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

[BagLadyT]

Finally got around to switching out bags!

 

[dcooney4]

The Gucci is beautiful. I've loved the Dionysus since they came out but when I first saw them, I didn't like the use of suede on parts that would get too much wear. Now I guess they've come out with all leather versions. I should look at them again.

I think we all have a different view of what makes a bag medium sized. I guess most of my bags are medium sized. As long as I don't have to leave anything I normally carry out, it is medium sized. If I can also fit a water bottle, it is on the larger size. My favorite medium sized bag is probably this Coach bag. It is black but not boring. It is very comfortable to carry. It fits all my normal stuff without any room for anything else.

I love the look of this bag.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I will however have a clearcut of my bag. Too many insignificant receipts in there and 'bits' that serve no purpose at all except to make finding things a lot more tricky.

How often do others clean out there everyday (or longterm) bags?

Oops, I must admit I only clear out my every day bag when I really can´t find anything anymore and have to pour the contents out... on these occasions I will feel like a treasure seeker while I unearth lots of little things my boy handed to me to safekeep, several pieces of plastic cutlery I didn´t want to throw away, perfume testers, hairbands and pins, long lost lipsticks and of course the usual meaningless receips and tissues...

 

[Mulberrygal]

It’d very much of the length of the vacation, but generally and ideally speaking:

For beach: A tote that can double as beach bag (say the Dior book tote), a small casual crossbody that can get wet (Loewe raffia crossbody for example), a shoulder bag (blue Hermes Verrou or Loewe Flamenco go well with the Dior, but there are others), and a couple of clutches. I usually bring the LV Ipanema when on holiday too (takes no space and doubles as a belt bag). An extra would be an (day to) evening bag, like a Chanel.

For a short city break: a tote, a shoulder bag and a couple of clutches. I usually dress like I would if I happened to live in the city in question.

in general, I think clutches are so very useful for traveling. They don’t take much space, you can use them as pouches to pack stuff like jewelry, scarves or electronics, they can go inside the beach bag, they are great for diners and evenings out, and they bring variety and color to your wardrobe with minimal fuss. I tend to overdo it on the clutch front when I travel I have to admit

I don't own any clutches but now I think about it they sound ideal for a beach trip. I usually bring my Woc (could count as a clutch) but it's away being repaired. I really miss it as I usually pop it in my beach bag, it's easy to carry back and for the and small enough to store in the beach bag. It's something I totally overlooked when packing but luckily I have an LV pouch in my hand luggage and I'm using that for a few bits pieces, otherwise evrything would just be loose in my beach bag

I will consider clutches in a new light in the future and they can go on my wish list.

Same here… this time of year the only way to enjoy our stretch of coast is to bundle up in layers and do a whole lot of brisk walking! Good for the heart lungs, and calf muscles. Not so good for elegant handbags.

Ha ha, I know just what you mean. It's very healthy for us to get some sea air but that seaspray doesn't do our bags any good. DH complains that he'd prefer me to use my bags rather than leave them in the cupboard..........so I'm trying to be more carefree with them. I've several older Mulbs and they cope well but I'll still worry If I took something more costly when it's blowing a hooley

Does your seafront suffer from high winds? Even in summer our can be so different than 1/4 mile inland.

 

[Annabel Lee]

Finally got around to switching out bags!

Gorgeous! You have such great taste.

Last year I refreshed a few of my glove-tanned leather Coach bags from the early 90s and was amazed by how beautifully they came out. (Thanks to TPF for the great rehab threads.) I had planned to sell them after cleaning them up, but ended up keeping (and using) them and selling a Valentino and LV instead.

Good for you. I'm always so impressed by others' rehab skills, and 90s Coach was really great quality.

I’m sure no one remembers but, I whined long and loud about losing my favorite sunnies in Cancun last summer. As a result I’ve been on a hunt for great simple black sunnies ever since. And of course, I haven’t found anything. But, er... um...I found and bought two other gorgeous pair that I didn’t need. Tee. Hee.

