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.

 

[More bags]

One of my surprise favorites from last year.
View attachment 4961742
The Ferragamo Gancini Tote in Nebbiolo. The leather & color are fantastic.

I love the colour!

View attachment 4961949View attachment 4961950View attachment 4961951

Super impressed with my Barrington gifts st Anne's tote and SLGs which arrived at the same time as a 15% off sale (for Valentine's with code xoxo in case anyone wants to try the shop) so now I need to get the matching travel duffle and laptop bag.

Congrats on all the matching SLGs!

View attachment 4961964my latest bag, large Givenchy ID93. Very under the radar, but I'm finding it to be super practical. Got it pre-loved at Fashionphile!

Fantastic looking bag and leather. I haven’t seen this style before.

When Behno emailed me a code for 25% off, I caved and bought my birthday present to myself a couple months early...

A few days ago I put this in my shopping cart, but didn't buy it, and removed it from my shopping cart. That evening they sent an email 'reminding' me of this purse. Today I got another email, reminding me of this purse, and a 25% off promo code. Usually I'm not a fan of a company 'stalking me' with emails if I decide not to buy something; but if they send me a discount code... Suddenly I don't mind at all.

As for my checklist before buying this year... 1) I checked my closet, and do have another Benho bag in this size and style - but it's green, so the colors aren't even close. And since I have the green bag, I know this size and style work for me. 2) I didn't find this browsing purse/shopping websites, and didn't look at other bags on Behno.com except to see if they had this lovely orchid color in a different style/size.

Also, a Behno mini Ina in purple is was one of the items on my TPF Wishlist. Plus, it is my (insanely early) birthday present to myself. And that color...


View attachment 4962027

Great colour choice for your collection! You have amazing purple bags.

 

[More bags]

This was my last purchase and I'm still in love a month later. I wanted a big tote to carry all the things for the family. I had tried multiple bags but the juggling was driving me crazy. And yes, a lot of people aren't keen on using designer for mom bags, but it makes me happy and when I look at it, it makes me feel like more of myself.
View attachment 4962068

Congratulations on finding a bag you love and that fits your lifestyle.
I agree with @Sparkletastic and @doni on spending more on what you get more use from.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome back. I’ve missed you guys but didn’t want to be Debbie Downer when I was struggling. I know we are all carrying extra heavy burdens during this time.

Everyone is going through something at some point, we are here for you, too, @Sparkletastic.

@More bags Yay! I’m so glad someone kept up the challenges. I don’t know when I can participate bc I go nowhere but I’m happy to help with ideas.

Some of my best deals of 2020 were relatively well priced compared to retail, but not inexpensive. My most worn in December is the BV karung Napa San Marco, basicallly new (with tags tucked inside) for 450 usd (got an email reminder discount) from fashionphile. But, also clocking in for best relative deals (though still pricy) are @docride matte metallic 30B Vache Liegee, brushed phw, and 32 Sellier box prune Kelly, brushed phw, for around 5K each. (circa 2002, 2007 from Japanese resellers). I like bargains and prefer buying at the bottom of the market (I watched these two bags for months before to get the steepest covid discounts, and prices are rising back up as we speak). Relatively low cost per wear
View attachment 4962140 View attachment 4962141 View attachment 4962142

All are gorgeous bags @880. The texture and detail on your BV is stunning. I love your prune Kelly, the colour, the leather, the way you style it.

My 2021 goal was to save till April. Oh well lol. Here‘s the necklace. I have the lucky bracelet so now it’s a complete set.

Congratulations on completing your set, it’s so pretty.

Some other bags from the weekend’s activities.

Proenza Schouler small (medium?) PS2 in ... some taupe or cream color. Chaulk? Can’t remember. This bag also goes with everything although I do find it a little bulky sometimes. Still trying to work on my husbands photo skills.
View attachment 4962164

Forgive the messy hair.

This morning I went with my Polene nano numero un in terracotta. The orange looks a little more vivid here than in real life. It’s a little more neutral than this and I find it goes with a lot.View attachment 4962166

@Jereni I love these action pics and bags. Your PS2 is a pretty colour and a great match with your coat. The terracotta Nano Numero Un is a great pop of colour. Your DH is doing a fabulous job as your photographer.

