2022 Resolution: Shopping my own bag and SLG collection. Anyone else?

[Katinahat]

2 Aug - brand showcase: A-F
4 Sept - brand showcase: G-L
11 Sept - brand showcase: M-R
18 Sept - brand showcase: S-Z
25 Sept - totes
2 Oct - satchels
9 Oct - crossbodies inc WOCS
16 Oct - shoulder bags
23 Oct - bucket bags
30 Oct - clutches
6 Nov - backpacks
13 Nov - bags that don’t count
20 Nov - pairing bags with shoes
27 Nov - pairing bags with other accessories
4 Dec - bag storage
11 Dec - SLGs
18 Dec - charms

Challenges:
Sept - bags in different locations
Oct - Halloween: wear orange or black bags
Nov - International Merlot Day: wear wine coloured bags or pair bags with wine.
Dec - use the bag.

 

[poizenisxkandee]

Clothes that don’t look good on anyone over a size 4 or over the age of 35. When will they realize the majority of women don’t meet those parameters which means that the majority of money out there doesn’t either…. That’s why at a certain point in a woman’s life, fashion becomes irrelevant and style becomes everything.

This is so true! Luckily I learned it early and it stuck. In college once I had bought a shirt that was final sale but a little too snug for me and gave it to a friend. Her bf asked if she borrowed it from me because it didn't seem like her but more like me

For this past Christmas, my parents gifted me the exact same sweater I had bought myself just a few days earlier without even having it on my wishlist or knowing the other had been shopping at the same place. I feel like that's just a testament to my consistent style haha

 

[poizenisxkandee]

Anna Wintour has had the same style for 30 years so I think she'd all approve if we went our own way.

I remember she was bemoaning the catwalks at one point because she was saying the only new thing is the styling, nothing to do with the pieces themselves. What the designers sell us on is the lifestyle, 'story' and mood of the clothes.

What's nice about influencers, people on the street and tPF is we take styling ideas from each other using (hopefully) what we own already or can find to make our main wardrobes feel exciting to us again.

I have some IRL friends who do a challenge like this on Instagram! They name a couple current trends and challenge each other and their followers to style something in their existing wardrobe to meet that trend.

 

[BowieFan1971]

Pulled my second least worn that is not new. This one I wear happily.

View attachment 5286955

Had one of these and I sold it. Kinda wish I hadn’t…so cute!!!!!

 

[papertiger]

Pulled my second least worn that is not new. This one I wear happily.

View attachment 5286955

Love this one, looks so Deco with the Damier

 

[papertiger]

I think those of us who love fashion love seeing anyone of just about any style make it “work”.

Unlike you, however, I don’t know, work in or actively follow fashion. I have to stumble around. Lol!

So peeking out from the cave of Covid, I’m blinking half blinded into the fashion abyss and just looking for 2 or 3 trends I can really leverage. For example chain belts are in. I guess I could do a “quiet” chain belt over a dress. Not excited about that idea bc it feels fussy and dated but I’ll play around with it. Mini skirts are in. I could do the longest of minis with tights and boots for winter. Grunge meant to me that I can be on trend wearing all black, moto jackets and moto boots (not all at the same time) but the rest of that style, I’ll leave behind. But none of these really “inform” what I could / should be buying for me.

I agree with Anna. I’m not seeing anything “fresh”. Just recycled trends from decades past.

Most trends are not new but recycled trends picked up by others that haven't tried them yet and either use them ironically or a badge of identity.

I think the Dark Academia trend (AW21) was ironic, but the bright colour, cutouts and body-con a celebration of having survived the last 2 years. I was out a Sat eve in town and the young people were dressed to kill. Not sure how disco-2000 will mix with '90s grunge but we'll see.

Mini skirts are in. Micro, pleated, kilted and so forth but it's very hard to buy one atm (Saint Laurent aside) unless I want fake, trashy fast fashion from Zara or Primark (nope). Where's the middle-market trickledown fashion trend buyers when you need them? I have a few ol' minis but I'd like some more (to wear with longer/bigger jackets/blazers).

