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.

 

[afroken]

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....

Races about BV? What happened? I’m assuming you’re talking about Bottega Veneta?

I’m not crazy for their recent designs with Daniel Lee, but that’s just me, I know he has many fans I like lots of Tomas Maier’s stuff.

 

[Bag peace]

That's wonderful!

Thank you so much!

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.

I love the way it looks, especially paired with that scarf!
Really dumb question but, do you normally line the bag with a scarf or is it just sitting on top of your bag's contents (ready to be worn when you want it)?

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.

Thank you!
Congratulations on your milestone weight loss. I am honestly baffled that you feel you need to lose even more weight. I love the way you look with your red hair and your overall style (is it okay to say that? I mean it in a non-creepy way, I promise LOL).
However, I'm happy for you to reach you personal goals and will cheer you on because I want you to feel your personal best.

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....

I'm not a fan of anything current either, but I see the older styles people carry (IRL) and they're absolutely stunning, particularly when they're a little aged and the leather has developed character. I think part of what's put me off the brand's new stuff is how heavily it's being pushed by influencers.

 

[afroken]

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.

Congratulations! I’ve read about your health struggles on the forum and am so glad that you’re getting better. You’re always being so encouraging and rooting for everyone else, I hope that before long, you’ll get healthier and healthier. You’ve got the entire community here behind you

 

[BowieFan1971]

Races about BV? What happened? I’m assuming you’re talking about Bottega Veneta?

I’m not crazy for their recent designs with Daniel Lee, but that’s just me, I know he has many fans I like lots of Tomas Maier’s stuff.

Raves....stupid autocorrect....and yes, Bottega Veneta. I thought I would like SOMETHING! But no...

 

[essiedub]

Just for giggles - a few pic of my books!
View attachment 5042774View attachment 5042775View attachment 5042776

I love Love looking at bookshelves! Especially those that are artfully arranged! And therein lies the problem..what to do when the books “reproduce” (to quote ElainePG )...

 

[essiedub]

[B]@[B]880 Your thoughtful response to each person's post astounds me! There are several of you on this thread who excel at this (and I'm in awe of each of you[/B]).[/B]
I always find my jaw on the floor when I see how thorough everyone is, while I barely manage to get caught up and (hopefully) make a post that is relevant to the current discussion!

Not for nothing but, I do so love being a student in here. So much brilliance to absorb and so much for me to learn as everyone shares their views on various topics.

Ditto - to the bolded text
Double ditto - on the underlined

Thanks for saying exactly what I think!

Awwwh, thank you so much your kind words! Im inspired by many TPFers here! Plus, mild insomnia my memory isn’t that good, so I cheat by multi quote and then delete as I write text. The process is pretty quick. hugs
P.S. Love the owl bag!

Ah so clever..I will try this.

So am I! ]@More bags might be the absolute queen of this skill, but I know I've seen @keodi and @Cookiefiend[[/B]/USER] do it as well...and I'm trying to remember the others because I'm sure there are more (sorry to anyone I've left out, my memory is shockingly bad for my age).
It always has me floored because [B]it's just so considerate... that our pocket friends take the time and make the effort to carefully read all the posts, and then make sure everyone feels heard and individually responded to.
It's what makes this thread feel so cosy[/B]. :heart:

Right there with you! Never a decent night's sleep. :annoyed:

Ahh! That is so clever! Note to self: use this hack! :lol::hugs:
[/QUOTE]
?

Agree!
And @Sparkletastic to that list also..but where are you

 

[Bag peace]

Congratulations! I’ve read about your health struggles on the forum and am so glad that you’re getting better. You’re always being so encouraging and rooting for everyone else, I hope that before long, you’ll get healthier and healthier. You’ve got the entire community here behind you

Oh wow! You're far too kind! Thank you ever so much, this means more to me than you can imagine! I feel so lucky knowing that I've had the support of my pocket friends during some really rough times, and I only hope I can support you all in some small way.

