2021 Resolution: Shopping my own bag and SLG collection. Any one else?

[Sparkletastic]

NOVEMBER ACTIVITIES

1. Bags by Brand Showcase!

Each week, share photos of your bags from the specified brands. Choose a posed “beauty” shot or get your bags out and about in action shots!

We highlight 3 brands per week: 2 premier and 1 contemporary in alphabetical order as listed on tPF. Any brands not listed are showcased in our last week. Brands change to the next set each Sunday.

Our first brand week starts now - Sunday, Oct 31. Please share photos of bags from these brands:

• Bottega Venetta
• Burberry
• Alexander Wang

Tip: Grab your photos from last year in the 2020 resolution thread. Search your user name and the brand to find your photos.

2. Special Stories
Thanks @Claudia Herzog for the suggestion

Wear a bag that has a backstory involving a person, place, or opportunity for which you feel grateful.

 

[momasaurus]

Bags 16 and 17 of the month yesterday. Both Proenza Schouler as it turns out.

First up is the mini PS2 in biscotti. This bag goes with so many outfits. I love camel as a color for a handbag, and this one doesn’t make my heart sing quite like it used to, but whenever I evaluate a potential new camel bag to replace it - this one still seems to fit into my wardrobe more. So, it stays.
View attachment 4958329

Then for our dinner run I broke out my PS1 crossbody in suede ‘Pepe’. This bag is DEFINITELY showing a bunch of wear. I don’t feel fancy anymore when I wear it, but the slouchy look of it is so cool for some outfits. So, it also stays.
View attachment 4958330

Thanks for letting me share!

I am really enjoying your showcases! Thanks.

 

[momasaurus]

View attachment 4959202How nice to serve dinner by the waterfall! And the cutest little playhouse (with a electricity for a television!) for my daughters!! I love the child size picnic table under the weeping willow next to It!!

View attachment 4959203View attachment 4959204View attachment 4959205View attachment 4959206View attachment 4959207invisible fence around the whole property shown highlighted :View attachment 4959208

So the dogs (and kids!) can really chase themselves exhausted in the huge front lawn as well as in the back through the shady woods back there.
There's a ton of parking space in the long driveway, since they had a spot to keep an RV.
I love how lush it is with all those mature trees! I'm in love.

I love the colors!

 

[Jereni]

It’s quite roomy. I can fit in a larger sized long purse, car/house keys, my iPhone, various smaller essential items like tissues and lippy, and a pair of sunglasses. Makes a good day to night bag for events etc.

Nice and good to know. I keep thinking about the Lily, esp the version with the top handle.

I am really enjoying your showcases! Thanks.

Aw thank you! This thread is keeping me focused on my resolution lol. I had been going for a goal of wearing every bag I own this month, but two of them are straw bags that really only make sense in the summer.

 

[Jereni]

Yesterday was bags 18 and 19 for the month.

In the morning I felt like being fabulous. So tired of quarantine-wear! So I broke out my leopard Jimmy Choos and my Fendi peekaboo. This bag continues to be EVERYTHING.


Then for running to Trader Joe’s to get wine, I went for another date night bag. This is like an $80 crystal bag I got from Nordstrom prior to a Vegas trip and I’ve only worn it twice I think. Super fun tho. My outfit totally doesn’t go with it but that’s the point of the bag challenge right?

 

[Bag peace]

Ah, the universe was teasing me today. I had to pass on 7 (!!!) bags!

I had a blood test scheduled and the lab is near the mall with all my favourite stores, so I figured I'd pop in for a quick browse, given that it was just after opening time and there wouldn't be too many people around.

Bag #1- A Hammitt Bag in blue with silver hardware. Literally the specs I had on my wishlist for my next Hammitt purchase, and 50% off!
But, the shade of blue didn't wow me, and if I'm to add a 4th from them it has to be perfect, so I passed on it.

