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]

I am a HUGE fan of multiples. Because I’m picky and I hate to shop, when I find something I love, it’s a victory and a relief! I have multiples in every category but jewelry. And, given that I’ve gone from hating Cartier love bracelets to suddenly loving them - I must have a vitamin deficiency. It’s like my brain woke up one day and chose violence - that may start a multiples craze there.
I am hopelessly bitten by the flap bag bug. I’ve given up even trying to fight it.
This is my baby which used to be my HG: red lamb Jumbo classic DF w/shwView attachment 4967891
Some of you may remember I first bought a dark burgundy / blood red medium and returned it because I didn’t like the shade. Then I bought a red caviar SF. I tried to love it but the caviar seemed plasticky to me. Then I bought this lovely lady.... but I didn’t want to sell the caviar SF. It took me 6 months to make myself finally sell but it was the right decision. I love, love, LOVE this bag.
Awww! Cute kitty!
Love the ring!! The shape is so pretty.
I keep reading posts and articles about bigger bags but they really aren’t roaring back in. I’m very surprised because mini and small bags have been “in” for a while now.
Oh my god! on Chanel prices!!! I didn’t look at bags in 2020. So, I got a crazy shock when I started looking again this year. The quality isn’t what it was and yet the prices are skyrocketing?? How does this make sense.

If I want to add something C, it will be a serendipitous preowned find at a great price. I’m considering getting a black caviar medium to replace the black patent jumbo I sold. But, I want SF. So I’ll have to look seasonal. Or, maybe Dior will stop their craziness and get back to designs I love.

I always love seeing your red Lambie.

I've started knitting and crocheting again to have a project. DH and I also do crosswords.

That’s great to rediscover your past hobbies.

Thank you!
I think 2 bags the same style is good when you really love a style. I try to not have more than 2 but am not always successful. Once you get more than 2 and decide you should downsize, it is really hard to figure which ones should go, since you know the style works for you. A few years ago I fell into a trap in which I had 6 of the same style. It wasn't even a style that worked that well for me. I loved the way it looked and was influenced by the forum as well. I sold all but one, and lost money on all of them. There are still several styles that I have multiples. It always seems like a good idea at the time to get the same style again.

Thanks for the tip on what happens after two of the same style. That gives me some relief for thinking about the grey chevron reissue that got away (and it was gorgeous and I was smitten with desire!)

Thank you! It's getting easier to say no to bags. I'm keeping @papertiger's advice in mind, that any addition should be an upgrade. I'm starting to feel more like myself in the way I'm looking at my collection now because I'm being more mindful overall.
And yes, I'm really going to miss that boutique. They carried lots of odd bits that most wouldn't be interested in but I adored it. I just hope all the staff manage to find employment relatively easily.

This is the dilemma! I'm still going back and forth on it. I'll wait and see how I feel in a few days' time. If someone else snaps it up, then it wasn't meant to be.

I love these bags every time you post them! I think 2 of a certain style is the sweet spot.


It does, doesn't it?! I worry that if I buy the 3rd clutch, I'll only reach for one as you described. Then the others will serve as merely backups? That can't be right; it would be better to leave this new bag and have someone else enjoy it.
And yet, as I look at the clutch in front of me now...it's sooo pretty! And it barely takes up any space!

Sure! Here's a pic of my suede one. The picture is brighter than it should be; the actual colour is brick red.
View attachment 4967926

Yum!

Me too! It's really starting to depress me. I lost another 2 friends to covid last weekend (both in their 30s) and the weight of this pandemic is hitting me really hard all over again.
I know some people haven't been affected much at all, but then there are others whose entire lives have been turned upside down. I think a lot of people will need mental health support as we come out of this; I truly do. The wider economic implications are quite dire and I feel like it will be years before life resembles any sort of normalcy.
Sorry to rant.



I love that you've both returned to old hobbies! It's great to dive back into things that relax us. I wasn't even looking at bags. It's funny that all of a sudden I've had so many available to purchase at deep discounts.