Finally, I gave up and rebought the ones I loved. I actually found a pair new through an eyeglasses retailer!!! They just arrived today. I’m terrible at “live” sunglasses photos so here is the stock photo of my new (again to me) Prada cat eyes. so glad to have them back home!!! View attachment 4651855

Also, a couple of you asked for a photo of the YSL Lou Camera bag and Gucci Mini (not the super mini) Dionysus that I reviewed. Here it is. View attachment 4651857
Obviously, these are VERY different bags with different styles and uses. I’m very happy I have both of them! I’ve used the YSL quite a bit since she arrived less than a month ago so I’m very pleased with the bag overall despite it not being on “par” with the Gucci.

BUT!!! 6 of my last 7 handbags have been small bags. It’s time to reverse course and move back to medium (or even the rare large) bags. I’ve gotten used to carrying much less but, I’m missing the presence of a slightly larger bag. Keeping my eyes peeled for something great.

What is your favorite medium sized bag in your collection?

I'm glad you got your favorite sunnies again! These are a really great shape. I have also done this and had to go get the exact.same.pair. because no substitute would do.

Bringing this conversation full circle, it turned out the missing pair was actually in a pocket of my purse I'd neglected to clear out because I almost never used it. I've gotten better about cleaning out my bags after every use now.

The Gucci is beautiful. I've loved the Dionysus since they came out but when I first saw them, I didn't like the use of suede on parts that would get too much wear. Now I guess they've come out with all leather versions. I should look at them again.

I think we all have a different view of what makes a bag medium sized. I guess most of my bags are medium sized. As long as I don't have to leave anything I normally carry out, it is medium sized. If I can also fit a water bottle, it is on the larger size. My favorite medium sized bag is probably this Coach bag. It is black but not boring. It is very comfortable to carry. It fits all my normal stuff without any room for anything else.

@whateve, this is gorgeous. "Black but not boring" is basically my dream bag.

I’ve seen this bag a few times on tPF but finally googled how it’s worn. I thought it was carried by the side “handles”. Lol!
Don’t feel stupid. Most of us have been there. You buy bags you think are beautiful or feel you “should” have. Then life happens and you realize you want and need bags with a totally different function or use. When this happened to me I just had to gut it out and sell a ton of bags, try some others, sell them and finally get to this current collection that works for me. And, I still just mentioned that I need some larger, more practical bags.

I don’t know your life stage but, if you are younger with children, you may find you need larger bags now but will use your smaller bags later. That’s what happened with me. When I stopped having to schlep our lives in my bag, my bag needs changed. If this is a possibility, perhaps you keep some bags you aren’t using as much now for when that transition happens.

Whatever you decide, it will be fun to hear about / see you play with your collection!

You can carry it by the side handles as well! I have a large one, and I really like how it folds up into a fortune cookie shape (see sort of an example below). This is one of those bags I didn't really "get" until I saw it worn, and then I fell in love with it.

 

[Mulberrygal]

Happy Chinese New Year to those who celebrate!
I clean out my bags when I switch to a different bag, every day to two days.


Yay for the Reissue! Happy holiday vacation trip Mulberrygal! I am carrying my red Reissue 226 today, we’re on a road trip for older DS’s hockey tournament. It’s the only bag I brought.
I like @papertiger ‘s choices for beach holiday and city break.

Beach holiday
Tote - Longchamp Le Pliage
Beach bag - Orvis canvas giant tote
Crossbody - Gucci Soho Disco

City holiday
Tote - Longchamp Le Pliage
Crossbody - Gucci Soho Disco
Evening - Chanel WOC

Thank you @morebags, I'm loving my holiday and definitely Yay for the Reissue, I find it really useful and classy for a trip. I love your 226, gorgeous bag and a lovely shade of red. Do you carry her often?

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Hi Sparkle, I don’t have either bag. I enjoyed reading your comparison and review - entertaining and informative! Excellent analysis!

I completely second More bag´s post!
I don´t own any of the two, but enjoyed your analysis very much!
The Dyonisus has been tempting me since it came out (biggest version as possible, please! ), but unfortunately it´s not in my price league. The hubby keeps teasing me: "look here´s the bags you´ll be buying used in 15 years!

