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

[Cookiefiend]

Your earrings sound simply beautiful. And I love that you've made a choice that works well for you, especially with your serious movement/fitness routines.

I don't own any expensive jewelry… I do have one pair of diamond studs, which belonged to DH's grandmother, and they are my only precious gems. They are still in their original setting, which I'm pretty sure is white gold, and I find that I wear them often since they are small, pretty, and comfortable. My other jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets) tend to be one-of-a-kind artist pieces or vintage.

Last year I cleared out a bunch of trivial, unimportant things in my jewelry box that simply weren't worth wearing. Not exactly "junk jewelry," but not exciting. So now I'm down to just the jewelry that I really like, that makes me smile when I put it on because it reminds me of trips that DH and I have taken (like a special silver pendant made by an Inuit artist, from a trip we took to Alaska). All of which is a roundabout way of saying that with 2019 being the year of reducing my jewelry collection, 2020 will be the year of appreciating what I have!

That sounds perfect!
We should all appreciate what we already have so much more than we do!

 

[ElainePG]

THIS!!! Reduce and appreciate. It sounds like you’ve got some great unique vintage pieces. Which are great to bring out and enjoy, especially in these days of Insta-influencers. I want to try to not get hyped up on what everyone’s wearing but go counter and do something unique. Or use what I have in new ways to emulate the look without buying new.

Same goes for bags. So many hit styles these days are remakes of heritage pieces. So why not embrace all the older models we have in the closet!?!

 

[ElainePG]

That sounds perfect!
We should all appreciate what we already have so much more than we do!

Work in progress… but I'm trying!!!

 

[muchstuff]

In the spirit of keeping only what works for me I've found four more bags to rehome! It's a start. But man it's hard to sell pretty things...

 

[More bags]

WOW! We’re entering a new decade, and it feels so surreal!

For those who have been part of this thread since the beginning, so much has changed since my original goal to stop buying more, and simply enjoy what I already owned. My first couple years were terrible fails but I also had successes - thank you, to all who supported me over the years, and continue to do so even though my posts have been sporadic over the last couple of years. I say this every year, but I’m so thankful that this thread has turned into a community of positive support for everyone that’s a part of it, whether it’s just to say hi, or get into the spirit of shopping less, or just fine tuning our collections; it’s been a real pleasure having old and new members ❤️

For 2020, I’m truly trying to go for a no shop year except to replace staple wardrobe items. I’ve spent 2019 without spending any money on bags (although I was gifted a couple) and only purchased one SLG. 2019 was also the first year I’ve ever been able to stay within my yearly clothing budget and I feel so content that I’m ready to ‘go for the gold’! Most of what I purchased in 2019 were items to replace what was getting worn out or gaps in my wardrobe - while I’m allowing myself to replace items, I don’t foresee I’ll be doing too much of it except for a pair of black work flats which I’m not in a rush to replace until I find the right pair, along with a pair of blue jeans (which for the last couple of months I’ve just been trying to wear something else and it seems to be working ok).

Again, I’ll have a no spend year for bags and SLGs and in fact, this year my goal is to SELL and start to offload my collection. I’ve spent the last couple months of 2019 being able to just carry a large pouch or crossbody for work, or totes and backpacks at the start of the week when I lug my gym stuff to work. I’m enjoying the freedom of bringing less with me and don’t see a need for a lot of my bigger bags. This will be a slow process but hey, we all gotta start somewhere!

Wishing everyone a fantastic year and decade ahead with all your endeavours in life ❤️

What are your goals this year? Bag related, or otherwise.

Thanks for continuing the thread eggtartapproved. Best wishes on your 2020 no spend year!

Hello! I've been missing since a bit before my daughter was born back in April. I can't believe she's 8 months old now. Time truly flies. I have been home with her this entire time, and was in school for a few months before that, so I've spent so much time shopping. This was truly an incredible year with purchases and I will never repeat it again. I sold 8 H bags, some of which I purchased just this year, and picked up 4. I also bought 2 Chanel bags and my first 5 pieces of VCA jewelry, which I'm able to wear almost everyday. I also got my first 5 Chanel jackets, one vintage and 2 on sale, and a number of pairs of shoes.