If it helps, that makes the Diorama all the more special. It's the one you hunted down and chose when you had other options, so it will always hold a special place in your collection as a result.
_______

And in other news, I messed up the first job interview I've had in forever. I'm way overqualified for it, and the interviewer even said as much at the very start of the call. So then I got flustered (thinking to myself, why are you calling me if you know this isn't a suitable position for me) and asked if he would be willing to consider me for a different position more in line with my degree and experience. To which he responded he didn't have any other positions and knew I wasn't right for this one. And that was the end of that.
I don't know. I could have rolled with it and maybe convinced him to create a different position for me, but I felt we were wasting each other's time so I didn't even try to keep him on the phone. I promised myself I wouldn't spend a moment entertaining interviews that were clearly not for me because I'd rather put that time and effort where it counts (a job that is in line with my qualifications and my career trajectory). I'd rather respect my time and the interviewer's time in this way, and in theory that makes sense but now that I've put it into practice, I'm second guessing myself. Feeling really deflated about it all.

Thank you for your kind words jblended.
Sending you my condolences on the passing of your friends from Covid, cancer and suicide. That is a lot of grief to bear all at once. I would also encourage you to find a different therapist. They are people, too, there are good ones and bad ones, even good ones having a bad day. I think it would be difficult to develop any trust with your current one when you don’t feel listened to or belittled by them.
Congratulations on getting an interview in this tough market. Feeling like botching your first job interview in awhile is normal. Now that it’s behind you it takes pressure off going forward. I think it’s better than feeling like you botched it for a job you really want. This was a practice/warm up, so hopefully you can feel you got something out of it, later in time. I am doing a lot of networking to grow my network in a different industry and treat it like practice for pitching myself (my background and what I am looking for), the more you practice the easier it gets and the more confidence you’ll radiate. I am sending you positive vibes for something better to come your way!

@More bags, I think it’s wonderful you are picking up hobbies like knitting and crochet.And I love your green and blue bag. I’ve also always loved your red and black reissues (and the story of how you acquired them) and they’re clearly perfect for you!

I need to clean out the pantry. . . Literally bc the pantry shelves collapsed . I slept through it (I am a sound sleeper and DH has insomnia). (Since I am like @whateve and dislike cleaning, am grateful a miracle happened and nothing broke) one shelf was filled with hard alcohol stuff that we don’t use or drink, but have accumulated for the past ten years for entertaining pre covid. (I don’t drink, but I love mixing cocktails and experimenting, like a few years ago when I served summertime corpse reviver II with fresh squeezed ginger juice). For instance, we don’t need a bottle of Creme de violette for an aviation cocktail (someone gave their old CdV to us During an experimental phase). DH spent all night moving everything out onto the floor and dining room table. Thankfully wine is stored elsewhere.

I now need to steel myself and take care of the four remnant bottles of bourbons, the three liters of vodka (two of which were bought strictly for pie crust), the once tried walnut liquor, the various sweet and dry vermouth for a friends Negronis and martinis, the gin selection, the bottles of pamplemousse from past summers of girlfriend cocktails. Etc etc. (thankfully the building staff will be happy to take some)

plus, I clearly have a nuts.com and King Arthur flour.com addiction and need to stop buying shelled roasted pistashios, dried nectarines (so much more delicious than apricots or even peaches), sugar free chocolate nuts, dried soba noodles, beans, barley, ww couscous, carnaroli rice, bulk panko, bakers dry milk, dough and roll improver and specialty flour immediately.

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Thanks for the reissue love!
I think your green and blue, crochet and knitting kudos go to @whateve
I’m glad nothing broke in your pantry other than the shelf! Your entertaining sounds like great parties!

Thanks ! It is small. It is part of my slgs but it does fit my phone, reading glasses, cash, cc's, and a mask. Just what I needed to run some errands. It has a gorgeous red interior too.

You slay me with amazing red interiors.

@jblended Sorry your favorite boutique is closing, and it sounds like you exercised some good willpower resisting stuff. I’m jealous, I have NOT had good willpower this month. ...There have been some new bags.

Agreed we need more pics of these bags you are discussing!


@More bags I definitely think Chanel flaps are an exception to any no-duplicate-bags rule


@Sparkletastic, that red flap is TO DIE FOR! Also I then went looking at Lady Diors and saw this and am now

View attachment 4968141


@doni haha yeah I grew up with wall to wall carpet in a bathroom and while I’m not into it now, I do tend to want lots of fluffy floor mats everywhere because ugh, tile is COLD.

