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.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Just finished this one for my nephew. He’s my little Viking. Am starting a triceratops for my brand new niece sometime this week, and them a doing an elephant family for my other new nephew!

I tend to stick to simpler designs, and occasionally mix and match elements I’ve seen to create my own pattern.

I come from a line of dress and quilt makers, unfortunately that has skipped me and cross stitch is the most I can do!

View attachment 5005395

That is so cute! I agree with you that smaller and simpler designs are the way to go (for me at least). I love the one you did for your mother. I am sure she cherishes it. My big cross stitch project was done over a decade ago, and it was a cross stitch of parakeets on a branch in the jungle. My mom loved it and so I framed it and gave it to her but I never thought to take a picture of it at that time. My mom used to love birds and that particular piece was very colorful because of the parakeets. I worked on it over one summer and finished it pretty fast. I have done smaller projects here and there since then, and will see if I have a pic to post of one of my easier projects.

I have a lot of blue bags! Blue is my favorite color.
First picture: Coach belted pouch 1997, Coach Janice's Legacy 2004, Coach Rambler's Legacy 2005, Coach Stroll Tote 1991, Coach X Peanuts Snoopy duffle 2015.
Second picture: Balenciaga Day outremer 2010, Balenciaga mini pompon bleu mineral 2013.
Third picture: Coach Poppy Spotlight tote 2010, Coach Hailey 2010, Coach Legacy pebbled drawstring 2013.
Fourth picture: Coach Mulberry bag 1992, Coach court bag 1999, Coach Dakota Ranger 1992.
Fifth picture: Henri Bendel No. 7 Flap 2015.
Sixth picture, my turquoise bags: Balenciaga Day aquamarine 2007, vintage Bottega Veneta, Coach Chelsea crossbody 2016.

I'm keeping my blue purples for purple week.View attachment 5005352View attachment 5005355View attachment 5005356View attachment 5005357View attachment 5005358View attachment 5005360


ETA: I forgot to tell how this differs from last year. The navy bags in fourth picture and the Balenciaga Pompon are new to me, purchased in 2020.

You have so many different shades of beautiful blue! The blue-green shades remind me of the ocean, and I love the swirly quilting on the Henri Bendel. My blue bags are kind of very close in color to each other -- dark blue, indigo and navy (similar to your lovely Coach Court bag).

 

[Cookiefiend]

@sherrylynn, @BowieFan1971, @Purses & Perfumes re: the Bolide, I am a biased fan, I have a 31 in Etain clemence. Re: sizing, 31 is good for me, I use it as a day bag, it fits a notebook and has plenty of room for what I carry. I believe some use a 35 as a work bag, or just enjoy larger bags. As for colours, so many wonderful choices: black, bleu nuit ... I would love raisin and prune in any bag. In summary, my Bolide is neutral, versatile - handheld and shoulder bag, great all purpose bag, fits a notebook, under the radar ... it’s one of my most frequently carried bags for the past four years. At the risk of boring you with my often shared archive pics,
View attachment 5005188View attachment 5005191

It is a beautiful bag and so many people are ardent fans!

Which Aspinal of London bags are you considering?

I have a lot of blue bags! Blue is my favorite color.
First picture: Coach belted pouch 1997, Coach Janice's Legacy 2004, Coach Rambler's Legacy 2005, Coach Stroll Tote 1991, Coach X Peanuts Snoopy duffle 2015.
Second picture: Balenciaga Day outremer 2010, Balenciaga mini pompon bleu mineral 2013.
Third picture: Coach Poppy Spotlight tote 2010, Coach Hailey 2010, Coach Legacy pebbled drawstring 2013.
Fourth picture: Coach Mulberry bag 1992, Coach court bag 1999, Coach Dakota Ranger 1992.
Fifth picture: Henri Bendel No. 7 Flap 2015.
Sixth picture, my turquoise bags: Balenciaga Day aquamarine 2007, vintage Bottega Veneta, Coach Chelsea crossbody 2016.

I'm keeping my blue purples for purple week.View attachment 5005352View attachment 5005355View attachment 5005356View attachment 5005357View attachment 5005358View attachment 5005360


ETA: I forgot to tell how this differs from last year. The navy bags in fourth picture and the Balenciaga Pompon are new to me, purchased in 2020.

