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]

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

Yes!!!! Apple Care. You can get it on Amazon. Even works on vachetta without darkening it.

 

[whateve]

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

It's so cute! I was amazed at how many ways you could wear it.

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.

That was the same for me. They kept trying to push that dark purple when I wanted a prettier color.

 

[whateve]

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

Most people on the forum like the older stuff from the previous designer, not the current one. They went in a completely different direction when they changed designers. I have two older BV bags that I love. One of the best things about them you can't see in a photo - the quality of the leather.

 

[SouthernPurseGal]

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:
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 my small Sofia too.

 

[SouthernPurseGal]

Sharing the bag love at my mom's for Easter since they and I are fully vaccinated now.

 

[whateve]

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

My go to conditioner is Leather CPR. It's the best. You can sometimes find it at Bed Bath & Beyond. Sometimes at Tuesday Morning, Marshalls, etc. Or it is on Amazon and probably ebay.

For a sheen and stain/water protection, I use Blackrock Leather n Rich, but it sometimes will temporarily darken.

 

[whateve]

View attachment 5044392View attachment 5044394
Sharing the bag love at my mom's for Easter since they and I are fully vaccinated now.

These pictures are so cute - your coin purse peeking out on one side and your dog on the other.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I'm not caught up on the thread at all, but just jumping in here and will catch up later!

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

I have also bought Apple brand leather cleaner and conditioner but never used it.

 

[SouthernPurseGal]

These pictures are so cute - your coin purse peeking out on one side and your dog on the other.

Thank you! I actually put my keys in there! That chow chow pouch was the best and my only Kate spade purchase!!

 

[sherrylynn]

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

Love this! I haven't been keeping up with BV, as I'm not keen on the new styles. Going to have to check this out.

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:
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 your new bags, especially the Ferragamo!!

 

[880]

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.

@BowieFan1971, some of the Maier stuff looks better IRL or worn, than on the website. Also, give it time; BV grows on a person, just like Hermes
@Jereni, +1 with @whateve re a very tiny amount of blackrock conditioner (but not for lamb skin) for occasional use. Hpwever, I prefer to send my bags out for @docride spa.

 

[BowieFan1971]

@BowieFan1971, some of the Maier stuff looks better IRL or worn, than on the website. Also, give it time; BV grows on a person, just like Hermes

Noooooooo! One rabbit hole is enough!!!!

 

[afroken]

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.

Agree with you on Mlouye. I know someone who has one of their bags and while it looked cute, it wasn't very functional/practical. It looked so fussy to open and it didn't look like she was able to fit in much beyond a card holder and phone. It also looked very stiff in person. I had my eye on Mlouye at one point too as they had a pretty green bag, but I think their bags looked prettier on instagram than in person.

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 ....

I just googled purple Sofia and it is very pretty! I hope you'll be able to find one soon! You've renewed my interest in Ferragamo bags. I've mainly purchased their shoes and scarves (which are also amazing).

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

I use Apple for Balenciaga Cities, Coach's own conditioner for Coach bags, and Leather Honey and Collonil for the rest.

 

[dcooney4]

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:
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 adore your choices. That blue Ferragamo is so my cup of tea.

 

[keodi]

#KittyLuv soooo cute!!!!

Thank you!

Incredible stats for the month, and year!

So glad kitty is on the mend. It's hard when our sweet fluffs are sick. She's a beauty!

Thank you!

Gorgeous!
Mine is not so neatly organized, a librairian would faint - but I can find what I'm looking for!
(I posted a few pics on insta, will find them and post for giggles)

Thank you sweet Keodi!
I'm so glad your dear kitty is feeling better!

Thank you, I am too, I was in such a panic when was not doing so well.

Just for giggles - a few pic of my books!
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I love your set up!

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.


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!

Thank you for the well wishes on my Kitty, she's doing a lot better! I agree with you on Chevre leather.

@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 is fantastic! Congratulations!!

What Tory Burch bag did you get?



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.

Congratulations on your weight loss!!

Thank you so much!

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)?

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.


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.

Agreed!

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

I use apple and Coach

Most people on the forum like the older stuff from the previous designer, not the current one. They went in a completely different direction when they changed designers. I have two older BV bags that I love. One of the best things about them you can't see in a photo - the quality of the leather.

Agreed, I miss the old BV, I'm not a fan of the new direction the company went to

View attachment 5044392View attachment 5044394
Sharing the bag love at my mom's for Easter since they and I are fully vaccinated now.

Beautiful new bag, I love it!

I adore your choices. That blue Ferragamo is so my cup of tea.

Agreed, @Kimbashop That Ferragamo is lovely!