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

[dcooney4]

Once you go black you never go back.

I take my hobos like my coffee...black.

Seriously though I was not happy with the blue so....now my new lock is black and I'm satisfied!

Gorgeous!

 

[dcooney4]

On that note, I want to share some of my non-mainstream bags (Hipster bags? ) I have a ton more, mostly clutches/evening bags, but here are some of my favorites.

First up are the clutches.

• The minaudiere with the funky design is from Anthropologie, though I'm not sure what brand. It is absolutely gorgeous with a little black dress, and sometimes I wear it with pewter heels to match the grays on the bag. I bought this during a bag ban just a couple years ago--I had to have it.
• The black satin clutch is THE perfect evening bag. It's visually interesting, elegant and has no visible hardware, so I can wear it with gold or silver jewelry. I got it on Zappos a million years ago.
• The rattan clutch is from a flea market. It's a bit fiddly with the clamshell style opening, but it is so cool, I don't care. I always get a ton of compliments on it too!
  View attachment 4925482

And the day bags:

• The olive tote with the cool handle is another find from Anthropologie. My mom has the same one, and we don't live in the same state, so it always makes me smile to carry it, because I think of her. Also, she has exquisite taste, so I'm in good company there.
• The bright blue bag was a find from a cool gift store. Depending on how you view the bag, the rainbow strip in the middle appears wider/narrower. I love this bag with a plainer outfit--talk about a pop of color! I love it with grays in particular.
• It might be hard to see, but the velvet bag has a trompe l'oeil buckle effect. We don't get much of a winter where I live, so I'm not sure I had any business buying such a seasonal bag, but I absolutely love this. And I always pet it when I wear it!View attachment 4925484

I love your bags. I enjoy the colors and textures of them. Keep them coming ! Love love love!

 

[dcooney4]

Hello everyone. So nice to read this thread! I still need to catch up some more, but I skimmed through quickly and wow -- such lovely sentiments and pictures. Warm, inviting holiday decor, wonderful mod shots, and of course beautiful bags. I completely agree with all the sentiments regarding the beauty of all the different kinds of bags we enjoy. I have a couple of non-mainstream bags as well and will try to post pictures of them when I get a chance. I was a bit under the weather recently -- some sinus irritation -- after some over-zealous dusting of some long-neglected corners of the house. Or maybe it was the dusting spray I used that bothered me (did not like the smell). Anyway, I am better now, but am waiting for a few more days before I wear a few new perfumes I ordered.

Regarding the December bag challenge, I carried my Camellia wallet on chain recently. Not sure if WOCs count as bags or small leather goods? I think I will count it as a bag!

I can't wait to see your bags. Any bag you want to count counts. Glad your feeling better!

 

[dcooney4]

View attachment 4925599
For the December challenge, I am going to carry this Prada Matinee bag. I love the color and although I am not the biggest fan of saffiano leather, I must say I find it very easy to use and wipe down without worries, especially after outdoor trips. Sorry for the fall- themed picture. I need to take a new picture when I use this bag soon.

Love the color.

 

[Bag peace]

I convinced my brother he should find a local artist to do it.

Good call! I'm certain you would have done a wonderful job (and I was excited to see the final product) but it did sound like backbreaking work!

I have instead done a few animal portraits that are surprise gifts for people

This is my idea of a perfect present! How very sweet of you! I'm sure they'll be adored!

I have not painted on any bags yet though I did buy a starter kit. Probably once the holidays are over I will try that.

Something to look forward to in 2021! I hope you'll do a reveal if you do end up painting on a bag.

 

[dcooney4]

Good call! I'm certain you would have done a wonderful job (and I was excited to see the final product) but it did sound like backbreaking work!

This is my idea of a perfect present! How very sweet of you! I'm sure they'll be adored!

Something to look forward to in 2021! I hope you'll do a reveal if you do end up painting on a bag.

They were actually commissions by other people for their relatives. Though since they were friends it is not profitable compared to the time involved. My reward will come when I get the video of them unwrapping the gift.
I might start painting or trying the paints out on a little triangle coin pouch , just to see how the paint reacts and dries. A simple flower or something of that nature. If I don't hate the result I will post it.