Moving forward I've decided to buy nearly all of my clothing and shoes from ethical and sustainable brands, or used. I will make an exception whenever I find an exceptional piece, but that will be for a maximum of 6 items per year. Once I find a job, I'll be looking at places like Everlane for any additional work items I need. I'm not 100% decided on what to do about H bags. I think that if I receive the right offers, I will still get them. I am most interested in their scarves right now, but will have to thoughtfully add to my scarf collection.

I listed 6 pairs of shoes for sale a few weeks ago and have already sold 3 pairs. I'll continue to sell as I discover what I'm not using and loving in my collection.

I think my biggest resolution is to not feel guilty about what I'm buying, which means buying less than I do right now. I have never done well sticking to a budget, but I want to try to do that once I find the right job and figure out the lifestyle that makes sense for our family. I also want to stay present in this thread, even if I'm not caught up on every post because things move so quickly here! Happy to be back!

Congratulations on the arrival of your baby girl and welcome back!

I did well last year and met my goals. So this year it’s continued focus on buying mindfully as I continue to add my collection.

1. Sell 2 bags
2. Buy no more than 4 bags and 1 SLG
3. 100% success rate on purchases
4. Wear my least used bags at least 10 times each:
• Dior Ltd Ed. Cream & Gold Diorama
• Chanel Dark Grey Lamb Jumbo Flap
• Dior Silver Microcannage Diorama
• Chanel 13c Red Lamb Jumbo Flap

Wishing each of you a great bag year in 2020!

Great job on achieving your 2019 goals Sparkle!

Congrats! I'm also a newish mom and the guilt thing is real!


My goals in 2020:
- sell at least 2 bags
- use all my existing bags
- only buy a bag if goal 1 is reached
- focus on building retirement and college funds instead of frivolity
- spend less than $700 on frivolous items for the entire year, although I will not count spending what I make via sales since technically I spent that money previously already
- every time I have an urge to buy something frivolous, put $50 into a charity jar instead and donate that at the end of the year
- focus on one in one out, not adding net new


Good luck everyone. We can do this!

Congratulations on being a newish mom, so much growth for both mom and baby in the first year! The charity jar idea is interesting.

I bought several more bags than I had planned to in 2019, but I have no regrets. I love them all. I did meet my goal of rotating bags much more frequently.

2020 goals:
- Buy fewer bags (I’ll allow one per quarter, max. But, I will shoot for less!)
- Continue rotating my bags every two days
- Read more books! (I have two tall stacks on my nightstand, plus more on my Kindle, to read. It will be fun! )

Let’s conquer 2020!

Great job on rotating your bags - you have beautiful bags tenKrat. I am nodding about the books, in fact, that is my handle on a book site, read more books! Please feel free to share any good titles you come across throughout the year.

 

[More bags]

My 2020 goal is just to make sure that I keep a collection that works for me. To that end, my goals are:

• No settling.
  
  
• No buying/keeping bags that will cannibalize wears from others.

Because I have a lot of dressier bags, even day-to-night ones, I don't want to buy any in that category (though I do have a red clutch on my wishlist).

While I'm not going to say one-in, one-out, I really don't want my collection of 65 bags to be any larger. So any ins need to be a really thoughtful choice, and that will likely mean that something else is going out in its stead, even if not immediately.

I have at least one bag I'd like to part with. Unfortunately the resale value is really awful, so it'll likely wind up being a gift.

Last, I'm doing a no-extra-spending challenge in January to make sure I'm enjoying my collection and taking careful stock of what I already own.

Great goals Annabel Lee. Best wishes on your January no extra spend challenge!

TLDR; My 2020 goals are:
+ to buy no more than ONE new handbag for the year, and any more contingent on also moving one piece out
+ to add no more than TWO new SLGs to my collection, and any more contingent on also moving one piece out from my current collection
+ to enjoy my relatively new collection of handbags and SLGs, and use everything at least once during the year
+ do more research to figure out what my "holy grail" bag is - I believe this will be an H Bolide, but I haven't yet looked into the leathers, sizes, or colorways to figure out what will be my 'perfect' bag

Long version:

Great 2020 goals. I have a Bolide 31 - I love its beauty and how functional it is for my lifestyle. When you’re ready, there is a wonderful Ode to the Bolide thread with tons of pics.

