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

[Lake Effect]

Update on the bag I was dunking. It's pretty dry now but I'm leaving it to dry for an additional day to make sure there are no damp spots that can lead to mould.
I've decided to dye it black and give it a good conditioning, then put it back in the donation pile. I'm certain it'll be good as new once I'm done with it, but I have 12 black bags so I'd rather release it than keep it.

I'm definitely getting a yellow bag when the right one grabs me. I've posted my goals on the 2021 thread already and in there I said I won't experiment with other brands. If I get a yellow bag, it'll be a vintage Coach, Portland Leather Goods, Hammitt or Massaccessi.
I may wait a few months before actually following through on the yellow bag. I'd like to release a few more from my collection before letting one in, and I already have a lot of colourful bags that I can enjoy until I scratch this particular bag itch.

@whateve Just want to thank you for the info on yellow and bone vintage Coach bags.
It's a bit of a rabbit hole figuring out which vintage bags are which. For instance, the Penny, Pocket Purse and Dinky all look exactly the same to me! But it's fun to read now and learn all the styles. I'll post in that thread if I end up with a vintage beauty.

I lurk here occasionally! Glad to see you dabble in vintage Coach. Learning how to deep condition several vintage Coach bags is what brought me tPF in the first place. And yes, I think I see the larger yellow Circle Bag from Portland Leather in my future too, as I finish up a few bags that need to be reconditioned.

 

[SouthernPurseGal]

A white Christmas in the South is a rarity!

 

[Katinahat]

View attachment 4937776

A white Christmas in the South is a rarity!

Dreamy picture!

 

[Katinahat]

Christmas Day double bag carry.

Mulberry Lily in oak NVT as a smart day look for taking to a scaled back Christmas lunch party at my parents house. Plus Loewe Basket bag, usually for summer holidays, as a perfect large bag to carry presents and gifts!

 

[Katinahat]

Merry Christmas Pocketfriends!!! In my part of the world, the day will be over in about 4 hours. I did not attend a family dinner last night hosted by a niece, I’m still afraid to mingle, even with family members.

Thanks to all those who shared their thoughts on my oxblood bags. The Mulberry is a favorite, no way I’m letting it go at this time. The gifters of the Coach bag (there are 2 of them), on the other hand, are staff members who just wanted to express their gratitude because I helped them during a difficult time. They did not need to give me something, but they wanted to. So I also cannot let go of the Coach. Maybe I’ll just use them both for now. (Well, actually during this pandemic I’m not using bags much.)

Awesome colleagues! I had some really nice gifts from mine but not a bag!

I actually have both those bags too although the Coach is navy blue and the Mulberry black. They are similar but also very different. The Mercer has more many compartments for organising things, is light weight and very practical but still looks good. I use it as a day bag. The Mulberry has been on several city breaks with me and is understated yet very attractive and still robust. It’s a great day to night bag which would apply to the oxblood too. I like and use them both if that helps! I’ve just added a black Alexa into the mix but am keeping both black Mulberry satchels.

Can we see pictures of them?

 

[880]

I just impulse bought my first yellow bag. I'm a bit out of control lately with buying bags. The secondary market is dirt cheap,

lots of us have used the great prices of the secondary market as a chance to reshape our bag collection and hone our aesthetic. Sometimes I cannot refine and reduce (necessary to shopping the closet) without exploring new things. I started shopping bags again during covid. But, the shopping came after a multi year hiatus. When the deals dry up (and preloved prices are starting to creep up), I stop. I don’t mind spending money, but I want a deal and what I buy has to be an upgrade or replacement or something I’ve always wanted.

also, thank you for the beautiful white Christmas photo!

Well, I can see that the title of this thread is a misnomer. How many of you would say are you truly shopping from your own collection?

During covid, unlike many TPFers, I am using more of the bags and wearing more RTW out of my closet. It’s because I took covid as an opportunity to exercise more and reshape my eating habits. I don’t shop or wear my bags, when I cannot fit into my RTW. I also don’t purge my closet when I’m heavy bc I’m afraid I’ll regret getting rid of things I can no longer replace. My bag usage is dependent on my weight and fitness (ive had wrist and back issues and ankle cartilege replacement surgery, so I’ve gone years without carrying anything but a nylon crossbody.

While I’ve bought 7 bags all year, I’ve released 24, and 90 pieces of jewelry and slg

Congrats! I’ve also bought bags, RTW, and jewelry this year, but I’ve released multiple stacks of bags, shoes, RTW and other items, and the purge will continue.

