I received the earrings the jeweler made to match the diamond bracelet Mr. S got me last year. I think I may have mentioned them here right before I went AWOL?? They are perfect for everyday wear!

But, the BIG happy is Mr. S bought me a super fantastic diamond tennis bracelet!! Dear Lort! I almost went to the light when he gave it to me because while we had been talking about one, I wasn’t close to “expecting” it yet. Anyway, I luuuuuurve it!!!! I’ll share photos of my new babies this week once I get my clothes, etc. back in our re-redone closet.

Ooh can’t wait to see! I’m interested in your gold dip into rhodium..is it an electroplate process? Or an actual coating?

 

[msd_bags]

Nonessential businesses must close. Everyone should stay home.but you can go to grocery stores, banks, gas stations etc..just maintain 6ft distance (even while walking the dog) All this hoarding is ridiculous. I suppose we could be stopped and asked why we’re out..but I doubt it since we’re not under martial law. Essential trips only. I can handle that.

Same setup as us here!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Ooh can’t wait to see! I’m interested in your gold dip into rhodium..is it an electroplate process? Or an actual coating?

LOL! I have no idea. I’ll have to ask the jeweler when I see him next time. I have a before pic on the appraisal so I’ll try to remember to show both.

Everything I read said it may look uneven or wear off quickly. Happily, I haven’t experienced either issue.

 

[Rhl2987]

Hey @msd_bags! Telenovas? Hmmm...I dunno if I can get into any midstream. I am just craving getting out to do something like bike riding or dancing. It’s not just the virus. It’s the lockdown on this stupid foot / boot.

I couldn’t take it anymore and ran (hobbled) errands today. UPS & pharmacy - no issues. Then I decided to get a few groceries. HA! The shelves were empty!! Seriously, why?!? Are people hoarding food?!? This has gotten ridiculous. I had to go to 3 stores to find eggs. There has to be a better way to manage this. I’m terribly worried about people losing jobs.

Many please are already losing jobs and many more will. Many businesses will close. It’s truly terrible. I’m trying to put money back into the economy where I can and I’m glad I can still pay for some services so people have a little bit of money.

I’m glad you found eggs! We just got 2 dozen (we eat eggs daily), but our close friends have chickens and I think I’ll resort to that next to leave the eggs in stores for others. When I went there were only organic eggs left.

 

[Rhl2987]

Re: my soon to be necklace. I think I’d mentioned that over the short term, I’m moving my focus from bags to jewelry. I’ve always been a jewelry girl long before handbags. So, it really was time to put a fresh eye on what I had.

I’ve sold and gifted a number of pieces and am looking to fill just a few gaps. One is for a diamond pendant necklace that is an “everyday” item but still has star power. That’s a hard combo to figure out.

I have a love for elongated cut stones (oval, emerald, pear but not marquis) so we picked out a beautifully cut 2.5 carat oval. That’s big enough to be a nice centerpoint for the design but, not so big that it looks showy or fake. Now I just have to find the right setting. I don’t want something ultra traditional but I also don’t want anything trendy or avant garde. So, I’m stumped.

Here are some designs I’m playing with. Interestingly they all come from costume or very inexpensive fine designs.View attachment 4691920View attachment 4691921 View attachment 4691922
I dunno. None of these are making me excited. They feel a little flat.

Meanwhile, I did get my yellow gold diamond and ruby ring dipped in rhodium and it looks gorgeous! I read so many horror stories and I’m glad I took the risk despite.

Also, I received the earrings the jeweler made to match the diamond bracelet Mr. S got me last year. I think I may have mentioned them here right before I went AWOL?? They are perfect for everyday wear!

But, the BIG happy is Mr. S bought me a super fantastic diamond tennis bracelet!! Dear Lort! I almost went to the light when he gave it to me because while we had been talking about one, I wasn’t close to “expecting” it yet. Anyway, I luuuuuurve it!!!! I’ll share photos of my new babies this week once I get my clothes, etc. back in our re-redone closet.

Oh my goodness gracious dear!! I’m so happy you have all of these treasures to both enjoy and also share with us. They sound so lovely and I’m beyond excited to see. I also can’t wait to see your closet!! I don’t think I can be much help with your diamond pendant because I am very simple and prefer simple designs. I know that what you pick will be lovely! My engagement ring is an oval diamond so I am very partial to ovals.
I recently got 2 antique gold pig pendants to wear together on my neck. My daughter was born in the year of the earth pig and so was my Dad. It’s not a diamond necklace but I love it!

 

[momasaurus]

So beautiful the box on your Dalvy is glowing and your Barenia Pico looks amazing!

Thank you @More bags. Box and barenia are my very most favorite leathers! And chamonix, which is a version of box, I think.
The pico took some time to appreciate, but now I do!

 

[momasaurus]

Hello All! Checking in to say hi. Hope everyone is well!!

No new purse purchases on my end since my YSL Lou Camera in December. But, I am really enjoying that bag along with all my others.
Mr. S. is re-redoing the closet and surprised me with another purse shelf. So, I’m ready for more adds and hoping he has something in mind. LOL! Now that I have my basics covered, he’s better than me at picking out fun bags I’d never buy but love.

I had my second foot surgery on Feb 12. This one has been rough!!!! 5 weeks and I’m still in a boot with some pain. The doc says it’s just the process and in a couple months I’ll be up exercising, dancing and wearing pretty shoes again. But, during this healing time it’s demoralizing. I feel like my foot is stuck in a concrete block. I don’t have a lot of energy / motivation to do anything.