 

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I posted on the 2019 thread two goals -
1) To reduce my purchases of H scarves, and to be serious about selling the ones I’m not wearing. Lose the sales goggles!
2) I will try to curb my ‘Ooo pretty! Let’s get it!’ tendencies. No more getting shanghaied by some gorgeous pink lining, or fabulous leather - I’m going to think about Whatever Beautiful Purse That Throws Itself At Me for an as yet undetermined amount of time. Hopefully giving myself time to come to my senses and realize that I really don’t need it.
Adding these too:
3) Keep the weight off. Keep exercising.
4) Read at least 15 books this year.

Caveats - if I should find a grail bag - like a Rouge H Box Kelly 32 in the perfect combination of price and condition - it’s okay to get it. I won’t feel bad about purchasing something if I truly love it and will use it!

Rouge H Box Kelly 32

 

[More bags]

For 2020, I want to
A) keep to my 1 in 1 out (of similar value) rule. I did not fully accomplished this in 2019 since I bought 2 Hermes bags but only sold 1 Hermes bag so far (2nd in at consignment), but that is more because H bags take awhile to sell. I also sold a bal bag, ands ton of jewelry. So feel good about that. I am finding it harder and harder to pick a bag to sell before purchasing a new, which I think is good and means I love my current bags!
B) track my bag usuage so I can see what I am not using and then decide if I neeeed certain bags or time to sell.

Well done on your sales, especially the jewelry!

I prefer 'don't settle' to 'sparks joy' personally.

Sparking joy sounds so transient to me. Who knows what mood I'm in or why it sparks joy? Could be because it's become the latest status symbol. Reminds me of all those poor ladies that bought a Birkin or a K even when it wasn't a great colour or size for them just for the privilege of buying a sought after bag at H and not wanting to upset their SA etc. I think they caught up in the sparking joy too much LOL. Not settling appeals to the inner core me and longterm satisfaction. Better to think about what you really want and then find it than let our emotions be dictated to by a 'thing'.

I also think that's where this whole 'I don't reach for it therefore it's bad' thing comes from. If something 'made us buy it' we need to honour that too or look at our own neg patterns and not just blame the thing itself.

I appreciate this comment about not settling!

 

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My "shopping my closet" goals for 2020:

1. I say this every year, but I really do feel "bag content"! (And then I buy a bag. Or two.) So this year I won't make any silly promises to myself. If a bag catches my eye, I'll seriously consider it within the context of my collection.
2. I will also be putting my bag collection under a high-power microscope… I have three bags that may not be perfect for me any more. In line with @papertiger 's point about not settling, I plan to be in "love it or list it" mode with each of these bags at some point this year.
3. I adore my collection of Hermès scarves, and I've honed it down to just the colors & designs that flatter me. I doubt I'll be buying anything new this year (though who knows what I'll find on the resale market???) but if something comes along in the F/W2020 season that lights up my brain, there's certainly a little corner for it. (Besides, scarves don't take up much room.)
4. I absolutely do not need any new jewelry. In fact, my goal is to be better about wearing the jewelry I own. Switching out earrings, f'rinstance, instead of wearing the same pair for five days in a row out of sheer laziness.
5. I also don't need any perfume, makeup, or shoes. All of which tend to tempt me when I'm stressed. It's just so easy, when the day has been ugly, to go online to Sephora and buy a pretty new eye shadow. Gotta stop that!
6. Finally, as for clothes, I'm definitely in good shape for fall/winter, but I need some spring/summer tops in colors that suit me (per my color analysis last year). As soon as spring clothes become available, I plan to pounce… and NOT wait for things to go on sale in late summer!

I also love the consideration of an addition within the context of your collection - good point. Well done on scarves and jewelry, too! It can be easy to hide a few extras there because they don’t take up much space.

Go ladies! Everyone has some great insight and goals.

Not sure if any of you are already finding it a challenge to keep to your goals, but I started finding strategies from others.

