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

[papertiger]

This is utterly heartbreaking! I'm so sorry she suffered like that for over 3 years! Unthinkable!
There are good doctors and bad doctors, unfortunately. The ones that dismiss patients' descriptions of their symptoms or get caught up in their own biases (in this case Alzheimer's) are really inhumane! It's hard enough being ill, but then to have to justify your illness, be made to feel a burden by the people who should be helping you, and be labelled difficult when you're trying to tell them the drugs are making you suffer...that's just another unbearable layer of hurt on top of the original illness. It should never happen!
I'm so sorry for your loss and the suffering you both endured in the process leading up to it. I truly have no words. It should never have happened.

This is horrible. I am so sorry she went through all this. That had to be extremely stressful for you. When your feeling sad try and think of something that would have made her laugh or a special moment you both shared.

Thank you

I think one of the problems in this country is, unless your royalty (literally) your are merely tolerated when you get older. There is a whole money-making industry created around geriatric care and doctors/hospitals can ask for far more money if officially treating dementia. A false diagnosis of Alzheimer's was almost given to my MIL in Germany, so it's not in just a UK issue. Thank goodness she read her own notes! If you get ill, you're thought to be a burden on family and the state (my mother certainly was not). The way society treats (and talks about) its older citizens is disgraceful IMO

It wasn't visibly ill older people out and about but not NOT wearing masks on the train yesterday during an epidemic, but Lord help you if you're over 60 and you catch it.

 

[BowieFan1971]

about a hundred pages back, @Vintage Leather commented that once you have closed on an apartment, a purchase of a bracelet seemed relatively trivial. (Forgot to ask her which bracelet) DH and I are about to close on the 23rd and his mom, who has terminal epithelial peritoneal mesothelioma, has decided to forgo Dana Farber for a more conveniently located, less qualified treatment center closer to home. DH and I have turned to retail therapy to manage stress as even restaurants are now closed for indoor dining in NYC. @BowieFan1971, I agree with you that it’s such a blessing to have a wonderful life partner to help you through these times which are the ‘new normal.’ It may be superficial, but finding great deals and Spending a lot of time on TPF are helping me get through.
If you buy vintage distressed and have @docride restore them to burnished beauty, that is kind of closer to shopping your own closet rhan shopping NIB. The former is almost like sustainable recycling instead of shopping. I don’t remember if it was @jblended who talked about loving vintage clutches with with finger loop in the back, but I’ve also been influenced by @diane278 ‘s love of clutches. Here is a new to me Hermes clutch in silver. The interior has two compartments and it’s easy to carry. From the Japanese reseller Brand jfa, who seems to have mixed reviews nowadays, but with whom I’ve always had good luck. And, I got a very good deal on 32 sellier box kelly, (looks prune but is more purple IRL) that @docride spa Ed. Weather treated and brushed hw. I fortunately found these deals right before Prices inched back up (on bags and real estate)
View attachment 4931687View attachment 4931688View attachment 4931689

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about your MIL. I hope she recovers and her treatments go well. I wish you all grace and peace.
Gorgeous bag! I have indulged in safe retail therapy too, so I truly get it. Nothing I could not pay for, so no credit card balance, but waaaay more than I would usually spend or maybe should spend. Since my mom’s diagnosis, I have purchased 8 vintage LV bags and several SLGs, 2 vintage Gucci bags and a vintage Burberry Blue for my self. They cost me less in total than 1-2 new LVs, but still... My DH has not said anything about it, she nice I use my own money, though I think he thinks I have enough. At this point I think I do too. After the last Gucci arrives this week, I think I am done for at least a while. Bags were/are a great distraction and something to be excited about/look forward to and so am grateful. I will always be interested in them, but not so much in the hunt and purchase like I was. I want to settle in and use/appreciate the ones I have for a while.
You are strong. You can do this. Never forget that your track record of surviving bad days is 100%, so know that you WILL handle everything that gets thrown at you. Remember to show yourself love, because if you let yourself get empty, you have nothing to give. Remember to show your DH love and appreciation, because though he is a rock, he is human too. And, most importantly, give your MIL all the love, patience and positivity you can...it may be exactly what she needs to get through her bad days. Find the silver linings....they are there, I promise. Sometimes they are just harder to see than others and the cost to see them is more than it should be, but they are there. Sometimes the silver lining is just to appreciate what you have...which is more than you think.

Big hugs and much love to you. You are not alone.

 

[papertiger]

Back to bags and frippery:

I'm still stuck on the same 5 this Dec.

