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

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I know the bag editing thread in which we have both posted before has been a bit quiet these days..... It seems like such a long time ago that I had this goal to downsize my collection. Since March, that goal has completely been pushed into the background and in fact, I have just added to my collection.

In the early part of lockdown and the pandemic, I bought very little. However, as time went on, I ended up adding a couple of bags -- they were planned purchases. However, I haven't really been able to wear them much. And then, this week, I had a chance to get a bag that would fill a hole in my wardrobe (a more formal evening clutch). Of course, there are no evening events to go to, but I guess one can hope that this current situation will improve at some point, and that life will get back at least somewhat close to what it was before. Anyway, that is the hope that spurred my most recent purchase -- the Bottega Veneta chain knot in black color. It's on its way to me.

And now, I would like to echo what @doni said earlier about trying to limit my shopping next year, and participating in this thread to discuss about shopping my own collection (and all the other things we talk about).:biggrin: It's good that you too are planning for the year ahead. I have been thinking about it as well, and although I was originally planning on a no buy, I have decided to change that to a slow buy -- it just seems more manageable than a total bag ban! As for downsizing your collection, just go with the flow, and do what makes you happy. I have a few bags in my closet of departing bags, but have decided not to worry about editing them in the current situation. Who knows, perhaps I will just end up bringing them back into rotation at some point.:smile:
Congratulations on your Chain Knot, please share pics when it arrives! :love:
I also prefer mindful purchasing over outright bans. Best wishes on achieving your goals, we are here to support you!
 
I know the bag editing thread in which we have both posted before has been a bit quiet these days..... It seems like such a long time ago that I had this goal to downsize my collection. Since March, that goal has completely been pushed into the background and in fact, I have just added to my collection.

In the early part of lockdown and the pandemic, I bought very little. However, as time went on, I ended up adding a couple of bags -- they were planned purchases. However, I haven't really been able to wear them much. And then, this week, I had a chance to get a bag that would fill a hole in my wardrobe (a more formal evening clutch). Of course, there are no evening events to go to, but I guess one can hope that this current situation will improve at some point, and that life will get back at least somewhat close to what it was before. Anyway, that is the hope that spurred my most recent purchase -- the Bottega Veneta chain knot in black color. It's on its way to me.

And now, I would like to echo what @doni said earlier about trying to limit my shopping next year, and participating in this thread to discuss about shopping my own collection (and all the other things we talk about).:biggrin: It's good that you too are planning for the year ahead. I have been thinking about it as well, and although I was originally planning on a no buy, I have decided to change that to a slow buy -- it just seems more manageable than a total bag ban! As for downsizing your collection, just go with the flow, and do what makes you happy. I have a few bags in my closet of departing bags, but have decided not to worry about editing them in the current situation. Who knows, perhaps I will just end up bringing them back into rotation at some point.:smile:
Do you know, I was thinking of bumping up that editing thread. Only, I'm not sure where I am in the process and I feel everyone is also unable to edit due to the current circumstances. I'd like to think we're all curating but, in my case at least, it's been more random accumulation (via pandemic-driven retail therapy or gifts from loved ones) than a mindful process of editing and sculpting the collection.

I'm such an "edited" person in all areas of my life- apart from my posts on tpf that are always far too long :blush: and my bag collection that has taken on a life of its own.
I'm not forcing the process of editing but I do feel like I've strayed away from myself a great deal. As I post about wanting to downsize, I'm currently eyeing up some bags in yellow and may end up with yet another purchase before the year's end! :lol:

Great choice on the BV chain knot! I cannot wait to see your reveal! I'm definitely hopeful that we'll soon be able to use our beauties.
I'll echo the sentiment of not going on a strict ban. That's not a very fun way to live, in my experience. A low-buy year where we fill specific gaps or mindfully bring in very special pieces is a more functional and organic means to finding purse peace. :tup:
 
Do you know, I was thinking of bumping up that editing thread. Only, I'm not sure where I am in the process and I feel everyone is also unable to edit due to the current circumstances. I'd like to think we're all curating but, in my case at least, it's been more random accumulation (via pandemic-driven retail therapy or gifts from loved ones) than a mindful process of editing and sculpting the collection.

I'm such an "edited" person in all areas of my life- apart from my posts on tpf that are always far too long :blush: and my bag collection that has taken on a life of its own.
I'm not forcing the process of editing but I do feel like I've strayed away from myself a great deal. As I post about wanting to downsize, I'm currently eyeing up some bags in yellow and may end up with yet another purchase before the year's end! :lol:

Great choice on the BV chain knot! I cannot wait to see your reveal! I'm definitely hopeful that we'll soon be able to use our beauties.
I'll echo the sentiment of not going on a strict ban. That's not a very fun way to live, in my experience. A low-buy year where we fill specific gaps or mindfully bring in very special pieces is a more functional and organic means to finding purse peace. :tup:
I’ve clearly done even more retail therapy than I thought (and I knew it was a lot)! Last week I received a gift with a thank you card for shopping with them from a well known department store! :blush:3F0B9E67-9653-4E5B-AE8D-A8015163040A.jpegIn my defence losing 34pounds has meant I needed quite a lot of new clothes! :happydance:
 