Maybe I already have them in my wardrobe. Tomorrow I'll go for a mini skirt rummage. Bags to work with the big jacket / small skirt/shorts look? Am I going to do the little bag under my arm look or the chain/long strap shoulder bag? Then I need to get out my Gucci horse-bit shoulder bags (2002, 2004 & '05) Gucci Soho Disco 2015, Chanel Tassel, Chanel backpack etc. Could be fun and a good opportunity to reuse those poor bags I haven't used for y e a r s

 

[BowieFan1971]

I've always picked and chosen what suited me from any given style season, and sometimes there's nothing there, and sometimes I find stuff I like, and then discover I already have something in my closet that works, like the fuchsia dress. The goal for me with fashion is always to pick what suits me and leave aside what doesn't. And some years, I don't even pay attention to fashion, especially if I've had other things going on in my life. I particularly look forward to spring trends because it gets my mind off the long, dreary winters here and gives me something to look forward to. Fall fashion is fun because I love the look of blazers, coats, wool dresses etc.

I guess it’s just I see people use the words fashion and style interchangeably like they are the same thing, but they aren’t. I see women who are wearing outfits that are very fashionable but that don’t flatter or ring true with how they carry themselves (looks like they are wearing a costume in a way). They maybe fashionable, but I would not call them stylish. Then I see women who are wearing an outfit that does not contain one single item that is trendy or in fashion, but they ring true, their outfit looks like an extension of who they are and they own it. Not fashionable at all, but stylish as hell.

It takes self-knowledge, strength and (sometimes) courage to be stylish, especially when you are bucking trends. When you are over a size 4 and/or over 35, that is most of the time because one look at the models designers use to showcase their clothes shows that it was NOT designed for you or with you in mind, even if they deign to make it in your size. I guess I have a bone to pick with fashion….

 

[Sparkletastic]

I have some IRL friends who do a challenge like this on Instagram! They name a couple current trends and challenge each other and their followers to style something in their existing wardrobe to meet that trend.

This always my first go to so I want to do it now but I’m struggling to find trends I want to work with.

Most trends are not new but recycled trends picked up by others that haven't tried them yet and either use them ironically or a badge of identity.

I think the Dark Academia trend (AW21) was ironic, but the bright colour, cutouts and body-con a celebration of having survived the last 2 years. I was out a Sat eve in town and the young people were dressed to kill. Not sure how disco-2000 will mix with '90s grunge but we'll see.

Mini skirts are in. Micro, pleated, kilted and so forth but it's very hard to buy one atm (Saint Laurent aside) unless I want fake, trashy fast fashion from Zara or Primark (nope). Where's the middle-market trickledown fashion trend buyers when you need them? I have a few ol' minis but I'd like some more (to wear with longer/bigger jackets/blazers).

Maybe I already have them in my wardrobe. Tomorrow I'll go for a mini skirt rummage. Bags to work with the big jacket / small skirt/shorts look? Am I going to do the little bag under my arm look or the chain/long strap shoulder bag? Then I need to get out my Gucci horse-bit shoulder bags (2002, 2004 & '05) Gucci Soho Disco 2015, Chanel Tassel, Chanel backpack etc. Could be fun and a good opportunity to reuse those poor bags I haven't used for y e a r s

I liked that brights is a trend but I don’t have any crayola / neon clothes in my closet and I’m not motivated to buy any.
I saw the micro blazer trend - both that and the boxy blazer trend would look terrible on me.
I’m flummoxed

 

[880]

This always my first go to so I want to do it now but I’m struggling to find trends I want to work with.
I liked that brights is a trend but I don’t have any crayola / neon clothes in my closet and I’m not motivated to buy any.
I saw the micro blazer trend - both that and the boxy blazer trend would look terrible on me.
I’m flummoxed

There are some trends that bring back awful fashion moments, like neon in the 1980s lol. No desire to go back there.

there are other trends that I’ve never experienced, but would love to. . .that I can satisfy with vintage deadstock designers like Donald Brooks, Norman Norell, Jack Feith, Adele Simpson, and defunct one of boutiques (Nan Duskin etc) etc. My favorite dress of all time, that my cousin borrowed and ruined, was a Catherine rehger full skirted wrap dress, shawl collar, slim sleeved, in silvery gray raw silk. It looked great on everyone in my family who borrowed it. I got it for 40 USD at a second hand shop, and it still had the custom design label from Bergdorfs Inside. I still mourn its loss twenty years later.

there are times when I want to fall back on old faithfuls, my signature style, as it were, updated for whatever decade we are in

there are times when I want to have fun, wear a bit of a costume, stretch my own boundaries.

