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.

 

[880]

thank you @whateve, @Kimbashop for your kind words. I love vintage dead stock clothing.
@keodi, I hope your cat is okay.
@doni, the shelves look amazing.
Re the free lending library systems. from my own experience in NY apartment buildings, where there are communal laundry rooms where resident owners tend to do their own laundry, there is usually at least one corner of floor to ceiling bookshelves for people to share, borrow, or take. (I have also lived in more white glove buildings where staff primarily use the communal laundry rooms, and there is no such library corner). Our new apartment is located in a group of four prewar buildings surrounding a garden. There is a communal library, game room, and dining/conference room, but no one used these rooms even before covid. there are future plans to replace with a gym.

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

I love clutches and I love the BBK longue wallet too, and yes, you are right, the BBK is absolutely too much of a wallet. I think @Cookiefiend felt this way about her beloved silk in. Years ago, i thought I’d buy a kelly pochette or kelly cut bc I thought the kelly longue wallet was too small for a stand alone clutch. I never bought any bc I became distracted by various jiges and then I briefly thought I wanted a CDC medor more. Last year, when mini bags were still fashionable, and I thought why not wear a kelly longue wallet as a clutch simply to justify the fact that I fell in love with a NIB BBK longue, phw, from a Japanese reseller.

I adore box leathers patina and structure in a bag, but box is not a good idea in a wallet. The BBK card slots are stiff, so much so that I often just dump my cc back into the middle spaces. The middle doesn’t have enough room for my iphone 10 case (okay technically it can fit, but the wallet won’t close) and the sanglers are stiff too, so they’re always splayed open. Even so, it’s a struggle to get things out (and it’s hard to even see the cards in the dark interior. You will aggravate everyone in line behind you who has to wait for you to dig out payment. It also weighs 323 grams or over 11 ounces with normal light stuff inside like a few CCs, license, cash, no coins. (what I carry could easily fit into a calvi).

But I love plenty of impractical things that are beautiful, and, when I want to go super light, I actually function quite well with my cc in one cargo pants pocket; phone in the other; and, keys around the neck. This is why I had agreed with @Jereni re liking compartments in small bags. If you don’t carry much of anything, why not?

I did also have a vintage chèvre kelly longue. It was softened and slots were easy to use, lighter and skinnier, so more practical. But, chèvre easily took on the imprint of items placed inside, and I discovered that I am one of thr few TPFers that really really dislike the flattened sheen of aged chevre. it’s neither smooth saddle leather nor raised pebbled leather, both of which would have provided more heft and form. The soft chèvre was somewhat sadly flaccid. It was also gold hw, and I am not a ghw person. I donated it to a friend who would appreciate it. note: I like structured bags (I prefer sellier kelly bags) but I don’t necessarily mind softer silhouettes so long as they are consistent with the items character. The kelly in chèvre leather just didn’t feel right. HTH!

 

[Bag peace]

@doni Your post on reading Wodehouse during dark days really moved me.
Love your colour coordinated bookcase. I thought this was normal until I read people's responses. My mum kept our books coordinated by colour (white on top, then rainbow colours, finally black) so that we could find the books were looking for more easily. It's a brilliant system. You can always find the book you're looking for.

@Cookiefiend I want to play in your home library!

@keodi What a relief that your gorgeous kitty is on the mend! She's a stunner!

____
Edit: and a personal update that is of no interest to anyone but myself, but I'm so happy! I've managed to reach 48.5kgs! It's only the second time in my life I've been a normal-ish weight for my height (and the last time was due to being on corticosteroids for ages).
The quarantine and lack of movement has helped tremendously with this weight gain! I may be the only person on the planet to be happy about that.

 

[BowieFan1971]

Congrats! I wish I was as happy with the weight I’ve gained the last few years. But I am still in the (upper) range of healthy, so.... But I do need to exercise and eat a little healthier.

 

[Bag peace]

Congrats! I wish I was as happy with the weight I’ve gained the last few years. But I am still in the (upper) range of healthy, so.... But I do need to exercise and eat a little healthier.

I do, too! I've been on bed rest so long that I really miss moving! And I'm sick of junk food and really want to eat salad again!