Don't keep what you're not sure of (that goes for new)
Don't get rid of what you can't replace (financially or for specific purpose)
Don't get into the habit of looking for new bags after having added an HG.
Only buy for gaps in the wardrobe or better than you have already.

i feel a push and pull from points 1 and 2 when I deciding what to purge. I don’t really have one HG; but there is a point where I naturally stop shopping a category. I know that I’m pretty much there with bags, bc Ive turnEd to shop other stuff, such as jewelry. It’s cyclical for me. The last time I shopped jewelry was in 2001.
@ElainePG, I hope you have recovered from surgery!
@Katinahat, I love your Loewe straw bag. Straw is hard for me to carry and I don’t have the lifestyle...
@msd_bags, do use your beautiful mulberry oxblood bag! i wear my bags during covid and If I need quick access, I just carry my cc in my cargo pants pocket.
@BowieFan1971, cannot wait to see the photo journey of your bag project! I also really enjoyed your description of your bag buying thought process. . .
@jblended, muted, metallic, pearly green gray sounds amazing! (Actually makes me think a bit of the Lord of the Rings in a really great way! And, now that I’ve seen pics, love the fact it matches your beautiful fur ball’s eyes! Also adore your refurbishing job on the coach and the Halston pleated blue bag! They are stunning!
@dcooney4, sending you positive healing thoughts for your Ryder and hope your overwhelming week resolves into something more peaceful! The positive note works well for me.
haply holidays all! Stay safe and healthy! Hugs

 

[Bag peace]

A quick update on the bag I was dyeing yellow. It's all spruced up and staying in my closet!

I had colour blocked a pair of booties earlier this year in forest and olive green, and I remembered I had some of the paint I mixed up for that project left over, so decided to use it on the bag.
As it turned out, I did not have enough of the custom green paint left, and there's no hope of me mixing up more in the same shade because it was the result of me fooling around and I did not keep track of how I reached the final colour, so I added some Lumiere 'pearly white' leather paint to the green mix to extend the volume of paint. I then had enough paint to cover the whole bag.

The result is a lovely muted green-grey bag with a subtle metallic/pearly sheen. It's a very unique colour, coordinates nicely with the booties I painted earlier and pairs easily with my current capsule wardrobe!

I'll use it for a while before donating it because I'm drooling over it now that it's had a makeover! I guess the original oxblood didn't woo me because I've got nicer oxblood bags, but I don't have anything in a metallic green-grey. It was an unexpected outcome but a very nice surprise all the same.

What's most surprising, perhaps, is that this bag survived dunking! I didn't think it would but the leather and seams held up just fine, although the leather is now extremely dry. I've conditioned it twice already and will keep going until it's done drinking the stuff up.

My device is acting up and isn't letting me post pictures or links for some reason, but I'll update the 2021 thread with pics when I'm able.

 

[Bag peace]

Think I've fixed the attachment issue. Here's the finished bag, awaiting another round of leather conditioner.
In the light, it looks very metallic and almost silver. I only noticed that when I took the picture. That would be the silver mica in the Lumeire paint shining right through.
Otherwise it reads a more subtle green hue. I didn't quite capture the colour properly in the photo (with the kitty), but it's definitely more green irl.
My fur ball approves of the makeover! He says it brings out his eyes, lol!

Edit: also wanted to note that the dunking removed most of the 'bubbles' (pebbles) in the leather. Just in case someone decides to dunk a non-Coach bag, you should know it may change the leather texture a bit.

 

[momasaurus]

Christmas Day double bag carry.

Mulberry Lily in oak NVT as a smart day look for taking to a scaled back Christmas lunch party at my parents house. Plus Loewe Basket bag, usually for summer holidays, as a perfect large bag to carry presents and gifts!View attachment 4937829View attachment 4937830

These are both lovely! That leather panel on the Loewe is really cool! And the asymmetrical straps. Sharp!

 

[momasaurus]

lots of us have used the great prices of the secondary market as a chance to reshape our bag collection and hone our aesthetic. Sometimes I cannot refine and reduce (necessary to shopping the closet) without exploring new things. I started shopping bags again during covid. But, the shopping came after a multi year hiatus. When the deals dry up (and preloved prices are starting to creep up), I stop. I don’t mind spending money, but I want a deal and what I buy has to be an upgrade or replacement Or something I’ve always wanted.

also, thank you for the beautiful white Christmas photo!


During covid, unlike many TPFers, I am using more of the bags and wearing more RTW out of my closet. It’s because I took covid as an opportunity to exercise more and reshape my eating habits. I don’t shop or wear my bags, when I cannot fit into my RTW. I also don’t purge my closet when I’m heavy bc I’m afraid I’ll regret getting rid of things I can no longer replace. My bag usage is dependent on my weight and fitness (ive had wrist and back issues and ankle cartilege replacement surgery, so I’ve gone years without carrying anything but a nylon crossbody.


Congrats! I’ve also bought bags, RTW, and jewelry this year, but I’ve released multiple stacks of bags, shoes, RTW and other items, and the purge will continue.


i feel a push and pull from points 1 and 2 when I deciding what to purge. I don’t really have one HG; but there is a point where I naturally stop shopping a category. I know that I’m pretty much there with bags, bc Ive turnEd to shop other stuff, such as jewelry. It’s cyclical for me. The last time I shopped jewelry was in 2001.
@ElainePG, I hope you have recovered from surgery!
@Katinahat, I love your Loewe straw bag. Straw is hard for me to carry and I don’t have the lifestyle...
@msd_bags, do use your beautiful mulberry oxblood bag! i wear my bags during covid and If I need quick access, I just carry my cc in my cargo pants pocket.
@BowieFan1971, cannot wait to see the photo journey of your bag project! I also really enjoyed your description of your bag buying thought process. . .
@jblended, muted, metallic, pearly green gray sounds amazing! (Actually makes me think a bit of the Lord of the Rings in a really great way! Cannot wait to see pics!
haply holidays all! Stay safe and healthy! Hugs

This!