I would have taken out my Hermes, Rouge H, Box Bolide yesterday but the rain forecast put me off (correct decision) so back to Evie and Maxi DS. That would have completed the challenge. Never mind plenty more day.

I added to my H SLG pile and bought a Bambou Chamilia leather Calvi. It was going to be mine sooner or later anyway, who knows what the New Year's price hikes will bring?

I've never had a Calvi before but they really are a simple and effective card-holder. I really like there's no tugging with individual card slots and all cards are inside.

I think I'll order a second soon too if I can still do a custom before Christmas.

 

[papertiger]

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about your mo. I hope she recovers and her treatments go well. I wish you all grace and peace.
Gorgeousbag! I have indulged in safe retail therapy too. Nothing I could not pay for, so no credit card balance, but waaaay more than I would usually spend or maybe should spend. Since my mom’s diagnosis, I have purchased 8 vintage LV bags and several SLGs, 2 vintage Gucci bags and a vintage Burberry Blue for my self. They cost me less in total than 1-2 new LVs, but still... My DH has not said anything about it, she nice I use my own money, though I think he thinks I have enough. At this point I think I do too. After the last Gucci arrives this week, I think I am done for at least a while. Bags were/are a great distraction and something to be excited about/look forward to and so am grateful. I will always be interested in them, but not so much in the hunt and purchase like I was. I want to settle in and use/appreciate the ones I have for a while.
You are strong. You can do this. Never forget that your track record of surviving bad days is 100%, so know that you WILL handle everything that gets thrown at you. Remember to show yourself love, because if you let yourself get empty, you have nothing to give. Remember to show your DH love and appreciation, because though he is a rock, he is human too. And, most importantly, give your mom all the love, patience and positivity you can...it may be exactly what she needs to get through her bad days. Find the silver linings....they are there, I promise. Sometimes they are just harder to see than others and the cost to see them is more than it should be, but they are there. Sometimes the silver lining is just to appreciate what you have...which is more than you think.

Big hugs and much love to you. You are not alone.

You are on a role with your vintage Guccis!

 

[BowieFan1971]

My own mother passed away 2 years ago. This time of year brings it home that she's gone.

My mother's illness was a mystery, she was in the hospital on and off for 3 years having tests, found nothing, often not being believed. At one point she felt so bad she felt she was going to die and didn't want to call the ambulance because she had nothing specific to tell the operator or paramedic. Then she had a stroke. She regained some of her functions, but nurses/docs called her uncooperative because she had a hard time verbally communicating (because of the stroke) and kept reassessing her for Alzheimer's. She was barely 70. They told me my mother was behaving erratically because she didn't want her meds (Fentanyl - they made her hallucinate really awfully). I told them my mother had been an eccentric lady all her life, not wanting the drugs they were giving her was the sanest decision. I asked them how I could make a complaint and they backed-off. She then had an operation for fluid build-up, and I thought she was getting better at last. When she went back into hospital for a simple check-up she died there.

I am so sorry, PT. My heart hurts for you. I can’t even imagine going through that, your mother going through that. The not knowing and not being believed, on top of everything else. It would be so hard to keep hope alive when you don’t even know what you are fighting. Like being adrift. And to lose her so unexpectedly. With my mom, at least we know enough about her illness and treatments that we can feel some measure of control and progress in handling her cancer.
I am sending hugs to you and I will be praying for all of us here who have lost or are losing the woman who meant more in our lives than any other. Our moms.

 

[BowieFan1971]

You are on a role with your vintage Guccis!

I am really loving the Boston bag more than I thought. So glad I got her! Curious to see if I love the Abbey hobo tote as much...I think it may be more of a summer bag, since it so unstructured. Summer in the South calls for looser and breezier clothes...a megastructured bag doesn’t feel quite right.

 

[papertiger]

I am so sorry, PT. My heart hurts for you. I can’t even imagine going through that, your mother going through that. The not knowing and not being believed, on top of everything else. It would be so hard to keep hope alive when you don’t even know what you are fighting. Like being adrift. And to lose her so unexpectedly. With my mom, at least we know enough about her illness and treatments that we can feel some measure of control and progress in handling her cancer.
I am sending hugs to you and I will be praying for all of us here who have lost or are losing the woman who meant more in our lives than any other. Our moms.

Thank you my darling

My heart goes out to you every possible best wish for your brave mother at this time and always.

