2020 resolution - shopping my own bag and wallet collection. Any one else?
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We do them concurrently. The color showcase is just about showing pictures of your bags. The challenges are about us playing with out bags so we continue to appreciate what we have and are less likely to buy new ones.When I travel, three rules go out of the window: 1) I never exercise 2) I always eat foods I wouldn’t in “regular life” (like pastas and sugary sweets), and 3) I will buy pretty things that have (IMO) highway robbery pricing.We call it vacation brain and have stopped trying to fight it. We just plan for it by 1) making sure we are solid on our workouts before and after the trip 2) eating super healthfully before and after the trip and both of those are a pain to get back to after ugh and 3) budget for the buying foolishness that invariably will happen. that eliminates the pain of a facing a ruined budget after and allows us to enjoy what with bought without guilt. I don’t know why vacation brain happens. But, it’s real. So, don’t feel too bad.
It’s sooooo hard to find the perfect tote. I’m still hunting after several unsuccessful purchases.Good Luck with your new tote!
Congratulations on your promotion!!! Whoop!!!
I still am a huge fan of the Fendi. It is definitely my most functional bag, it’s under the radar and it just... works! I just think the bit of schlumping at the bottom corners is just driving me crazy. And, as I’ve admitted to on the past, I can get bored with bags pretty easily. (which I hate about me) So, add to this not being an “exciting” design and I’m lusting for something else.
That being said, I’m not actively looking. I really need to continue rebuilding my wardrobe. I just hate going to the mall. I would even happily try on everything if it appeared in my house. It’s weird. I love to entertain and I like socializing. But, all those people aimlessly wandering plus the treasure hunt that is shopping makes me want to scream. :scream:
I looooove the image of a well dressed spider crawling on the “interwebs“ carrying a designer purse.I imagine her with long eyelashes, killer shoes on each of her 8 “feet” and an Hermes scarf tied jauntily around her ”neck”
Yes I can definitely relate to this. My bag collection has changed so much over the years. I've Lusted after bags so often and then when I get them they sit on the shelf for all sorts of different reasons,
My last big change came a couple of years ago when I gave up work (or work gave up me
I seem to have tried to change my collection too quickly and most of my bags don't feeel quite right. There are also some I got rid off and I shouldn't have............this has left a bad taste and I'm now hanging onto some bags just because I may have sellers regret
I know I want less bags, a small manageable collection, the majority of which I'd like to carry regularly but I'm left with a muddled little lot that doesn't feel rightI need to have fun with it.
I'm looking forward to this but how does it fit with the February challenge. We can still start that at the beginning of February?
You can participate in any one, all or none of the activities. As you can see, we have fun here just talking about anything.
[/QUOTE]I love how you handle "vacation brain." Very practical!
Yes, we can get high winds and also very big waves. Especially in the wintertime. Fun to photograph! But as you say, not good for a high-end handbag. That's when I pull out my MbMJ Natasha. It's a nice bag, but I've had it for so many years that it's getting a bit long in the tooth and I've relegated it to "carefree" status. It's a good bag for long walks, because it weighs very little and I carry it cross body.
btw, this photo is deceptive; I took it a few years ago, when I had just reconditioned the bag. It looks a lot schloompier now!
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Oh it looks lovely, gorgeous little bag.........I love purple
That is nuts! I would have quickly backed out of there. My kids never went to daycare so they started bringing germs home in prek. They were not fun times but as they got older they rarely got sick because of all the stuff they got when they were little. So there is a bright side to this.
I love bag spills (of this sort - not the “I just slammed my brakes on and now the contents of my purse are strewn all over the floor of my car” sort ), your wallet is beautiful!For BOTD, my Lady Dior. It is quite spacious but not the easiest to access. She got to go with me to car service because I didn’t have to carry files.
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Ooo - I do like this! But I can see it’s a bit tight to get into! What size is this?
Here I am trying to artfully spill the contents ..phone, Vivier wallet, H Pouch holds calendar, notebook, and STDupont Fountain pen, key pouch and glasses (I loathe glasses and I have to carry 2pairs)
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Below, I’ve thrown all the contents back into the neverfull, which has the added files, pencil case, and makeup pouch...plus room for jacket, lunch, shoes, etc etc.View attachment 4653430
That is why the Neverfull is so easy to use..I can see everything!
I always have my sunnies with me, just in an ugly black hard case - I should upgrade that!
I do pedicures semi regularly - mostly in the warmer months when they’re more likely to be seen. In the winter I’m more about moisturizing, so they might be nekkid until February when we go to Maui. I had one last week (ready to go!) and they are a very shimmery dark red now. I can’t keep polish on my fingernails, so I keep them fairly short with just clear polish - it’s actually a product that’s supposed to make my nails stronger - but I dunno...
