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.

 

[BowieFan1971]

...and already I´m behind and need to catch up...

I´d love to join for 2022 if you´d have me, again!

So what are my bag/ wardrobe resolutions for 2022?

Some will be the same as last year. They help me stay on track.

• no random purchases (aka buy for buying´s sake, buy because "one has to own this brand", ...)
• only buy what I love- no compromising!
• research, research, research... to make sure the bags I think I´d like actually are what I like plus to gain the knowledge to buy preloved without fear of fakes
• what I don´t care for has to go- preferrably be sold
• upgrade! Quality is everything!

and here I need to manifest:

• wear my handbags, clothes, shoes without fear of ruining them
• find my style! As much as I yearn for my lost youth, I am who I am: me, over 50
• purge my wardrobe consequently until it matches my style of now, not of many years ago

and finally:

• enjoy!

Being over 50 myself, while there are things that no longer work/look as good/are appropriate/look too young or like I am trying too hard, I have also found a lot of freedom in dressing now. Outfits that never rang true, seemed too mature or serious on my younger self, that looked a little like “dress up”, items like scarves, blazers and pearls- all of them look and feel just right now. I can wear logo bags and no one looks twice. I could even probably wear some pretty expensive jewelry and it would ring true because at this point in my life I have paid my dues and my vintage bags could have been mine for years. I also feel a lot more freedom to dress for ME, what I like, not what makes me look attractive to men. The younger men who that matters so much to aren’t looking at me anyway, so who cares what they think?

Bottom line- don’t mourn or look back. Look forward! Listen to your inner voice that has been exposed to styles for decades and sift through what appeals to you, regardless of trend. We are beyond trend. We live in the land of STYLE!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I replied to your post but now I’m wondering about something else. I saw my mom buy things and NEVER use them. She’s had a lot of regret (then and) now that she’s a senior citizen and has a legion of missed opportunities. So, no matter the category, I USE my things and get really uncomfortable with not doing so. Don’t need a PhD in psychology to see this is a reaction to my upbringing. LOL!
So, I’m curious. For those of you who tend to struggle to use your bags, is this consistent across categories (jewelry, china/housewares, clothes, etc.) or is it bag specific?

It goes through all categories! I grew up in a household with limited funds. My Mum held it all together and saved, never having anything nice for herself (For example I was always reminded that she did not get one piece of new clothes from when I was born until when I was 5 years old) for years while my Dad as the breadwinner was entitled to spending.

My Mum mainly made her own clothes and mine or she bought from the cheaper shops, very basic.

My Dad climbed the job ladder and from some point in my teens on there was more money. Dad went crazy and started collecting hifi equipment and other costly things while my Mum stayed very frugal.

All the time I lived at home it was totally normal to have nice clothes to leave the house and homewear- not to be confused with modern homewear, just something old and shabby that would do. As soon as we came in we changed.

On rare occasions my Mum would go shopping and really splurge on quality items she loved, but it was crystal clear that she would feel guilty the second she brought her purchases home and only wear them for "special occasions". Her fine winter coat for example is still there, 10 years after she passed, and is like brand new. I remember one shopping day - I must have been in my late teens- she chose a pretty dress and I urged her to get it. It was so nice, some turquise jersey number with a floral pattern that suited her so well and was not even very expensive. Back home she started sobbing and accused me it was my fault she had spent the money on this dress. After a while she started wearing it, though and wore it for years and years.

Two souls alas! are dwelling in my breast.

I love to shop and to collect like my Dad did, to tell myself life is short, you have the funds and this is nice. It feels so good to do it. But there is my Mum´s voice: be sensible, be frugal. You can make this yourself, you don´t need this, pay attention, don´t ruin your good things.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Being over 50 myself, while there are things that no longer work/look as good/are appropriate/look too young or like I am trying too hard, I have also found a lot of freedom in dressing now. Outfits that never rang true, seemed too mature or serious on my younger self, that looked a little like “dress up”, items like scarves, blazers and pearls- all of them look and feel just right now. I can wear logo bags and no one looks twice. I could even probably wear some pretty expensive jewelry and it would ring true because at this point in my life I have paid my dues and my vintage bags could have been mine for years. I also feel a lot more freedom to dress for ME, what I like, not what makes me look attractive to men. The younger men who that matters so much to aren’t looking at me anyway, so who cares what they think?