 

[SouthernPurseGal]

I have to say, this is a thread to discourage shopping, and I feel like I am not doing my bit... But I do hope you like your pijamas! Did you ask for monogramed?

@SouthernPurseGal, there’s nothing to do in urban America except shop! Your Dempsey purchases sound fabulous, comfy, and practical!

Yes!! I'm super excited to get them!!!

This is seriously adorable! It looks terrific on you. I love the embroidery… makes it so special.

Aww thanks! I do love it although it wrinkles easily. I won't get more for now.

 

[jayohwhy]

Thanks, @Sparkletastic @880 and @doni ! I am definitely enjoying this bag, especially the drop and how it's relatively lightweight. When I feel like being more lowkey, I'll wear the logo on the inside and feel like it's a little more under the radar.

@SouthernPurseGal I've been living in loungewear and have also been looking to upgrade some things that have been hanging around for YEARS. I can't wait to see what else you got!

@missie1 I think it's awesome because you are obviously confident about your purchase and will enjoy it for the long term. I'm not much for just not buying things but rather being thoughtful about it, which you were- it's gorgeous!

_______________

One of my other goals I was working on before the new year was eating out less. In March, we totally compensated for our uneasy feeling by eating out a lot, and we were ordering in for lunch every day.

However, now, I will say that between farm fresh 2 you for my produce and basic grocery staples, and butcherbox (plus intermittent fasting), I haven't felt as much of a need to hit up uber eats or doordash, which seems to be good for budgeting. It's weird to think how I can justify spending up to $100-200 a week on eating out (if I'm being cavalier about it), but hemmed and hawwed at spending $260 for a months worth of proteins. It helps that I have proteins in the freezer and fresh produce coming every week to work with. Right now, it puts us at $500 a month for food + about $100-$125 a month for pickup from our local grocery store or target for pantry items or bread. We do have a local restaurant chain that has pivoted to doing "market sales" of their seafood and other gourmet items at their restaurants to try to stay afloat as all dining is restricted in CA. We visit once a month as a treat, but I feel better knowing I'm supporting local businesses.

Was food budgeting an issue for anyone else? Maybe it was just an "us" thing

 

[whateve]

Thanks, @Sparkletastic @880 and @doni ! I am definitely enjoying this bag, especially the drop and how it's relatively lightweight. When I feel like being more lowkey, I'll wear the logo on the inside and feel like it's a little more under the radar.

@SouthernPurseGal I've been living in loungewear and have also been looking to upgrade some things that have been hanging around for YEARS. I can't wait to see what else you got!

@missie1 I think it's awesome because you are obviously confident about your purchase and will enjoy it for the long term. I'm not much for just not buying things but rather being thoughtful about it, which you were- it's gorgeous!

_______________

One of my other goals I was working on before the new year was eating out less. In March, we totally compensated for our uneasy feeling by eating out a lot, and we were ordering in for lunch every day.

However, now, I will say that between farm fresh 2 you for my produce and basic grocery staples, and butcherbox (plus intermittent fasting), I haven't felt as much of a need to hit up uber eats or doordash, which seems to be good for budgeting. It's weird to think how I can justify spending up to $100-200 a week on eating out (if I'm being cavalier about it), but hemmed and hawwed at spending $260 for a months worth of proteins. It helps that I have proteins in the freezer and fresh produce coming every week to work with. Right now, it puts us at $500 a month for food + about $100-$125 a month for pickup from our local grocery store or target for pantry items or bread. We do have a local restaurant chain that has pivoted to doing "market sales" of their seafood and other gourmet items at their restaurants to try to stay afloat as all dining is restricted in CA. We visit once a month as a treat, but I feel better knowing I'm supporting local businesses.

Was food budgeting an issue for anyone else? Maybe it was just an "us" thing

Food budgeting wasn't really an issue for us. Our main enjoyment, besides traveling, was eating out. I "retired" from cooking a few years ago. I was burnt out on cooking so we went out to lunch every day. Since lockdown started, I have cooked every day. We are using Instacart for grocery delivery, supplemented by orders from Target, Walmart, etc., plus we've tried several meat delivery services. Even with the extra costs of these services, I believe we are spending less on food than we were when were eating out every day. I'm really looking forward to being able to eat out again.

 

[BowieFan1971]

Thanks, @Sparkletastic @880 and @doni ! I am definitely enjoying this bag, especially the drop and how it's relatively lightweight. When I feel like being more lowkey, I'll wear the logo on the inside and feel like it's a little more under the radar.