Thank you so much!
Ohmigoodness - those ARE beautiful!Ya it’s a sad situation. The thing is that in reality I rarely wear heels much anymore..but I still don’t want to give them up. I started researching comfortable heels...some swear by Manolos and I was nuts enough to start researching the Hangisi. I really wanted the saffron color in the 50mm..thank god it’s not available in the US or it would be decorating my shelf.
Isn’t it pretty?
Is it really comfortable? Not my nikes, I’m sure.
Is it practical? Satin? probably not.
was it Spock that said “ ..you may find that wanting is better than having...”
I think I’d be pretty happy to have these.
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Highly impractical in satin, but beautiful.
I follow a woman on IG who has the most gorgeous shoes - I have major shoe envy!
Beautiful color!
Thank you morebags! I’m still trying to be disciplined about using these pens. Another one of my obsessions.? I don’t think it’s real tortoise shell..at least I hope not. I think I bought it in the 90’s, when I was totally into fountain pens. To draw the ink into the cartridge, you twist at the top of the pen. I used to always prefer to load ink vs. using the cartridges, but now I think I prefer the ease of the cartridge. Actually I’d prefer the ballpoint(but trying to be disciplined here in using all the c**p I spent so much$ on
)
Well what pen are you carrying these days? Do you switch off daily? I try to use up a cartridge before I switch so I can properly clean it prior to storage. so much work..
A wise man (uncle) said “you shouldn't have it, if you can’t maintain it” ...I agree with him
An insightful friend said “ if you have to store it, you don't need to have it” ...I ignored her.
Thank you!
I’m the same with orange bags - I had one, carried it a few times and then realized it was too Too, and never carried it again. Now I just admire orange bags.Ladies, thanks very much for your 'congratulations'! Much appreciated.
Speaking of orange bags, even if I find them pretty, I just don't gravitate to them when I have other choices! So I've learned not to buy no matter how pretty I find them.
My toe nails are not very healthy I suppose. They easily break, so I don't bother with pedicure. There was a period a few years back when I got hooked to pedis, my nails just gave up after a few months! I had to wait until the old nails grew out. And never did pedis again. Btw, pedicure service is cheap in my country. We have a lot of nail salons here.
Funny, I just use ordinary gel pens. I have a colleague who uses fountain pen. He is a lot younger than me. I just can't relate.
When I travel, three rules go out of the window: 1) I never exercise 2) I always eat foods I wouldn’t in “regular life” (like pastas and sugary sweets), and 3) I will buy pretty things that have (IMO) highway robbery pricing.
It’s sooooo hard to find the perfect tote. I’m still hunting after several unsuccessful purchases.
Congratulations on your promotion!!! Whoop!!!
I still am a huge fan of the Fendi. It is definitely my most functional bag, it’s under the radar and it just... works! I just think the bit of schlumping at the bottom corners is just driving me crazy. And, as I’ve admitted to on the past, I can get bored with bags pretty easily. (which I hate about me) So, add to this not being an “exciting” design and I’m lusting for something else.
That being said, I’m not actively looking. I really need to continue rebuilding my wardrobe. I just hate going to the mall. I would even happily try on everything if it appeared in my house. It’s weird. I love to entertain and I like socializing. But, all those people aimlessly wandering plus the treasure hunt that is shopping makes me want to scream. :scream:
I looooove the image of a well dressed spider crawling on the “interwebs“ carrying a designer purse.
You can participate in any one, all or none of the activities. As you can see, we have fun here just talking about anything.
I've tried to discipline myself when travelling and taking holidays the last few times. I've made time for the gym and swimming and tried to eat sensibly..............however this holiday I am failing miserably, my eating habits are totally out of control.
I admire you for being able to switch back to it when you get home. It's something I seem to have a problem with So I just try to stay on course when I'm away. When we got home last time the weather was appalling, raining constantly, really miserable and I felt so fed up my resolve faltered and my healthy eating habits slipped down the pan. Now I'm away again and I'm totally out of control.
I'm really looking forward to the challenges. It is a lovely forum, with lots of lovely people and I am glad I am part of it and will try to do all the challenges, they sound good fun.
I mainly jumped in as I do really want to shop my own bag collection and I'm trying to stay on track (shopping the whole house)
but I love all the other chit chat 
there always seems to be something that peaks my interest.
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Wow!! Impressive! A one night trip and no toiletries or clothes? Or did you check a bag too?
Thank you for reminding me of this! Mu daughter's pediatrician said that she will never get sick after 2 years old. We'll see!