Bottom line- don’t mourn or look back. Look forward! Listen to your inner voice that has been exposed to styles for decades and sift through what appeals to you, regardless of trend. We are beyond trend. We live in the land of STYLE!

Yes to all you are saying! At my age I´m totally beyond trend and in general I know what suits me intuitively. Finally I can reach for the leopard print without looking cheap (or finally I know which leopard print piece to buy that does not look cheap even as it is preloved and does not cost much.) I´ve entered the stage of being excentric...

 

[poizenisxkandee]

I think in 2021 I just got really fixated with filling in gaps in my bag wardrobe. Like, I'd realize a small red leather crossbody would make a great contrast color to my existing clothing wardrobe, and be functional for being hands free when going out and about.

But rather than really think about exactly what I wanted that red crossbody to look like and function like, I'd spend a week or two combing the internet for red bags of that size and make a purchase just to fill the void...and realize a little later it's not the quality or texture or hardware combo or pocket/organization configuration or whatever that would have been most suitable and just be on the hunt again!

So as I move forward with only wanting to purchase pieces that fill gaps in my wardrobe, I want to be more specific and less impulsive/obsessed with finding it. I love fashion and handbags, but none of those "gap" items are life-altering purchases and I can slow down with it.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

within the boundaries of my physical space

That´s something I always have to be mindful of, too... I tend to fill any room with my clutter quicker as lightning.

Enjoy a wardrobe that supports my real lifestyle vs. imaginary lifestyle, wear my favourite items frequently

Oh I wished. My actual lifestyle is rather makeshift. We live in an old house that has been a sleeping building site for years. Nothing is fancy and in the winter it´s cold as there is only one stove for heating. As much as I´d love to wear dresses (I tried for Christmas for a couple of hours until I was an ice block) or nice clothes most of the winter time I end up in warm sweats, joggers, Ugg boots and an old fur coat on top at home. As soon as it gets warmer my vintage dresses - mostly the easy to wear and not delicate 70ies- come back out.
When it comes to nice shoes: the staircase is steep and the yard is cobbled...

But I took bold action this week and now am wearing my "good" big cashmere scarf at home. It´s so nice and warm. (And I got a new one for Christmas that I can keep for Sunday best, so can retire the old one to actual use... typical!)

 

[Sparkletastic]

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

I would take any sister or brother or cousin or aunt or uncle I could get. I’ve made family from friends but long for what I perceive is the intimacy that comes from shared history.

no random purchases (aka buy for buying´s sake, buy because "one has to own this brand", ...)

I think you and I agree. The only brand we “have” to own is pre-Chiuri Dior

It goes through all categories! I grew up in a household with limited funds. My Mum held it all together and saved, never having anything nice for herself (For example I was always reminded that she did not get one piece of new clothes from when I was born until when I was 5 years old) for years while my Dad as the breadwinner was entitled to spending.

My Mum mainly made her own clothes and mine or she bought from the cheaper shops, very basic.

My Dad climbed the job ladder and from some point in my teens on there was more money. Dad went crazy and started collecting hifi equipment and other costly things while my Mum stayed very frugal.

All the time I lived at home it was totally normal to have nice clothes to leave the house and homewear- not to be confused with modern homewear, just something old and shabby that would do. As soon as we came in we changed.

