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.

 

[keodi]

My blue bags have been stable for several years: navy Dalvy, indigo barenia Picotin 18, and turquoise something from Massacesi:

View attachment 5009847

View attachment 5009848View attachment 5009847View attachment 5009848

Your Dalvy, and Pico! I love the blue Massacesi beautiful vivid blue.

Blue bags I rehomed years ago: blue Jean Clemence trim and Massacesi midi zip Selene in a shiny leather — I forget the name. View attachment 5009863View attachment 5009864

Those Trims!!! I love the trim!

 

[ElainePG]

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.

My mom was/is (she's still here… at age 96!!!) exactly like yours. Never used the good stuff, never wore the pretty things. I make it a point to do exactly the opposite, just as you do. If I have something nice (good-quality crystal, f'rinstance) I use it often. Not just when company comes. And I wear my nice clothes. Otherwise, what's the point? As the writer said, you can't take it with you.

And Mr. PG & I balance each other out in the same way you & Mr. S do. Isn't that interesting? I save & save and SAVE. I suppose because my parents did. Mr. PG believes in saving, also. But when there's enough saved, he wants us to treat ourselves. A week in San Francisco to see an opera, visit museums, and… um… shop. A new piece of art because we met the artist at a local gallery and we want to support her work. (See the nice things we did before the pandemic? Aaaaaargh.) Anyway. He's always right. These little splurges ultimately make me happy.

 

[ElainePG]

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!!!

Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry for your loss. I agree with you that it isn't time yet to be out & about. Too soon to be taking chances.
We lost a dear family member to Covid in January. He was quite old, but still…

 

[ElainePG]

I would say that some moments/scenes can be better in the movie than the book. One example: In the Harry Potter books Hedwig dies helpless, trapped in the cage. In the movie Hedwig dies saving Harry. I like the movie version of that better. Another one: For all my love of, and respect for, Shakespeare, I never believed the scene in Richard III, when he basically seduces the widow over her dead husband's body. It just seemed too unrealistic that she'd react that way. Then I saw Al Pacino, and I forget the actress, do the scene. Suddenly it was totally believable. Her emotional vulnerability in that moment, which the actress portrayed so well... His overpowering charisma and personality... Great reminder that Shakespeare intended his plays to be watched, not read.

I completely agree with you about that scene. It was completely believable the way it was portrayed in the movie.

When Mr. PG and I lived in Salt Lake City, we used to go to Cedar City for the Utah Shakesperean Festival. Our first year, I remember attending an introductory seminar led by Fred Adams, the original founder of the festival. He told us that he was always asked if he recommended that people read the plays in advance of attending the festival. And he always answered that in Shakespeare's time, the audience would NOT have done this… that the plays were written to be watched, NOT read! That made a big impression on me.

 

[SouthernPurseGal]

Hmmmm I don't think I'll be able to get my blues on time because I have stuff in boxes and stuff in a shipping container!

 

[Jereni]

So I saw this photo the other day (credit to a TPFer but I can’t remember who), and it reminded me of a brief convo somewhere up-thread about having a ‘perfectly curated closet’.



To me that phrase suggests having a slim number of quintessential, fabulous pieces, which would cover all situations. And then I had a hilarious mental exercise trying to figure out what those would be from MY collection.

I came up with the below, if I keep it to 5:


Prada tote - work
Fendi peekaboo - fancier outings, conferences
Celine luggage - errands, around town
Proenza ps11 - dinners, festivals
Chanel WOC - formal events, night out

Curious to hear from others - which 5 bags from your closet would represent your ‘perfectly curated collection’? Or would this be bags you don’t have yet?

Edited to add: for me, this was not actually the same as what are my favorite 5 bags, more - which are the most classic, fabulous, AND versatile.