 

[Annabel Lee]

This is such a fun collection! I love the Anthropologie bags in particular. That olive green woven tote is art.

I keep coming back to this!
@Annabel Lee, love your aesthetic and your choices! And your sentiments re an all champagne or all beer budget your velvet bag reminds me of some older Roberta dI camerino velvet bags (as per @cowgirlsboots)

Your gorgeous velvet bag reminds me of the classic Roberta di Camerino bags.

Aww, the discussion has me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!
I'd said this on another thread but it bears repeating: I feel like I could listen to people share their perspectives on here all day! Everyone is so generous with their knowledge and point of view that I feel like a humble student here, getting an insight into how great minds work and great people support.

Your collection makes me so happy! I love bags that are different, tactile or otherwise unique. These are the types of bags I would have gravitated towards if I'd seen them in a shop. Thanks so much for sharing your beauties!

That blue bag with the rainbow twist in the middle reminds me of one I used to have. It was a simple black flat bag with a top zip, but the twisted strips of leather made an ombre effect with dark grey at the top lightening all the way to white at the bottom. I don't think I have a photo, but it was my favourite bag for years and I wore it until it literally fell apart.

I love your bags. I enjoy the colors and textures of them. Keep them coming ! Love love love!

Thanks for the kind words, all! I hadn't noticed the similarity to Roberta di Camerino bags myself, but you're absolutely right! @jblended, that bag sounds absolutely fabulous. It's funny how we can miss bags, isn't it? I had a big slouchy gray hobo from Big Buddha that I wore to bits, and I still haven't found one to really replace it.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

cowgirlsboots, here you go. All my bags mostly just go in the car with me on drive-through errands.

View attachment 4925653

Thank-you @Purses & Perfumes ! I love your WOC- so beautiful! I think I saw the corresponding wallet on Emma Anders´ youtube.

 

[BowieFan1971]

Bag #5- new to me vintage Gucci. 30-40 years old never looked so good!

 

[momasaurus]

You look incredible! Love the bags, obviously ha ha, but also really digging that jacket!

Happy I'm not alone in my fondness for the clutch stripe. I've never seen the Balenciaga ipad covers but love all things Bal! I'll have to Google them.

I can see why it would have been a favourite...seems like it would feel more 'real' and charming being only partially done, and it's technically the kids' tree since the adults didn't finish it for them!
___

I had an unexpected outing and went to visit my mum's new workplace! It's great seeing how well she's settled into this city and her new job so quickly. Any fears I'd had about her working through the pandemic, instead of sheltering, were cast aside as I watched her run around during her shift, grinning underneath her masks. She loves taking care of her patients and this is her calling so, I have to stop stressing and trust her judgement.
I've been trying to donate blood so they can use my covid antibodies for critical patients but was turned away again due to my general health not being up to par. However, because I have antibodies and am safe to be around patients, they allowed me to sign up as a volunteer to help out the hospital admin when they're overwhelmed, so at least I'm doing something useful.

Carried this little beauty when I went to the hospital (I'm really screwing up the challenge and am now at bag no. 7!).
View attachment 4925065
I don't know the brand; it was a vintage find. I like it because it reminds me of the Coach parker 16 convertible backpacks. It's the same measurements and shape, but more unique with the different types of leather (croc embossed, real snakeskin, suede, patent and smooth leather). Sorry for the light reflection, it's not easy to photograph it in a way where the different strips of leather show clearly.
I was planning to buy that Coach backpack for my next birthday (online pic of black with gold turnlock), but having used this bag today, I'm reminded that it is essentially the same- perhaps, nicer?- so I've scrapped that idea. My bag closet really is ample!
View attachment 4925068

I remember how worried we all were when you first talked about your mom's work. So glad it is proving fruitful and fulfilling!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I live in Alberta, Canada. We are not allowed to have any guests in our homes and we’re under a fully mandatory mask order. It’s another lockdown that came too little too late for us. I am genuinely frustrated with the measures be enacted as had they been done sooner, we may have been able to celebrate Christmas with our families. I know so many people who are going to be alone during the holiday season. I hope they reach out and if they don’t, I’ll keep incessantly contacting them. A good friend of mine lives by herself in Ontario with no family nearby in a cramped apartment. I hope she’s okay.