On rare occasions my Mum would go shopping and really splurge on quality items she loved, but it was crystal clear that she would feel guilty the second she brought her purchases home and only wear them for "special occasions". Her fine winter coat for example is still there, 10 years after she passed, and is like brand new. I remember one shopping day - I must have been in my late teens- she chose a pretty dress and I urged her to get it. It was so nice, some turquise jersey number with a floral pattern that suited her so well and was not even very expensive. Back home she started sobbing and accused me it was my fault she had spent the money on this dress. After a while she started wearing it, though and wore it for years and years.

Two souls alas! are dwelling in my breast.

I love to shop and to collect like my Dad did, to tell myself life is short, you have the funds and this is nice. It feels so good to do it. But there is my Mum´s voice: be sensible, be frugal. You can make this yourself, you don´t need this, pay attention, don´t ruin your good things.

I totally get it as frugality is burned in my soul as well. But, I manifest it by “starving” (spending as little as possible on) things I don’t care about (like wine, watches, or even canned goods LOL!) and being generous on the few categories, I do care about (home, travel, jewelry, bags). That way there is no guilt and I feel “smart” in being wise with my money.

 

[whateve]

I would take any sister or brother or cousin or aunt or uncle I could get. I’ve made family from friends but long for what I perceive is the intimacy that comes from shared history. I think you and I agree. The only brand we “have” to own is pre-Chiuri Dior
I totally get it as frugality is burned in my soul as well. But, I manifest it by “starving” (spending as little as possible on) things I don’t care about (like wine, watches, or even canned goods LOL!) and being generous on the few categories, I do care about (home, travel, jewelry, bags). That way there is no guilt and I feel “smart” in being wise with my money.

Sometimes the family you choose is better than the one you are born with. I'm not close with my sister; DH isn't close to his sister; and sadly, my children are not close with each other. DH and I are best friends. We enjoy being with each other.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I think you and I agree. The only brand we “have” to own is pre-Chiuri Dior

Totally agreed! Even if I won the lottery and could go shopping at the Dior boutique I wouldn´t want any Chiuri piece! The Lady Dior Art Bags she didn´t have her hands on on the other hand...

 

[Sparkletastic]

Ok, the Jimmy Choo Bon Bon bag saga continues. I requested a return and sent photos of the non disclosed damage. The seller refunded my money and doesn’t want the bag back.



Soooooo… er… hmmmm… (???)

I could see if someone can dye it black, buuuuuut I found a pic of a black one and I’m unmoved. Seems to have shw and pink stones (the pink version has gold hardware and clear stones.)

Maybe I’ll just donate it and some crafty person will get a great project. I really don’t want to “futz” with it and dither over quality of dying, etc. This is exactly why I refuse to buy any preloved bag that isn’t like new. Just like I’m “over” selling bags, I’m “over” resuscitating them. I’m open to any easy solution. Ideas?

 

[Sparkletastic]

Totally agreed! Even if I won the lottery and could go shopping at the Dior boutique I wouldn´t want any Chiuri piece! The Lady Dior Art Bags she didn´t have her hands on on the other hand...

Agree. I haven’t been tempted by anything. I went to my local Dior boutique early summer after vaxx when we thought the world was opening (ha!). Anyway, nothing moved me. I’m trying to get past my flap bag addiction and even the new Caro is zero temptation when I see people reveal. It has no personality.

 

[Claudia Herzog]

Here are my commitments for 2022:

- To never again go into the red in my "blow money" personal spending account. I did that a few months ago, and still feel gross about it.

- To buy from the Massaccesi BST only if the item is in one of the styles I like best: Phoebe, Zhoe, Iride, Flora, Mia, Juno, and Penelope Messenger. No other styles, even if I love the leather and could afford the price.

- To buy zero bags from the local thrift stores for a year.

- To replace my current wallet, with which I am dissatisfied because it is too large and too heavy, with something I already own rather than buying anything new.

- I am under consideration for an award which would come with a small money prize. I would like a secondhand Bally quilted flap bag (the closest I will likely ever come to a Chanel look). But I will buy it only if I am selected for the award.

- To enjoy and appreciate my inexpensive pieces and not compare my collection to other people's.

