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.

 

[BowieFan1971]

I rarely use my cookbooks for the same reason. When I need cooking inspiration, I just google it.

Some of the yarn I've bought has been really soft and nice. Not all of it though. And the colors aren't always what I imagine. I bought some multicolor yarn that looked gorgeous in the pictures online. I've tried knitting it, crocheting it, and I really don't like the way the stripes come out. There are colors next to each other that don't look harmonious to me. So I ordered some black yarn to mix with it but I haven't figured out yet what I'm going to make with it. I may have just thrown good money after bad. I also made a sweater with another yarn that striped in a way I don't like. I like the pattern but not the colors. So another yarn wasted. I'm going to try that pattern again. With all my failures, it would have been cheaper just to buy something someone else made.

In awe of you two! I wish I knew how to knit!

 

[afroken]

I feel like 30 is also my magic number. My husband had me do an exercise the other day for fun - if you all of a sudden had to start over from scratch, and money was no object, what bags would you own? Amazingly I only came up with 20.

Just tried your exercise and I came up with 23 out of 30.

Out of my bags, 16 are premier designer (15 made the cut), and 14 are contemporary/indie (8 made the cut).

I think the reason why all but one premier designers made the cut is because since they cost so much, I really think carefully about whether this bag checks off my criteria and can work in my lifestyle. I sometimes spend years deciding. I mull over every detail to make sure that it's something that I'll still love and enjoy many years later. I've been lucky a couple of times where a bag on my wishlist showed up at a fantastic price, but for the most part they costed a lot, compared to contemporary. Of course, I've made some mistakes with premier designers before, but have since sold or gave away (except for one more that's still in consignment). The only one that didn't make the cut that's still in my collection, I still love the model very much - but just not too crazy about the colour. I bought it at an extremely good price and I feel I jumped the gun on that one too soon, I should've waited longer, probably paid more, for a colour that I like more.

As for contemporary/indie bags, a little over half in my collection made the cut. I think since they cost less, I'm more likely to buy them without thinking too much. Most of the ones that didn't make the cut are bags that I didn't plan for but went on sale and I went into a frenzy and bought them. The ones that made the cut are always carefully planned ones.

 

[Kimbashop]

I kind of combined beige/etoupe, tan (H gold); ebene; and, white in one category.

three Taupe Ghurka bags; Two pouches from Etsy; One LV sprouse long alma; One toile 35B; One gold 30B; One trim; Two Victoria 35s; One matte alligator Suarez; One convertible clutch Suarez; 30B Togo craie (75th birthday gift to mom — a more lavish gift that I may borrow) and CSGM Couvertures de tenue. I did add my Togo graffiti camo 35 B, brushed phw, by @docride, bc it started out as a pure white birkin. The graffiti camo is a personal collaboration, still evolving, and therefore not to every taste.

@doni, the pnk dead stock velvet pucci (I held onto it for years before I found a tailor who was a pattern cutter who could alter the too small jacket and ankle length skirt into an A line skirt with contrast waistline and vertical trim (so it looked like the original) The florals meet up and you cannot tell where it’s pieces together.

@jblended, @afroken, I agree that the list of physical books needs to be curated due to space constraints. On my list of must haves are books by Anthony Trollope; Master and commander series by Patrick obrian (not so much for the naval aspects as for the wisdom of friendships and relationships); and the henriad by shakespeare. Plus guilty pleasure reading by ilona Andrews. i confess that I’m not so much a fan of Oscar Wilde as I am of his discontinued fragrance, Malmaison by floris.

@Cookiefiend, @ElainePG, I’ve gotten rid of a lot of Cooks illustrated books. I used to swear by them, but I’m less patient as I get older. also, to my chagrin, I dislike the format of many of Americas Test Kitchen and CI. I tend to cook off the cuff, so to speak, including but not limited to baked goods. If you know the bakers percentage and have a scale and an iPad (to jog your memory) baking is easier. And, cooking, kind of by feel and with an instant read thermometer. So, donating them has cleared lots of shelf space.
View attachment 5042134View attachment 5042140View attachment 5042158View attachment 5042151View attachment 5042152

Such a stunning collection! Between these and hearing about your clothes, could I spend some time playing in your closet?