So beautiful and so varied - but my ❤️ goes to the Coach Court Bag! Love!

I like the Large Lottie in black quilted leather.
View attachment 5005376
Also looking at the Midi London tote.

Oooo - that’s gorgeous!

Just finished this one for my nephew. He’s my little Viking. Am starting a triceratops for my brand new niece sometime this week, and them a doing an elephant family for my other new nephew!

I tend to stick to simpler designs, and occasionally mix and match elements I’ve seen to create my own pattern.

I come from a line of dress and quilt makers, unfortunately that has skipped me and cross stitch is the most I can do!

View attachment 5005395

Adorable!

 

[Hazzelnut]

That is so cute! I agree with you that smaller and simpler designs are the way to go (for me at least). I love the one you did for your mother. I am sure she cherishes it. My big cross stitch project was done over a decade ago, and it was a cross stitch of parakeets on a branch in the jungle. My mom loved it and so I framed it and gave it to her but I never thought to take a picture of it at that time. My mom used to love birds and that particular piece was very colorful because of the parakeets. I worked on it over one summer and finished it pretty fast. I have done smaller projects here and there since then, and will see if I have a pic to post of one of my easier projects.

Please do! I’d love to see some! Bags, books and cross stitches are my favourite things and I love looking at other people’s collections / projects.

 

[dcooney4]

I have a lot of blue bags! Blue is my favorite color.
First picture: Coach belted pouch 1997, Coach Janice's Legacy 2004, Coach Rambler's Legacy 2005, Coach Stroll Tote 1991, Coach X Peanuts Snoopy duffle 2015.
Second picture: Balenciaga Day outremer 2010, Balenciaga mini pompon bleu mineral 2013.
Third picture: Coach Poppy Spotlight tote 2010, Coach Hailey 2010, Coach Legacy pebbled drawstring 2013.
Fourth picture: Coach Mulberry bag 1992, Coach court bag 1999, Coach Dakota Ranger 1992.
Fifth picture: Henri Bendel No. 7 Flap 2015.
Sixth picture, my turquoise bags: Balenciaga Day aquamarine 2007, vintage Bottega Veneta, Coach Chelsea crossbody 2016.

I'm keeping my blue purples for purple week.View attachment 5005352View attachment 5005355View attachment 5005356View attachment 5005357View attachment 5005358View attachment 5005360


ETA: I forgot to tell how this differs from last year. The navy bags in fourth picture and the Balenciaga Pompon are new to me, purchased in 2020.

I love love love your Blues !

 

[More bags]

@whateve your blue bags are amazing, I love both Days, Court Bag and Rambler’s Legacy.
@Kimbashop and @momasaurus Guerlain #21 looks fabulous on both of you, I’m adding it my list to check out!
@Jereni the pink mini Iside is really pretty!
@880 congrats on the vaccine and trip, the view from the beach looks amazing! I love your Bleu Abysse Kelly, Chocolate Bar Bag and beautiful scarves.
@missie1 great green flat card holder, I love the colour.
@momasaurus lovely green bags!

 

[Cookiefiend]

Please do! I’d love to see some! Bags, books and cross stitches are my favourite things and I love looking at other people’s collections / projects.

Would you perhaps have ideas of what to do with a finished project?

I finished this last year, and thought about attaching it to a toile bag, but when I sent it off to be done, it was determined that it was too difficult and they didn’t want to ruin the bag or the work. Now I’m thinking of just framing it and hanging it as a memento of my trip to Paris, and - more importantly - the ****e Storm of 2020.

 

[Hazzelnut]

Would you perhaps have ideas of what to do with a finished project?
View attachment 5005509
I finished this last year, and thought about attaching it to a toile bag, but when I sent it off to be done, it was determined that it was too difficult and they didn’t want to ruin the bag or the work. Now I’m thinking of just framing it and hanging it as a memento of my trip to Paris, and - more importantly - the ****e Storm of 2020.

I’d definitely frame it!! It looks great! I’ve turned cross stitches into pillows in the past and they’ve been nice. Cross stitch on one side with a border and a patterned fabric on the other side. Although it’s more decoration than functional.