@SouthernPurseGal I've been living in loungewear and have also been looking to upgrade some things that have been hanging around for YEARS. I can't wait to see what else you got!

@missie1 I think it's awesome because you are obviously confident about your purchase and will enjoy it for the long term. I'm not much for just not buying things but rather being thoughtful about it, which you were- it's gorgeous!

_______________

One of my other goals I was working on before the new year was eating out less. In March, we totally compensated for our uneasy feeling by eating out a lot, and we were ordering in for lunch every day.

However, now, I will say that between farm fresh 2 you for my produce and basic grocery staples, and butcherbox (plus intermittent fasting), I haven't felt as much of a need to hit up uber eats or doordash, which seems to be good for budgeting. It's weird to think how I can justify spending up to $100-200 a week on eating out (if I'm being cavalier about it), but hemmed and hawwed at spending $260 for a months worth of proteins. It helps that I have proteins in the freezer and fresh produce coming every week to work with. Right now, it puts us at $500 a month for food + about $100-$125 a month for pickup from our local grocery store or target for pantry items or bread. We do have a local restaurant chain that has pivoted to doing "market sales" of their seafood and other gourmet items at their restaurants to try to stay afloat as all dining is restricted in CA. We visit once a month as a treat, but I feel better knowing I'm supporting local businesses.

Was food budgeting an issue for anyone else? Maybe it was just an "us" thing

Covid didn’t really change our food budget a whole lot. My husband’s habit changes did. He used to be a “buy whatever I want” guy because when he was a kid, his mom was a grad student and was extremely budgeted, so he hated shopping on a budget. Refused to shop on a budget. Now he is a sale shopper like me. At a chain near us, they put all of the about to expire stuff on special and call them “Woo Hoo”s. We both are Woo Hoo first shoppers, sale items for the rest. We only ate out 1-2 nights a week pre-Covid, one of which was “Friday date night.” That went by the wayside, though we don’t drink and don’t typically get appetizers or dessert, so it was never really expensive anyway.

 

[momasaurus]

Thank you! It's a chest of drawers. I bought it in a little local shop. I believe it's from Vietnam. The top is tiled, and the drawers below (which are rather small, three across and four down) alternate tiled fronts or hand-carved fronts. I keep my H scarves in the drawers… the 90s fit perfectly!

SO wonderful! I was hoping your scarves were in it.

 

[JenJBS]

Great colour choice for your collection! You have amazing purple bags.

Thank you!

 

[dcooney4]

Some other bags from the weekend’s activities.

Proenza Schouler small (medium?) PS2 in ... some taupe or cream color. Chaulk? Can’t remember. This bag also goes with everything although I do find it a little bulky sometimes. Still trying to work on my husbands photo skills.
View attachment 4962164

Forgive the messy hair.

This morning I went with my Polene nano numero un in terracotta. The orange looks a little more vivid here than in real life. It’s a little more neutral than this and I find it goes with a lot.View attachment 4962166

I really like them both. Specially the Polene.

 

[keodi]

I’m what they call a value investor. I buy when prices are low and I try to hold for years. (But I try to get them low enough, that I don’t have any regrets when I let things go.) When it was all about the Jumbos, I bought minis.

So in 2020, when everyone is looking for light-weight, easy to sanitize crossbodies, I was buying impractical sparkly minaudieres.

So my best bag of 2020 was found last January, a 1967 Leiber Chatelaine
View attachment 4961666

And the last bag I bought, just under the wire in December, was the adorable Leiber owl in the center:
View attachment 4961667

Beautiful collection! i love them!

One of my surprise favorites from last year.
View attachment 4961742
The Ferragamo Gancini Tote in Nebbiolo. The leather & color are fantastic.

I agree!

View attachment 4961949View attachment 4961950View attachment 4961951

Super impressed with my Barrington gifts st Anne's tote and SLGs which arrived at the same time as a 15% off sale (for Valentine's with code xoxo in case anyone wants to try the shop) so now I need to get the matching travel duffle and laptop bag.

I love the tote and the accessories!

View attachment 4961964my latest bag, large Givenchy ID93. Very under the radar, but I'm finding it to be super practical. Got it pre-loved at Fashionphile!

Congratulations! the leather!