Then I stopped in at Coach. I have been wanting a yellow bag from them and had discovered that they released the 'Coach Originals' line last year (a collection that had totally passed me by ). Well, all the bags from that line that I had been eyeing up online were available today at 60% off!
Bag #2- The Turnlock Shoulder bag in green
Bags 3 & 4- The Geometric Zip that I almost ordered online in both Mango and White
Bag #5- The Snakeskin turnlock lunchbox pouch that I went all the way to the tills with before stopping myself. This one was really lush!

Then I passed by Aspinal of London and saw their holographic bag from last year was on sale (bag # 6. Did the universe have nothing better to do today than mess with my head?)
There was only one piece left, discounted by 60% due to it being old stock. It was on my wishlist last year but I wasn't sure on the size, so I had crossed it off. Now here it was tempting me all over again. The leather is great but I stuck to my resolve. Another shopper snapped it up after I put it down and ran off to the tills with it.

Finally, bag #7: the one that physically hurt me to leave behind! A gorgeous goatskin Maison Margiela glam slam bag! I've never handled one in real life and this bag is truly divine! It was also discounted. I had to really think this one through. I was gagging for it.
Can I afford it? Just about.
Do I love it? Yes, yes, yes!
Does it make sense to buy it? Sigh, no.

Whilst I gave myself permission to let in 1 bag this year, I didn't think it would be one at this price point. It would be the most expensive bag purchase I've ever made. During a pandemic. Whilst I'm not currently working.
Besides, it was larger than I normally carry, and seemed more of an event bag than one I could style more casually. Again, the pandemic means I won't be going to a theatre, art gallery or the ballet anytime soon; and I certainly won't carry this bag into a new workplace (assuming my next job isn't virtual)....Le sigh!
After whispering sweet nothings into this bag's ear for several minutes , I gently set it down and slowly walked away.
Hardest decision I've made to date (in relation to bags, anyway). It was so tempting! It's luscious. A real work of art. But I had to be rational and remind myself that I can't own everything I like. Hopefully someone else will snap it up and enjoy it.
When life is more normal and I have started the next chapter of mine, when hopefully I'm working full-time again and have more stability in my health and my career, then- if I still want it- I can add it into my collection. It's not like they'll stop producing their most iconic bag. I can wait to get it sometime down the line.

After all that ordeal I treated myself to an extra strong coffee as I daydreamed about running back to the beloved glam slam and hugging it all the way home.

I'm successfully shopping my own but, nobody told me it would be this hard!

 

[Bag peace]

Yesterday was bags 18 and 19 for the month.

I'm really loving your personal challenge! You're right, sometimes we need to dress up and feel normal again! Your peekaboo is lovely!

My outfit totally doesn’t go with it but that’s the point of the bag challenge right?

Indeed it is!
This bag reminds me of Whiting & Davis bags. Very fun! I love that you grabbed it to go to Trader Joe's!

 

[Katinahat]

Ah, the universe was teasing me today. I had to pass on 7 (!!!) bags!

I had a blood test scheduled and the lab is near the mall with all my favourite stores, so I figured I'd pop in for a quick browse, given that it was just after opening time and there wouldn't be too many people around.

Bag #1- A Hammitt Bag in blue with silver hardware. Literally the specs I had on my wishlist for my next Hammitt purchase, and 50% off!
But, the shade of blue didn't wow me, and if I'm to add a 4th from them it has to be perfect, so I passed on it.

Then I stopped in at Coach. I have been wanting a yellow bag from them and had discovered that they released the 'Coach Originals' line last year (a collection that had totally passed me by ). Well, all the bags from that line that I had been eyeing up online were available today at 60% off!
Bag #2- The Turnlock Shoulder bag in green
Bags 3 & 4- The Geometric Zip that I almost ordered online in both Mango and White
Bag #5- The Snakeskin turnlock lunchbox pouch that I went all the way to the tills with before stopping myself. This one was really lush!