@JenJBS your cats are so cute! I’m inspired to share some glamor shots of mine if I can get them.

Thanks Jereni!
The mini Dior you posted is gorgeous

@doni You look wonderful with your Flamenco!

@SouthernPurseGal congratulations on your new home!

 

[More bags]

You did the right thing on the interview. You wouldn’t be happy and would not have stayed. And he knew it too.
As to feeling bad about surviving...be kind to yourself. You did not choose to survive and for others to die. Sometimes there is meaning behind what happens in our lives and sometimes it is senseless. This was senseless and random. But it is ok to be grateful you are still here, especially given others are not, because you have the ability to still
make a difference in this world for the benefit of all, including the loved ones of those who are gone.

Beautiful post BowieFan.

If it makes you feel any better I had the most ghastly meeting with a new colleague last week. I welcomed her by asking her how she was settling in, just as a matter of preamble and politeness.
Off she w e n t for 5 minutes "I'm not settling in... . It put me off so much I couldn't keep to the agenda for the rest of the meeting and came across about as professional as a Cadbury's chocolate flake, half melted, half crumbs. The only thing I took away from that meeting is that economists are capable of HUGE emotion (not noted IME previously) - and I want a minder if we ever meet in person.

Shocking behaviour!

Here are a few more pics of Jessie and Kipling.

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Adorable fur babies and great pictures.

Haven’t been as good taking photos every day as I cycle through my bags.

At this point I’ve worn everything that wasn’t new in the last few weeks, and some twice.

Longchamps Le Pliage Cuir the other day. Definitely more of a workhorse bag, great for travel. The color is a dark brown, not sure how well that’s showing up here.
View attachment 4968144

And a bag I got right before Christmas: Coach Willis 18 satchel. LOVE this bag with dark jeans and red tweed.
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You look fabulous! The Willis 18 satchel is cute!

I’m glad when things fell no one was hurt! And, Aviation martini fan here! Send the CdV to me. LOL!

Dye the gold Boy? No, I’m not big on dying bags unless it’s to touch up a bag with it’s existing color. Plus it would look odd with all the gold hardware and gold lining.

I’m just going to enjoy it for what it is! I really love the bag and my only issue with it is that it looks big on my frame. Maybe I should wear it to death now while I still have my surgery + Covid 12 lbs of fluff on me.
That is a gorgeous LD!!!!

I’m a huge fan of multiples. But, for some bags, I know I’ll only want one and wait for the perfect model for me. Like with the Gucci Dionysus - I waited years til the perfect one for me came out a little over a year ago then Mr. S pounced and got it for me.

Same for the Lady Dior. I don’t see myself wanting more than one so I’m waiting for an extra special one to grab my heart. Mr. S is the person who usually sees and snaps up the “special” bags. I’m not a bag risk taker. For example, he talked me into (or flat out bought on his own) all 3 of my Dioramas. Each is special and he was right in that I love them all.

The last Diorama he bought me is limited edition and looks like a little jewel box. I feel guilty that 2020 meant it sat on a shelf. I think it’s a gorgeous example of how Dior can deliver a bag as a unique piece of art at a (relatively) reasonable price point. I hope with that tdf Lady Dior you showed and my little bag that I’m corrupting you too and you join the dark side of the Dior Corps! Bwa Ha Ha Ha!!! View attachment 4968244

This Diorama is beautiful, a piece of art!

 

[JenJBS]

Adorable fur babies and great pictures.

Thank you!

 

[880]

ds!!! I have a good friend who taught me how to make one that I modified to be my go to for low carb meal prep because I use cauliflower rice. I use sesame oil, coconut aminos and white wine vinegar for the liquids with lots of ginger, garlic & green onions. I always add eggs and whatever other protein I feel like - usually chicken, shrimp, pork, etc. @880 pleeeeeze tell me the name of the fish. That sounds super yummy and healthy!!!!