I'm interested in your moisturizing regimen. I try to do this but fail pretty hard. I put lotion on my body everyday after a shower. Sometimes I will including putting lotion on my feet, but then it feels like all the dirt and dust from the floor get stuck on them. I also got a pumice board, which has been nice for certain trouble spots, and I'll use that a few times a month. Do you lotion your feet and slip right into bed? Do you lotion and then use slippers? Curious so I can learn more for my own routine!
This month has been a bit crazy. I have been trying to down size further. While at the same time dealing with some errors. Last month I ordered a light weight backpack that when it came would not open, so I exchanged it for a crossbody but that is part of last month even though it took so long that I received the exchange this month. I did get rid of two sport crossbody bags and attempted to get one preloved. It came and went back out yesterday. It had a black line of dirt on the inside lining towards the top that was not in the photos and came complete with sanitary supplies loose in one section. So I just decided to bite the bullet and get a new cute Mz Wallace instead. Fingers crossed it is love when it arrives.
We are going shopping today but I have no intention of buying a bag. If I see something I love anyway it would be for Vday and wouldn't get it till then from dh. So here are this months stats.
Bags in 1--Just ordered
Bags out 3
Slgs in 0
Slgs Out 0
Sport/Travel bags in 0
Sports/Travel bags out 2
Things have not been moving at the consignment shop this month.
We are going shopping today but I have no intention of buying a bag. If I see something I love anyway it would be for Vday and wouldn't get it till then from dh. So here are this months stats.
Bags in 1--Just ordered
Bags out 3
Slgs in 0
Slgs Out 0
Sport/Travel bags in 0
Sports/Travel bags out 2
Things have not been moving at the consignment shop this month.
I was happily enjoying my YSL Lou camera bag when a lovely tPF’r posted on another thread that she has owned the bag for a little while now and it’s losing its shape.
As I mentioned before, the bag seems decently constructed but, nothing like the quality of my other premier bags - not even close. In contrast, when I got my Gucci Dionysus last October, it screamed beautifully and carefully done construction.
Both of these are small bags so, it makes sense to do a bit of comparison. (Both bags were purchased new.)
PRICE:
•YSL: A $1250 retail (with discounts & cash back from Saks & Rakuten, Mr. S paid $659) Great pricing for a premier bag.
• Gucci: B $1950 retail (with the Hawaii discount, Mr. S paid $1755) Not outrageous for a premier bag but not cheap for a mini bag.
STYLING:
• YSL A- This is a great looking bag. A quilted camera bag is a classic look and the black w/black hw gives it a striking bit of edge. Additionally, they did a great job with the tassel as the strands(?) are rolled and finished - not raw on one side.
• Gucci: A+ Squeeeee!!!! OMG! This bag is stupid beautiful. Flap bags are a dime a dozen but, the hardware (beautiful chain, striking Dionysus clasp and Swarovski crystals) on this bag make it a show stopper without ever being in your face.
LEATHER & CONSTRUCTION:
• YSL: C- Made of calfskin. The leather and construction are soft. The leather doesn’t feel thick and chewy. It’s actually feels on the “thin” side but not bad. Lining is fabric.
I don’t have the right words for it but the stitching or construction feels a little below average. Certainly not on par with other Premier brands. I want to give it a B- but it “feels” like lower quality construction than Coach bags I’ve seen in stores and the one Kate Spade I own. Shouldn’t premier bags have better construction given the bigger price??? Well, it doesn’t.
And, if it does start losing shape within a year, I will drop the grade to an F. No bag should do that.
• Gucci: A- Is it possible to gush over construction? This little bag has some of the best construction of any bag I own. The stitching is perfect. The seams and edging are perfect. And, the leather is thick giving the impression of being “chewy” despite the rigidity of the style. Lining is fabric which I’ve come to terms with on most of Gucci’s bags now (that is the only ding I give the bag).
HARDWARE:
• YSL: D The majority of the hardware (clasps, zipper, etc.) are ok, I’m just not impressed.
But, the logo?? It’s plastic!! I hate plastic on my bags. I’m sorry. I just can’t rate it higher given that.
• Gucci: A+ Oh. My. Gawd. The hardware is solid and sturdy without being heavy, extremely well made and beautifully designed. Plus, the accents are Swarovski crystals. Yummy sparkly!
FUNCTIONALITY:
• YSL: A- This bag is great for being on the go. It holds all my essentials with a little room to spare. The adjustable strap makes it shoulder or crossbody carry. And it’s easy to get into. No compromises here.
• Gucci: B- This mini is a bag for looking cute. LOL! Not for big function. It just fits my bare minimum items which is really all I need when I’m going to cocktails or a fun event with Mr. S or our friends. So, I wish it was a teeny bit bigger but, no complaints. It does what it’s supposed to do.