We’re super neat so I don’t have any closet cleaning projects I can do. No decorating to do. Pulled back on work travel. Events around town are being cancelled. I have serious cabin fever!!!

So, I’ve found time to cook and bake more. And, Mr. S is experimenting with some new cocktail recipes. Add in limited moving around and I’ve gained 7 lbs since surgery. I’m feeling a bit like a stuffed sausage in some of my clothes. LOL! But, I’m not going to lie to myself and say I’m going to diet. I’ll just make sure I don’t do any more damage and let it come off once I’m moving around more.

The only bright side is that I’m getting a diamond necklace custom made. Mr. S thought it would cheer me up. So, I hobbled to the jeweler and talked through a few designs. I think we’re close in that I’ve picked the main stone and general style but, haven’t found exactly what I want. I think I’m going to ask for ideas on the jewelry forum.

What are all of you doing to stay occupied during this Coronavirus hysteria?

Great to hear from you! I have been wondering what's up.
You are being so sensible about the foot. The weight you gained will be easy to shed, once you can properly get around. No need to obsess now.
I'll be doing some downsizing/decluttering projects, and leaving boxes in the garage until the donation centers re-open. Also I often work from home on free-lance writing projects, so that continues. My energy level and spirits aren't in tip-top shape, though, with all the uncertainty, so I have to keep on top of that. TPF helps!

 

[momasaurus]

It's nice to hear from you. It's good you got your foot surgery out of the way and are on the road to recovery.

The last time DH and I went out was last Tuesday so it's been almost a week. We've been watching our investments dwindle away. It's making me anxious. The governor directed that we stay home since we are high risk but we had already decided to do that last week. We stocked up with food and supplies. I've been cooking. I'm trying to use up everything in the freezer. The first things we will run out of are milk, ice cream, cheese and eggs. I may end up baking bread. Yesterday I made tortillas from scratch because I wanted to make enchiladas and hadn't thought to buy any.

I've just started working on our taxes and spending a lot of time on the forum. We have Netflix and Amazon Prime, plus lots of movies on the DVR. I always have a supply of books to read. We have jigsaw puzzles in the garage. If I get motivated, I have plenty of yarn to knit or crochet.

My purses and most of my clothes aren't getting used.

Oh you just reminded me about taxes. Ugh. No excuse now, right?

 

[Sparkletastic]

Many please are already losing jobs and many more will. Many businesses will close. It’s truly terrible. I’m trying to put money back into the economy where I can and I’m glad I can still pay for some services so people have a little bit of money.

I’m glad you found eggs! We just got 2 dozen (we eat eggs daily), but our close friends have chickens and I think I’ll resort to that next to leave the eggs in stores for others. When I went there were only organic eggs left.

I hope others who can spend, do spend. That is the only way to keep our economies going. When we all pull back, people lose their livelihoods and homes. That’s killing me. I feel completely schizophrenic because I am happy for what I have and excited about the jewelry I’ve gotten. But, I grew up in very modest circumstances around people who weren’t doing as well as even my parents did. So, I know how precarious a household can be. And, it hurts me to think of the struggles people are having through no fault of their own.

Oh my goodness gracious dear!! I’m so happy you have all of these treasures to both enjoy and also share with us. They sound so lovely and I’m beyond excited to see. I also can’t wait to see your closet!! I don’t think I can be much help with your diamond pendant because I am very simple and prefer simple designs. I know that what you pick will be lovely! My engagement ring is an oval diamond so I am very partial to ovals.
I recently got 2 antique gold pig pendants to wear together on my neck. My daughter was born in the year of the earth pig and so was my Dad. It’s not a diamond necklace but I love it!

These piggies are super cute! I call my DD “Piggle.” She would love these!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Great to hear from you! I have been wondering what's up.
You are being so sensible about the foot. The weight you gained will be easy to shed, once you can properly get around. No need to obsess now.
I'll be doing some downsizing/decluttering projects, and leaving boxes in the garage until the donation centers re-open. Also I often work from home on free-lance writing projects, so that continues. My energy level and spirits aren't in tip-top shape, though, with all the uncertainty, so I have to keep on top of that. TPF helps!

I get what you mean. Surgery + concerns about the post covid economy + cabin fever has my mood in the basement. Mr. S and I have had to keep our own communication very open and focused on “real time” fluctuations so we stay connected and happy. It’s too easy to bicker when there are multiple stressors.

I have to say, he is better at that in the beginning that I am. He’s great at staying calm and heading off potential issues between us. For example, this morning I was just in a craptastic mood because my foot hurts and I feel like I’m going to scream if I’m in this house too much more (for me it’s been pretty much since 2/12 when I had the surgery. Not just covid time) He did a great job of seeing that and cuddling me. Being honest, the whole time I wanted him to get the heck away from me. But, the irritating hugs (lol) did get me to see I was being a grump so I could right my attitude.

On the flip, if an issue does develop between us, I’m much better at being reasonable, making peace and bringing us back together.

Is that odd? For those of you in relationships with a special person, do you find you have to lean into different sets of skills to keep the relationship going? Did you learn the skills or was it just natural?

 

[Sparkletastic]

Idea for virtual fun during this time.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

 

[Rhl2987]

Oh you just reminded me about taxes. Ugh. No excuse now, right?

Well I’m wondering if there won’t be a grace period for this. People aren’t easily able to go out to H&R Block to complete their taxes, let alone the financial impacts of what is happening and people being able to pay taxes. I know what I owe and am waiting to pay because so much could change in the next month.