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.

 

[papertiger]

Here they are. Top one is vintage Coach, bottom one is new Coach.
View attachment 4938857View attachment 4938858

I won't show the second to my sis, she's a Star fanatic. Both look fabulous in that colour too

 

[dcooney4]

Thank you for explaining the concept of acquisition rate. I am going to try this! in 2019, I purchased an HG expensive item, my 30cm Black togo Birkin, I wore it a lot! it's surprisingly practical however, I find, I'm not fond of the togo leather, the color isn't saturated as I'd like it looks like a soft black than a true black unlike my Kelly, which is deeply saturated. I'm now considering replacing it same specs but with the new leather Veau Jonathan, what do you guys think? this will be a challenge for me as I don't have a boutique close to me. One is supposed to open in early 2021, we'll see.. @More bags @880 , @papertiger all opinions welcome from everyone. The fine Jewelry pieces I plan to add are, an 18k yellow gold Tiffany Elsa Peretti bean bracelet, and an Elsa peretti platinum and diamond bean necklace.

2020 put a wrench in things for sure! great goals for 2021!

Great goals! i'm with you on the shopping sustainably!

I love the bean necklace. I was looking at the plain silver or gold version.

 

[dcooney4]

Agreed. The briefcase is too heavy and I have better. I think the SR can go, it's just hanging around. The VW used to be a favourite (partly because it was hard to find a pretty Summer bag to use in the city). Maybe I'll do a 2-step plan, firstly list myself and if I can't get modest prices, give to my favourite charity shop (I already have quite a few nice RTW pieces to give them).

Sort-term goal = 3 bags out in Jan

For me it is usually multiple reasons. I agree try to sell it yourself and go from there. What about a consignment shop that does higher end stuff? I found one a few towns over. She takes a big cut but she also gets more then I could for things.

 

[dcooney4]

...and they are the biggest challenge for me!
My mind keeps warning me about using my beautiful belongings:
"this is too nice for every day", "don´t touch it, you´ll spoil/break it", "you´ll never be able to replace this if you ruin it", "don´t ever get near to food when wearing this- you´ll stain it"....
Haha!

On Christmas Eve after (finally!) putting on a never worn before (I got it as an unfinished job from the daughter of a tailor and finished it myself) 50ies cocktail dress paired with a new hat and my auntie´s mink cocktail jacket for the late afternoon I actually changed my outfit before cooking dinner into 70ies plays 40ies black polyester jersey out of sheer panic to stain my dress that would certainly need dry cleaning (it´s raw silk with metallic threads)... thinking about it I see two possible solutions: a) learn to act, walk, sit, even cook like the lady who would have worn outfits like this in their time or b) stick with good old 70ies polyester! These are the vintage dresses I do get a lot of wear out of, because even me cannot spoil them!

A very waterproof apron would help.

 

[dcooney4]

Here they are. Top one is vintage Coach, bottom one is new Coach.
View attachment 4938857View attachment 4938858

These are so pretty! love the stars !

 

[papertiger]

For me it is usually multiple reasons. I agree try to sell it yourself and go from there. What about a consignment shop that does higher end stuff? I found one a few towns over. She takes a big cut but she also gets more then I could for things.

I used to that. I gave quite a few things of mine my mother's to the Dress Box years ago (they work out of Liberty and their own shop). They agree with a fixed price and everything on top is theirs. However, they don't do (or didn't do digital then - I know, hello, 21C calling) after they sold a vintage Freddie Fox 1940s hat of mine I gave them more, but they work by giving scrawly bits of paper that I've subsequently lost in a couple of house moves. Dolce and Gabbana shoes (too big) Gucci shoes (to small) vintage stuff, couple of Mum's handbags etc all can't be accounted for. I guess there's a 'method' to their madness - works for them. Doesn't work for me. Pandora is a whole rigmarole.

When I was a student I worked for a typical concession place a couple of days a week. Somehow, knowing what actually goes on puts me right-off.