Then I passed by Aspinal of London and saw their holographic bag from last year was on sale (bag # 6. Did the universe have nothing better to do today than mess with my head?)
There was only one piece left, discounted by 60% due to it being old stock. It was on my wishlist last year but I wasn't sure on the size, so I had crossed it off. Now here it was tempting me all over again. The leather is great but I stuck to my resolve. Another shopper snapped it up after I put it down and ran off to the tills with it.

Finally, bag #7: the one that physically hurt me to leave behind! A gorgeous goatskin Maison Margiela glam slam bag! I've never handled one in real life and this bag is truly divine! It was also discounted. I had to really think this one through. I was gagging for it.
Can I afford it? Just about.
Do I love it? Yes, yes, yes!
Does it make sense to buy it? Sigh, no.

Whilst I gave myself permission to let in 1 bag this year, I didn't think it would be one at this price point. It would be the most expensive bag purchase I've ever made. During a pandemic. Whilst I'm not currently working.
Besides, it was larger than I normally carry, and seemed more of an event bag than one I could style more casually. Again, the pandemic means I won't be going to a theatre, art gallery or the ballet anytime soon; and I certainly won't carry this bag into a new workplace (assuming my next job isn't virtual)....Le sigh!
After whispering sweet nothings into this bag's ear for several minutes , I gently set it down and slowly walked away.
Hardest decision I've made to date (in relation to bags, anyway). It was so tempting! It's luscious. A real work of art. But I had to be rational and remind myself that I can't own everything I like. Hopefully someone else will snap it up and enjoy it.
When life is more normal and I have started the next chapter of mine, when hopefully I'm working full-time again and have more stability in my health and my career, then- if I still want it- I can add it into my collection. It's not like they'll stop producing their most iconic bag. I can wait to get it sometime down the line.

After all that ordeal I treated myself to an extra strong coffee as I daydreamed about running back to the beloved glam slam and hugging it all the way home.

I'm successfully shopping my own but, nobody told me it would be this hard!

Well done on your strength and resolve in amongst all that temptation! Sounds like some amazing potential purchases you left in the store!

I’m so jealous. I haven’t been in a fabulous shop since October. And they are all closed until further notice!

 

[Katinahat]

Yesterday was bags 18 and 19 for the month.

In the morning I felt like being fabulous. So tired of quarantine-wear! So I broke out my leopard Jimmy Choos and my Fendi peekaboo. This bag continues to be EVERYTHING.
View attachment 4959463

Then for running to Trader Joe’s to get wine, I went for another date night bag. This is like an $80 crystal bag I got from Nordstrom prior to a Vegas trip and I’ve only worn it twice I think. Super fun tho. My outfit totally doesn’t go with it but that’s the point of the bag challenge right?
View attachment 4959465

Both outfits are wonderful but totally wowed by the leopard skin JCs! Nice!!

 

[msd_bags]

Ah, the universe was teasing me today. I had to pass on 7 (!!!) bags!

I had a blood test scheduled and the lab is near the mall with all my favourite stores, so I figured I'd pop in for a quick browse, given that it was just after opening time and there wouldn't be too many people around.

Bag #1- A Hammitt Bag in blue with silver hardware. Literally the specs I had on my wishlist for my next Hammitt purchase, and 50% off!
But, the shade of blue didn't wow me, and if I'm to add a 4th from them it has to be perfect, so I passed on it.

Then I stopped in at Coach. I have been wanting a yellow bag from them and had discovered that they released the 'Coach Originals' line last year (a collection that had totally passed me by ). Well, all the bags from that line that I had been eyeing up online were available today at 60% off!
Bag #2- The Turnlock Shoulder bag in green
Bags 3 & 4- The Geometric Zip that I almost ordered online in both Mango and White
Bag #5- The Snakeskin turnlock lunchbox pouch that I went all the way to the tills with before stopping myself. This one was really lush!