 

[880]

most importantly, give your MIL all the love, patience and positivity you can...it may be exactly what she needs to get through her bad days. Find the silver linings....they are there, I promise. Sometimes they are just harder to see than others and the cost to see them is more than it should be, but they are there. Sometimes the silver lining is just to appreciate what you have...which is more than you think

Thank you so much for these kind words. Your post means more than I can say. There are some posts on TPF that yiu return to again and again, and t hi is is one of them! Hugs

although this is a bag forum, when I read such personal posts here ont his thread and some others, I feel very grateful for alol of you;your insights; your way of handling and tackling challenges re family; and, your grace under pressure. I’ve been moved to tears by posts from @papertiger and @doni, and many others, and while I feel so sad reading some of the hard experiences, it does give me hope.Rigjt now, TPF is a lifeline. Then I see a post filled with kindness by @Purses & Perfumes; @More bags, or @Vintage Leather, and I chuckle and admire eye candy and am relieved that whatever I am experiencing, I can get advice and encouragement here! Hugs
P.s. @papertiger, surely if you were going to wear the rouge H box bolide, but for rain, that should count in the December challenge

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

My own mother passed away 2 years ago. This time of year brings it home that she's gone.

My mother's illness was a mystery, she was in the hospital on and off for 3 years having tests, found nothing, often not being believed. At one point she felt so bad she felt she was going to die and didn't want to call the ambulance because she had nothing specific to tell the operator or paramedic. Then she had a stroke. She regained some of her functions, but nurses/docs called her uncooperative because she had a hard time verbally communicating (because of the stroke) and kept reassessing her for Alzheimer's. She was barely 70. They told me my mother was behaving erratically because she didn't want her meds (Fentanyl - they made her hallucinate really awfully). I told them my mother had been an eccentric lady all her life, not wanting the drugs they were giving her was the sanest decision. I asked them how I could make a complaint and they backed-off. She then had an operation for fluid build-up, and I thought she was getting better at last. When she went back into hospital for a simple check-up she died there.

I am so sorry to read this, dear papertiger. My heart goes out to you. It must have been such a difficult time -- I'm sorry your mother had to go through all of this, and it must have been so hard for you. And for your mother to not be believed.......words fail me. Big hugs to you.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

about a hundred pages back, @Vintage Leather commented that once you have closed on an apartment, a purchase of a bracelet seemed relatively trivial. (Forgot to ask her which bracelet) DH and I are about to close on the 23rd and his mom, who has terminal epithelial peritoneal mesothelioma, has decided to forgo Dana Farber for a more conveniently located, less qualified treatment center closer to home. DH and I have turned to retail therapy to manage stress as even restaurants are now closed for indoor dining in NYC. @BowieFan1971, I agree with you that it’s such a blessing to have a wonderful life partner to help you through these times which are the ‘new normal.’ It may be superficial, but finding great deals and Spending a lot of time on TPF are helping me get through.
If you buy vintage distressed and have @docride restore them to burnished beauty, that is kind of closer to shopping your own closet rhan shopping NIB. The former is almost like sustainable recycling instead of shopping. I don’t remember if it was @jblended who talked about loving vintage clutches with with finger loop in the back, but I’ve also been influenced by @diane278 ‘s love of clutches. Here is a new to me Hermes clutch in silver. The interior has two compartments and it’s easy to carry. From the Japanese reseller Brand jfa, who seems to have mixed reviews nowadays, but with whom I’ve always had good luck. And, I got a very good deal on 32 sellier box kelly, (looks prune but is more purple IRL) that @docride spa Ed. Weather treated and brushed hw. I fortunately found these deals right before Prices inched back up (on bags and real estate)
View attachment 4931687View attachment 4931688View attachment 4931689

Dear 880, both you and your DH must be under a lot of stress -- my heart goes out to you. I can understand your MIL wanting to be closer to home and loved ones. Hugs to you as you go through this difficult time. Retail therapy is completely understandable in these difficult times.

 

[momasaurus]

Hard lockdown starting here in Germany today. Full house. And I have been the last couple of days panic shopping. Mostly online too, as apparently delays are to be expected now that shops are closed for Christmas. I don‘t know how delivery services are going to cope...

Now entering hopefully a more quiet phase... This is going to be a strange Christmas.
But the tree is up, the lights are on, pantry is full, spirits are high (or at least I am determined they will be) and we are good to go...

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View attachment 4930957La

What a pretty tree!