 

[keodi]

I've been so bad this year... But found this for $65 on YOOX. I've wanted a circle bag for several months. Wanted the Ferragamo round Studio bag, but it was well over $1000, even on sale. So I feel good about getting my circle bag for only $65 - even if Rebecca Minkoff isn't in the same league as Ferragamo for quality - I still love RM! And my wallet really, really loves RM prices!

View attachment 5003499

This is beautiful!

If you haven't already, get yourself some vintage Coach. That leather is on an entirely different level.

On me Guerlain #21 is a happy red, and not a scary red, if that makes sense? And now back to our regularly scheduled program. View attachment 5004134

This red really suits you!

I have not liked the Fendi kan I bag because I didn’t like the scalloped flap. But this version is gorgeous because it makes the scallop make sense! So pretty!

Congrats on your LD! Classic beauty!
The colors I hate in clothes and handbags are almost all earth tones, Barbie pink and purple (royal purple is pretty but no other shade). I love orange but it doesn’t work with my wardrobe.
My favorite colors for bags are black, grey, pink and bright blue.
I am soooo loving these little buckets!
If you purchased through PayPal, you can return through them.
I’m also in the camp of not haggling. I’m not a store and selling isn’t my hobby. So, I don’t have the patience for lowball offers or back and forth. I think some buyers need to realize we haven’t signed up to play their bargaining game they may find fun. And, since my items have always eventually sold, I’m not motivated to take time out to futz over a few dollars.

If someone sends a reasonable offer (say w/i 20% or so) I’ll respond once - sometimes with a counter, sometimes to say thanks for your interest but the price is firm. But, if they lowball or keep trying to go back and forth, I actually block them because I found early on in my selling that the people who lowballed and haggled had higher rates of complaints and returns when they got my accurately described items. No ma’am. Better to wait, have no hassles and get a fair price.
My mom was a “saver” and I saw her live her whole life never using the clothing, china, party goods, household items that she bought (usually after haunting second hand shops) and hoarded. So, I’m the opposite. I make sure my “best” items are wearable in my regular - non covid - life. I use my best china, my best glassware and I - non covid - will use any excuse to throw a party or travel.

Where I can be draconian is in financial saving / investing. Hypersaving makes me happy and left to my own devices, I would have bought serviceable good quality items but probably never bought luxury items. LOL! Mr. S and I balance each other out because he has a “life of plenty” outlook and will buy the nice things which I always sheepishly yet thoroughly enjoy once they’re acquired. I know my financial outlook comes from being raised by entrepreneurs who pinched / beat / strangled and cussed out every penny to build a successful business. My brain has never made the transition to understanding that you can actually spend the money guilt free once you have it.
[/QUOTE]

Agreed 100%

Sparkle’s FEBRURARY 2021 Stats

Bags In / Out: 0
SLG’s In / Out: 0
No other purchases or sales.

I did just put the Dior tote got in Jan up for sale on here and on the usual sites. It’s absolutely adorable but my new work laptop won’t fit. I priced it well so hopefully it sells quickly. I’m “over” selling anything.

Anyone lusting after a bag? I’m still lusting after the mini buckets (which I would wear non covid) and the Prada monochrome bag (which I know I don’t need because it doesn’t really elevate or add meaningful breadth to my collection.)

So, I’m going to try to not buy any bags til the covid situation is such that I can go back out and about and actually enjoy my bags / wardrobe. I’m just so tired of the boredom of sheltering in place that my mind is trying to find excitement. Most of the people I know are socializing again as if something has changed (which it hasn’t in my country). We personally don’t have factors that put us at higher risk but we feel SIP is the right thing to do. And, I just lost another friend to covid last week. It’s just after a year it’s getting HARD!!!

Same here! Great stats, by the way. I'm so sorry for your lossthings are really tough for sure.

I want a black Hermès bag, style undetermined but not a B, K, C or Evie. None of them are me. I am not in a hurry...if and when I find the right deal. I want it to be my one black bag, so not too dressy or too casual. Box, Barenia or Clemence. Maybe a Halzan 31, or a Bolide 27 or 31, or a style I have not seen before. I saw the Pico in black brand new and it is gorgeous, but I don’t want two H bags of the same style.