Then I passed by Aspinal of London and saw their holographic bag from last year was on sale (bag # 6. Did the universe have nothing better to do today than mess with my head?)
There was only one piece left, discounted by 60% due to it being old stock. It was on my wishlist last year but I wasn't sure on the size, so I had crossed it off. Now here it was tempting me all over again. The leather is great but I stuck to my resolve. Another shopper snapped it up after I put it down and ran off to the tills with it.

Finally, bag #7: the one that physically hurt me to leave behind! A gorgeous goatskin Maison Margiela glam slam bag! I've never handled one in real life and this bag is truly divine! It was also discounted. I had to really think this one through. I was gagging for it.
Can I afford it? Just about.
Do I love it? Yes, yes, yes!
Does it make sense to buy it? Sigh, no.

Whilst I gave myself permission to let in 1 bag this year, I didn't think it would be one at this price point. It would be the most expensive bag purchase I've ever made. During a pandemic. Whilst I'm not currently working.
Besides, it was larger than I normally carry, and seemed more of an event bag than one I could style more casually. Again, the pandemic means I won't be going to a theatre, art gallery or the ballet anytime soon; and I certainly won't carry this bag into a new workplace (assuming my next job isn't virtual)....Le sigh!
After whispering sweet nothings into this bag's ear for several minutes , I gently set it down and slowly walked away.
Hardest decision I've made to date (in relation to bags, anyway). It was so tempting! It's luscious. A real work of art. But I had to be rational and remind myself that I can't own everything I like. Hopefully someone else will snap it up and enjoy it.
When life is more normal and I have started the next chapter of mine, when hopefully I'm working full-time again and have more stability in my health and my career, then- if I still want it- I can add it into my collection. It's not like they'll stop producing their most iconic bag. I can wait to get it sometime down the line.

After all that ordeal I treated myself to an extra strong coffee as I daydreamed about running back to the beloved glam slam and hugging it all the way home.

I'm successfully shopping my own but, nobody told me it would be this hard!

Yay for walking away!!! I’m sure it was hard to do that. And you echoed one of the biggest lessons I’ve gathered from the thread over the years - we can’t own everything that we like!!

 

[BowieFan1971]

View attachment 4959202How nice to serve dinner by the waterfall! And the cutest little playhouse (with a electricity for a television!) for my daughters!! I love the child size picnic table under the weeping willow next to It!!

View attachment 4959203View attachment 4959204View attachment 4959205View attachment 4959206View attachment 4959207invisible fence around the whole property shown highlighted :View attachment 4959208

So the dogs (and kids!) can really chase themselves exhausted in the huge front lawn as well as in the back through the shady woods back there.
There's a ton of parking space in the long driveway, since they had a spot to keep an RV.
I love how lush it is with all those mature trees! I'm in love.

What a wonderful place to grow up! I love it!

 

[BowieFan1971]

Ah, the universe was teasing me today. I had to pass on 7 (!!!) bags!

I had a blood test scheduled and the lab is near the mall with all my favourite stores, so I figured I'd pop in for a quick browse, given that it was just after opening time and there wouldn't be too many people around.

Bag #1- A Hammitt Bag in blue with silver hardware. Literally the specs I had on my wishlist for my next Hammitt purchase, and 50% off!
But, the shade of blue didn't wow me, and if I'm to add a 4th from them it has to be perfect, so I passed on it.

Then I stopped in at Coach. I have been wanting a yellow bag from them and had discovered that they released the 'Coach Originals' line last year (a collection that had totally passed me by ). Well, all the bags from that line that I had been eyeing up online were available today at 60% off!
Bag #2- The Turnlock Shoulder bag in green
Bags 3 & 4- The Geometric Zip that I almost ordered online in both Mango and White
Bag #5- The Snakeskin turnlock lunchbox pouch that I went all the way to the tills with before stopping myself. This one was really lush!

Then I passed by Aspinal of London and saw their holographic bag from last year was on sale (bag # 6. Did the universe have nothing better to do today than mess with my head?)
There was only one piece left, discounted by 60% due to it being old stock. It was on my wishlist last year but I wasn't sure on the size, so I had crossed it off. Now here it was tempting me all over again. The leather is great but I stuck to my resolve. Another shopper snapped it up after I put it down and ran off to the tills with it.