 

[BowieFan1971]

So I saw this photo the other day (credit to a TPFer but I can’t remember who), and it reminded me of a brief convo somewhere up-thread about having a ‘perfectly curated closet’.
View attachment 5011521


To me that phrase suggests having a slim number of quintessential, fabulous pieces, which would cover all situations. And then I had a hilarious mental exercise trying to figure out what those would be from MY collection.

I came up with the below, if I keep it to 5:
View attachment 5011524

Prada tote - work
Fendi peekaboo - fancier outings, conferences
Celine luggage - errands, around town
Proenza ps11 - dinners, festivals
Chanel WOC - formal events, night out

Curious to hear from others - which 5 bags from your closet would represent your ‘perfectly curated collection’? Or would this be bags you don’t have yet?

Edited to add: for me, this was not actually the same as what are my favorite 5 bags, more - which are the most classic, fabulous, AND versatile.

Tough choice, but here are my 5

-RL Speedy 25-style bag in black...a place holder for my one Hermès black bag yet to be purchased
-Coach tote in saddle...a true classic and versatile as heck
-Hermès Bolide 18 in orange...my pop of color bag, clean lines
-LV mono Alma PM...classic, elegant, never out of style
-Gucci mono canvas doctor bag in navy...perfect with jeans, can travel well

I would add my straw bag as a runner up and a red bag. Have not found THE red bag yet.

 

[Sparkletastic]

My mom was/is (she's still here… at age 96!!!) exactly like yours. Never used the good stuff, never wore the pretty things. I make it a point to do exactly the opposite, just as you do. If I have something nice (good-quality crystal, f'rinstance) I use it often. Not just when company comes. And I wear my nice clothes. Otherwise, what's the point? As the writer said, you can't take it with you.

And Mr. PG & I balance each other out in the same way you & Mr. S do. Isn't that interesting? I save & save and SAVE. I suppose because my parents did. Mr. PG believes in saving, also. But when there's enough saved, he wants us to treat ourselves. A week in San Francisco to see an opera, visit museums, and… um… shop. A new piece of art because we met the artist at a local gallery and we want to support her work. (See the nice things we did before the pandemic? Aaaaaargh.) Anyway. He's always right. These little splurges ultimately make me happy.

It’s so good to “see” you @ElainePG. I have been inconsistent about being here but I think I read you weren’t feeling well for a while. I hope all is well.

Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry for your loss. I agree with you that it isn't time yet to be out & about. Too soon to be taking chances.
We lost a dear family member to Covid in January. He was quite old, but still…

I’m very sorry for your loss as well. And every life is precious.

So I saw this photo the other day (credit to a TPFer but I can’t remember who), and it reminded me of a brief convo somewhere up-thread about having a ‘perfectly curated closet’.
View attachment 5011521


To me that phrase suggests having a slim number of quintessential, fabulous pieces, which would cover all situations. And then I had a hilarious mental exercise trying to figure out what those would be from MY collection.

I came up with the below, if I keep it to 5:
View attachment 5011524

Prada tote - work
Fendi peekaboo - fancier outings, conferences
Celine luggage - errands, around town
Proenza ps11 - dinners, festivals
Chanel WOC - formal events, night out

Curious to hear from others - which 5 bags from your closet would represent your ‘perfectly curated collection’? Or would this be bags you don’t have yet?

Edited to add: for me, this was not actually the same as what are my favorite 5 bags, more - which are the most classic, fabulous, AND versatile.

Oooh! You do have a great “capsule” collection inside your full collection. I don’t know that I do. I think my variety covers everything and it would be hard for me to function without almost all of them. But, this is a great challenge. Let me ponder....

 

[baghabitz34]

So I saw this photo the other day (credit to a TPFer but I can’t remember who), and it reminded me of a brief convo somewhere up-thread about having a ‘perfectly curated closet’.
View attachment 5011521


To me that phrase suggests having a slim number of quintessential, fabulous pieces, which would cover all situations. And then I had a hilarious mental exercise trying to figure out what those would be from MY collection.