____
On the subject matter of not getting why there's a lot of fuss around a specific brand (per @BowieFan1971 's post): I got the chance to see some Mlouye bags on my walk yesterday. They do really interesting shapes (which is usually what I am drawn to) but I wasn't impressed otherwise. The leather didn't feel great and the bags were just underwhelming, not quite living up to the pictures I'd seen online.
I suppose these bags would be good for someone who likes very hard, structured bags. I prefer semi-structured bags with a little slouch (like a camera bag).
Besides the boxiness of them, several of the designs were not user-friendly at all, with tight interior space and very tight openings which would make it difficult to get things in and out, and every style had extremely rigid shoulder straps that would certainly be uncomfortable.
There's a lot of hype around this brand, but I now think that's likely down to the novelty factor rather than the leather quality or functionality.
I was petting my Coach bag the whole time and thinking how much nicer that leather was for a fraction of the price.
I see that others on tpf have these bags and love them, so it's clearly just not to my personal taste. I'd pick a Loewe (which, for some inexplicable reason, Mlouye bags are often compared to) over this brand any day.

 

[JenJBS]

@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.

Congratulations!

 

[JenJBS]

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

I want the Small Bulb in smooth black leather...

 

[Jereni]

Thank you!
Thank you!
Congratulations on your milestone weight loss. I am honestly baffled that you feel you need to lose even more weight. I love the way you look with your red hair and your overall style (is it okay to say that? I mean it in a non-creepy way, I promise LOL).
However, I'm happy for you to reach you personal goals and will cheer you on because I want you to feel your personal best.

Aww thank you. For sure - I know I’m far from heavy and technically don’t need to lose weight. But I’ve always wanted to get ripped and be super trim. About 4 years ago I was at my most fit (~137 lbs) and I just felt like a million bucks every day so I’m hoping to get back into that neighborhood. Maybe between 140 and 145...

Raves....stupid autocorrect....and yes, Bottega Veneta. I thought I would like SOMETHING! But no...

Hahahaa yeah ‘new BV’ seems to not be for everyone and even for me it’s hit or miss. I love the Pouch, and the Bulb. The Arco too, or at least I thought. But extreme dislike for the triangle bag, and the one with the pointy flap.

 

[Kimbashop]

Bag Stats:
2 out (4 by the end of the day as I'm giving a couple of bags to my neighbor)
3 in
2 listed

I love the 3 that came in. I'm still in my "formative" years of bag collecting-- didn't start until 5 years ago and still figuring out what I like. So I have really appreciated reading everyone's likes and dislikes, some of which I share and others I hadn't thought of before but were helpful.

Likes:

• softly structured satchels and hobos
• crossbody bags that are small and structured
• vintage and vintage-inspired bags
• no logos
• classic styles
• school-style satchels
• soft leather with a sheen
• box leather
• slim profiles
• minimal backpacks

Dislikes

• bags with lots of logos
• fussy bags with lots of things going on; the exception is the Bal moto bag design, which seems to keep all of those elements (tassels, hardware, stitching) in perfect order
• big structured bags in stiff leather
• wide, boxy bags

Unclear

• totes -- I don't totally dislike them because I own a number of them! I should clarify that I find them useful for lots of things like shopping, work-life, carrying things to the beach, etc. But if I have to choose a bag for the day, I wouldn't choose my totes. I prefer a single handle or crossbody instead.

The 3 bags that came in represent my leanings toward vintage bags, but they are new in style for me because of how structured they are. These are Aspinal of London Mayfair bags (I'm bag twins with @afroken with both of these bags. And thanks to @JenJBS for introducing me to this company). One is the older style which is a bit longer than their updated version. They have a mirror pocket, a feature from a lot of bags from the 50s and a top handle, but they also have lovely crossbody straps which makes them easy errand/day bags. The quality is exceptional and they seem to have ongoing sales on their bags.

These two are not this bright in inside light. In fact, the red bag is actually a deep burgundy:


The third bag is so "me" that I can't seem to put it down: a softly structured, classic, minimal, and elegant design, great organization in terms of compartments and layout, multiple ways of carrying, and just a touch of bling. It is a discontinued Ferragamo style called Sofia that I got for a total steal. I love this bag so darn much that I may just start collecting them in different colors. It has a bit of a Bal City vibe, but can be dressed up a bit more, I think:

 

[BowieFan1971]

Bag Stats:
2 out (4 by the end of the day as I'm giving a couple of bags to my neighbor)
3 in
2 listed

I love the 3 that came in. I'm still in my "formative" years of bag collecting-- didn't start until 5 years ago and still figuring out what I like. So I have really appreciated reading everyone's likes and dislikes, some of which I share and others I hadn't thought of before but were helpful.