Finally, bag #7: the one that physically hurt me to leave behind! A gorgeous goatskin Maison Margiela glam slam bag! I've never handled one in real life and this bag is truly divine! It was also discounted. I had to really think this one through. I was gagging for it.
Can I afford it? Just about.
Do I love it? Yes, yes, yes!
Does it make sense to buy it? Sigh, no.

Whilst I gave myself permission to let in 1 bag this year, I didn't think it would be one at this price point. It would be the most expensive bag purchase I've ever made. During a pandemic. Whilst I'm not currently working.
Besides, it was larger than I normally carry, and seemed more of an event bag than one I could style more casually. Again, the pandemic means I won't be going to a theatre, art gallery or the ballet anytime soon; and I certainly won't carry this bag into a new workplace (assuming my next job isn't virtual)....Le sigh!
After whispering sweet nothings into this bag's ear for several minutes , I gently set it down and slowly walked away.
Hardest decision I've made to date (in relation to bags, anyway). It was so tempting! It's luscious. A real work of art. But I had to be rational and remind myself that I can't own everything I like. Hopefully someone else will snap it up and enjoy it.
When life is more normal and I have started the next chapter of mine, when hopefully I'm working full-time again and have more stability in my health and my career, then- if I still want it- I can add it into my collection. It's not like they'll stop producing their most iconic bag. I can wait to get it sometime down the line.

After all that ordeal I treated myself to an extra strong coffee as I daydreamed about running back to the beloved glam slam and hugging it all the way home.

I'm successfully shopping my own but, nobody told me it would be this hard!

Proud of you!!!!!

 

[Lake Effect]

Feeling a lot better about my collection after hearing everyone's thoughts! Thanks to you all.

Going to be volunteering outdoors today, so wrapped myself up in 3 layers of thermal tops and leggings! Decided I wanted my charming beer bellied vintage bag to accompany me, so styled it up with mod/70s style in mind. Opted for a denim jumpsuit and a red polo neck jumper on top of all the thermals (to coordinate with the bag because, why not go all out?!)

Not a great pic but I do so enjoy carrying this pot bellied little charmer! One of my best random bag purchases ever. It cheers me up every time I use it.

View attachment 4958218

When I clicked on the link, it took me to this post even though it was pages ago. Meant to be cause oh wow you took me back to high school (late 70s for me!!) when I sewed myself a denim blue jumpsuit. I hope you have knee high brown boots to tuck the bottoms into

So tell me everybody : do you like monogramming on your items? If so, what? SLGs? Shirt pockets? Linens? Engraved jewelry? Stationary?

Actually my latest dip into monograms was for Coach hangtags. A few years ago, I was in a store and saw they sold a wide variety of colors for large and small hang tags and will emboss them as no charge. I loved the idea of buying a few contrasting colors for a British Tan and a black brief sized bags and a large black bag among others. So I got a large hand tag in dark blue and red with my intials embossed in gold. Love them. An a small red tag with 'XO' impressed. Have not ruled out others. For $9 and $12 each, it is fun and a lot less expensive than fobs.

Ah, the universe was teasing me today. I had to pass on 7 (!!!) bags!

I had a blood test scheduled and the lab is near the mall with all my favourite stores, so I figured I'd pop in for a quick browse, given that it was just after opening time and there wouldn't be too many people around.

Bag #1- A Hammitt Bag in blue with silver hardware. Literally the specs I had on my wishlist for my next Hammitt purchase, and 50% off!
But, the shade of blue didn't wow me, and if I'm to add a 4th from them it has to be perfect, so I passed on it.