I’ve loved fashion and developing my own style from thrifting to boutique shopping and many stops in between

it’s a fun form of self expression. . .nothing that I want to take too seriously

p.s. I’m now finally able to indulge my love of tutus. I remember wanting one, way back when, in the 1970s, all the kids had long hair; white frilly dresses with tulle skirts; and, white knee socks. My mom bobbed my hair and put me in these very tailored, A line short shifts with abstract appliqués. Ugh

eta: @Sparkletastic, I LOVE fringe , but I never want to be so grown up that St. John (super power dressing in 1991-2003) is appropriate . Plus (whispers) my MIL wore a cream high necked St John knit cocktail dress with some sparkle when DH and I got married in 1991.
2021 dior tutu mini and brunello fringe vest, skirt and JPG Fringe shoulder kelly. And, @docride Birkin that is inspired by my recent paintings

 

[Sparkletastic]

I guess it’s just I see people use the words fashion and style interchangeably like they are the same thing, but they aren’t. I see women who are wearing outfits that are very fashionable but that don’t flatter or ring true with how they carry themselves (looks like they are wearing a costume in a way). They maybe fashionable, but I would not call them stylish. Then I see women who are wearing an outfit that does not contain one single item that is trendy or in fashion, but they ring true, their outfit looks like an extension of who they are and they own it. Not fashionable at all, but stylish as hell.

It takes self-knowledge, strength and (sometimes) courage to be stylish, especially when you are bucking trends. When you are over a size 4 and/or over 35, that is most of the time because one look at the models designers use to showcase their clothes shows that it was NOT designed for you or with you in mind, even if they deign to make it in your size. I guess I have a bone to pick with fashion….

I love the dialogue and all the comments on fashion.

I think fashion / style / trend can live together in harmony. I am crystal clear on my style but I do love utilizing fashion to stay on trend.

Fashion and trends are something fun to play with. I don’t really care about the runway models as long as they are personally healthy. I wear a 2-4 (not counting this temporary post surgery weight that will come off in a couple months) and still rarely see my body type on a runway.

Perhaps, the challenge over time is to maintain personal style without becoming dated and stay fresh / on trend without becoming a fashion victim.

For example - St. John suits. Years ago, I would see female executives wearing them and I aspired to that level of gravitas. Now, that I’m at that level in my career, I wouldn’t wear one because they absolutely don’t fit my style and feel dated to me. Yet, on the other end, I’m not interested in wearing clothes with cut outs on the hips, etc. The look is modern and on trend but also does not suit my style. A third trend - fringe - intrigues me. It’s not “me” but, I saw a cute fitted all fringe top that made me think I may go for it.

Things change and I don’t want to get stuck in my personal rut. But, I know who I am and attempt to use fashion / trends as a fun way to stay fresh.

 

[BowieFan1971]

I love the dialogue and all the comments on fashion.

I think fashion / style / trend can live together in harmony. I am crystal clear on my style but I do love utilizing fashion to stay on trend.

Fashion and trends are something fun to play with. I don’t really care about the runway models as long as they are personally healthy. I wear a 2-4 (not counting this temporary post surgery weight that will come off in a couple months) and still rarely see my body type on a runway.

Perhaps, the challenge over time is to maintain personal style without becoming dated and stay fresh / on trend without becoming a fashion victim.

For example - St. John suits. Years ago, I would see female executives wearing them and I aspired to that level of gravitas. Now, that I’m at that level in my career, I wouldn’t wear one because they absolutely don’t fit my style and feel dated to me. Yet, on the other end, I’m not interested in wearing clothes with cut outs on the hips, etc. The look is modern and on trend but also does not suit my style. A third trend - fringe - intrigues me. It’s not “me” but, I saw a cute fitted all fringe top that made me think I may go for it.