I love to see what you end up with when you do decide!

Ive been absent playing in jewelry land as I‘m working on my wrist stacks. For my green items I only have my Chanel card case. and Fendi crossbody. Both are new and never used

Lovely greens!

Feb stats:
Bags in: 0
Bags out: 1
SLGs in: 0
SLGs out: 0
Scarves in: 4
Scarves out: 0

I need to list some more scarves.

Great stats for Feb! What scarves did you get this month?

Great stats, ladies! @More bags @Hazzelnut @momasaurus

With the combination of getting my work bonus on Jan 31 and tax refund, I had money to spend on bags I've been wanting, so this month was not good as far as not buying bags. But I'm happy with the results. And for 2021 I'm still even with bags in = bags out. So I've bought bags, but my collection hasn't gotten bigger - just better for me. Knowing me, I'll buy a second birthday bag for myself next month, even though I already got my Brandon Blackwood Bianca as a birthday bag...

February Stats:
Out - 2
In - 5

2021 Stats:
Out - 7
In - 7

I did the Valentine's Day Challenge and wore my red Halo bag twice.

Love the March Challenges!
Purple is my favorite color, so I have plenty of purple bags to wear this month. And I have a couple new green bags to wear!
Also going to do the Happiness Challenge. My HG - Givenchy Antigona in oil slick.

Great stats!

@sherrylynn, @BowieFan1971, @Purses & Perfumes re: the Bolide, I am a biased fan, I have a 31 in Etain clemence. Re: sizing, 31 is good for me, I use it as a day bag, it fits a notebook and has plenty of room for what I carry. I believe some use a 35 as a work bag, or just enjoy larger bags. As for colours, so many wonderful choices: black, bleu nuit ... I would love raisin and prune in any bag. In summary, my Bolide is neutral, versatile - handheld and shoulder bag, great all purpose bag, fits a notebook, under the radar ... it’s one of my most frequently carried bags for the past four years. At the risk of boring you with my often shared archive pics,
View attachment 5005188View attachment 5005191

I love your Bolide! I plan to get one at some point in the future.

I have a lot of blue bags! Blue is my favorite color.
First picture: Coach belted pouch 1997, Coach Janice's Legacy 2004, Coach Rambler's Legacy 2005, Coach Stroll Tote 1991, Coach X Peanuts Snoopy duffle 2015.
Second picture: Balenciaga Day outremer 2010, Balenciaga mini pompon bleu mineral 2013.
Third picture: Coach Poppy Spotlight tote 2010, Coach Hailey 2010, Coach Legacy pebbled drawstring 2013.
Fourth picture: Coach Mulberry bag 1992, Coach court bag 1999, Coach Dakota Ranger 1992.
Fifth picture: Henri Bendel No. 7 Flap 2015.
Sixth picture, my turquoise bags: Balenciaga Day aquamarine 2007, vintage Bottega Veneta, Coach Chelsea crossbody 2016.

I'm keeping my blue purples for purple week.View attachment 5005352View attachment 5005355View attachment 5005356View attachment 5005357View attachment 5005358View attachment 5005360


ETA: I forgot to tell how this differs from last year. The navy bags in fourth picture and the Balenciaga Pompon are new to me, purchased in 2020.

Beautiful blues! my favourites are the Coach court bag, and the Vintage coach belt bag.

My stats for this month
Bags In: 0 / Out: 0
SLG’s In: 1 / Out: 0 LV mono key cles.
Scares In: 2/ Out: 0

 

[whateve]

Would you perhaps have ideas of what to do with a finished project?
View attachment 5005509
I finished this last year, and thought about attaching it to a toile bag, but when I sent it off to be done, it was determined that it was too difficult and they didn’t want to ruin the bag or the work. Now I’m thinking of just framing it and hanging it as a memento of my trip to Paris, and - more importantly - the ****e Storm of 2020.

That's so pretty! I have several I've framed and at least one made into a pillow.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Thanks to everyone for the condolences. Every life is precious but it’s especially hard to see a very healthy, youngish person die from Covid. The three friends I’ve lost have all been people who didn’t have risk factors. This plague is so devastating and unpredictable.

I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.