Your cauliflower rice is inspiring bc I’ve been afraid to try it! the dried fish I was thinking of is called dilis. theyre anchovies, not salty or fishy, but potato chip crisp. Filipinos also eat other forms of salted fish, but I’m not familiar with all the types. Sadly the Filipino breakfast is not at all healthy.

DILIS (Tagalog)

Dilis is a popular fish in the Philippines. Dried, it serves as a great snack. Scientific name. How to say anchovy in Tagalog? Philippine Dried Fish.

www.tagaloglang.com

Just wow! She was on edge and you didn’t deserve her cuckoo crazy. A lot of people are taking out their pain on others and I’m not here for it. The only thing worse is those who are glibly blathering about their excess during this time in front of others who are hurting. I just don’t get people.

@papertiger, hopefully, especially if she doesn’t adjust, you won’t have to meet her in person. She sounds really high maintenance.

I’m not the biggest fan of towels with the strings because they can get knotted in the wash (or with little kids playing). But, if you’re like me, you’ll switch out your towels quite often. I like my towels to look spa fresh so the minute I see wear or grunge I buy new. You may just have to buy a little more often than usual to keep them looking nice.

im the opposite. DH begs for new towels and sheets. My issue is, the recyclability of cloth. . . My cleaning person (she cleans for our social bubble and her husband is in an industry where he gets tested every few days) said she can cut them up, but that’s a lot of cloth rags. Prior to covid, I used cloth and not as much paper towel for art related activities, and I should get back to that.

But, for some bags, I know I’ll only want one and wait for the perfect model for me. Like with the Gucci Dionysus - I waited years til the perfect one for me came out a little over a year ago then Mr. S pounced and got it for me.

agree. I am still debating, in my head, the perfect dionysus. Actually the perfect gucci, but I’d like it to be the Dionysus. Would love to see yours.
@JenJBS, I love the pics of your fur babies Jesse and Kipling! Thank you!
@doni, would love to see your kitchen floor redo and furniture decisions.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

On the interview, do not worry. Sometimes even if you are overqualifed for a position, they would call you not because they are hiring you or they have another position available, but because they liked your profile and, who knows, there may be another position down the line. I know I have done that, I mean, intervieweing people I knew where overqualified where I thought they could potentially fit other positions.
I also had the situation where I was interviewed on the basis of a spontaneous letter I sent and the interviewer was clear from the beginning they had no position, but had liked my letter. They offered me a position more than a year later! So you never know. It is never a waste to talk to people (as long as it is in the field you are interested) and you never know where things are going to lead.

@jblended, I agree with @doni above with regards to the interview.
And I am so sorry to hear that you have lost so many friends to covid. It is a lot to bear, but please do make sure to take care of yourself, and that includes finding someone understanding to talk to, when you feel the need to do so.

@JenJBS, love your cat pictures!
@Jereni, please do post pics of your cats when you can. The Lady Dior you posted is lovely!
Your red tweed coat looks great and so do your bags. I am often dressed like this in cooler weather -- jeans, ankle or knee high boots and a wool jacket or blazer. And a favorite bag, of course!

@880, I am glad that no one got hurt when the shelf broke, and that all the bottles and food items are intact. And congrats on the Malmaison! Glad you were able to find that rare beauty.
Thanks to you and @papertiger for the kind words regarding the dress. I just tried on the dress, and sadly, it is a little bit tighter than I like....clearly I need to get back on the treadmill (had slacked off a bit these last couple of months).

@SouthernPurseGal, congrats on your beautiful house! Looking forward to your closet re-do plans, and please do keep us updated and share pictures when you can! I love watching and reading about closet design and organization.
@Sparkletastic, your red Jumbo quite took my breath away. And the absolutely lovely and unique Diorama. Gorgeous bags, both!

 

[JenJBS]

@JenJBS, I love the pics of your fur babies Jesse and Kipling! Thank you!

Thank you!

@JenJBS, love your cat pictures!

Thank you!

 

[BowieFan1971]

Here are a few more pics of Jessie and Kipling.

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My 16 year old girl, Jett, laying right next to me as I post....queen of all she surveys.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Your cauliflower rice is inspiring bc I’ve been afraid to try it! the dried fish I was thinking of is called dilis. theyre anchovies, not salty or fishy, but potato chip crisp. Filipinos also eat other forms of salted fish, but I’m not familiar with all the types. Sadly the Filipino breakfast is not at all healthy.