 

[Kimbashop]

I’m loving all these conversations about books. DH and I are both book lovers and as academics we have an embarrassing amount. Mine are mostly in my office and his are, well, everywhere. He also has a collection of rare books passed down to him from his family, on display in Our living room. So, yeah, books. Love them. But they sure are space hogs.

lately I’ve been getting into audible. It’s really fun to hear books read aloud. I’m in two book clubs and I tend to borrow the books from other members or hear them on audible because I don’t dare bring any more books into the house.

we have a cute litttle neighborhood lending “library” that is just a small box resembling a little house with a door on it You can place books in the box for others to read and take ones you wish to read. Anyone have those where they live? Ours was created by our neighbor, who dedicated the little library to the memory of her husband.

 

[afroken]

I feel like 30 is also my magic number. My husband had me do an exercise the other day for fun - if you all of a sudden had to start over from scratch, and money was no object, what bags would you own? Amazingly I only came up with 20.

Sorry I misunderstood your post earlier... I had thought you meant what bags out of my entire collection would I repurchase again should I start from scratch. But I guess you meant what are my dream bags to buy if money wasn't a concern? In that case, I think I would come up with 14

 

[whateve]

Sorry I misunderstood your post earlier... I had thought you meant what bags out of my entire collection would I repurchase again should I start from scratch. But I guess you meant what are my dream bags to buy if money wasn't a concern? In that case, I think I would come up with 14

I just realized that is the way I interpreted it myself. I have no idea what my dream bags would be if money wasn't a concern. Money isn't an issue for me in that I can afford any bag but I don't feel comfortable buying expensive bags. I don't know if I could ignore the cost. I feel more carefree with bags that didn't cost much. Even if an expensive bag were gifted to me, I would still feel an obligation to get a value out of it equal to how much it cost.

 

[doni]

Why feel bad? I must've phrased my initial post terribly since it's communicating the opposite of what I intended! Your posts are brilliant and insightful! Everyone on here contributes in a way which makes this place the safe haven that it is. I just feel lucky to be allowed in here!

Oh no, you didn’t phrase anything wrong! I just meant, I am also in awe of those members who are so good and thorough about answering everyone and following up on anything, and knowing myself, if I felt inspired and tried to do that I would get frustrated and feel blocked. So I just carry along and jump in and yes, feel perfectly welcome doing that too!

My core collection will not interest most, I fear.
-Aesop's fables- the first book that was my own, gifted to me by my siblings when I was tiny. It's in tatters but I will never part with it.
-All of P.G. Wodehouse's works- an omnibus and then separate novels. They're the books I turn to for some levity when times are tough.
-The complete works of Oscar Wilde, and Pygmalion- both books were a gift from my literature teacher in high school with his inscription in them.
-The complete works of Shakespeare- has been autographed by the Reduced Shakespeare Company (a comedy troupe) on random pages, and on 4 different occasions. Essentially they performed in different countries I lived in, and each time I went to see the show I'd head backstage to say hello, and they'd remember me from the last country I'd seen them in and laugh at how I was "touring" like them but without being paid.
- An Inspector Calls- my favourite play of all time.
- A doll's house. I love Ibsen and this copy was autographed by Hattie Morahan when she played Nora in the West End in 2012 or perhaps 2014. I was home in England both years so it would have been one of those.
-The Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock (and a collection of other poems/letters) by T.S. Eliot.
- 3 books by Augusten Burroughs (they belonged to a loved one who passed away from cancer, so I hold these books near and dear to my heart and will never part with them).
- Waiter Rant- so funny and, like Wodehouse, something I read when life gets heavy.
So, they're more sentimental books that hold memories of people and places, rather than anything insightful; but they have seen 7 countries with me so far.

Oh but it is so interesting.

I credit Wodehouse with having saved my life. Several times.
It is difficult to imagine now, but without internet and instant access to anything, without counseling being the normal and accesible thing it is nowadays... Sometimes (often!), all you had to hold to was a good book, and if it was a book that could transport you to an absurd but hilarious world for hours, that was medicine!

@doni, the pnk dead stock velvet pucci (I held onto it for years before I found a tailor who was a pattern cutter who could alter the too small jacket and ankle length skirt into an A line skirt with contrast waistline and vertical trim (so it looked like the original) The florals meet up and you cannot tell where it’s pieces together.