Things change and I don’t want to get stuck in my personal rut. But, I know who I am and attempt to use fashion / trends as a fun way to stay fresh.

I guess it’s just my idea of what a “woman of style” looks like has always skewed towards a mature, pulled together, composed look. I was too young (19-20) at the time to pull it off and my lifestyle is too casual now, but a style icon from my youth was a woman I worked with named Jeanie Lombardo. She is easily the most elegant woman I have ever met and was always deliberate, composed, polished, genuine, warm and gracious yet reserved. She obviously put in the effort but it was never “forced”, was just natural for her. Possessed of a ton of grace. Sleek, pulled back black hair. Perfect makeup, definitely done but tasteful. Tailored suits, wore both neutral and jewel tones that looked so rich on her and flattered. She was medium height and build, probably in her 50’s at the time. Considering she was an assistant branch manager at a local bank, she wasn’t wealthy but she exuded so much timeless class that she could successfully interact with the wealthiest of customers. Even 30 years later, I can clearly remember all this about her. So when I see Megan Fox wearing an on trend see through dress as the epitome of current fashion (just to pick a look off the top of my head), while I can say she looks stunning and is certainly fashionable, it comes off as trying too hard to get arrention for attention’s sake, to create a stir. That reads “costume” to me, not stylish. But then every woman whose look makes me say “I wish I looked like that” all have a Jeanie Lombardo element to their look…which is not what appeals to everyone.

 

[papertiger]

There are some trends that bring back awful fashion moments, like neon in the 1980s lol. No desire to go back there.

there are other trends that I’ve never experienced, but would love to. . .that I can satisfy with vintage deadstock designers like Donald Brooks, Norman Norell, Jack Feith, Adele Simpson, and defunct one of boutiques (Nan Duskin etc) etc. My favorite dress of all time, that my cousin borrowed and ruined, was a Catherine rehger full skirted wrap dress, shawl collar, slim sleeved, in silvery gray raw silk. It looked great on everyone in my family who borrowed it. I got it for 40 USD at a second hand shop, and it still had the custom design label from Bergdorfs Inside. I still mourn its loss twenty years later.

there are times when I want to fall back on old faithfuls, my signature style, as it were, updated for whatever decade we are in

there are times when I want to have fun, wear a bit of a costume, stretch my own boundaries.

I’ve loved fashion and developing my own style from thrifting to boutique shopping and many stops in between

it’s a fun form of self expression. . .nothing that I want to take too seriously

p.s. I’m now finally able to indulge my love of tutus. I remember wanting one, way back when, in the 1970s, all the kids had long hair; white frilly dresses with tulle skirts; and, white knee socks. My mom bobbed my hair and put me in these very tailored, A line short shifts with abstract appliqués. Ugh

eta: @Sparkletastic, I LOVE fringe , but I never want to be so grown up that St. John (super power dressing in 1991-2003) is appropriate . Plus (whispers) my MIL wore a cream high necked St John knit cocktail dress with some sparkle when DH and I got married in 1991.
2021 dior tutu mini and brunello fringe vest, skirt and JPG Fringe shoulder kelly. And, @docride Birkin that is inspired by my recent paintings
View attachment 5287022View attachment 5287023 View attachment 5287024 View attachment 5287025View attachment 5287026View attachment 5287042

Loving all your outfits. You know what suits you.
Excuse me, but that Fringe JPG B is everything

 

[Sparkletastic]