 

[Bag peace]

I would wear nice clothes when we went somewhere and then almost always change into lounge clothes as soon as we got home.

I´ve been brought up in exactly the same mindset: good clothes for going out, home clothes for at home.

And I was raised to do the opposite! My mum said we dress for ourselves, not other people, so wear what makes you happy at home and outdoors. There was no 'Sunday best', it was always 'Sunday best'.
Similarly, food: we were told to serve our own dinners as though we were serving guests.
Both being acts of self respect that would lead to respecting others, in her opinion.
To this day, I eat off of fine china and drink out of crystal glasses, even if I'm only having some rice cakes and a glass of water. My food is always plated in a pleasing manner to the eye (since we eat with our eyes first).
I've failed more at the dressing my best all the time, simply because my ill health has caused me to spend a lot of time in loose PJs. However, under normal circumstances when I'm alive and kicking, I do wear my best even if all I'm doing is sitting at home. Well...I say this, but because my uniform is trousers and a tee or a jumper, it is pretty easy to be "dressed" all the time. It would be different if I wore formal evening gowns at home!
Another random thing I learned from my mum is to iron my pyjamas. As a child, it confused me that I had to iron something I would sleep in and would crumple in bed. However, as an adult, I can see the value in good habits that are consistently applied across the board. I sleep more deeply as a result of this habit, too.

An angel's wing (straps on to my back naturally ) a Medusa collage on denim tote made from my friend's past collections.

Any chance you have photos of these? They sound pretty unique and all kinds of awesome!

You and your stuff are in business; you’re the CEO and all your stuff is employees. What job does each thing do? What do you need it to do? How does it support the life you want to live?

I'll be asking myself these questions when I next come to edit. It's such a good way to look at things. Thanks!

@essiedub I love your play on words, putting bags to shed in the shed, like @diane278’s closet of departing bags!

I'm using Diane's concept of a closet for departing bags currently. I do not have a shed but will certainly have an imaginary one when this challenge rolls around!
Brilliant challenge suggestion @essiedub!

 

[papertiger]

And I was raised to do the opposite! My mum said we dress for ourselves, not other people, so wear what makes you happy at home and outdoors. There was no 'Sunday best', it was always 'Sunday best'.
Similarly, food: we were told to serve our own dinners as though we were serving guests.
Both being acts of self respect that would lead to respecting others, in her opinion.
To this day, I eat off of fine china and drink out of crystal glasses, even if I'm only having some rice cakes and a glass of water. My food is always plated in a pleasing manner to the eye (since we eat with our eyes first).
I've failed more at the dressing my best all the time, simply because my ill health has caused me to spend a lot of time in loose PJs. However, under normal circumstances when I'm alive and kicking, I do wear my best even if all I'm doing is sitting at home. Well...I say this, but because my uniform is trousers and a tee or a jumper, it is pretty easy to be "dressed" all the time. It would be different if I wore formal evening gowns at home!
Another random thing I learned from my mum is to iron my pyjamas. As a child, it confused me that I had to iron something I would sleep in and would crumple in bed. However, as an adult, I can see the value in good habits that are consistently applied across the board. I sleep more deeply as a result of this habit, too.


Any chance you have photos of these? They sound pretty unique and all kinds of awesome!

I'll be asking myself these questions when I next come to edit. It's such a good way to look at things. Thanks!

I'm using Diane's concept of a closet for departing bags currently. I do not have a shed but will certainly have an imaginary one when this challenge rolls around!
Brilliant challenge suggestion @essiedub!

I've definitely come across my Medusa bag (obviously not Versace) recently, I'll try to have a look

 

[Lake Effect]

An alternate approach to decluttering is to think of what do I want to keep vs. what do I want to get rid of.

