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

[dramaprincess713]

"Probably my biggest hurdle in regards to purchasing is that when something gets in my head, I can become borderline obsessive with it, and I haven't figure out how to get it out of my head other than to just buy it already."
THIS. You're not alone, I suspect many of us have the same issue. In the midst of the world insanity going on I'm obsessing about a Celine phantom cabas, even though I currently have two bags held up in the US that I won't be able to access until the border reopens. Plus we have no income at this time and have to help our two kids with living expenses as they have no jobs at the moment either. Handbag addiction is real...

It's good to hear I'm not alone - sometimes I truly feel crazy! So sorry your bags are held up right now. I hope you get them soon! The Celine Phantom Cabas is gorgeous - it's crossed my radar more than once, but so far, I've managed to keep that one at bay.

Welcome to the group. I find focusing on my bags is a great stress reliever as this is something I can have control over.

Thank you! Yes, it is a great stress reliever, isn't it? I'm glad we can all come here to TPF to share together.

Welcome! We love new pocket friends!

My thoughts for whatever they’re worth.

First, I wouldn’t worry about number of bags just because of the number. I used to have a strict limit but then I realized it was arbitrary and didn’t serve me. Now my limit is based on what I can reasonably wear. If I have too many bags to wear them all then (for me) that is a waste of physical and mental as space and money.

Second, once I decided to buy decent bags, I still used to make poor choices because I got caught up in what looked nice / my fantasy lifestyle / what was popular / etc. With the help support and a few bag slaps from the lovely ladies on this thread, I finally got to the place where I buy based on prior knowledge of what works and what I “need”. The former is simply knowing that I like smallish medium sized, semi structured bags because of the space and physical profile. I also only buy when a bag meets a vetted pre identified need / want. These two elements have come from me tracking what I wear. I also track what I think I want for at least 6 months. I give a tick mark to a bag if it truly would have been a better option than what I own. If a bag isn’t meeting a known need or a gap, it’s far easier for me not to buy because I know it would languish in my closet.

(side note on what if’s - we all need to vow to buy for how we live. I’m not clubbing with Cardi B nor lunching with Queen Elizabeth. Bags that only suit those purposes need to be loved from afar. LOL!)

Lastly, we’re here for you. Someone(s) here have “been there / done that” on just about every goofy bag thing that you could even think about doing. Criminy, I’m glad there is no photographic evidence for some of my early foolishness. So, no bag shame here.
I agree. I this time of uncertainty (and endless boredom) it’s bags to the rescue!

Thank you for the warm welcome! You gave some great advice and food for thought. I do get caught up on the number, and I have been wondering, lately, if it serving me. I mean, I do want a smaller number of bags, but I'm starting to feel it's probably not worth beating myself up over not getting to a random number I've set for myself. And I also do think I have gotten caught up in what looked nice/my fantasy lifestyle/what was popular/etc. I had been planning to track my bag use, but then everything ramped up and work from home orders were put into place, and now I'm not using any of my bags because I'm not going anywhere. Still, the intention is there, and I think that when things get more back to normal, tracking usage will give me some insights. I will take all the support and bag slaps I can get as I got through this journey of curating the collection!

Welcome!!

Thank you!

Welcome to the thread. It’s great to have you here. There are lots of supportive people with great ideas. Many of us have been where you are right now. No matter where you are in building or curating your collection we can all learn from each other and work towards our goals. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re in good company.

Thank you! I look forward to participating on this thread and learning from everyone!

 

[Sparkletastic]

It holds my iPhone 6s, LV cles, keys, my calvi card case or a flat card case and my pair of sunglasses without case

Oh! That’s more than I thought. I can’t carry any bag that won’t hold sunglasses, my iPhone, keys, a card case and a lip color. If I’m not mistaken, there is a wait list on these? This is one of the few styles that would make me buy new Chanel because it’s so adorable. But, I would like it just a little bigger.

It's good to hear I'm not alone - sometimes I truly feel crazy! So sorry your bags are held up right now. I hope you get them soon! The Celine Phantom Cabas is gorgeous - it's crossed my radar more than once, but so far, I've managed to keep that one at bay.


Thank you! Yes, it is a great stress reliever, isn't it? I'm glad we can all come here to TPF to share together.