I guess it’s just my idea of what a “woman of style” looks like has always skewed towards a mature, pulled together, composed look. I was too young (19-20) at the time to pull it off and my lifestyle is too casual now, but a style icon from my youth was a woman I worked with named Jeanie Lombardo. She is easily the most elegant woman I have ever met and was always deliberate, composed, polished, genuine, warm and gracious yet reserved. She obviously put in the effort but it was never “forced”, was just natural for her. Possessed of a ton of grace. Sleek, pulled back black hair. Perfect makeup, definitely done but tasteful. Tailored suits, wore both neutral and jewel tones that looked so rich on her and flattered. She was medium height and build, probably in her 50’s at the time. Considering she was an assistant branch manager at a local bank, she wasn’t wealthy but she exuded so much timeless class that she could successfully interact with the wealthiest of customers. Even 30 years later, I can clearly remember all this about her. So when I see Megan Fox wearing an on trend see through dress as the epitome of current fashion (just to pick a look off the top of my head), while I can say she looks stunning and is certainly fashionable, it comes off as trying too hard to get arrention for attention’s sake, to create a stir. That reads “costume” to me, not stylish. But then every woman whose look makes me say “I wish I looked like that” all have a Jeanie Lombardo element to their look…which is not what appeals to everyone.

I can certainly understand loving the more American / W European classic look. But, there is a mighty middle ground of style between a see through dress and tailored suits.

IMO women of style are found across ages just they are found across various heights, weights, color, etc. The mature woman w/pulled back hair & tailored suit image for example was never the classic style in many cultures worldwide.

So, I would absolutely agree with you that the look you mention is one very valid way to have a beautiful personal style. I’ve seen it. Definitely admire it. But, I’ve also seen women who are artists, stay at home moms, business women, etc with impeccable style that greatly diverge from each other and my own.

It’s like with handbags. Hermes is one style. Gucci is another. Stella McCartney is a third. Three different people can carry three different bags and all look immaculately put together. There isn’t just one bag style that is perfect for all.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I guess it’s just I see people use the words fashion and style interchangeably like they are the same thing, but they aren’t. I see women who are wearing outfits that are very fashionable but that don’t flatter or ring true with how they carry themselves (looks like they are wearing a costume in a way). They maybe fashionable, but I would not call them stylish. Then I see women who are wearing an outfit that does not contain one single item that is trendy or in fashion, but they ring true, their outfit looks like an extension of who they are and they own it. Not fashionable at all, but stylish as hell.

It takes self-knowledge, strength and (sometimes) courage to be stylish, especially when you are bucking trends. When you are over a size 4 and/or over 35, that is most of the time because one look at the models designers use to showcase their clothes shows that it was NOT designed for you or with you in mind, even if they deign to make it in your size. I guess I have a bone to pick with fashion….

I think sometimes, some people can get so caught up with being on trend or wearing the latest fashion that they don't pay enough attention to whether the item (dress, shoe, or whatever) suits them or is in harmony with their overall look and persona. I think this is what you are describing above, and so I think the first thing to consider when trying something on, is whether that item looks good on, and suits the person trying it on. If it does not suit the person, or does not feel comfortable (if a person is constantly fidgeting with an outfit for example), then no point in wearing it just because it's the latest fashion.

Many clothes are shown on the runway that I wouldn't ever think of wearing, but it might work for someone else, so I am fine with that. Every once in a while, I might see a design or style that I think I would like to try. I think for all of us, it really helps to know yourself, develop your sense of style (which can sometimes come with some trial and error), but once a person has developed a sense of style, then it's about the challenge (as @Sparkletastic says above) of maintaining a personal style over time. I view fashion trends as a bit of fun, something light-hearted that can freshen up a look, that one can take or leave, as one sees fit.

 

[ElainePG]

Anything that causes us to be mindful is a great idea!!

I am at a stage where I feel comfortable adding 5-7 more bags with 0 outs over time (years). So my self imposed stopper is two fold.

1) AVOID SELLING AT ALL COST! I abhor selling bags. I just “can’t” anymore. But, I don’t like owning what I don’t happily wear. So, I reeeaaalllly have to make sure any new bag is a long term keeper.
2) ELEVATE WITH JOY! I only want bags that truly upgrade my collection in a way that is meaningful to me. That does not mean buying ever more expensive bags because money spent does not necessarily equate to style and quality. For me, it means the bag has to bring something exciting & new to my collection.

I love, love, LOVE "elevate with joy!" Because if not, then what's the point?

 

[ElainePG]

I have a sister but she is even less fashionable than me. She doesn't even own a purse!

How does she carry her stuff???????