Seriously though, thank you! Normally I'm not fussed with numbers and I think so long as you feel good in your skin, it doesn't matter at all what the scale says. Confidence and happiness matter so much more, and health markers are not as simple as 'X weight=good'; our bodies are more complex than that.
However, I got absolutely terrified when my weight plummeted with covid. It's been a singular focus for me these past months to get my weight back up to normal.
The biggest change has been that I no longer need to wear 3 layers of thermals under my clothing. I thought being freezing cold all the time was a long-covid symptom but it is clear now it was due to my weight loss.

 

[More bags]

@jblended I hope you have the most amazing, special birthday celebration! Thanks for sharing you quirky Mr. Grumpy and owl bag, they make me smile.
@Jereni congratulations on your stats. You’ve showcased a beautiful bag collection and it is fun to see how you continue to evolve and curate a stunning collection that really reflects your style. I’m sorry you’re encountering frustrations wih some of your newer additions. When I was lamenting some failures to a friend, he said that I hadn’t failed, that I had been given lessons. I also had been thinking about a bag for more than a year, bought the bag <elated> and released it two years later. I can empathize with you, try not to be so hard on yourself. Lessons are part of learning, for me the not successful choices are the ones I learn more from and remember. Sending hugs
@ElainePG huge congratulations on your stats, 5 bags out!!!
Holy moly, do you care to share what exited your closet and share any thoughts on your evaluation process?
Congratulations, especially, on reaching your <20 bags goal. You must be so proud!
@doni well done on your stats! Congratulations on your new BV Bulb and vintage YSL blazer, it sounds amazing. I am certainly tempted by white bags after all of the lovely bags that everyone shared. Good luck with finding your special white bag!
@Vintage Leather your most complimented bags are stunning!
@mariliz11 great stats, congratulations on adding 2 wish list bags and all your outs. Good luck with your sales.
@dcooney4, congratulations on your 2 bags out. I hope you enjoy the new bags that are staying. Have fun with your projects, it’s so fun to create things with our hands. I love the work you’ve shared and I really like your current avatar painting.
@Cookiefiend great stats. I love the silk’in style, too. I am waiting for the perfect red compact silk’in wallet. You have he most amazing scarves. Your GBP, whoa, 2 SUV sized donations!!! That is outstanding. Kudos on the digital detox, too. You have been busy!
Thanks for sharing the book recommendations, I love hearing what people are reading.
@afroken your Mayfair is jaw dropping gorgeous. Your PS1 is the most amazing shade of purple.

 

[More bags]

@Vintage Leather great stats, you are making solid headway on your 2021 total out goal! Congratulations on your CDC and your Lapponia Galactic Peaks necklace. I googled the necklace and it is stunning!

Love your list.

Thank you dear dc
@Kimbashop @afroken well done on releasing things/creating physical space to create mental space.
@BowieFan1971 sorry to hear the Prada hobo didn’t work for you. Congrats on making a quick decision and good luck with your sale.
@whateve your most complimented bags are so pretty! The colourful edging on your MK is so fun. Congratulations on your new Kate Spade, it’s a beautiful colour.
@BowieFan1971 thanks for your book review, I am adding it to my reading list.
@Jereni your most complimented Celine micro luggage sounds like a great bag. I have heard a lot of people rave about it.
@ElainePG your Gucci Queen Margaret is stunning, the bee is a piece of jewelry! I was when I read your books are reproducing at night!
Sorry to hear your Capucines hasn’t sold, it is an amazing shade of red and I know you love red bags.
@SakuraSakura great LV White MC Sarah Wallet, it is so pretty.

 

[More bags]

Brilliant stats and great work on the challenges!

Thank you dear @jblended
Thanks also for the kind mention. I love the knowledge and experience posters on this thread share so openly and candidly about many topics. It’s a great community.
@mariliz11 I love your Ivoire Epi Speedy 25, you’ve kept in great shape!
@880 Wow you donated some beauties to your friend, I am sure your friend will love them. Congratulations on creating both physical and mental space. You have great style and I love the storytelling and amazing pieces you share with us. How is your MIL doing? Best wishes with your apartment renovations. The Texas Castles link made me

About the multi quote function, it depends on the device you're using. I sometimes can't post links to articles, and other times I can't multi quote or 'like' a post when I'm not on my laptop. So it's not you, it's the UI of the forums. .