That’s fabulous!
Can I ask your intel on the Kelly wallet? Because I love clutches, I am always thinking I would enjoy having one. But each time I seriously consider it, I decide it is perhaps too much of a wallet....

we have a cute litttle neighborhood lending “library” that is just a small box resembling a little house with a door on it You can place books in the box for others to read and take ones you wish to read. Anyone have those where they live? Ours was created by our neighbor, who dedicated the little library to the memory of her husband.

In the German city where I live they have installed these bookcases in the street (they are called Offener Bucherschrank), where you can leave your books and pick up any you want. They are very popular, the turnover is fast, and now it is my place of choice to dispose of books. I am fortunuate to have this one just around the corner!

 

[doni]

Talking about books and book storage, this is what I did during last lockdown (which was one year ago, oh my God, how did this whole year all happen? ).

I have always be tempted but also found it too childish and Instagrammy, and, you know, not intellectual enough... But I thought what the hell.
And then I was so surprised how well it works for me. It is easier for books to stay organized (before they were in alphabetical order and they always ended up a mess). Plus, because I have such a visual memory, it is actually often easier for me to find a book now, which I was really surprised to find out!

I am even considering to do my other bookshelf (art and other big books) in this lockdown...

 

[keodi]

My cream collection giving me resort vibes:

• Gucci Jackie
• Gucci tote bag I don’t know the model of (wonder if someone does!)
• Gucci pochette - I think bumblebee (?)
• LV Speedy 25 in Epi leather
• LV pochette Damier Azur
• LV pochette milla multicolore
• Burberry vintage crossbody bag

View attachment 5038357

Beautiful white/cream collection!

Something that came home with me from this trip...this is going to be long.

During this bag journey, there comes an occasional bit of... not guilt, exactly, but an element of self-criticism. A little voice that says I am buying things I don’t NEED, that I am maybe being superficial, in a way. This is totally born of the thrift gene that comes from my mom’s side of the family. My parents come from a good sized, working class town in Appalachia, one that had a jolt of prosperity after the war that dwindled to poverty after the factory jobs left starting in the 90’s. It skews old because if you are young and have a scrap of ambition, you get out as soon as you can. It’s what my parents saw the beginnings of when they got married, so they left. I did not grow up there, but we visited often. My grandma (mom’s mom) grew up middle class in town and got a job working the line in a tire plant so she could make more money than working in the office with the other girls. Working with all men gave her a thick skin, but she was beautiful- tall, slim, striking dark hair and pale skin. She wanted- and got- a nice car, clothes ordered in from New York for her and an apartment shared with two other girlfriends. Then she met my grandfather...one of 13 kids raised on a farm with a widowed mother. The boys (all 8 of them) would rush to be the first one up because then you would get your pick from the clothes. The last ones to get up got the too tight/short/worn clothes. My grandparents struggled after they got married...my grandma had to sell her car to pay for my mother’s birth...and my Pap did not always have a steady job. Plus he drank more than he should. The house they settled in when my mom was about 7 (and still live in) was built by hand by my Pap and his brothers. My grandma went back to work at the plant and stopped wearing all her nice clothes. I only ever remember seeing her wear tees, sweatshirts, short sleeve cotton button downs with jeans and a pair of Keds. She rarely wore makeup and her hair was always really short. She worked second and third shift for the money, but rose to supervisor. She retired from Kelly in the 80’s. My grandma never had a new car, to the best of my knowledge, and everything was functional. My Pap was a painter/carpenter/handyman, who loved to hunt, so everything he had was functional too.

I give this background to understand what happened this past week. As I was cooking and cleaning this week, I saw that my grandmother did not have a single nice thing. Everything she had came from discount stores and basic department stores like JC Penney’s. Cheap cookware. Tarnished costume jewelry. Vinyl bags. Except for a collection of small colored glass pieces, which I doubt are worth much money, nothing she owned was owned for the joy of it or to pamper. Nothing. And it made me really sad. A stranger waking through her house would look at the sum of what she owned and keep going. And she worked so very hard, to the point it wore her away. She worked full time, had 5 kids and was still expected to do all the “wifely duties”...I discovered during this trip that my Pap, who knows how to take care of himself, magically unlearned how to cook, make a ham sandwich or wash a dish while I was there.