Then I stopped in at Coach. I have been wanting a yellow bag from them and had discovered that they released the 'Coach Originals' line last year (a collection that had totally passed me by ). Well, all the bags from that line that I had been eyeing up online were available today at 60% off!
Bag #2- The Turnlock Shoulder bag in green
Bags 3 & 4- The Geometric Zip that I almost ordered online in both Mango and White
Bag #5- The Snakeskin turnlock lunchbox pouch that I went all the way to the tills with before stopping myself. This one was really lush!

Then I passed by Aspinal of London and saw their holographic bag from last year was on sale (bag # 6. Did the universe have nothing better to do today than mess with my head?)
There was only one piece left, discounted by 60% due to it being old stock. It was on my wishlist last year but I wasn't sure on the size, so I had crossed it off. Now here it was tempting me all over again. The leather is great but I stuck to my resolve. Another shopper snapped it up after I put it down and ran off to the tills with it.

Finally, bag #7: the one that physically hurt me to leave behind! A gorgeous goatskin Maison Margiela glam slam bag! I've never handled one in real life and this bag is truly divine! It was also discounted. I had to really think this one through. I was gagging for it.
Can I afford it? Just about.
Do I love it? Yes, yes, yes!
Does it make sense to buy it? Sigh, no.

Whilst I gave myself permission to let in 1 bag this year, I didn't think it would be one at this price point. It would be the most expensive bag purchase I've ever made. During a pandemic. Whilst I'm not currently working.
Besides, it was larger than I normally carry, and seemed more of an event bag than one I could style more casually. Again, the pandemic means I won't be going to a theatre, art gallery or the ballet anytime soon; and I certainly won't carry this bag into a new workplace (assuming my next job isn't virtual)....Le sigh!
After whispering sweet nothings into this bag's ear for several minutes , I gently set it down and slowly walked away.
Hardest decision I've made to date (in relation to bags, anyway). It was so tempting! It's luscious. A real work of art. But I had to be rational and remind myself that I can't own everything I like. Hopefully someone else will snap it up and enjoy it.
When life is more normal and I have started the next chapter of mine, when hopefully I'm working full-time again and have more stability in my health and my career, then- if I still want it- I can add it into my collection. It's not like they'll stop producing their most iconic bag. I can wait to get it sometime down the line.

After all that ordeal I treated myself to an extra strong coffee as I daydreamed about running back to the beloved glam slam and hugging it all the way home.

I'm successfully shopping my own but, nobody told me it would be this hard!

Regarding the Coach store, kudos to you. I have been eyeing the Coach Originals with interest as I like seeing them recycle vintage styles. While they may change the closure or proportion (and of course they are not unlined or use the original weight leather) they are astonishingly true to the original design. As committed as I am to pre-loved and actual vintage, I may have caved for 60 % for a yellow Turnlock or Geometric Zip. Truth be told, I pop into Nordstrom's Rack periodically to see if they have any leftovers from the Coach Originals. At a deep discount.

 

[Bag peace]

I’m so jealous. I haven’t been in a fabulous shop since October. And they are all closed until further notice!

If it helps, the experience was odd. I cannot recall when I was last in any retail store and I thought this would be relaxing, but it was truly stressful. Everyone wore masks and there were only a handful of people about, yet I felt very on edge.
I hope normal life will resume at some point in the near future.

Yay for walking away!!! I’m sure it was hard to do that. And you echoed one of the biggest lessons I’ve gathered from the thread over the years - we can’t own everything that we like!!

I like the way you think!
Not only that, but we should not own everything we like! I cannot imagine a more vacuous existence; nothing would have meaning if it was all so easily attainable.

Proud of you!!!!!

Thank you! I'm proud, too! The fact that everything was discounted really made it hard to walk away. I almost forgot the reason everything was so much cheaper than usual was because we've been in a nightmare!

When I clicked on the link, it took me to this post even though it was pages ago. Meant to be cause oh wow you took me back to high school (late 70s for me!!) when I sewed myself a denim blue jumpsuit. I hope you have knee high brown boots to tuck the bottoms into

You sewed your own?! What? That's amazing! I can barely stitch on a loose button!
Happy to have sent you down memory lane! It's a big ask but, if you have a picture I'd love to see it.