I’ve clearly done even more retail therapy than I thought (and I knew it was a lot)! Last week I received a gift with a thank you card for shopping with them from a well known department store! :blush:In my defence losing 34pounds has meant I needed quite a lot of new clothes! :happydance:
:lol:
Also, pretty amazing that you're creating a whole new wardrobe! So happy for you and your accomplishments. I'm not a big believer in weight-based goals, but more in doing whatever leaves you feeling your absolute best self. It sounds like that's exactly what you've done. :tup:
Tangentially, reading John Lewis signed at the bottom has hit me right in the heart! :heart:

Does that count as carrying? :lol:
We're redefining everything this year, so YES! :lol:
 
:lol:
Also, pretty amazing that you're creating a whole new wardrobe! So happy for you and your accomplishments. I'm not a big believer in weight-based goals, but more in doing whatever leaves you feeling your absolute best self. It sounds like that's exactly what you've done. :tup:
Tangentially, reading John Lewis signed at the bottom has hit me right in the heart! :heart:


We're redefining everything this year, so YES! :lol:
Totally agree about weight based goals! It was never an intention or a goal really just a happy accident of something that I decided to do with starting running in lockdown to get my legs moving after hours at a desk in my house with the stress of trying to help educate the nations children - or at least a tiny percentage of them! Once I got started it just kind of happened (with hard work along the way). It’s made me happier and healthier but there is definitely more to life, happiness and defining yourself than weight!

And very glad you think this bag use cuts it!
 
What a fantastic job of curating, streamlining and making amazing stats @Vintage Leather! That’s a tremendous amount of work. Can you share any tips or strategies that worked for you?
One thing I should probably start by saying - this year, I’ve moved, cleared my place in the mountains to make room for renters, and got several boxes of stuff from my dear parents. For the first time in 6 years, all my stuff is in one location. And it’s a lot

My stats are only counting sales, not donations or trash.

So. Tips.

1) All of the current decluttering books talk about doing things by category. I challenge Kondo-sama to declutter by category when there’s over 100 mystery boxes that need to be moved or eliminated in three weeks. I give myself 15 minutes per box for decluttering. If I can’t do it in that, I take a quick photograph and move to the next thing.

2) haul out trash immediately.

3) have a staging area for sales. Everything listed goes in that one area.

Everything that survives this initial deep cut needs to have a home out of site and be put in its home. After i finish my hour of decluttering, stop. Start on my hour of processing. Do not give in to the blandishments if “just one more box.”

4) if it’s bulky, list it cheap. Jewelry, I can wait to sell. Bags, nutcrackers, Radko ornaments. Those are bulky - let them move on

5) if I haven’t used it in 5 to 10 years, I’m not going to. I had a half dozen bags I was going to restore; I saw myself as a DocRide-in-Training at one point in my life. But I never got past the initial steps. I listed and sold them cheap. Because it feels good to let go versions of yourself that no longer fit.

6) if it’s a good candidate for consignment (for example, clothes and shoes, any brand of bag where lowballs and authenticity questions will drive me completely insane...) haul it out once a week. Don’t let it linger but don’t waste the gas. Once a week is a good compromise.

7) Consignment for things that need to be seen. Facebook groups for specialty items (collectibles, art supplies). Ebay for things you want gone quickly but don’t mind paying for shipping. Posh for clothes and accessories that you don’t care how quickly they move, you just don’t want to deal with shipping. Galleries for art

but most importantly

7) know why you’re doing this. Honestly, it’s exhausting and sometimes I wonder if I’d be better off walking away. But first I decided I wanted a house. And the money came in handy; I sold enough to cover moving expenses.
I’m still going because I know I want my mental health and to reduce stress. And I decided I want a pair of earrings.
I hope that’s helpful.
 
I hope that’s helpful.
So helpful, and I wasn't even the one who asked you the question! I'll put this into practice, thank you!

Because it feels good to let go versions of yourself that no longer fit.
This! :heart:
I was saying to a friend via PM earlier on, I've been thinking about how far away I am from the person I want to be; how I want to be a better, more helpful, more generous, kinder person moving forward. But as I read this line, it occurred to me how grateful I am for the person I was and currently am, because everyone has to learn to crawl before they walk. Hoping I can leave behind the lesser-than version of myself that doesn't fit anymore- along with any material belongings that come with that- and grow into more.
I know I've strayed away from the point you were making, but I find that I learn so much in the way of unexpected "extras" from everyone's posts. :smile:
 
How is your dog doing now? I think I may have missed you mentioning this earlier, sorry!
So far so good. He had to have spinal surgery yesterday. He injured his back but we don’t even know how and things got worse rapidly . So yesterday he had an MRI and then went right in to surgery. Now they will keep him for a few days . So any good thoughts or prayers are appreciated.
That is a photo I took just before I realized he was not looking to cheerful.
E936117C-D4A0-471A-ACAE-F3E8FA8C8D5B.jpeg
 
So far so good. He had to have spinal surgery yesterday. He injured his back but we don’t even know how and things got worse rapidly . So yesterday he had an MRI and then went right in to surgery. Now they will keep him for a few days . So any good thoughts or prayers are appreciated.
Oh that must have been so stressful for you! Of course, sending all the positive vibes and prayers your way!
I freaked out when my cats had minor surgeries, I cannot imagine the stress of a spinal injury! :sad:
At least the actual surgery portion is already out of the way and hopefully he'll only get better from here on out. Please update us when he's home safe and sound. :hugs:
 
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