YouTube:
Audrey Coyne - one of my current faves. She talks a lot about capsule wardrobes and shopping your own closet.

General tips I've learned through others and trial by error:
- I have a wishlist now that I revisit weekly where I add and remove stuff. The idea is do I like something as a fad or do I actually like it. By regularly evaluating it, I can see what stands the test of time
- reminding myself of my spend goal every time I end up on a shopping website
- turning your coat hanger on pieces you wear when you wear them so that you see at the end of the season what got no wears
- does this item look anything like my existing items. If yes, which do I like better? I can only own one

I like Audrey Coyne, too, except for one of her old videos where she said she only needed 6 bags!

 

[More bags]

So true. I've realized that bags I've purchased on impulse because they were discounted or when I read about how much someone else liked it, are usually the ones that don't end up working for me. I've already given away / donated a few of those, some from a few years ago and that I haven't used since the first year I purchased them!

I am glad I was able to send them onwards to new homes where they will be loved and used.

If I had to pick one takeaway from my "bag journey" from 2019, it's that I prize quality and design above all else - quality of the materials, and both the aesthetic and practicality/usability of the design. I've noticed that my biggest gripes with my bags over the years have been a lack of functionality/organization (lack of pockets is often the biggest culprit) or lack of quality (cheap lining, seams coming out, hardware breaking). Hopefully I can keep reminding myself of this, especially when I see something available "for a good deal" - if it doesn't work for me because I don't like some aspect of it or can't use it the way I want to, I likely will never be able to incorporate the item(s) into my wardrobe.



Not sure if this will be helpful to you, but my solution for jewelry has actually been to find staple pieces that I don't mind wearing all the time. (This specifically applies to earrings.) I am super lazy and always forgot to wear my earrings, even when I had a huge collection, and especially as my metal allergy got worse, I stopped finding it "worth it" to wear jewelry that would leave my ears feeling tender and uncomfortable.

For my birthday in 2018 I purchased a pair of beautiful amethyst/diamond earrings that have threaded posts and flat backs, so they don't dig or bite into my skin, and made with implant-grade materials. They are simple and beautiful and very 'me' (my favorite color is purple). I've been wearing these in my original/first lobe piercings and have felt 0 desire to change them out to something else, because they fit me so well and go with all outfits, whether casual or professional/formal.

Luckily for me, I don't wear much other jewelry due to my movement/fitness of choice (aerial yoga, aerial silks/lyra, and occasionally pole), since I would normally have to remove all of it and, again, being lazy, I've opted to wear nothing instead. The only piece of jewelry that I wear regularly is a thin gold band on my left wrist that is low-profile enough that it doesn't catch in anything, and my fitness tracker, which I wear as a necklace and doesn't look like a fitness tracker at all (it's actually quite pretty). I can easily re-clip it onto my sports bra if I'm doing something where having it as a necklace is inconvenient or not preferable.

Your 2018 birthday earrings sound gorgeous!

 

[More bags]

The app is called Insight Timer. Then inside the app there are tons of options, including different types of meditations and different courses. The course I'm currently doing is called "Restoring Balance." The instructor is Zoe Kanat.

This app and course sounds interesting Elaine. I hope your recovery is going well.

 

[TankerToad]

Hiya Paper!! Is this your thread ?
It moves fast- ok so last year I popped on a thread like this and made some goals and I can honestly say that last year was an epic fail in any sense of keeping to the limits I set-
What I did do was start writing down what I bought/acquired and that was eye opening and helpful to organize and prioritize and reflect on the last 12 months.
Had some big moments in 2019 with an anniversary and 2 weddings and business and social events and a lot of travel that led to acquiring to meet those moments.
It was a year of professional and personal milestones- a wave that can carry me forward.
No regrets (and I did let go of a number things)
Would like to just see if this year can be calmer, less frantic and really and truly try to power down a few notches and take the time enjoy what I have -
There is, of course, a short list and 2 things in the pipeline, but otherwise really want to be more focused and strategic in 2020.