None of this is to say that who you are, or the sum of your life, is defined by what you have or own. Not by a long shot. But to not have anything fine, special, even if just for special occasions... It makes me realize that my collection of nice things is ok to have. I don’t spend money on designer clothes, most everything I buy— all my designer bags except one, scarves except two— are preloved. So I am still thrifty. But I have some things that bring me joy, that my niece, future daughter in law and granddaughters will be excited about owning. I don’t think I will ever be truly a spendthrift...the DNA is too strong and the budget does not sensibly allow it...but I am going to lighten up a bit. No guilt or nagging voice. As long as I USE and NOT HOARD, nice things are ok in moderation. I want there to be some fine things I love that are left behind and that people who know me can look at and see the beauty, who can also remember when I wore them and they brought me joy.

I really appreciated this post, and I can relate to a lot of what you said in here.

To answer @jblended's question, after some deliberation (and almost 4 years on TPF)!

Love:
A structured bag - it's okay if it's a little slouchy but it must stand up on its own.
Top handles - I'm okay if it's hand held only, but a shoulder strap is nice to have.
Smooth, marvelous leather - bonus points if it's so wonderful I pet it.
Medium sized is my preference - you know - Goldilock's size. Not too big, not too small, but just right.
Leather lining.
Black - I loooovvvveeee black bags. They are my Kryptonite.

Don't Love:
Dividers - Nopety Nope Nope. I don't even need pockets inside the bag to be honest.
Zipper closures. So many times I have bought a bag (willy nilly) only to remember that the zipper bugs me. No Bolide for me.
Hobo Bags - AKA Soft Smooshy Puddles of Delicious Leather That I Can't Find A D@mn Thing In.
Saffiano leather. I don't even really like grained leather.
Floppy front flaps - Just get the heck out of the way already!!
Bags that won't stay shut, and then fall over and all your stuff flies out.
Chain straps - they hurt my shoulders (though I do have one and it's lovely)
Loose fabric linings (really fabric linings in general)
Bags without a top handle - I don't really want to grab the bag like it's a paper grocery bag - you know what I mean?

I agree with a good bit of what you wrote here!

My white and “cream” bags - mine are both toile and leather.
The H Vespa and the Le Tanner are the same as 2019. In 2020 I added the Lederer Kelly style bag.
View attachment 5039563
I don’t think I’ve ever really said much about the Le Tanneur, except how fabulous the yellow sides are, but it’s really a very nice and well made bag. It does zip at the top, but it’s no problem to leave it open. The shoulder strap is long enough for wearing in my shoulder but not crossbody. The flap on the front covers a pocket and a place for tickets or ID. At first I thought I’d never use it, but in 2019 I took it to FL for a family vacation and it was perfect for my phone and so easy to get into - I was very happy to learn that.
View attachment 5039562
View attachment 5039565
View attachment 5039564

I love your cream and white bags

Hello
Gorgeous eye candy, I am catching up reading posts.

We‘re reaching the end of March and I wanted to ask if anyone is doing or thinking about the March challenges. Is there appetite to continue posting monthly challenges? Any suggestions for April challenges? I know, out of sight out of mind ...
***************
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.

I forgot the March challenges, but I'm definitely up for the non bag challenge as I need to do some digital cleaning.

My white bags for this week.

Coach Willis 18 - love this bag. I want one in another color but haven’t seen the right one yet. The Borough I posted for gray week but including it here as well.

As of this moment in time I also have a brand new white bag - pleated Demellier Florence clutch. It might be getting returned tho, as they also have a smooth leather version in an oceanic blue and I might want that more.

View attachment 5039821

Beautiful!

National Couples Appreciation Month? How fitting, since our anniversary is in April. Sunday is our first anniversary. I appreciate how much my DH does around the house and that he cleaned before I came home from my grandparents so I would walk into a tidy house. He knows clutter and dirt make me irritable and because I had such a stressful trip. He brings me coffee in bed almost every morning. He makes a point of letting me know he appreciates what I do for us.

I am a very lucky woman...kissed a lot of frogs for a very long time, but I finally found my prince. He ain’t perfect, but he’s the perfect guy for me. January will be 5 years that we have been together, 5 great years.