• Collect, choose, eliminate, organize
• What do I use regularly and love
• Keep what you use, need and love
• Purge anything you don’t need, use, want or love
• Would I buy this now
• Photograph different groups of bags (by colour, size, brand, function, etc.), identify your favourite and least favourite bag
• Have I worn it in the past 12 months
• Do I love it
• Do I love the way it makes me feel when I carry it
• Does it represent my current style, lifestyle
• Is this looking worn out
• Does it project the image I want to project
• Would I reach for this over similar pieces
• Can I think of three outfits I would wear this with
• Do I have somewhere to wear it? (think in non Covid times)
• Do I need this, does this bag still fill a particular need

Best wishes to all of us on choosing to keep and use our most loved bags.

I often think about these things when I look at my bags. This is great, you saved me putting it in print. Now I can print this out and put it with my goals!

 

[SouthernPurseGal]

This is a very thoughtful question.
We spend a lot of time discussing why we buy bags but not so much editing. What is your top priority for letting go of a bag?

*Nerd alert - long post*
First, I like to ask, what is your goal? Which bags to exit will vary based on the goal, the why, for example,

• To generate maximum cash => sell highest resale value bags
• To generate quick return => sell well known/popular styles and brands
• To make room => sell largest bags

I spent time reflecting on why I exited bags from my bag wardrobe and identified key themes, including,

• Functional issues
• My style changed
• My lifestyle changed
• They are not being worn
• They are being replaced with something I like better

If I am not reaching for a bag, I like to understand why, is it the size, colour, style, high maintenance or functionality?

• Too heavy
• Too big
• Too small capacity
• Short strap drop
• Strap is too long
• Too boxy
• Base is too wide/sticks out from my body
• Not easy to use, ex. fiddly clasp
• Opening is too hard to get into
• Colour doesn’t coordinate with my wardrobe
• Faux leather
• Leather or material doesn’t feel good
• Style looks dated
• I no longer like/use that style, ex. monogram
• I have something similar/does the same job that I like better
• Duplicate colour, function, style to another bag I like more
• Duplicate pattern (canvas) to another bag I like more
• Open top, items spill out when bag falls over
• Zipper slides open while in use
• Things fall out, ex. foldover clutch
• I couldn’t keep it looking as fresh as I wanted to, ex. white, damier azur, vachetta
• Requires work to use it, ex. transfer wallet contents into WOC
• Bag is not wearing well, handles, seams, corners
• Lifestyle change, no longer need corporate style bags
• Maintaining collection size, ie. one in one out
• I bought it when I really wanted something else
• It has served its purpose
• Doesn’t work in my predominant climate, ex. doesn’t fit over winter coats when I live in a climate with a long winter, or exotic in wet climate
• I have multiples
• I have someone who wants to buy it or someone who likes it and I can donate it to them

An alternate approach to decluttering is to think of what do I want to keep vs. what do I want to get rid of.

• Collect, choose, eliminate, organize
• What do I use regularly and love
• Keep what you use, need and love
• Purge anything you don’t need, use, want or love
• Would I buy this now
• Photograph different groups of bags (by colour, size, brand, function, etc.), identify your favourite and least favourite bag
• Have I worn it in the past 12 months
• Do I love it
• Do I love the way it makes me feel when I carry it
• Does it represent my current style, lifestyle
• Is this looking worn out
• Does it project the image I want to project
• Would I reach for this over similar pieces
• Can I think of three outfits I would wear this with
• Do I have somewhere to wear it? (think in non Covid times)
• Do I need this, does this bag still fill a particular need

Best wishes to all of us on choosing to keep and use our most loved bags.

Amen
This entire post I could have written. Except not as clearly and accurately.

 

[keodi]

I love the bean necklace. I was looking at the plain silver or gold version.

Good taste! either option is very lovely!