I hear you on how hard this is getting, and how many people are acting as though nothing's going on and socializing as before.
I lost my former boss to covid last week and have a friend on a ventilator as I type this. I'm SIP until things are actually under control..can't wrap my head around the denial I'm seeing a year into this horror story.

When I had my accident and my cheekbones/jaws were crushed, I had to wear braces for 2 years so that my teeth wouldn't fall out of my mouth (managed to save most of them ).
I woke up from surgery and found them already on my teeth, and was convinced I was dreaming and they weren't real, lol. They got removed when my bones had fully healed but I hated every moment of the braces. I never got used to them and they always hurt. Most likely due to the circumstances as I hear most people adapt very quickly.

It's not the same as invisalign since these were wire braces, but what worked for me when I was lisping was to read aloud. It helps your tongue learn to work around the braces/plastic tray.


Seconded. People often think Ted Baker is on par with other contemporary brands like Coach or Kate Spade but, it's really not. The clothes are mostly poly-blend and the leather they use is not good. I've seen some nice card cases where they used better quality leather, but the bags, on the whole, are always very cute yet not nice enough quality, imo.

I’m sorry for your loss as well.

OMG! On your teeth after the accident. I’m so glad the procedure was successful if not perfect. And, thank you for the suggestion in getting rid of the lisp. I start my new job this week and worry I’ll sound ridiculous when I speak to people for the first time.

March Shopping Your Closet Challenges
Brought to you by @Sparkletastic ❤

1. March 8th is International Women’s Day with the colors purple and green. Fun fact: Historically, purple was a colour that denoted justice and dignity, and now it is used to represent women. Green is a symbol of hope. Today, purple is the colour of International Women’s Day, and combined with green represents the feminist movement. Wear your purple and green bags, slg’s, scarfs this month.
2. March 20th is the International Day of Happiness. Wear the bag that makes you happiest at least twice this month even if it doesn’t necessarily fit your outfit or where you’re going (e.g. an evening bag to the grocery store)
3. “March” it Out the Door - List that one bag that keeps hanging around at an aggressive price so it goes this month (alternatively donate or gift it)

Non bag challenge: Digital Declutter - delete unused apps, delete the documents you don’t need, delete emails you don’t need to refer to, unsubscribe from email lists/newsletters, clear out your downloads folder, clean up your bookmarks, organize, delete and back up your photos.

Love the idea of a digital declutter. I absolutely hate my email inbox. Remember back in the dark ages when email actually used to come from people you knew and liked??? I can’t remember the last time I sent a personal email. Now it’s mostly junk and ads.

February & YTD Update, Stats and Challenges

• February Challenges
  • Valentine's Day / Lunar New Year
    • Chanel Burgundy Coco Handle - 3x
    • Chanel Red Reissue - 3x
    • Chanel Red Wallet on Chain - 2x
    • Hermes Rouge H Garden Party - 2x
  • Remove 28 in 28 - 33 items out, clothing, bottles of languishing sauces in the fridge, lipsticks (curated my lipsticks as a result of the red lipstick conversation), cooking magazines
• Carried 17 bags / 17
• Read 1 book
• I‘ve enjoyed carrying my red and burgundy bags throughout winter, perhaps even more than my black bags.

Feb 2021 Stats
Bags - 0 in, 0 out
SLGs - 0 in, 0 out

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

Awesome Stats!

Edit: @Sparkletastic, I’m so sorry for your loss.