I came up with the below, if I keep it to 5:
View attachment 5011524

Prada tote - work
Fendi peekaboo - fancier outings, conferences
Celine luggage - errands, around town
Proenza ps11 - dinners, festivals
Chanel WOC - formal events, night out

Curious to hear from others - which 5 bags from your closet would represent your ‘perfectly curated collection’? Or would this be bags you don’t have yet?

Edited to add: for me, this was not actually the same as what are my favorite 5 bags, more - which are the most classic, fabulous, AND versatile.

Good challenge! Here’s my 5:

For festivals/parks/zoo: Gucci Soho Disco. It holds just enough & is lightweight enough I can carry it all day.
Formal/nights out: LV Vavin Chain wallet. Holds the essentials & the chain makes it easier to use than a clutch.
Work: Ferragamo tote. Holds a ton, it’s a versatile color & doesn’t scream designer in the workplace.
Day/errands: Coach Charlie Bucket. Any bucket bag will do though since I find them easy to use
Ferragamo Butterfly Studio - just because she’s gorgeous!

 

[ElainePG]

OMG! I figured that my hermit in the cave routine should have some benefit so I just got Invisalign. I aways had straight teeth but noticed some were shifting over the last few years. So, I decided why not preserve my smile and dental health?

Well...its almost the end of week one and I hate / love them. No pain but I’m very aware in an unpleasant way of the plastic in my mouth. And, I have a lisp that I read will go away.

But, on the bright side, I’ve lost 3 pounds. Its a hassle to take them out, brush & floss my teeth and clean the retainers if I eat or drink anything but water. So...the mindless covid snacking has come to a screeching halt. LOL!

Anyone else have any type of braces / invisalign as an adult? What did you think about it? Tips and tricks?

Anyone else getting other “work” done? One of my acquaintances is getting breast implants due to home time at Covid. I’ve read of people getting facial plastic surgery because they can recover during home time.

Lots of different ways to cope and use the time...

Like @whateve , I've been knitting like crazy. I figured out early on in the pandemic that the family does NOT need any more hand-knit stuff, so I found a charity that accepts hand-knit scarves (also hats & blankets, but scarves are my thing at the moment) and distributes them across the country to people who need them. Men & women who are homeless, who live in shelters, or who have lost their dwellings due to natural disasters. Knitting keeps me from snacking (no way to eat M&Ms while wielding knitting needles, unless you want to get stabbed!) and of course it's a terrific cause.

 

[ElainePG]

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.

What fantastic challenges! I'm definitely going to wear purple AND green on March 8.
And do the digital declutter, as well. It's a terrific idea.

 

[whateve]

Like @whateve , I've been knitting like crazy. I figured out early on in the pandemic that the family does NOT need any more hand-knit stuff, so I found a charity that accepts hand-knit scarves (also hats & blankets, but scarves are my thing at the moment) and distributes them across the country to people who need them. Men & women who are homeless, who live in shelters, or who have lost their dwellings due to natural disasters. Knitting keeps me from snacking (no way to eat M&Ms while wielding knitting needles, unless you want to get stabbed!) and of course it's a terrific cause.

Yes, it is very helpful to keep your hands busy to keep from snacking. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment. And yarn is a lot cheaper than new bags.

 

[880]

So I saw this photo the other day (credit to a TPFer but I can’t remember who), and it reminded me of a brief convo somewhere up-thread about having a ‘perfectly curated closet’.
View attachment 5011521


To me that phrase suggests having a slim number of quintessential, fabulous pieces, which would cover all situations. And then I had a hilarious mental exercise trying to figure out what those would be from MY collection.

I came up with the below, if I keep it to 5:
View attachment 5011524

Prada tote - work
Fendi peekaboo - fancier outings, conferences
Celine luggage - errands, around town
Proenza ps11 - dinners, festivals
Chanel WOC - formal events, night out

Curious to hear from others - which 5 bags from your closet would represent your ‘perfectly curated collection’? Or would this be bags you don’t have yet?