 

[dcooney4]

Think I've fixed the attachment issue. Here's the finished bag, awaiting another round of leather conditioner.
In the light, it looks very metallic and almost silver. I only noticed that when I took the picture. That would be the silver mica in the Lumeire paint shining right through.
Otherwise it reads a more subtle green hue. I didn't quite capture the colour properly in the photo (with the kitty), but it's definitely more green irl.
My fur ball approves of the makeover! He says it brings out his eyes, lol!

Edit: also wanted to note that the dunking removed most of the 'bubbles' (pebbles) in the leather. Just in case someone decides to dunk a non-Coach bag, you should know it may change the leather texture a bit.

View attachment 4938143
View attachment 4938144

I really like this color. Your kitty is adorable .

 

[Bag peace]

I really like this color. Your kitty is adorable .

Thanks! It's proving to be a little bit of a chameleon colour, leaning (khaki or sage?) green, grey or silver depending on the light. I'm very happy with how it came out given that I really stumbled my way through this particular project.

And thanks on the kitty love. @Katinahat's kitty looks like she could be a distant relative of his!
He's the youngest of my rescues and follows me around like a puppy most days, lol. His one earlobe is permanently folded down after he needed surgery on it, but thankfully his hearing is unaffected.

I hope your Ryder will be home soon!

 

[BowieFan1971]

A quick update on the bag I was dyeing yellow. It's all spruced up and staying in my closet!

I had colour blocked a pair of booties earlier this year in forest and olive green, and I remembered I had some of the paint I mixed up for that project left over, so decided to use it on the bag.
As it turned out, I did not have enough of the custom green paint left, and there's no hope of me mixing up more in the same shade because it was the result of me fooling around and I did not keep track of how I reached the final colour, so I added some Lumiere 'pearly white' leather paint to the green mix to extend the volume of paint. I then had enough paint to cover the whole bag.

The result is a lovely muted green-grey bag with a subtle metallic/pearly sheen. It's a very unique colour, coordinates nicely with the booties I painted earlier and pairs easily with my current capsule wardrobe!

I'll use it for a while before donating it because I'm drooling over it now that it's had a makeover! I guess the original oxblood didn't woo me because I've got nicer oxblood bags, but I don't have anything in a metallic green-grey. It was an unexpected outcome but a very nice surprise all the same.

What's most surprising, perhaps, is that this bag survived dunking! I didn't think it would but the leather and seams held up just fine, although the leather is now extremely dry. I've conditioned it twice already and will keep going until it's done drinking the stuff up.

My device is acting up and isn't letting me post pictures or links for some reason, but I'll update the 2021 thread with pics when I'm able.

That looks so cool! Love it! I am so glad you turned a dud into something exciting. It’s inspiring!

 

[Bag peace]

That looks so cool! Love it! I am so glad you turned a dud into something exciting. It’s inspiring!

Thank you! It's been a real game changer for me, particularly this year. As I was recovering from covid and suffering from severe insomnia, changing the colour of my bags kept me busy and brought me a lot of joy. It also helped me fall back in love with several of my bags. I'd shared some of my other re-dyed bags earlier. I'll link them again in case want to see them.

Halston from turquoise to metallic royal blue
Coach Noa from pale blue to pearly blue and purple

The funny thing is, I was yearning for (and actively searching for) metallic bags at the beginning of the year, and I've now got 3 of them that I've painted in various metallic colours. It was far cheaper than buying a metallic and I got to utilize what I already owned.
If I find a great oil slick/holographic bag, I will likely buy it, but otherwise I'm very much sated on the unique metallic leather front.

 

[dcooney4]

Thanks! It's proving to be a little bit of a chameleon colour, leaning (khaki or sage?) green, grey or silver depending on the light. I'm very happy with how it came out given that I really stumbled my way through this particular project.

And thanks on the kitty love. @Katinahat's kitty looks like she could be a distant relative of his!
He's the youngest of my rescues and follows me around like a puppy most days, lol. His one earlobe is permanently folded down after he needed surgery on it, but thankfully his hearing is unaffected.

I hope your Ryder will be home soon!

He came home wednesday ,but it has been very difficult taking care of him. I am always terrified I might hurt him if he is not lifted exactly as he should be. He has yelped a few times despite us being extremely careful. We have to give him meds every eight hours and he is not allowed out of his crate for six weeks except 2-3 times a day to go potty ,he must be carried to his spot and hold him to do physical therapy.
It has been one of the most challenging weeks of my life in other areas as well. So I have written for myself a positive note despite each horrible thing. I want to learn how to find the positive when I am seriously overwhelmed.