I love this bag and rhe color!
@Hazzelnut, would love to see your custom cross stitches! And, I th8nk if you were obsessed with a particular tweed bag, you should go for it!
@Sparkletastic, I’ve been postponing Invisalign’s for a few months now, but have an appt in a few weeks (they’ve already taken measurements and told me that, due to age, my teeth are shifting). I’ve also taken covid as an opportunity to ‘have work done’ as you termed it. . I originally was referred to a specialist for dark skin laser due to hyperpigmentation issues. and have also done laser does he skin rejuvenation (I’ve messed up my skin texture due to past experimentation with homemade essential oil concoctions); and with Botox and filler. My Botox lasts longer than the average (my dermatologist pioneered dark skin laser and is a non invasive treatment expert). (Lasemd to prevent hyperpigmentation; Pico+ laser for brown spots; picosure fore overall rejuvenation, and one other). I do Vollure filler for around the lips and laugh lines and Botox along the eyebrow forehead etc. brazilian laser hair removal (gentle wave) is painful and pricy but worth it. Note: if you have any laser work done, it’s important to avoid the sun (we went on a much needed break to Canuan, British Grenadines after covid vaccines, multiple PCR covid tests (before during and after, and multiple stunts of quarantine —including during the vacation — and private transport for part of the trip, so I used SPF 70 everywhere plus hats, umbrellas etc). also, if you have filler, you aren’t supposed to have dental work done for a few weeks afterwards (otherwise the filler will shift). The filler’s effects are cumulative.
@BowieFan1971, I highly recommend the 35 Trim II, phw for a black bag. IMO it’s proportions are much for graceful and flattering than the 31. Easily understood 1K from recommended reseller sites.
Blue week: here are some of my favorite blue bags
Blue Jean JPG Birkin, phw; blue obscure JPG shoulder kelly, phw (blue canvas strap from Etsy seller shoulderbagstrap; blue abysse 28 sellier kelly, brushed phw; metallic blue chanel chocolate bar bag. . . My favorite Coupons indiennes cashmere silk GM in blue canard, potiron. And, an older Jardin maharani. and, here’s a pic from hotel quarantine while at the Mandarin Oriental, Canuan...
View attachment 5005131 View attachment 5005147

Oooh! I love how you’ve used this time for some beauty treatments. I want to get more serious about my skin routine. I keep hearing everyone should use a retinoid. But, I tried once and after a few days it felt like my face had been burned off. I should probably find out who the best derm in my area is and go in for a consult.

No work done for me, but all my friends and siblings seem to be having babies (8 so far!) so I’ve been doing non-stop custom cross stitches!!

Yay! All this SIP is definitely baby making time. LOL! One of my BFF’s just had a baby a few months ago which makes 3 under the age of 5. I am heartsick that I can’t be the Auntie Sparkle I want to be since i can’t visit.

I wish I could do something about the lines around my lips....

I’ve heard filler is good for that. Perhaps check with a derm?

These are great challenges. Is there a way these could be pinned to the top along with the color weeks. I was doing the red challenge and had to deal with some other stuff and then forgot about it. Out of sight out of mind.

I think it’s just an option of one pinned post (?)

Yes that pic is the Oyster. I’m definitely going to get one of the mini Iside, likely before the end of March. The only reason it hasn’t happened yet is that I can’t decide between the oyster and the newer pink color. I’ve seen the oyster in person and love it. But I have a lot of taupe bags and I am actually *looking* for a tailored light pink bag so this is technically perfect. I just hesitate to order it when I haven’t seen it in person.

View attachment 5005055



Which Tom Ford bag? Or did you mean the Ted Baker?

That is a pretty pink. I think it would be very versatile. And, ooops! I said Tom Ford instead of Ted Baker.

My February stats:

Bags in: 3

• BV pouch
• LV multi-pochette
• Chanel north/south boy

Bags out: 3

• Proenza Schouler brown chain wallet
• Proenza Schouler taupe chain wallet
• Proenza Schouler light taupe/pink ps11

SLGs in: 5

• Chanel binge is happening

SLGs out: 1

I’m not doing well on *not* buying bags, but I *am* curating, I believe.
This month I wore all of my bags twice, and some three times. Only exception is the Coach Rogue which really is only a spring/summer bag.

I also donated 28 articles of clothing, so I hit the Feb challenge on that point

Next month, I will probably release 1 bag, but gain at least 2. Trying to pace myself tho.

When I was actively revamping / curating my collection I was buying (and selling) 10+ bags a year. Then when I got my collection where I wanted my buying dropped to 1 or so a year. A couple of years it’s been 0 because I have what I need and love what I have.

So, don’t feel bad. Just have a plan and be merciless in getting exactly what you want so you ultimately can be content.