Happy Anniversary!

I know I'm late to the party, but it took me a while to figure these out…

Dislike:
Hobo bags
Super-structured bags, especially if they’re deep
WOCs (they’re adorable, but too much trouble)
Patent leather, saffiano, and exotics
Bags that weigh more than ~2 pounds empty
Pastel-colored bags
Arm-carry bags (no Birkin for me!)
Hardware that’s too aggressive & clunky
Lots of compartments
Bags that are too fussy to get into

Love:
Zip-top/satchel bags with adjustable crossbody strap (but only if the zipper can be tucked out of the way, like Balenciagas)
Tote/top handle bags with adjustable crossbody strap
Flap bags, but only if they’re easy to get into
An outside pocket for my phone
A zipped pocket on the inside back of the bag for my keys & pen
Yummy leather, mostly smooth (although minimally quilted can be nice, too)
Hardware that’s classic & subtle
Beautiful colors, but not too bright (black, grey, red, navy, burgundy, bronze…)
*Most important: a bag that elevates my style, even if I’m just wearing jeans & a sweater!

March Stats:

Bags in: 0
Bags out: 5 (three donated, two sold)

SLGs in & out: 0

My bag collection is now down to 19, not counting a couple of beater bags. It's been a longterm goal since I joined this thread to get below 20, where each bag has a definite function and works in terms of size, color, and comfort. I've needed to do a bit of buying and selling along the way, but I really think I'm there!

Great stats for March! good job on getting your collection to 20!

March Stats!

Bags in/out - zero
SLG's in/out - 1 out. I never thought I'd sell my H Silk'in, but I am loving the 2 Mulberry wallets - they are a perfect size, while the H is too big/long.
Scarves in/out - 4 in... Not sorry. 2 are 140 cm Mousseline (one changeant ), a Giant Triangle, and 1 90cm.

Books read/listened to - I finished Sense and Sensibility and Call The Midwife. Now listening to the Audible version of The Sandman, and reading Mary Oliver's Devotions.

Still working on the GBP, but took 2 SUV full sized donations to St Vincent De Paul. I have another stack getting ready to go as well - the MBR closet was painted... I took everything out and Mr Cookie was shocked at how much clothing he has and doesn't wear. So he's going through it this weekend. Yay!! As part of the MBR closet cleaning, I'm getting rid of some of the decor I had around the garden tub... it's all just dust catchers and I'm tired of having to move it to dust back there. I also cleared some of the things around my jewelry. I'm trying to really think if I love something, and if not get rid of it.

Digital decluttering has been a success. I went through my email and purged some things I had missed earlier, deleted a few apps (mostly ones DH has put on his devices and I have no interest in. Seriously, there's an app for your yard?), and even went through my work emails.

Great job on your declutter and March stats!

This is amazing! I smiled when I saw Mr. Grumpy. I just did a search and saw your post on this bag. I love it! I’m sure it brings a smile to everyone who’ve seen it



It would be my Aspinal of London Mayfair in evergreen patent croc and smooth leather. It’s a recent purchase and she’s very luxe, with a great price tag too. I hope to add another one in navy to my collection if it goes on sale.

View attachment 5040741

Another bag that gets a lot of compliments is my Proenza Schouler PS1 in amethyst. I bought this one on Yoogi’s at an unbelievable price and she’s such a gorgeous shade of purple. Super lightweight too.
(Excuse the messy background, I took this photo while in the middle of moving)

View attachment 5040746

Beautiful bags, I love your aspinal bag!

Excellent conversation starter @jblended!
What I like in a bag:

• Clean lines
• Great leather
• Semi structured bags
• Top handle with a long strap
• Multiple ways to carry the bag, versatility
• Easy access
• Back slip pocket
• Medium size

What I don't like in a bag:

• Anything heavy
• Too big
• Wide base
• Boxy shape
• Short straps

Agreed!

March stats:
Bags In: 0
Bags out: 0
Accessories In: 2
Accessories Out: 8
Total out: 17


March YTD
Bags In: 0
Bags Out: 1
Accessories In: 4
Jewelry and Accessories Out: 29
Total out : 280

I have several boxes and bags for donation but I just haven’t had the ambition to haul them out to charity.
New jewelry was an H CDC bracelet in black box and gold, and the Lapponia Galactic Peaks necklace.