 

[SakuraSakura]

Taking this moment to express my gratitude towards being able to find and own such beautiful items. As some of you may know, most of my handbag collection is thrifted and from consignment shops. I feel that sometimes we get caught up in the hype of stalking new pieces that we forget the ones that are sitting in our collections. As someone who strives to lead a more ethical lifestyle, I'm blessed that I have so many options in terms of thrift stores. I'm also grateful that I have plenty of opportunities to thrift.

 

[Mulberrygal]

Didn’t have any idea California had outlaw fur. But that includes old fur? How is it sustainable to throw away a coat your grandma wore and buy a petrol based fake fur instead?
Anyway, just my opinion... Today I will be wearing my German grandma’s beaver coat which has a hood and sixties vibes. I will be carrying a Plume 32 which is also a 60s bag, but the one right now in pool position to leave if I get a new bag. So sad.

I also made the first purchases of the year. In my defense they were all bargains. A couple of Loewe t-shirts in the sale that I know I will wear to death and a pair of Gucci loafers (Brixton) in the tan color. I never buy shoes second hand but these were in my local consignment store and the soles are pristine, they don’t even look they have been tried on, and half price. So I felt I had no choice.

I need to set up a budget soon and start using for February. Would anyone want to share what is your fashion-goods budget and how you manage it? Is it yearly, monthly... do you transfer from one month or one category to another... I am not careless with purchases but just very bad at budgeting and planning so would love to learn.

My DH is a serial budgeter. He has been budgeting since he started working and has everything saved in excel (and backed up). It is kind of fun to look back and see how things have evolved - earnings, savings, spending, etc.
We decide on an annual budget at the beginning of year and then DH tracks to it monthly. Within that I have a clothing/shoe budget and a separate ‘big ticket item’ budget aided for jewelry, bags mostly. If I sell any of my bags/shoes I get a credit towards my budget. I can go over my budget and DH just carries over the balance - it is the only items he carries over!
I have come to appreciate the budgeting. It gives me a sense of comfort we are responsibly planning for our future. I also plan all large purchases for jewelry and bags but if something suddenly catches my eyes I know whether it fits in my spending plan and can make an educated decision on the spot.

I am similiar and after allowing for all essentials I try to budget for what I think are all eventualities for clothes, shoes, toiletries, cosmetics, holidays, going out, birthdays, Xmas and set reasonable limits on each category using a spreadsheet to analysis. I sometimes move the balances around but if there is money left in any accounts it just gets carried over. I'll also adjust yearly according to what I've spent in previous years.
This year after losing my job three years ago (loving the life of leisure/NEVER going back ) I am doing a "no spend year" I've enlisted the help of friends and family and joined several FB groups to keep me on the straight and narrow.

So this year my plan is to spend zilch on luxuries and non essentials other than holidays these are our treats and also gifts to each other for birthdays and Xmas. I still love my bags but I'll shop within my current bags collection, so until I sell a bag I am not allowed another. I have three bags that I've sent to consignment. I have more than enough clothes, last year I successfully "shopped my wardrobe" all year (not shoes) and this year I will continue but no shoes allowed.........so far so good. I haven't slipped up as yet although I was so tempted to update my iPhone and I also wanted some AirPods .......but I don't need them and I'm going to resist temptation.I can't falter in the first month
I also started the year with shop my own freezer and cupboards, which has been great fun using everything up, making up some very different meals and finally clearing all of it out before I went on holiday.

When I get home I'd like to commit more to doing some housework though and selling of a few more unwanted family treasures. I still need to downsize and move things on.........minimalism is in sight

 

[momasaurus]

I think only 2 people responded to my question on the color weeks. So, everyone else - Yay? Nay?

I’m a little tired of them but, then I’ve done them every year. Lol!

I’m happy to get us started and post the color list. Let me know.

Color weeks are fun!

 

[Mulberrygal]

For the past few years, we’ve done a bag by color showcase in the spring and a bag by brand showcase in the fall. I’m thinking that we’re a little weary of it as participation has dwindled over time. Yes? No?