DILIS (Tagalog)

Dilis is a popular fish in the Philippines. Dried, it serves as a great snack. Scientific name. How to say anchovy in Tagalog? Philippine Dried Fish.

www.tagaloglang.com

@papertiger, hopefully, especially if she doesn’t adjust, you won’t have to meet her in person. She sounds really high maintenance.

im the opposite. DH begs for new towels and sheets. My issue is, the recyclability of cloth. . . My cleaning person (she cleans for our social bubble and her husband is in an industry where he gets tested every few days) said she can cut them up, but that’s a lot of cloth rags. Prior to covid, I used cloth and not as much paper towel for art related activities, and I should get back to that.

agree. I am still debating, in my head, the perfect dionysus. Actually the perfect gucci, but I’d like it to be the Dionysus. Would love to see yours.
@JenJBS, I love the pics of your fur babies Jesse and Kipling! Thank you!
@doni, would love to see your kitchen floor redo and furniture decisions.

I’ll have to see if I can find dilis here. I looooove anchovies so they sound super yummy!

I love veggies but I’m NOT a cauliflower fan. When people do low carb recipe substitutes with it (mashed “potatoes”, pizza crust, etc.) it’s all I can do not to make the yuck mouth face. So, I was happily surprised when I tried cauliflower rice. I can’t tell the difference between it and white rice! I was almost tempted to try to use it for sushi and thought I shouldn’t push my luck. But, give cauliflower rice it a try.

Here is my Dionysus - small in navy. It’s perfect for me because I didn’t have a navy bag and despite it’s small size, it still fits my phone and sunglasses (absolute requirements for me.) I just got her in October 2021 and sadly I’ve only worn her twice.

 

[JenJBS]

My 16 year old girl, Jett, laying right next to me as I post....queen of all she surveys.View attachment 4968440View attachment 4968443View attachment 4968444View attachment 4968445

She's a beauty! Adorable!

 

[whateve]

I don’t think everyone is going through the same! At all! Some people are worse hit than others and you have definetely been hit worse than most.
I think therapy is a good idea to deal with that guilt trauma (I guess it is similar to war survivors). But you need a therapist you can empathize with.



I don’t have it with me, it is my Summer place, but I put up a blurry pic in PF a while ago.
It is the Flamenco from the 90s, which was a remake of an even older bag.

View attachment 4967937

It looks so beautiful with your gorgeous blue jacket.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Went for a drive earlier today and enjoyed taking out my Coco Handle. Also enjoying the scent of Chanel Gardenia today!

 

[Hazzelnut]

View attachment 4968513
Went for a drive earlier today and enjoyed taking out my Coco Handle. Also enjoying the scent of Chanel Gardenia today!

Gorgeous!!

 

[whateve]

This is so strange, not shopping on realtor.com for a house all day every day.
I'm already ordering every houseware for the kitchen in oil slick (rainbow titanium) stainless steel, from forks and spoons to wine glasses and plates and stock pots and pans, spatulas and mixing bowls, coasters and napkin holders...
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That way everything matches and everything is shatterproof so the kids can take their cup or plate of snacks poolside and I don't have to worry about broken glass or ceramics.
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And I'm ordering individual towels to try that look like me and my obsession with rainbow everything, because we will need a huge stash of towels with our home!
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Anyone use Turkish peshtemal towels?
Love them? Hate them?

I love the oil slick. I have the rolling pin, large cooking spoon and a paring knife in this finish. I really don't need new silverware or I would have been tempted to get a set of that too.

 

[whateve]

View attachment 4968513
Went for a drive earlier today and enjoyed taking out my Coco Handle. Also enjoying the scent of Chanel Gardenia today!

I love Chanel Gardenia!

 

[Sparkletastic]

View attachment 4968513
Went for a drive earlier today and enjoyed taking out my Coco Handle. Also enjoying the scent of Chanel Gardenia today!

So gorgeous! There is something special about Chanel black with ghw!
Do you carry this top handle or on a shoulder strap.