Great job on your March stats!

Love your list.

Definitely my Gucci Queen Margaret (probably because of the big honking bee!).
View attachment 5041144
View attachment 5041145

Beautiful! I can see why you get compliments!

March & YTD Update, Stats and Challenges

• March Challenges
  • Happy Bag
    • Black Reissue - 3x
    • Burgundy Coco Handle - 2x
  • Digital Detox - deleted emails, unused apps and bookmarks, reviewed and deleted files in my downloads folder
• Carried 17 bags / 17
• Exited 18 items - household items, sports equipment and kids shoes
• I can empathize with Kermit’s journey, picture below

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

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

View attachment 5041256

Great job on the March stats! I feel you on Kermit! same here!

@jblended I buy physical copies of my favourite books and try to be very selective about it, and for the rest, I buy it on my e-reader to save physical space around the house. Collecting books is like curating your bag collection, there may be many books that you like, just like with bags, but it's not realistic nor financially feasible to get all of them. So you select the few that you want to keep physical copies of (such as a particular edition of a favourite book or art books), and the rest you can put on your e-reader. I use a Kobo e-reader (not sure if it's available in the states), and it allows me to borrow electronic books from our public library as well. Not sure if kindle can do that but if so, it would be great to have access to all the books you wish while saving space.

@momasaurus Since the pandemic began I've developed a love for silk scarves and also saw your pictures in the scarf thread, they are all so beautiful!

@momasaurus Speaking of Aspinal of London, I wanted another Mayfair bag (in either bordeaux or navy) but didn't want to pay full price. The bordeaux one just went on sale today and I snatched it up so fast! I have now reached my 30 bag limit and will not buy more unless I get rid of more bags. This is how the bordeaux one looks like (photo taken from their website). @Kimbashop has this bag too and posted amazing photos of this lovely bag in the "handbag you're wearing today" thread
View attachment 5041726

@JenJBS I use e-reader for the same reason. You can fit so many books on it and fit it into about any handbag. An entire library with you on the go always!

Congrats on your new bag! Same! I carry mine most places! I too have an e-reader a kindle, I recently upgraded to the newer kindle version that is waterproof, and a larger storage space so that I can hold more books on it. I love it!

Not as elegant as the scarf I had to return, but full of Hermès symbolism without the stuffiness. “Puzzle”View attachment 5042148View attachment 5042150

it's beautiful!

Oh no, you didn’t phrase anything wrong! I just meant, I am also in awe of those members who are so good and thorough about answering everyone and following up on anything, and knowing myself, if I felt inspired and tried to do that I would get frustrated and feel blocked. So I just carry along and jump in and yes, feel perfectly welcome doing that too!



Oh but it is so interesting.

I credit Wodehouse with having saved my life. Several times.
It is difficult to imagine now, but without internet and instant access to anything, without counseling being the normal and accesible thing it is nowadays... Sometimes (often!), all you had to hold to was a good book, and if it was a book that could transport you to an absurd but hilarious world for hours, that was medicine!



That’s fabulous!
Can I ask your intel on the Kelly wallet? Because I love clutches, I am always thinking I would enjoy having one. But each time I seriously consider it, I decide it is perhaps too much of a wallet....



In the German city where I live they have installed these bookcases in the street (they are called Offener Bucherschrank), where you can leave your books and pick up any you want. They are very popular, the turnover is fast, and now it is my place of choice to dispose of books. I am fortunuate to have this one just around the corner!

View attachment 5042449

I would love this if it were available in my city!
I'm catching up on everyone's posts, I've been nursing my sick kitty back to health. She's doing so is doing much better, i'm relieved! She scared me a bit, I love her so much!

Mar 2021 Stats
Bags - 0 in, 0 out
SLGs - 0 in, 0 out
Scarves-1 in, 1 out

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

 

[keodi]

Talking about books and book storage, this is what I did during last lockdown (which was one year ago, oh my God, how did this whole year all happen? ).

I have always be tempted but also found it too childish and Instagrammy, and, you know, not intellectual enough... But I thought what the hell.
And then I was so surprised how well it works for me. It is easier for books to stay organized (before they were in alphabetical order and they always ended up a mess). Plus, because I have such a visual memory, it is actually often easier for me to find a book now, which I was really surprised to find out!