Thank you for the warm welcome! You gave some great advice and food for thought. I do get caught up on the number, and I have been wondering, lately, if it serving me. I mean, I do want a smaller number of bags, but I'm starting to feel it's probably not worth beating myself up over not getting to a random number I've set for myself. And I also do think I have gotten caught up in what looked nice/my fantasy lifestyle/what was popular/etc. I had been planning to track my bag use, but then everything ramped up and work from home orders were put into place, and now I'm not using any of my bags because I'm not going anywhere. Still, the intention is there, and I think that when things get more back to normal, tracking usage will give me some insights. I will take all the support and bag slaps I can get as I got through this journey of curating the collection!


Thank you!


Thank you! I look forward to participating on this thread and learning from everyone!

Give yourself some time. I had to struggle / analyze / evaluate a few years before I got a good handle on what I use and don’t. And, I still have to talk myself off the ledge every now and again. The ladies here are great to talk to about purchases before I make them. It’s saved me a number of would be mistakes.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Well.. the major county in my metropolitan area (Dallas / Fort Worth, TX) just ordered mandatory shelter in place for 2 weeks. So, essentially, everyone there must stay home unless there is an emergency. It’s neighboring my county so I presume we will follow suit.

I feel like such a brat. I am very sorry for those who have become sick and those who have lost loved ones. But, I really want to get out of my house and do something productive or fun. I am going to spend some quality time tomorrow thinking about how I can make this time work for me vs. feeling trapped by it.

 

[Uptown Luxer]

Well.. the major county in my metropolitan area (Dallas, TX) just ordered mandatory shelter in place for 2 weeks. So, essentially, everyone there must stay home unless there is an emergency. It’s neighboring my county so I presume we will follow suit.

I feel like such a brat. I am very sorry for those who have become sick and those who have lost loved ones. But, I really want to get out of my house and do something productive or fun. I am going to spend some quality time tomorrow thinking about how I can make this time work for me vs. feeling trapped by it.

I think that’s a great approach!!! Here in CA we were told to stay home. Everything is closed. My hubs is working from home. So we are trying to make the best out of it. As an introvert, I am usually a home body but even I am starting to feel claustrophobic. It’s challenging for sure but we, humans, can be very innovative and adapt to any situation. Hang in there. regarding the Chanel mini vanity, yes, I heard there was a long waiting list but some people were able to grab it. There’s pink and black. Also, there’s the rectangular and the square. I personally think that I have no use for the square but I was surprised by the size of the rectangular. It also has a little spot on the side for lipstick

 

[msd_bags]

I agree. That’s one reason I can’t be a bag minimalist. But, this Fendi just didn’t get enough “relief” from other bags. I may need two new ones to replace it for this use for that very reason.

Would you consider the Loewe Puzzle bag? I was so close to getting the medium one in black prior to the pandemic! And it crossed my mind then that though different, it has the same appeal to me as the Fendi BTW.

 

[whateve]

Did you do the strap embellishment on that Coach bag yourself? I am in awe!!!!

And I've always been a big fan of that adorable little Brighton NYC pouch. Reminds me of my grad school days when I lived in The City.

Thank you! No, I didn't do it myself. Coach stores has stations in them called "Coach Create." They have all kinds of embellishments you can have done. Usually they only do it on new bags that you buy in the store, but they made an exception for my older bag. They help you try out different things before you decide on the final result. If you can't get to a store, you can select the embellishments and placement online.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Would you consider the Loewe Puzzle bag? I was so close to getting the medium one in black prior to the pandemic! And it crossed my mind then that though different, it has the same appeal to me as the Fendi BTW.

I’m a huge fan of the puzzle, but it wouldn’t work for this usage. I need something structured with built in organization. The Fendi BTW has a center zip compartment, two side compartments and interior slip pockets. So I need something restively carefree and super functional.

 

[dcooney4]

Some eye candy to brighten the week! More to come. Reissue 225 with ruthenium hdw, small vanity case 20S with classic chain, Kate Spade quilted tote with champagne hdw (have had this bag for over 7 years now and NO wear and tear!!!), Chanel boy WOC, Mulberry Lily, Gucci Disco, Chanel Business Affinity Medium size, and YSL WOC

Gorgeous Bags!

Late post= Pink family !!
Hermes Kelly 28 rose pourpre togo Phw
Hermes Constance 18 rose azalee evercolor phw with matching rodeo charm
Mulberry bayswater leather satchel
Chanel boy bag

Beautiful bags! Love the Kelly. I am beginning to think I might need a small pink bag.