COMPANY SERVICE:
• YSL: F I’ve shared my issues with getting a repair on my other YSL bag. I don’t know if I mentioned I have been fighting with Saks and YSL to get the box for this bag. I feel I’d be on my own with any issues on this bag.
• Gucci: A I have only had one issue with a Gucci product and it was handled seamlessly and easily. Given that Mr. S just had a true nightmare with a Louis Vuitton watch repair (they lost his watch then they sent it to someone else and had to get it back!!!), I remain impressed with Gucci’s service.
OVERALL:
YSL: B- GUCCI: A
The YSL fails on some key areas - quality and service. Yet, it’s an adorable bag with great functionality that can be found at a very reasonable price. For these latter reasons, I’m still very happy with the purchase. I feel comfortable with this as my sling around / carefree bag. I don’t expect a lot from it so I won’t worry about it. Because of that, I’ll likely get it to a cost per wear that is tiny and still be able to sell it - if need be - for at or close to what we paid. For those reasons I call it a BUY. But only at a heavily discounted price. It is not worth full price IMHO.
In contrast, the Gucci Dionysus is a no compromise bag. It’s beautiful, it’s classic while still being on trend, it has exceptional quality and it will be a bag I keep for many years to come. I can wear it to cocktails or to the farmers market and it somehow “works”. The price isn’t tiny but it’s in line with other premier bags - many of which don’t have the quality and won’t have the staying power. I’m deliriously happy with this bag and definitely would buy another - albeit likely in the next size up. Overall: STRONG BUY
Hope you enjoyed my analysis. If you have either of these bags, I’d love to hear your take on them.
I can’t believe the logo on the YSL is plastic. ARG! I love that camera bag for functionality, but I agree with you. I was surprised at the way it seems “lower quality”. My older YSL bags from 10 years ago are much higher quality.
I have the Gucci Medium one and I LOVE it!!! Totally agree with you.
I love bag spills (of this sort - not the “I just slammed my brakes on and now the contents of my purse are strewn all over the floor of my car” sort ), your wallet is beautiful!
I always have my sunnies with me, just in an ugly black hard case - I should upgrade that!
I do pedicures semi regularly - mostly in the warmer months when they’re more likely to be seen. In the winter I’m more about moisturizing, so they might be nekkid until February when we go to Maui. I had one last week (ready to go!) and they are a very shimmery dark red now. I can’t keep polish on my fingernails, so I keep them fairly short with just clear polish - it’s actually a product that’s supposed to make my nails stronger - but I dunno...
Thank you so much!
Ohmigoodness - those ARE beautiful!
Highly impractical in satin, but beautiful.
I follow a woman on IG who has the most gorgeous shoes - I have major shoe envy!
Beautiful color!
Thank you!
I’m the same with orange bags - I had one, carried it a few times and then realized it was too Too, and never carried it again. Now I just admire orange bags.
I have regular pedicures usually about once a month and try to time it with when we go away. I am a sun seeker though and we try to get away from the U.K. winters as much as possible, so my toes are often on view. In between I pamper them myself. I use a chiropodist sponge every time I have a soak and always use a foot moisturiser every shower/bath. It is best to put something on your feet afterwards @Rhl2987 even if it's just those cheapie towelling slippers you get in hotels.
I also have regular manicures and like to faff over them in between. I always keep them lacquered and probably have more nail polish in a drawer than the salon
I do have a gel kit and sometimes just use it as a top coat as they stay super shiny but sadly I don't find it lasts that well on me, it chips really quickly 
If we are going away I have the SNS powered acrylic at the Salon as it last for several weeks. We were away most of December and I had them done before I left, a lovely mixture of Xmas reds, silver sparkle and purple. They managed to last the whole of the time I was there,
not the slightest chip but of course they did grow up a little. I do take the acrylic off myself which is a bit of palaver but I'd rather do it myself if I can
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Oh oh...love those shoes!are they comfortable?
My trainer has told me to get rid of all my shoes not shaped like my foot. Wut?
And to eliminate all sugar. Uh?
Ok so I have reluctantly gotten rid of beautiful pairs that don’t feel good before I even take a stepActually, I keep trying them for about 2 weeks, hoping that they suddenly become comfortable..so far no dice.
Thank-you! To my surprise they are quite comfortable for shoes as pointed and spindly heeled like these. They run big, so a 38.5 is fine for my 39 feet. I might just have got lucky, though, because I bought them preloved and the former owner already had broken them in.
I hear you about giving shoes a test period. My feet are rather delicate and most shoes need to be broken in with leather stretch spray and padding for a while. some do respond, others don´t...