When Behno emailed me a code for 25% off, I caved and bought my birthday present to myself a couple months early...

A few days ago I put this in my shopping cart, but didn't buy it, and removed it from my shopping cart. That evening they sent an email 'reminding' me of this purse. Today I got another email, reminding me of this purse, and a 25% off promo code. Usually I'm not a fan of a company 'stalking me' with emails if I decide not to buy something; but if they send me a discount code... Suddenly I don't mind at all.

As for my checklist before buying this year... 1) I checked my closet, and do have another Benho bag in this size and style - but it's green, so the colors aren't even close. And since I have the green bag, I know this size and style work for me. 2) I didn't find this browsing purse/shopping websites, and didn't look at other bags on Behno.com except to see if they had this lovely orchid color in a different style/size.

Also, a Behno mini Ina in purple is was one of the items on my TPF Wishlist. Plus, it is my (insanely early) birthday present to myself. And that color...


View attachment 4962027

It's beautiful!

This was my last purchase and I'm still in love a month later. I wanted a big tote to carry all the things for the family. I had tried multiple bags but the juggling was driving me crazy. And yes, a lot of people aren't keen on using designer for mom bags, but it makes me happy and when I look at it, it makes me feel like more of myself.
View attachment 4962068

Congratulations! geat colour!

So I'm now waiting for the laptop case and travel duffel. I'm hooked on Barrington gifts. I want a set in a fall/wintry color scheme for next winter but I'm going to wait. I exercise so so much self control.

I ordered Desmond & Dempsey pyjamas. Ok Ok I ordered two. Again, queen of self conrol. I'm unduly excited.

There's nothing to do in rural America than shop!

Oh all our offers are now expired. We are back to the drawing board.

the pajamas sound really cool! hang in there, something will turn up soon!

@missie1, we need pics of the yg necklace! this thread is about shopping ones closet, not necessarily banning oneself from necessary and well thought out purchases


I totally agree with this! I just never knew there was a name for us! I love your judith lieber bags and would love to see what you would pair them with! I might be tempted to wear them to the grocery like @Jereni withnher sparkly bag

yes, totally agree! IMO a really big square one

love this

ive never heard of Behno, but I love it And the discount!

I love this bag! DH dislikes logos and I am more of an H person, but I keep looking at these. So glad to hear they are practical re cost per wear

Some of my best deals of 2020 were relatively well priced compared to retail, but not inexpensive. My most worn in December is the BV karung Napa San Marco, basicallly new (with tags tucked inside) for 450 usd (got an email reminder discount) from fashionphile. But, also clocking in for best relative deals (though still pricy) are @docride matte metallic 30B Vache Liegee, brushed phw, and 32 Sellier box prune Kelly, brushed phw, for around 5K each. (circa 2002, 2007 from Japanese resellers). I like bargains and prefer buying at the bottom of the market (I watched these two bags for months before to get the steepest covid discounts, and prices are rising back up as we speak). Relatively low cost per wear
View attachment 4962140 View attachment 4962141 View attachment 4962142

Great 2020 deals! i love all these!

My 2021 goal was to save till April. Oh well lol. Here‘s the necklace. I have the lucky bracelet so now it’s a complete set.

Congratulations! so pretty

Some other bags from the weekend’s activities.

Proenza Schouler small (medium?) PS2 in ... some taupe or cream color. Chaulk? Can’t remember. This bag also goes with everything although I do find it a little bulky sometimes. Still trying to work on my husbands photo skills.
View attachment 4962164

Forgive the messy hair.

This morning I went with my Polene nano numero un in terracotta. The orange looks a little more vivid here than in real life. It’s a little more neutral than this and I find it goes with a lot.View attachment 4962166

I love your polene! such a happy colour!

Food budgeting wasn't really an issue for us. Our main enjoyment, besides traveling, was eating out. I "retired" from cooking a few years ago. I was burnt out on cooking so we went out to lunch every day. Since lockdown started, I have cooked every day. We are using Instacart for grocery delivery, supplemented by orders from Target, Walmart, etc., plus we've tried several meat delivery services. Even with the extra costs of these services, I believe we are spending less on food than we were when were eating out every day. I'm really looking forward to being able to eat out again.

same here!

 

[JenJBS]

It's beautiful!