Yes, this! My ipad multi quote privileges seem to have been revoked and I often implement @880 ’ s technique to use the @ mention to speed things along.
@Cookiefiend eeek thinking about selling your home of the past 18 years, that is deep emotional attachment. Good luck with the decluttering process and enjoying all of the memories that flow forward.
@BowieFan1971 @Cookiefiend @momasaurus @jblended thank you for mentioning the SOTD thread. I can chime in with being overwhelmed too. The scarves and knots are beautiful and I couldn’t keep up either.

 

[whateve]

@doni Your post on reading Wodehouse during dark days really moved me.
Love your colour coordinated bookcase. I thought this was normal until I read people's responses. My mum kept our books coordinated by colour (white on top, then rainbow colours, finally black) so that we could find the books were looking for more easily. It's a brilliant system. You can always find the book you're looking for.

@Cookiefiend I want to play in your home library!

@keodi What a relief that your gorgeous kitty is on the mend! She's a stunner!

____
Edit: and a personal update that is of no interest to anyone but myself, but I'm so happy! I've managed to reach 48.5kgs! It's only the second time in my life I've been a normal-ish weight for my height (and the last time was due to being on corticosteroids for ages).
The quarantine and lack of movement has helped tremendously with this weight gain! I may be the only person on the planet to be happy about that.

That's wonderful!

 

[whateve]

Stats time:

- Bags in: 1 (a BV Bulb to fulfill my small black crossbody need. One of the (if not the) most versatile bags I own).
- Bags out: 1 (and considering getting rid of another couple)
- Blazers in: 1 (vintage YSL)
- Blazers/Jackets out: at least 3

Not bad.
Still thinking I need (ok want) a white bag, but not sure which. And still eyeing the Loewe Balloon.
On the jacket front, I fulfilled my need for a golden button navy blazer to wear with jeans and replace my Balmains, and I should be well served until the Fall. But let’s see...

Can we see a picture of your bulb? I loved this style when I saw it in the store. It gave me an appreciation for Daniel Lee I didn't have before.

 

[doni]

Can we see a picture of your bulb? I loved this style when I saw it in the store. It gave me an appreciation for Daniel Lee I didn't have before.

A couple of bad pics. I really do not understand this bag is not more popular, it is so versatile. I wanted to do a post about the one hundred ways to wear it, but there really are so many, I haven’t go round to it. This is the small (in between) size.

 

[Jereni]

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.

Nice - makes sense that a lot of premier bags made the cut if you plan those purchases so carefully. I have not been as careful as that lately and it’s coming back to bite me. But is a good lesson too.

 

[Jereni]

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

The exercise I did *was* about dream bags over all, as opposed to which from my collection, but the latter is a good exercise too.

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.

Makes sense. In truth my ‘dream’ collection included a Birkin, and I’m not sure I would actually ever spend the money to get one.

 

[Jereni]

I meant to say my first Tory Burch bag.

What Tory Burch bag did you get?

Edit: and a personal update that is of no interest to anyone but myself, but I'm so happy! I've managed to reach 48.5kgs! It's only the second time in my life I've been a normal-ish weight for my height (and the last time was due to being on corticosteroids for ages).
The quarantine and lack of movement has helped tremendously with this weight gain! I may be the only person on the planet to be happy about that.

Congrats! That’s wonderful, it’s so nice when efforts to shift weight in a better direction start working out!

Last weekend I hit a milestone of 10 pounds lost which is very exciting. Another 10 to go at least, but now I’m hopeful I’d be there by this summer.

 

[Jereni]

A couple of bad pics. I really do not understand this bag is not more popular, it is so versatile. I wanted to do a post about the one hundred ways to wear it, but there really are so many, I haven’t go round to it. This is the small (in between) size.

View attachment 5043601View attachment 5043602

Cute! I also like the bulb bag. I actually want the medium size, in smooth leather. I’d probably already have it if they had more color options available, but they only have a super dark purple, black, and a weird tan/yellow and such right now.

 

[BowieFan1971]

After reading all the races/comments about BV, I went to their website. Didn’t like a single bag. Hate me, but I just don’t get it....