Likes:

• softly structured satchels and hobos
• crossbody bags that are small and structured
• vintage and vintage-inspired bags
• no logos
• classic styles
• school-style satchels
• soft leather with a sheen
• box leather
• slim profiles
• minimal backpacks

Dislikes

• bags with lots of logos
• fussy bags with lots of things going on; the exception is the Bal moto bag design, which seems to keep all of those elements (tassels, hardware, stitching) in perfect order
• big structured bags in stiff leather
• wide, boxy bags

Unclear

• totes -- I don't totally dislike them because I own a number of them! I should clarify that I find them useful for lots of things like shopping, work-life, carrying things to the beach, etc. But if I have to choose a bag for the day, I wouldn't choose my totes. I prefer a single handle or crossbody instead.

The 3 bagthat came in represent my leanings toward vintage bags, but they are new in style for me because of how structured they are. These are Aspinal of London Mayfair bags (I'm bag twins with @afroken with both of these bags. And thanks to @JenJBS for introducing me to this company). One is the older style which is a bit longer than their updated version. They have a mirror pocket, a feature from a lot of bags from the 50s and a top handle, but they also have lovely crossbody straps which makes them easy errand/day bags. The quality is exceptional and they seem to have ongoing sales on their bags.

These two are not this bright in inside light. In fact, the red bag is actually a deep burgundy:
View attachment 5044156

The third bag is so "me" that I can't seem to put it down: a softly structured, classic, minimal, and elegant design, great organization in terms of compartments and layout, multiple ways of carrying, and just a touch of bling. It is a discontinued Ferragamo style called Sofia that I got for a total steal. I love this bag so darn much that I may just start collecting them in different colors. It has a bit of a Bal City vibe, but can be dressed up a bit more, I think:
View attachment 5044158

I love those bags!

 

[JenJBS]

Bag Stats:
2 out (4 by the end of the day as I'm giving a couple of bags to my neighbor)
3 in
2 listed

I love the 3 that came in. I'm still in my "formative" years of bag collecting-- didn't start until 5 years ago and still figuring out what I like. So I have really appreciated reading everyone's likes and dislikes, some of which I share and others I hadn't thought of before but were helpful.

Likes:

• softly structured satchels and hobos
• crossbody bags that are small and structured
• vintage and vintage-inspired bags
• no logos
• classic styles
• school-style satchels
• soft leather with a sheen
• box leather
• slim profiles
• minimal backpacks

Dislikes

• bags with lots of logos
• fussy bags with lots of things going on; the exception is the Bal moto bag design, which seems to keep all of those elements (tassels, hardware, stitching) in perfect order
• big structured bags in stiff leather
• wide, boxy bags

Unclear

• totes -- I don't totally dislike them because I own a number of them! I should clarify that I find them useful for lots of things like shopping, work-life, carrying things to the beach, etc. But if I have to choose a bag for the day, I wouldn't choose my totes. I prefer a single handle or crossbody instead.

The 3 bagthat came in represent my leanings toward vintage bags, but they are new in style for me because of how structured they are. These are Aspinal of London Mayfair bags (I'm bag twins with @afroken with both of these bags. And thanks to @JenJBS for introducing me to this company). One is the older style which is a bit longer than their updated version. They have a mirror pocket, a feature from a lot of bags from the 50s and a top handle, but they also have lovely crossbody straps which makes them easy errand/day bags. The quality is exceptional and they seem to have ongoing sales on their bags.

These two are not this bright in inside light. In fact, the red bag is actually a deep burgundy:
View attachment 5044156

The third bag is so "me" that I can't seem to put it down: a softly structured, classic, minimal, and elegant design, great organization in terms of compartments and layout, multiple ways of carrying, and just a touch of bling. It is a discontinued Ferragamo style called Sofia that I got for a total steal. I love this bag so darn much that I may just start collecting them in different colors. It has a bit of a Bal City vibe, but can be dressed up a bit more, I think:
View attachment 5044158

Love all three of these bags! Ferragamo is so underrated! I can see why you'd want the Sofia style in more colors.

 

[Kimbashop]

Thanks you @BowieFan1971 and @JenJBS-- they are all so pretty and fun. Ferragamo really is underrated. I can't believe I don't hear more about them. I have been tracking some Sofia colors. There is a purple one out there somewhere, and it is really pretty ....

 

[Jereni]

Misc question for the group - does anyone use a leather conditioner on their bags? And if so which brand?