Thank you!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Thanks, @Sparkletastic @880 and @doni ! I am definitely enjoying this bag, especially the drop and how it's relatively lightweight. When I feel like being more lowkey, I'll wear the logo on the inside and feel like it's a little more under the radar.

@SouthernPurseGal I've been living in loungewear and have also been looking to upgrade some things that have been hanging around for YEARS. I can't wait to see what else you got!

@missie1 I think it's awesome because you are obviously confident about your purchase and will enjoy it for the long term. I'm not much for just not buying things but rather being thoughtful about it, which you were- it's gorgeous!

_______________

One of my other goals I was working on before the new year was eating out less. In March, we totally compensated for our uneasy feeling by eating out a lot, and we were ordering in for lunch every day.

However, now, I will say that between farm fresh 2 you for my produce and basic grocery staples, and butcherbox (plus intermittent fasting), I haven't felt as much of a need to hit up uber eats or doordash, which seems to be good for budgeting. It's weird to think how I can justify spending up to $100-200 a week on eating out (if I'm being cavalier about it), but hemmed and hawwed at spending $260 for a months worth of proteins. It helps that I have proteins in the freezer and fresh produce coming every week to work with. Right now, it puts us at $500 a month for food + about $100-$125 a month for pickup from our local grocery store or target for pantry items or bread. We do have a local restaurant chain that has pivoted to doing "market sales" of their seafood and other gourmet items at their restaurants to try to stay afloat as all dining is restricted in CA. We visit once a month as a treat, but I feel better knowing I'm supporting local businesses.

Was food budgeting an issue for anyone else? Maybe it was just an "us" thing

Food budgeting wasn't really an issue for us. Our main enjoyment, besides traveling, was eating out. I "retired" from cooking a few years ago. I was burnt out on cooking so we went out to lunch every day. Since lockdown started, I have cooked every day. We are using Instacart for grocery delivery, supplemented by orders from Target, Walmart, etc., plus we've tried several meat delivery services. Even with the extra costs of these services, I believe we are spending less on food than we were when were eating out every day. I'm really looking forward to being able to eat out again.

Food budgeting hasn’t been a problem. The issue was we started eating far too much delivery. I’m a good cook but like @whateve, I was already burned out on cooking years ago. So, bringing in food was a tiny Covid luxury.

Of course, that added calories (good for Mr. S, not so for me). And after a while, we just couldn’t take anymore restaurant food. So, around October, I started cooking. While I don’t enjoy it, we enjoy the end result.

I thought of trying one of those meal delivery services. We loosely eat a plant heavy Paleo diet (and I do IM). There seem to be a few options that work and I’m surprised at how relatively inexpensive they are. Anyone use a meal plan they love? I wonder if / how we’ll get all the veggies & fruit I want. I’m open to all insights and opinions.

 

[whateve]

Covid didn’t really change our food budget a whole lot. My husband’s habit changes did. He used to be a “buy whatever I want” guy because when he was a kid, his mom was a grad student and was extremely budgeted, so he hated shopping on a budget. Refused to shop on a budget. Now he is a sale shopper like me. At a chain near us, they put all of the about to expire stuff on special and call them “Woo Hoo”s. We both are Woo Hoo first shoppers, sale items for the rest. We only ate out 1-2 nights a week pre-Covid, one of which was “Friday date night.” That went by the wayside, though we don’t drink and don’t typically get appetizers or dessert, so it was never really expensive anyway.

Back when our kids were little, I used to plan meals by what was on sale. I would make shopping lists based on the grocery ads, often going to more than one store to take advantage of sale prices. Now that we have to pay a premium to have groceries delivered, it no longer makes sense to try to save money that way. We are just hopeful that the shopper will find most of our items and not pick out expired or poor products.

 

[SouthernPurseGal]

Got my Mark & Graham order today with monogramed throw blanket and leather pouch. The gold monograming is cute and it's the perfect size to stash my face masks and after that one day it can be for paper (to stash warranty receipts and keep a tissue pack). It was the highlight of the day!

 

[SouthernPurseGal]

Oh and the Turkish herringbone throw is the perfect size and weight to throw in your tote or duffle for use as a picnic blanket or to use as a Turkish peshtemal towel for the beach, or as your travel towel, or for sunbathing or as an actual blanket if you get cold of course. I'm wrapped up in the navy one I got monogramed in magenta embroidery which looks lovely .