Perhaps we do something different this year? Ideas? Suggestions?

Meanwhile. Let’s do some challenges in February. Pick the one(s) that work for you. I’ll repost these again on Feb 1.

FEBRUARY PURSE CHALLENGES
1) Valentine’s Day / Month of Love challenge - wear all your red and / or pink bags at least 1x in Feb.
2) Winter Wonderland - Make sure your heartiest bags get a workout before warmer weather comes. Pick your 3 bags best suited for cold or inclement weather and wear them each 2x in Feb.
3) Sentimental Journey - Select the two bags that have the most meaning to you in your collection. Wear each of them twice this month and share your special stories with us.

As always, photos are welcome but not required!

I’m going to do #1. I love red and pink colored bags the most (I have 4). Yet for some odd reason I wear them the least. I need to get my babies out and about.

Oh I love all these ideas. I will do all the February challenges. I have red and pink bags and I'll look through and decide which have the most sentimental meaning, although my first one jumps out at me Immediately.

I've never done the colour bag showcase in the Spring and am happy to participate or happy to go with an alternative but sorry I'm not imaginative to come up with any new ideas

 

[Mulberrygal]

I think only 2 people responded to my question on the color weeks. So, everyone else - Yay? Nay?

I’m a little tired of them but, then I’ve done them every year. Lol!

I’m happy to get us started and post the color list. Let me know.

Oh yes please, I've only just read your post.......sorry I just missed it. So much happens on here if you miss a couple of days. I'm up for the colour one

 

[Sparkletastic]

I completely second More bag´s post!
I don´t own any of the two, but enjoyed your analysis very much!
The Dyonisus has been tempting me since it came out (biggest version as possible, please! ), but unfortunately it´s not in my price league. The hubby keeps teasing me: "look here´s the bags you´ll be buying used in 15 years!

Thanks for the compliment on the bags.
Re: price. I think all these prices are insane. LOL! But, one good / bad thing about Gucci is that the price drops precipitously in resale. So a “cheap” Dionysus isn’t out of the question at all.

Oh yes please, I've only just read your post.......sorry I just missed it. So much happens on here if you miss a couple of days. I'm up for the colour one

Based on feedback, we’ll do the color showcase. How about we start mid Feb - Sun Feb 16?

Taking this moment to express my gratitude towards being able to find and own such beautiful items. As some of you may know, most of my handbag collection is thrifted and from consignment shops. I feel that sometimes we get caught up in the hype of stalking new pieces that we forget the ones that are sitting in our collections. As someone who strives to lead a more ethical lifestyle, I'm blessed that I have so many options in terms of thrift stores. I'm also grateful that I have plenty of opportunities to thrift.

Lovely post.

 

[Sparkletastic]

COLOR WEEK BAG SHOWCASE!

• New color weeks start each Sunday.
• Don’t jump ahead but, if you miss a week you can show your bags “late”.
• Show bags individually or in a group.
• You do NOT have to wear the bags that week.
• For added fun, show pictures from previous years (2016-2019) or even just one photo from when you started your collection to demonstrate how you have curated it over time.

Week of:
Feb. 16: Red (including burgundy)
Feb. 23: Orange & Yellow
Mar 1: Green
Mar 8: Blue & Indigo (including turquoise & teal)
Mar. 15: Violet (including purple & pink)
Mar. 22: Black
Mar. 29: Gray
Apr. 5: White & Cream
Apr. 12 Brown & Tan
Apr. 19: Metallic
Apr. 26: Jeweled and all other embellished
May 3: Multicolored

Two handy ways to find past photos:

1) Go back to the old years’ shopping your closet threads and search through posts to find yours:

• 2016 photos start with post #3569
• 2017 photos start with post #4476
• 2018 photos start with post #3237
• 2019 photos start with post #2683

2) Do a search using the forum’s search function. Click on the looking glass in the upper right hand corner. It will bring up a search box. Enter your search terms for a bag or for a phrase posted by you with your user name and it will pull up entries that match.

 

[Sparkletastic]

@Vlad - please pin post #764 on the top of this thread. Thanks!