Edited to add: for me, this was not actually the same as what are my favorite 5 bags, more - which are the most classic, fabulous, AND versatile.

Adore this curation so much! All of it is fabulous! Wow!
@whateve, I love your deep rich jewel tones of your capsule collection

WAIT WAIT, @JenJBS, @ElainePG, Hedwig dies! Wracking my brain trying to remember the books. . . When does that happen

I don’t really have a capsule collection of bags. Not sure if it would be capsule by function or type. Most of my bags could be used for work, dinner, errands (with varying capacity including a few totes)For fancy, some kind of clutch
I do have a small color range: tan, taupe, blue, gray, black, metallic

edit: here’s my attempt at a capsule:
Bottega Veneta karung San Marco; 30 barenia birkin, brushed phw; silver chèvre H envelop clutch; etoupe Victoria 35; and, blue abysse 28 sellier Kelly, brushed phw( DH calls it the sexiest bag in the world).

Since 2008, @docride has weatherized and color corrected all of my H bags. H spa has always accepted any bag I send them, the last one being 28BBK for handle and sangler replacement (Claude/Pierre) but i haven’t done H spa recently due to the extremely long wait). YMMV. Last weekend, DH and I were caught for 10 minutes in the pouring rain, (awaiting the vaccine) and BBB and his gold sellier Vache hunter Evelyn 33 emerged unscathed).

 

[whateve]

Here is my capsule collection. I didn't put a lot of thought into it. If you ask me on another day, I'll likely pick different bags. There are many bags that could serve the same purpose.
left to right:
BV cervo tote - I picked this because it is big enough for all purpose, has a zip top for security, is comfortable to carry, has fantastic leather, and is an awesome color.
Coach vintage (1996) red Sonoma pocket drawstring - because I love vintage, the leather is wonderful, it doesn't need babying, I love drawstrings, it is a great for a pop of color, has an infinitely adjustable strap so can be used as a shoulder bag or crossbody, is comfortable to carry, holds a decent amount.
Coach vintage (1998) Gramercy small satchel - it is very ladylike making it perfect for formal occasions but large enough to be carried everyday, has a nearly indestructible finish, a strap can be added for hands-free. In my opinion, this bag could go to head to head with any premier designer bag and match its quality.
Coach 2007 Bleecker shoulder bag - an easy to carry bag in a great size, has enough styling elements to not be boring, but neutral enough for everyday
Michael Kors suede Uptown Astor - I picked this because it is very different from my other choices, giving me the most variety, I love suede, it is pettable, easy to carry, lots of pockets,

 

[BowieFan1971]

Here is my capsule collection. I didn't put a lot of thought into it. If you ask me on another day, I'll likely pick different bags. There are many bags that could serve the same purpose.
left to right:
BV cervo tote - I picked this because it is big enough for all purpose, has a zip top for security, is comfortable to carry, has fantastic leather, and is an awesome color.
Coach vintage (1996) red Sonoma pocket drawstring - because I love vintage, the leather is wonderful, it doesn't need babying, I love drawstrings, it is a great for a pop of color, has an infinitely adjustable strap so can be used as a shoulder bag or crossbody, is comfortable to carry, holds a decent amount.
Coach vintage (1998) Gramercy small satchel - it is very ladylike making it perfect for formal occasions but large enough to be carried everyday, has a nearly indestructible finish, a strap can be added for hands-free. In my opinion, this bag could go to head to head with any premier designer bag and match its quality.
Coach 2007 Bleecker shoulder bag - an easy to carry bag in a great size, has enough styling elements to not be boring, but neutral enough for everyday
Michael Kors suede Uptown Astor - I picked this because it is very different from my View attachment 5011881other choices, giving me the most variety, I love suede, it is pettable, easy to carry, lots of pockets,

That Gramercy!