My black bags,
2017

• Louis Vuitton Noir Epi Passy GM
• Celine Black Small Cabas Phantom with Belt
• Chanel Black Reissue 226 Aged Calf Ruthenium Hardware
• Louis Vuitton Noir Denim Neo Cabby MM
• Celine Black Medium Classic Box
• Chanel 15P Black Patent Coco Shine Small Flap
• Chanel Black Caviar O Case Double Pouch
• Vintage Coret Black Snakeskin Clutch (handed down from my MIL)
• Tory Burch Black Dena Foldover Messenger Bag

View attachment 4695626
2020

• Celine Black Small Cabas Phantom with Belt
• Chanel Black Reissue 226 Aged Calf Ruthenium Hardware
• Vintage Black Coret Snakeskin Clutch
• Chanel 15P Black Patent Coco Shine Small Flap
• Chanel Black Caviar Wallet on Chain Gold Hardware
  
• Gucci Black Soho Disco

View attachment 4695623

I love what you did. Your collection is so pretty.

 

[dcooney4]

Does anyone else have a Surface and use Edge. Every time I post here lately it does wonky things.

 

[kadelle]

"Mar. 22: Black" - YAAAY, this is my week

My favorite black bag (Aigner Diadora Lucida XS):
Radley wallet which I turned into a WOC:
My belovéd Aigner Diadora M:

This is my entire black bag collection:
And this is my most recent black bag purchase: (Longchamp nylon pouch!)

Can't wait to see/ read about everyone's black bags cos I'm obsessed

 

[kadelle]

Omg sorry for my previous posting being so huge and in your face
Thought the links would just show up as links and not as huge pics or thumbnails *facepalm*

It holds my iPhone 6s, LV cles, keys, my calvi card case or a flat card case and my pair of sunglasses without case

LOVE it

My noir family!
LV mongram twist in python
LV keepall Vuitton Forever
LV keepall split
Hermes mini evelyne
Hermes Birkin 35 epsom GHW
Chanel double flap medium, caviar GHW
Chanel tote
YSL college bag
Longchamp limited edition hiatus
Longchamp Amsterdam tote

perfection love the Longchamp one, looks like it's perfect for travel!

 

[msd_bags]

Does anyone else have a Surface and use Edge. Every time I post here lately it does wonky things.

I use Surface Go from time to time, but I use Chrome and not Edge. With Chrome I have not encountered issues.

 

[msd_bags]

Some eye candy to brighten the week! More to come. Reissue 225 with ruthenium hdw, small vanity case 20S with classic chain, Kate Spade quilted tote with champagne hdw (have had this bag for over 7 years now and NO wear and tear!!!), Chanel boy WOC, Mulberry Lily, Gucci Disco, Chanel Business Affinity Medium size, and YSL WOC

All gorgeous!

My black bags,
2017

• Louis Vuitton Noir Epi Passy GM
• Celine Black Small Cabas Phantom with Belt
• Chanel Black Reissue 226 Aged Calf Ruthenium Hardware
• Louis Vuitton Noir Denim Neo Cabby MM
• Celine Black Medium Classic Box
• Chanel 15P Black Patent Coco Shine Small Flap
• Chanel Black Caviar O Case Double Pouch
• Vintage Coret Black Snakeskin Clutch (handed down from my MIL)
• Tory Burch Black Dena Foldover Messenger Bag

View attachment 4695626
2020

• Celine Black Small Cabas Phantom with Belt
• Chanel Black Reissue 226 Aged Calf Ruthenium Hardware
• Vintage Black Coret Snakeskin Clutch
• Chanel 15P Black Patent Coco Shine Small Flap
• Chanel Black Caviar Wallet on Chain Gold Hardware
  
• Gucci Black Soho Disco

View attachment 4695623

I love both your before and after collecdtion!

 

[msd_bags]

My black bags have gone through crazy change. I don’t own any of the ones I owned in 2016.

2016:

• Prada Bauletto in nero saffiano w/ghw
• Monika Chiang black leather and pony hair bucket w/shw
• Dior Soft tote in black patent leather w/shw
• Chanel Jumbo black patent classic single flap w/shw
• Proenza Schouler black leather small courier with mixed shw/ghw
• Micheal Kors Leigh black goatskin w/shw
• Urban Expressions Faux Alligator clutch
• Michael Kors Mini Hamilton Crossbody black w/shw

View attachment 4695060View attachment 4695059 2020:

• Louis Vuitton LockMe II BB in black / shw
• Fendi Large By The Way in black / shw
• Jimmy Choo Raven in black / shw
• Max Mara Large Whitney in black / shw
• Saint Laurent Mono Cabas in black / black hw
• Dior Ltd Edition Studded So Black WOC
• Chanel City Rock Shopper Tote in black w/shw
• Saint Laurent Lou Camera Bag in black w/black hw

View attachment 4695065View attachment 4695069Can you tell I’m enjoying the black bags with black hardware trend. Even though almost a third of my bags are black, I’m ok with that because I wear each of them a LOT! And I get bored with black bags easily so I need variety.