 

[More bags]

Warning - purse nerd alert, long post
December Update and 2019 Year End Stats

• Carried 16 bags in December 2019
• Read 39 books in 2019
• Maintained 1 in 1 out policy on bags in 2019

Dec Stats
Bags - 0 in, 0 out
SLGs - 0 in, 0 out

2019 Year End Stats
Bags - 2 in, 2 out
SLGs - 3 in, 4 out

2019 Top 11 Bags, by Usage

1. Hermes Evelyne III PM, Etoupe - 40
2. Gucci Soho Disco, Black - 37
3. Chanel Reissue 226, Black - 36
4. Hermes Bolide 31, Etain - 35
5. Chanel Reissue 226, Red - 25
6. Chanel Coco (Lizard) Handle Small, Burgundy - 24
7. Chanel Reissue Camera bag, Silver Metallic - 22
8. Hermes Garden Party 36, Rouge H - 21
9. Hermes So Kelly Eclat 22, Bleu Sapphire/Bleu Izmir - 21
10. Chanel WOC, black - 21
11. Longchamp Le Pliage, Gun Metal - 21

2019 Colours, by Usage

1. Black - 123
2. Grey/Silver - 118
3. Red/Burgundy - 84
4. Blue - 36

Goals and Habits

The guiding principles I declared back in the 2017 version of this thread,
2017 Goals/Habits
I created a general set of goals for my bags/SLGs and overall closet. No planned acquisitions, no ban, enjoy what I have, mindful purchases are okay.

• Edit my belongings to what I love, use or find beautiful
• Use and enjoy with gratitude what I choose to keep, shop my closet (I think I got this from someone on this thread, @bakeacookie, was it you?)
• Reduce my possessions, I have enough
• Be selective, thoughtful and mindful for things I purchase
• 30 day delayed gratification list
• 1 in 1 or more out

2020 Goals/Habits

• Practice a “no settling” philosophy, per @Annabel Lee and @papertiger
• Edit my belongings to what I love, use and find beautiful
• Use and enjoy what I choose to keep, shop my closet
• Reduce my possessions, I have enough
• Be selective, thoughtful and mindful for things I purchase
• Continue tracking my wears of bags (since 2014), clothing, shoes and jewelry (since 2015)
• Continue to put perceived wants on a 30 Day Delayed Gratification List
• Continue practicing a 1 in 1 or more out policy
• Review and assess wardrobe adds (bags, SLGs, jewelry, clothing and shoes) throughout the year and at year end for frequency of use (were they good purchases or was I wearing sales goggles?)
• Remember this quote which I have at the top of my 30 Day Delayed Gratification List, “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for” - Epicurus or as @diane278 simply stated on her thread, “Remember when you wanted what you currently have.”

The above methods may not work for everyone, they work for me at this stage of life. My goal is to have a well edited collection of bags that work for my lifestyle, that I love and use regularly. I use and enjoy with gratitude what I choose to keep and continue shopping my closet.

Happy new year to my pocket friends and good luck with all of your 2020 goals!

 

[More bags]

@Cookiefiend do I recall you mentioned in the 2019 thread that you released your Mulberry Blossom tote? Good job in editing your collection - I loved the colour of that bag.

 

[Rhl2987]

Hiya Paper!! Is this your thread ?
It moves fast- ok so last year I popped on a thread like this and made some goals and I can honestly say that last year was an epic fail in any sense of keeping to the limits I set-
What I did do was start writing down what I bought/acquired and that was eye opening and helpful to organize and prioritize and reflect on the last 12 months.
Had some big moments in 2019 with an anniversary and 2 weddings and business and social events and a lot of travel that led to acquiring to meet those moments.
It was a year of professional and personal milestones- a wave that can carry me forward.
No regrets (and I did let go of a number things)
Would like to just see if this year can be calmer, less frantic and really and truly try to power down a few notches and take the time enjoy what I have -
There is, of course, a short list and 2 things in the pipeline, but otherwise really want to be more focused and strategic in 2020.

I love your message about being “less frantic” and trying to “power down a few notches.” That really resonates with me. But it sounds like your purchases celebrated wonderful milestones and travel last year and that is great! I, too, set goals that I absolutely smashed quite early on. I want to make 2020 a better year!