 

[whateve]

Ok, the Jimmy Choo Bon Bon bag saga continues. I requested a return and sent photos of the non disclosed damage. The seller refunded my money and doesn’t want the bag back.



Soooooo… er… hmmmm… (???)

I could see if someone can dye it black, buuuuuut I found a pic of a black one and I’m unmoved. Seems to have shw and pink stones (the pink version has gold hardware and clear stones.)
View attachment 5283822
Maybe I’ll just donate it and some crafty person will get a great project. I really don’t want to “futz” with it and dither over quality of dying, etc. This is exactly why I refuse to buy any preloved bag that isn’t like new. Just like I’m “over” selling bags, I’m “over” resuscitating them. I’m open to any easy solution. Ideas?

Why not offer to someone on the forum who is crafty? (not me!) Maybe it could be dyed a different color, like just a darker pink, and if there are visible snags, those might be covered with rhinestones in some kind of pattern. It would be fun to see what someone could do with it. If you just donate it, you'll never know what happened with it.

 

[CashmereFiend]

I know this isn’t a bag or SLG resolution, but I’m trying to change the way I consume goods (especially clothes) and I’m going to endeavor to buy no clothes until June. I have a TON of clothes and love the zing of receiving new things I purchase online, but want a hard reset of my buying habits. The only thing I’m allowed to purchase is 1 pair shoes per month, and it will be one in, one out.

As for purses, I’m rethinking those as well. I received an LV black Epi alma bb for Christmas, have a number of other bags (LV, Bal, Chloe) and intend to buy one bag per year moving forward OR, if I’m buying jewelry that year, none.
So! We’ll see how this goes. Wish me luck! I want less stuff, to consume less, and the stuff
I do buy I want to be exactly what I like and items that will last forever (like the 1 ct diamond solitaire pendant I just ordered- you get the gist).
Cheers in the new year, all!!

 

[BowieFan1971]

Here are my commitments for 2022:

- To never again go into the red in my "blow money" personal spending account. I did that a few months ago, and still feel gross about it.

- To buy from the Massaccesi BST only if the item is in one of the styles I like best: Phoebe, Zhoe, Iride, Flora, Mia, Juno, and Penelope Messenger. No other styles, even if I love the leather and could afford the price.

- To buy zero bags from the local thrift stores for a year.

- To replace my current wallet, with which I am dissatisfied because it is too large and too heavy, with something I already own rather than buying anything new.

- I am under consideration for an award which would come with a small money prize. I would like a secondhand Bally quilted flap bag (the closest I will likely ever come to a Chanel look). But I will buy it only if I am selected for the award.

- To enjoy and appreciate my inexpensive pieces and not compare my collection to other people's.

Your collection is YOUR collection…pieces you chose because you love them. Who cares how much they cost! A well made bag exists at ALL price points and it is HOW you wear it that makes it look good! So ROCK those bags like they cost a million bucks and they will look like a million bucks!!!

 

[momasaurus]

Here are my commitments for 2022:

- To never again go into the red in my "blow money" personal spending account. I did that a few months ago, and still feel gross about it.

- To buy from the Massaccesi BST only if the item is in one of the styles I like best: Phoebe, Zhoe, Iride, Flora, Mia, Juno, and Penelope Messenger. No other styles, even if I love the leather and could afford the price.

- To buy zero bags from the local thrift stores for a year.

- To replace my current wallet, with which I am dissatisfied because it is too large and too heavy, with something I already own rather than buying anything new.

- I am under consideration for an award which would come with a small money prize. I would like a secondhand Bally quilted flap bag (the closest I will likely ever come to a Chanel look). But I will buy it only if I am selected for the award.

- To enjoy and appreciate my inexpensive pieces and not compare my collection to other people's.

These are great, and so personal. Fingers crossed that you get the award! Or maybe some other surprise that would encourage you to get the Bally bag.
Wallets are tricky - I go back and forth with size. What are you replacing?