I have a lot of blue bags! Blue is my favorite color.
First picture: Coach belted pouch 1997, Coach Janice's Legacy 2004, Coach Rambler's Legacy 2005, Coach Stroll Tote 1991, Coach X Peanuts Snoopy duffle 2015.
Second picture: Balenciaga Day outremer 2010, Balenciaga mini pompon bleu mineral 2013.
Third picture: Coach Poppy Spotlight tote 2010, Coach Hailey 2010, Coach Legacy pebbled drawstring 2013.
Fourth picture: Coach Mulberry bag 1992, Coach court bag 1999, Coach Dakota Ranger 1992.
Fifth picture: Henri Bendel No. 7 Flap 2015.
Sixth picture, my turquoise bags: Balenciaga Day aquamarine 2007, vintage Bottega Veneta, Coach Chelsea crossbody 2016.

I'm keeping my blue purples for purple week.View attachment 5005352View attachment 5005355View attachment 5005356View attachment 5005357View attachment 5005358View attachment 5005360


ETA: I forgot to tell how this differs from last year. The navy bags in fourth picture and the Balenciaga Pompon are new to me, purchased in 2020.

What a stunning range of blues!

*****
Invisaign update - I’m officially sick of them. LOL! I’ve read that it gets better but if it doesn’t I’m going to be 3 lbs when it’s done. I have zero desire to deal with taking them out to eat.

 

[JenJBS]

Just finished this one for my nephew. He’s my little Viking. Am starting a triceratops for my brand new niece sometime this week, and them a doing an elephant family for my other new nephew!

I tend to stick to simpler designs, and occasionally mix and match elements I’ve seen to create my own pattern.

I come from a line of dress and quilt makers, unfortunately that has skipped me and cross stitch is the most I can do!

View attachment 5005395

That is adorable! How cute! And I like the one you made your mom as well. My aunt made me this cross stitch ornament for Christmas years ago, and it's one of my favorites. My Mom has a few, much larger, things aunt made. A gingerbread house, cute tp roll hider, and NOEL sign for the door.

Would you perhaps have ideas of what to do with a finished project?
View attachment 5005509
I finished this last year, and thought about attaching it to a toile bag, but when I sent it off to be done, it was determined that it was too difficult and they didn’t want to ruin the bag or the work. Now I’m thinking of just framing it and hanging it as a memento of my trip to Paris, and - more importantly - the ****e Storm of 2020.

This is beautiful! I think framing it is a great idea!

This is beautiful!

Great stats!

My stats for this month
Bags In: 0 / Out: 0
SLG’s In: 1 / Out: 0 LV mono key cles.
Scares In: 2/ Out: 0

Thank you! Your stats also look great!

 

[BowieFan1971]

Would you perhaps have ideas of what to do with a finished project?
View attachment 5005509
I finished this last year, and thought about attaching it to a toile bag, but when I sent it off to be done, it was determined that it was too difficult and they didn’t want to ruin the bag or the work. Now I’m thinking of just framing it and hanging it as a memento of my trip to Paris, and - more importantly - the ****e Storm of 2020.

Wow!!! Gorgeous!

 

[Sparkletastic]

My BLUE Bags

I have think blue is one of the prettiest colors for bags! But, I wear a lot of black (and don’t care for navy and black together) so I have to be strategic about finding the right shades and / or the right opportunities to wear them.

2016:
• Gucci Soho Tote in teal nubuck with ghw
• Kate Spade Saturday Mini A bag in cobalt leather with ghw

Neither of these bags were my “usual” which is why I no longer own them. But, the Gucci was such a stunning saturated turquoise that I did my best to carry a big bag (didn’t work). And, I loved the electric blue of the Kate Spade but the cheap hardware drove me batty.

2021:
• Miss Dior Sliding Chain in Blu Persan lambskin w/shw

I absolutely ADORE this bag!! It’s the perfect size, the lambskin is silky yet tough as nails and the rich color makes me giggly happy!

• Gucci Small Dionysus in Navy calfskin with aged silver hw

Mr. Sparkle bought this for me on our last vacation and I love the way it looks. BUT, its sooooo small. I don’t like big bags but it feels like playing bag tetris because it’s small and rigid. I wish I had gotten one size up but he thought this size looked better on me. I love that we help each other with our wardrobes but given his recent fascination with me wearing smaller bags, he’s fired from size suggestions. LOL!