 

[dcooney4]

I used to that. I gave quite a few things of mine my mother's to the Dress Box years ago (they work out of Liberty and their own shop). They agree with a fixed price and everything on top is theirs. However, they don't do (or didn't do digital then - I know, hello, 21C calling) after they sold a vintage Freddie Fox 1940s hat of mine I gave them more, but they work by giving scrawly bits of paper that I've subsequently lost in a couple of house moves. Dolce and Gabbana shoes (too big) Gucci shoes (to small) vintage stuff, couple of Mum's handbags etc all can't be accounted for. I guess there's a 'method' to their madness - works for them. Doesn't work for me. Pandora is a whole rigmarole.

When I was a student I worked for a typical concession place a couple of days a week. Somehow, knowing what actually goes on puts me right-off.

Maybe give them a call to see if it has changed. Then if you do it set a box to a place you won’t move it and put all the info in it.

 

[SouthernPurseGal]

indoors near a window I love them so. Can’t wait to condition them.

 

[essiedub]

This is a very thoughtful question.
We spend a lot of time discussing why we buy bags but not so much editing. What is your top priority for letting go of a bag?

*Nerd alert - long post*
First, I like to ask, what is your goal? Which bags to exit will vary based on the goal, the why, for example,

• To generate maximum cash => sell highest resale value bags
• To generate quick return => sell well known/popular styles and brands
• To make room => sell largest bags

I spent time reflecting on why I exited bags from my bag wardrobe and identified key themes, including,

• Functional issues
• My style changed
• My lifestyle changed
• They are not being worn
• They are being replaced with something I like better

If I am not reaching for a bag, I like to understand why, is it the size, colour, style, high maintenance or functionality?

• Too heavy
• Too big
• Too small capacity
• Short strap drop
• Strap is too long
• Too boxy
• Base is too wide/sticks out from my body
• Not easy to use, ex. fiddly clasp
• Opening is too hard to get into
• Colour doesn’t coordinate with my wardrobe
• Faux leather
• Leather or material doesn’t feel good
• Style looks dated
• I no longer like/use that style, ex. monogram
• I have something similar/does the same job that I like better
• Duplicate colour, function, style to another bag I like more
• Duplicate pattern (canvas) to another bag I like more
• Open top, items spill out when bag falls over
• Zipper slides open while in use
• Things fall out, ex. foldover clutch
• I couldn’t keep it looking as fresh as I wanted to, ex. white, damier azur, vachetta
• Requires work to use it, ex. transfer wallet contents into WOC
• Bag is not wearing well, handles, seams, corners
• Lifestyle change, no longer need corporate style bags
• Maintaining collection size, ie. one in one out
• I bought it when I really wanted something else
• It has served its purpose
• Doesn’t work in my predominant climate, ex. doesn’t fit over winter coats when I live in a climate with a long winter, or exotic in wet climate
• I have multiples
• I have someone who wants to buy it or someone who likes it and I can donate it to them

An alternate approach to decluttering is to think of what do I want to keep vs. what do I want to get rid of.

• Collect, choose, eliminate, organize
• What do I use regularly and love
• Keep what you use, need and love
• Purge anything you don’t need, use, want or love
• Would I buy this now
• Photograph different groups of bags (by colour, size, brand, function, etc.), identify your favourite and least favourite bag
• Have I worn it in the past 12 months
• Do I love it
• Do I love the way it makes me feel when I carry it
• Does it represent my current style, lifestyle
• Is this looking worn out
• Does it project the image I want to project
• Would I reach for this over similar pieces
• Can I think of three outfits I would wear this with
• Do I have somewhere to wear it? (think in non Covid times)
• Do I need this, does this bag still fill a particular need

Best wishes to all of us on choosing to keep and use our most loved bags.

Really?! I’d be down to 3 bags! I could respond to each of these shed criteria and ... post a photo with a bag or 2!

Seriously though ..these are great parameters. (But just thinking about doing this makes me tired !

 

[essiedub]

So, having a ridiculously high level of redundancy is fine as long as I still have space for them.

I can live with this mantra! But sadly, the space problem... I mean do any of you have bags that are just sitting on the floor of your dressing room?so embarrassing