Bless you for reaching out to your friends who are living on their own and might feel very lonely in the current situation. xx

Today we are waiting for the news on new lockdown rules for our province. Our planned Christmas trip to see the family is about to become impossible, I guess. But there´s video calls on fb messenger and we are grateful that everybody is healthy, so will make the best of it.
Take care xx

 

[momasaurus]

Oh, we did this once too! it was really funny. the other not-so-funny thing was all of the broken ornaments (slipping out of little hands). I lost a few good ones that year. But their excitement was worth it.

I love our wooden ornaments, and the fabric things and the chains and garlands. We got rid of the few breakable glass ornaments long ago. Over the past few years friends have given me lovely glass ornaments, but honestly they stay in the box even though the kids are grown!

 

[momasaurus]

On that note, I want to share some of my non-mainstream bags (Hipster bags? ) I have a ton more, mostly clutches/evening bags, but here are some of my favorites.

First up are the clutches.

• The minaudiere with the funky design is from Anthropologie, though I'm not sure what brand. It is absolutely gorgeous with a little black dress, and sometimes I wear it with pewter heels to match the grays on the bag. I bought this during a bag ban just a couple years ago--I had to have it.
• The black satin clutch is THE perfect evening bag. It's visually interesting, elegant and has no visible hardware, so I can wear it with gold or silver jewelry. I got it on Zappos a million years ago.
• The rattan clutch is from a flea market. It's a bit fiddly with the clamshell style opening, but it is so cool, I don't care. I always get a ton of compliments on it too!
  View attachment 4925482

And the day bags:

• The olive tote with the cool handle is another find from Anthropologie. My mom has the same one, and we don't live in the same state, so it always makes me smile to carry it, because I think of her. Also, she has exquisite taste, so I'm in good company there.
• The bright blue bag was a find from a cool gift store. Depending on how you view the bag, the rainbow strip in the middle appears wider/narrower. I love this bag with a plainer outfit--talk about a pop of color! I love it with grays in particular.
• It might be hard to see, but the velvet bag has a trompe l'oeil buckle effect. We don't get much of a winter where I live, so I'm not sure I had any business buying such a seasonal bag, but I absolutely love this. And I always pet it when I wear it!View attachment 4925484

All very cool! I love that rattan clutch so much.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I convinced my brother he should find a local artist to do it. It would have cost a small fortune for him to ship the painting and in truth I really did not want to do it. My studio area is not that big and it would have been a nightmare to accomplish here. I have instead done a few animal portraits that are surprise gifts for people and continued taking watercolor classes as I wanted to learn a new medium. I have not painted on any bags yet though I did buy a starter kit. Probably once the holidays are over I will try that.

I think it was a good decision not to do the painting for your brother and I´m not talking about high shipping costs which imo wouldn´t be important when it came to a special work of art like this.
But as soon as art becomes a chore at least for me it stops to be art. The feelings and passion, the trance they all disappear into the plight to perform and your result would not be what it should be.
One day you will feel the urge to do a painting for your brother and do it with love and passion and not the slightest bit of feeling stressed about it and it will be that special token between him and you.

 

[Bag peace]

I might start painting or trying the paints out on a little triangle coin pouch , just to see how the paint reacts and dries. A simple flower or something of that nature. If I don't hate the result I will post it.

I hope you enjoy the process of painting on leather! I can imagine it would open up a whole other creative avenue if you find it to be fun.

Bag #5- new to me vintage Gucci. 30-40 years old never looked so good!

SO good!

It's funny how we can miss bags, isn't it? I had a big slouchy gray hobo from Big Buddha that I wore to bits, and I still haven't found one to really replace it.

Yes! Particularly if there's some sentimental attachment or memory with the bag.

I remember how worried we all were when you first talked about your mom's work. So glad it is proving fruitful and fulfilling!

Aww! Thank you so much!
I had little doubt she'd find her rhythm quickly with the move (lots of experience there), but it has been very worrying seeing the covid numbers rising and wondering if she's making the right decision to continue working.
Having seen the hospital and procedures they follow, I know that it's as safe as it can possibly be. Beyond that, nothing is really in our hands so we'll keep hoping she's not exposed and that the vaccines will be effective once they're in circulation.