The only bag I miss is my Prada Bauletto. Love how sleek that bag is. But, I didn’t wear her that often.

Despite all the change, my black bags are the only color I still need to actively curate. I want to replace my Fendi BTW in the next year or two. I’ve worn this bag over 100 times since I bought it 4 years ago. :faints: And, except for a little bit of slouching, it still looks almost new. That means it was a great purchase!! But, I’m tired of it. So, I’m on the look out for a super practical, super durable, good looking everyday bag. If they ever make the Prada double zip bag in black with shw, I’m getting it in a heartbeat.

I also plan to get three other back bags:
a dressy-ish medium sized flap bag (likely either the Chanel Boy or Chanel SF jumbo), a “proper”, sophisticated arm carry / top handle bag (no idea what that will be) and a swap out for my Chanel tote. I love the look of this tote but want something a little lighter with more capacity for travel. A bonus would be a pretty little black bag with ghw but, that isn’t something I’m actively looking for.

I love all the black bags in your current collection!! Classy!

So, I read through all 188 pages of this thread, and I hope it's ok to join in, even though it's nearly April now. I need these kinds of thread to help me keep my mind when I just want to buy and also to hopefully bring my collection down closer to a number I feel is more reasonable.

Probably my biggest hurdle in regards to purchasing is that when something gets in my head, I can become borderline obsessive with it, and I haven't figure out how to get it out of my head other than to just buy it already. This is unfortunate because I seem to only have about a 50% success rate in the purchase working out for me. I do research my purchases a great deal, but I also have the wonderfully-awful ability to rationalize and convince myself into a purchase - even when I know there are things that probably won't work for me. I haven't figured out how to work through this yet, but I really need to because it just isn't a fiscally great way to do things.

My biggest hurdles in downsizing are sentimental attachments, the fact that I just love too many things, and a huge case of the "what ifs". I've done really well with listing a TON of bags to sell - ones that I didn't love. But I'm left with approx. 40 bags in my collection (including clutches, not including foldable totes like Longchamp or beach bags), which is more than I want. I can't seem to figure out where or how to downsize further though because I love what I have left.

Seems silly to be thinking of these things in the midst of all the uncertainty and concern in the world, but in the mess of thoughts tumbling around in my head these days, this remains a part of them. Sending well-wishes to you all. I hope you are all staying as safe as possible.

Welcome to the thread!! Bag lust/bag shopping is really difficult to manage at times. But we help each other here!

mo851
Evening bag
Prada
Coach
MCM
Mz Wallace
Michael Kors
Ralph Lauren

Love that MCM!! And of course your new Mulberry SBS! Have you taken her out for a spin?

 

[momasaurus]

So, I read through all 188 pages of this thread, and I hope it's ok to join in, even though it's nearly April now. I need these kinds of thread to help me keep my mind when I just want to buy and also to hopefully bring my collection down closer to a number I feel is more reasonable.

Probably my biggest hurdle in regards to purchasing is that when something gets in my head, I can become borderline obsessive with it, and I haven't figure out how to get it out of my head other than to just buy it already. This is unfortunate because I seem to only have about a 50% success rate in the purchase working out for me. I do research my purchases a great deal, but I also have the wonderfully-awful ability to rationalize and convince myself into a purchase - even when I know there are things that probably won't work for me. I haven't figured out how to work through this yet, but I really need to because it just isn't a fiscally great way to do things.

My biggest hurdles in downsizing are sentimental attachments, the fact that I just love too many things, and a huge case of the "what ifs". I've done really well with listing a TON of bags to sell - ones that I didn't love. But I'm left with approx. 40 bags in my collection (including clutches, not including foldable totes like Longchamp or beach bags), which is more than I want. I can't seem to figure out where or how to downsize further though because I love what I have left.

Seems silly to be thinking of these things in the midst of all the uncertainty and concern in the world, but in the mess of thoughts tumbling around in my head these days, this remains a part of them. Sending well-wishes to you all. I hope you are all staying as safe as possible.

Welcome! Can I just say - you have come to the right place! We've all been examining our buying/selling/hoarding/emotional patterns, and sharing insights and solutions. This moment in time is offering a different perspective that might prove helpful. (I must say I totally identify with the obsessiveness you mention in your first sentence!)