 

[momasaurus]

about a hundred pages back, @Vintage Leather commented that once you have closed on an apartment, a purchase of a bracelet seemed relatively trivial. (Forgot to ask her which bracelet) DH and I are about to close on the 23rd and his mom, who has terminal epithelial peritoneal mesothelioma, has decided to forgo Dana Farber for a more conveniently located, less qualified treatment center closer to home. DH and I have turned to retail therapy to manage stress as even restaurants are now closed for indoor dining in NYC. @BowieFan1971, I agree with you that it’s such a blessing to have a wonderful life partner to help you through these times which are the ‘new normal.’ It may be superficial, but finding great deals and Spending a lot of time on TPF are helping me get through.
If you buy vintage distressed and have @docride restore them to burnished beauty, that is kind of closer to shopping your own closet rhan shopping NIB. The former is almost like sustainable recycling instead of shopping. I don’t remember if it was @jblended who talked about loving vintage clutches with with finger loop in the back, but I’ve also been influenced by @diane278 ‘s love of clutches. Here is a new to me Hermes clutch in silver. The interior has two compartments and it’s easy to carry. From the Japanese reseller Brand jfa, who seems to have mixed reviews nowadays, but with whom I’ve always had good luck. And, I got a very good deal on 32 sellier box kelly, (looks prune but is more purple IRL) that @docride spa Ed. Weather treated and brushed hw. I fortunately found these deals right before Prices inched back up (on bags and real estate)
View attachment 4931687View attachment 4931688View attachment 4931689

This clutch is super cute! And the classic K - gorgeous. Good for you. I have many pretty things from jfa, and have always had good luck. I didn't notice recent mixed reviews.

 

[momasaurus]

December Challenge: Carry five different bags
Bag 6: Hermes So Kelly Eclat 22 Bleu Saphir/Bleu Izmir
View attachment 4931786
Bag 7: Hermes Rouge H Garden Party 36
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Love these - especially that blue! Is the second color inside?

 

[More bags]

about a hundred pages back, @Vintage Leather commented that once you have closed on an apartment, a purchase of a bracelet seemed relatively trivial. (Forgot to ask her which bracelet) DH and I are about to close on the 23rd and his mom, who has terminal epithelial peritoneal mesothelioma, has decided to forgo Dana Farber for a more conveniently located, less qualified treatment center closer to home. DH and I have turned to retail therapy to manage stress as even restaurants are now closed for indoor dining in NYC. @BowieFan1971, I agree with you that it’s such a blessing to have a wonderful life partner to help you through these times which are the ‘new normal.’ It may be superficial, but finding great deals and Spending a lot of time on TPF are helping me get through.
If you buy vintage distressed and have @docride restore them to burnished beauty, that is kind of closer to shopping your own closet rhan shopping NIB. The former is almost like sustainable recycling instead of shopping. I don’t remember if it was @jblended who talked about loving vintage clutches with with finger loop in the back, but I’ve also been influenced by @diane278 ‘s love of clutches. Here is a new to me Hermes clutch in silver. The interior has two compartments and it’s easy to carry. From the Japanese reseller Brand jfa, who seems to have mixed reviews nowadays, but with whom I’ve always had good luck. And, I got a very good deal on 32 sellier box kelly, (looks prune but is more purple IRL) that @docride spa Ed. Weather treated and brushed hw. I fortunately found these deals right before Prices inched back up (on bags and real estate)
View attachment 4931687View attachment 4931688View attachment 4931689

Best wishes to your MIL on getting good medical care and on being comfortable. We are struggling with my MIL’s mental and physical health, too. (She is in denial of her need for help and we don’t agree with her approach and choices). I hope you can stay strong and supportive advocates for your MIL. Sending courage and hugs.

 

[momasaurus]

Back to bags and frippery:

I'm still stuck on the same 5 this Dec.

I would have taken out my Hermes, Rouge H, Box Bolide yesterday but the rain forecast put me off (correct decision) so back to Evie and Maxi DS. That would have completed the challenge. Never mind plenty more day.

I added to my H SLG pile and bought a Bambou Chamilia leather Calvi. It was going to be mine sooner or later anyway, who knows what the New Year's price hikes will bring?

I've never had a Calvi before but they really are a simple and effective card-holder. I really like there's no tugging with individual card slots and all cards are inside.

I think I'll order a second soon too if I can still do a custom before Christmas.

That Box Bolide sounds fabulous.
So glad you got a Bambou Calvi - I know you like that color and it will be great alone, or easy to find inside a bigger bag. Please let us know how the Chamilia leather is.