 

[BowieFan1971]

Thanks to everyone for the condolences. Every life is precious but it’s especially hard to see a very healthy, youngish person die from Covid. The three friends I’ve lost have all been people who didn’t have risk factors. This plague is so devastating and unpredictable.
I’m sorry for your loss as well.

OMG! On your teeth after the accident. I’m so glad the procedure was successful if not perfect. And, thank you for the suggestion in getting rid of the lisp. I start my new job this week and worry I’ll sound ridiculous when I speak to people for the first time.Love the idea of a digital declutter. I absolutely hate my email inbox. Remember back in the dark ages when email actually used to come from people you knew and liked??? I can’t remember the last time I sent a personal email. Now it’s mostly junk and ads.
Awesome Stats!
Oooh! I love how you’ve used this time for some beauty treatments. I want to get more serious about my skin routine. I keep hearing everyone should use a retinoid. But, I tried once and after a few days it felt like my face had been burned off. I should probably find out who the best derm in my area is and go in for a consult.
Yay! All this SIP is definitely baby making time. LOL! One of my BFF’s just had a baby a few months ago which makes 3 under the age of 5. I am heartsick that I can’t be the Auntie Sparkle I want to be since i can’t visit.
I’ve heard filler is good for that. Perhaps check with a derm?I think it’s just an option of one pinned post (?)
That is a pretty pink. I think it would be very versatile. And, ooops! I said Tom Ford instead of Ted Baker.
When I was actively revamping / curating my collection I was buying (and selling) 10+ bags a year. Then when I got my collection where I wanted my buying dropped to 1 or so a year. A couple of years it’s been 0 because I have what I need and love what I have.

So, don’t feel bad. Just have a plan and be merciless in getting exactly what you want so you ultimately can be content.
What a stunning range of blues!

*****
Invisaign update - I’m officially sick of them. LOL! I’ve read that it gets better but if it doesn’t I’m going to be 3 lbs when it’s done. I have zero desire to deal with taking them out to eat.

Use an OTC retinol...The Ordinary makes some great ones and they are inexpensive. Start with a .25% or .5%, work up to a 1%. Works as well as a prescription. But just takes a little longer and is WAY more skin friendly. Too harsh and you risk sensitizing your skin and causing hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Work your way in...once a week for 2-3 weeks, then 2x a week for 2-3 weeks, then every other day for 2-3 weeks, then possibly every day. ALWAYS at NIGHT, NEVER in DAY...increases sun sensitivity. Make sure your face is dry before you apply it. If you start experiencing dryness, flaking or dullness at any stage, then drop back on frequency of usages you do not need to use it every day for it to be effective...every other day is my sweet spot. I can’t use it every day. Most important...SPF, SPF, SPF! I don’t care if you are going outside or not, if it is daylight hours, wear SPF, ESPECIALLY if using retinol.

 

[JenJBS]

My BLUE Bags

I have think blue is one of the prettiest colors for bags! But, I wear a lot of black (and don’t care for navy and black together) so I have to be strategic about finding the right shades and / or the right opportunities to wear them.

2016:
• Gucci Soho Tote in teal nubuck with ghw
• Kate Spade Saturday Mini A bag in cobalt leather with ghw
View attachment 5005557
Neither of these bags were my “usual” which is why I no longer own them. But, the Gucci was such a stunning saturated turquoise that I did my best to carry a big bag (didn’t work). And, I loved the electric blue of the Kate Spade but the cheap hardware drove me batty.

2021:
• Miss Dior Sliding Chain in Blu Persan lambskin w/shw
View attachment 5005559
I absolutely ADORE this bag!! It’s the perfect size, the lambskin is silky yet tough as nails and the rich color makes me giggly happy!

• Gucci Small Dionysus in Navy calfskin with aged silver hw
View attachment 5005558
Mr. Sparkle bought this for me on our last vacation and I love the way it looks. BUT, its sooooo small. I don’t like big bags but it feels like playing bad tetris because it’s small and rigid. I wish I had gotten one size up but he thought this size looked better on me. I love that we help each other with our wardrobes but given his recent fascination with me wearing smaller bags, he’s fired from size suggestions going forward. LOL!

Your blue bags are beautiful!