Regarding the Coach store, kudos to you. I have been eyeing the Coach Originals with interest as I like seeing them recycle vintage styles. While they may change the closure or proportion (and of course they are not unlined or use the original weight leather) they are astonishingly true to the original design. As committed as I am to pre-loved and actual vintage, I may have caved for 60 % for a yellow Turnlock or Geometric Zip. Truth be told, I pop into Nordstrom's Rack periodically to see if they have any leftovers from the Coach Originals. At a deep discount.

I hear you! I really love this line! The vintage vibe tugs at me.I totally missed it when it first came out but caught wind when I was asking about vintage Coach on another thread. Since then I've been really wanting one.
I thought the geometric zip would be the one that I bought without hesitation but, irl it was much too large on my frame. Even the SA said it looks wrong on me. I love the shape though.
The one that was ideal for me was the teeny Turnlock Lunchbox Pouch. The interior leather lining and the beautiful snakeskin made it feel so lush, and it was just the right size to carry my keys, wallet, phone and mp3 player (all I ever carry on me). It was hard to walk away given the great price but I'm proud of myself for doing it.
I hope you score some Originals for a good price. I'm sure the Rack will end up with a few soon enough.

 

[880]

Ah, the universe was teasing me today. I had to pass on 7 (!!!) bags!

I had a blood test scheduled and the lab is near the mall with all my favourite stores, so I figured I'd pop in for a quick browse, given that it was just after opening time and there wouldn't be too many people around.

Bag #1- A Hammitt Bag in blue with silver hardware. Literally the specs I had on my wishlist for my next Hammitt purchase, and 50% off!
But, the shade of blue didn't wow me, and if I'm to add a 4th from them it has to be perfect, so I passed on it.

Then I stopped in at Coach. I have been wanting a yellow bag from them and had discovered that they released the 'Coach Originals' line last year (a collection that had totally passed me by ). Well, all the bags from that line that I had been eyeing up online were available today at 60% off!
Bag #2- The Turnlock Shoulder bag in green
Bags 3 & 4- The Geometric Zip that I almost ordered online in both Mango and White
Bag #5- The Snakeskin turnlock lunchbox pouch that I went all the way to the tills with before stopping myself. This one was really lush!

Then I passed by Aspinal of London and saw their holographic bag from last year was on sale (bag # 6. Did the universe have nothing better to do today than mess with my head?)
There was only one piece left, discounted by 60% due to it being old stock. It was on my wishlist last year but I wasn't sure on the size, so I had crossed it off. Now here it was tempting me all over again. The leather is great but I stuck to my resolve. Another shopper snapped it up after I put it down and ran off to the tills with it.

Finally, bag #7: the one that physically hurt me to leave behind! A gorgeous goatskin Maison Margiela glam slam bag! I've never handled one in real life and this bag is truly divine! It was also discounted. I had to really think this one through. I was gagging for it.
Can I afford it? Just about.
Do I love it? Yes, yes, yes!
Does it make sense to buy it? Sigh, no.

Whilst I gave myself permission to let in 1 bag this year, I didn't think it would be one at this price point. It would be the most expensive bag purchase I've ever made. During a pandemic. Whilst I'm not currently working.
Besides, it was larger than I normally carry, and seemed more of an event bag than one I could style more casually. Again, the pandemic means I won't be going to a theatre, art gallery or the ballet anytime soon; and I certainly won't carry this bag into a new workplace (assuming my next job isn't virtual)....Le sigh!
After whispering sweet nothings into this bag's ear for several minutes , I gently set it down and slowly walked away.
Hardest decision I've made to date (in relation to bags, anyway). It was so tempting! It's luscious. A real work of art. But I had to be rational and remind myself that I can't own everything I like. Hopefully someone else will snap it up and enjoy it.
When life is more normal and I have started the next chapter of mine, when hopefully I'm working full-time again and have more stability in my health and my career, then- if I still want it- I can add it into my collection. It's not like they'll stop producing their most iconic bag. I can wait to get it sometime down the line.