I am even considering to do my other bookshelf (art and big books) in this lockdown...

View attachment 5042467

View attachment 5042466

I love the colour coordination!

 

[dcooney4]

I love reading books in the bath too, but I am bad and use my reader when I do it lol.



Like others, I am flummoxed by the comprehensiveness of your posts! Amazing!



Makes sense. Out of curiosity what size do you have? I got the mini and while I love small bags overall, in this case it just holds a lot less than I anticipated. Another aspect of it being a bad call.

I have the small bayswater satchel in oxblood that I use and occasionally tuck the flap. The black is not used and I listed it.

 

[momasaurus]

I use my iPhone, which may be the source of the multiquote issue...don’t have an iPad because the phone does all I need it to and never use the laptop.

I stopped reading the SOTD because I couldn’t keep up! While all the “thank yous” are great (those ladies are a very polite bunch), it makes that thread so hard to follow. Which is a shame because there is great stuff on there...

You should have seen SOTD before the "like" function. OMG with the thank you's and you are so kind's and the people who feel the need to comment on every single post. I know that is their standard for civility, but......
Since my avatar recently added O.G. mysteriously, I learned that I've been here 10 years (Original Gangsta or something I don't understand), so I get to vent if I want, LOLOL.

 

[BowieFan1971]

I’m loving all these conversations about books. DH and I are both book lovers and as academics we have an embarrassing amount. Mine are mostly in my office and his are, well, everywhere. He also has a collection of rare books passed down to him from his family, on display in Our living room. So, yeah, books. Love them. But they sure are space hogs.

lately I’ve been getting into audible. It’s really fun to hear books read aloud. I’m in two book clubs and I tend to borrow the books from other members or hear them on audible because I don’t dare bring any more books into the house.

we have a cute litttle neighborhood lending “library” that is just a small box resembling a little house with a door on it You can place books in the box for others to read and take ones you wish to read. Anyone have those where they live? Ours was created by our neighbor, who dedicated the little library to the memory of her husband.

We have those around in the Metro area. Seems to be a neighborhood thing. Love them!

 

[momasaurus]

@jblended I buy physical copies of my favourite books and try to be very selective about it, and for the rest, I buy it on my e-reader to save physical space around the house. Collecting books is like curating your bag collection, there may be many books that you like, just like with bags, but it's not realistic nor financially feasible to get all of them. So you select the few that you want to keep physical copies of (such as a particular edition of a favourite book or art books), and the rest you can put on your e-reader. I use a Kobo e-reader (not sure if it's available in the states), and it allows me to borrow electronic books from our public library as well. Not sure if kindle can do that but if so, it would be great to have access to all the books you wish while saving space.

@momasaurus Since the pandemic began I've developed a love for silk scarves and also saw your pictures in the scarf thread, they are all so beautiful!

@momasaurus Speaking of Aspinal of London, I wanted another Mayfair bag (in either bordeaux or navy) but didn't want to pay full price. The bordeaux one just went on sale today and I snatched it up so fast! I have now reached my 30 bag limit and will not buy more unless I get rid of more bags. This is how the bordeaux one looks like (photo taken from their website). @Kimbashop has this bag too and posted amazing photos of this lovely bag in the "handbag you're wearing today" thread
View attachment 5041726

@JenJBS I use e-reader for the same reason. You can fit so many books on it and fit it into about any handbag. An entire library with you on the go always!

Thanks so much for the scarf love. I have a fairly large collection (almost unmanageable), but others on that thread have many many times more, so one never feels too guilty there!
If I were buying a new bag, this Aspinall would be a contender. I do still have a tab open to their website at all times!!!

 

[BowieFan1971]

You should have seen SOTD before the "like" function. OMG with the thank you's and you are so kind's and the people who feel the need to comment on every single post. I know that is their standard for civility, but......
Since my avatar recently added O.G. mysteriously, I learned that I've been here 10 years (Original Gangsta or something I don't understand), so I get to vent if I want, LOLOL.

I understand the civility, but I want some meat with my potatoes. I peeked in there again after 2 weeks (since before my trip and playing catch up after) and there was almost 100 pages!!!!!!!! lovely ladies, but geesh!