After all that ordeal I treated myself to an extra strong coffee as I daydreamed about running back to the beloved glam slam and hugging it all the way home.

I'm successfully shopping my own but, nobody told me it would be this hard!

i love Maison Margiela, but find that the designs I love most are too ironic for my own personal use. I found your back and forth dialogue very inspiring and Congratulations on holding steadfast!

I saw this article entitled Getting Rid of Stuff; How to Declutter Quickly (with this quote, everything you buy makes each thing you own a little less valuable. I thought of your post which I am positive I will return to again ans again! Hugs

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/15/at-home/newsletter.html?referringSource=articleShare

@Jereni, I love your sequined bag! It’s perfect for any occasion! I think you rock all of your action pics!

@Lake Effect, Id love to see pics of the denim jumpsuit too!

 

[Lake Effect]

If it helps, the experience was odd. I cannot recall when I was last in any retail store and I thought this would be relaxing, but it was truly stressful. Everyone wore masks and there were only a handful of people about, yet I felt very on edge.
I hope normal life will resume at some point in the near future.


I like the way you think!
Not only that, but we should not own everything we like! I cannot imagine a more vacuous existence; nothing would have meaning if it was all so easily attainable.


Thank you! I'm proud, too! The fact that everything was discounted really made it hard to walk away. I almost forgot the reason everything was so much cheaper than usual was because we've been in a nightmare!


You sewed your own?! What? That's amazing! I can barely stitch on a loose button!
Happy to have sent you down memory lane! It's a big ask but, if you have a picture I'd love to see it.

I hear you! I really love this line! The vintage vibe tugs at me.I totally missed it when it first came out but caught wind when I was asking about vintage Coach on another thread. Since then I've been really wanting one.
I thought the geometric zip would be the one that I bought without hesitation but, irl it was much too large on my frame. Even the SA said it looks wrong on me. I love the shape though.
The one that was ideal for me was the teeny Turnlock Lunchbox Pouch. The interior leather lining and the beautiful snakeskin made it feel so lush, and it was just the right size to carry my keys, wallet, phone and mp3 player (all I ever carry on me). It was hard to walk away given the great price but I'm proud of myself for doing it.
I hope you score some Originals for a good price. I'm sure the Rack will end up with a few soon enough.

Lol, I have plenty of vintage Coach so I am in no hurry. But my wish list does not rule out something that strikes me as fabulous!

When I was 10 years old, my mother bought a portable Sears Kenmore sewing machine. Her old Singer had died and I guess it could not be repaired. At that time, they gave you 10 free sewing lessons. That was when they started with cams for special stitching etc. So I guess the marketing was to offer lessons. As her and my older sisters already knew how to sew, she drove me over every Saturday morning to Sears and had me take the lessons. It was probably a group of ten or so. I remember the instructor being younger than my mother and very cheery and totally fine with having me in the class. I approached it like working toward a Girl Scout badge. I never did much with cams and embroidered stitching, but it taught me the basics of the machine. We had a book on the basics of how to sew at home. I guess from a young age I was good at reading a manual, patterns, etc lol. I sewed myself lots of tote bags from extra fabric laying around. DS#1 was quite the sewer ( she sewed a gorgeous hot pink prom gown with a matching gold lame' sp? cape, I can still see it in my mind) and always encouraged me and was able to talk me through problems. By 8th grade, I could sew myself a dress and made myself an Easter dress. We went to Catholic School and wore uniforms so I made myself whatever wasn't handed down for the most part. In high school I made myself a few jumpsuits from the same pattern and a few apron-style wrap dresses, I guess you would call them. One for every season! Gosh I hadn't thought about this in ages Lol the evidence is buried away
Okay, I'm out. I started some serious declutter action on this pile of papers, stuff and boxes and corner of my dining room last night! Off for a shower and then to start that back up!