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.

 

[papertiger]

Fabulous photos, and it sounds like an amazing event. (Also, peek-a-boo, I see you!!!)

Thank you.

It was, I had such a good time. I wish I could have bottled it

 

[papertiger]

You can shorten it with scissors!?!?!?

That's what they write on the Muji plastic free-cut raincoat (love them):

"The length of the raincoat can be altered by cutting with scissors, using the guide lines on the sleeves and hem"

I totally recommend these BTW:

Welcome to the MUJI Online Store. | MUJI

Discover simple, functional, and high-quality homeware, clothing & lifestyle essentials from MUJI. Shop online for minimal everyday living.

www.muji.eu

I need a new one.

 

[ElainePG]

That's what they write on the Muji plastic free-cut raincoat (love them):

"The length of the raincoat can be altered by cutting with scissors, using the guide lines on the sleeves and hem"

I totally recommend these BTW:

Welcome to the MUJI Online Store. | MUJI

Discover simple, functional, and high-quality homeware, clothing & lifestyle essentials from MUJI. Shop online for minimal everyday living.

www.muji.eu

I need a new one.

Is this the same company that makes pens? I loooooove Muji pens! My fave is the ballpoint in the .7mm size. It glides so smoothly.

Pens and Pencils | Japanese Stationery | MUJI USA

Pens and pencils for every purpose. Shop everything from multicolor gel pens & ballpoint pens to mechanic pencils. In stock for home delivery!

www.muji.us

 

[whateve]

That's true here, too! You'll see all us locals going for walks along the bay bundled up in sweatshirts, jeans, socks, and walking shoes. Meanwhile the tourists are in shorts, tees, and flip flops. And blue lips.

When I lived in San Francisco I don't think I ever got warm enough to put on shorts.

 

[whateve]

Agree on the nails! I learned to do my own manicures since the pandemic and now it's a "me time" event I do every 1-2 weeks.
Also, love a great pedicure as well (though I leave the nail polish application up to the professionals lol, I don't have the patience to crouch over my own feet)

I would also say my facials if they weren't so expensive lol.

I do my own toenails but I'm terrible at it. I wait a couple days for the polish to wear off my skin before I show my feet in public!

 

[papertiger]

Can it be I am carrying a bag other than my Evie. ?

OMG. - second time this week!

Gucci Jade Ltd Ed rg hw Horse-bit Shoulder bag to quiz night at a Spanish tapas bar. I really enjoyed myself too. I know, who am I?

 

[Sunshine mama]

I agonize over what to wear more when I'm home. When I pack to travel, I worry that I won't have every situation covered, and bring more than I need, but once we are on the road, I end up wearing the same things over and over again. It is freeing not to have to so many choices. Part of it is that I usually only travel with one purse and the clothes I packed coordinate with that purse. At home, I have to make sure my outfit goes with the purse of the day.

I do the same thing when I travel.

 

[More bags]

Fun Friday Question: Which bag(s) in your collection are your favorites? Not necessarily the most functional, but the ones that bring the most joy? No more than 5 (& a possible honorable mention).

My Favourite Five, at the moment
1) Chanel Coco Handle, burgundy
2) Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag, red
3) Hermes Bolide, etain
4) Chanel Reissue, black
5) Chanel Reissue, red



Spring/summer bag: Chanel Reissue Camera bag, silver metallic

 

[papertiger]

My Favourite Five, at the moment
1) Chanel Coco Handle, burgundy
2) Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag, red
3) Hermes Bolide, etain
4) Chanel Reissue, black
5) Chanel Reissue, red

View attachment 5405471View attachment 5405474View attachment 5405472View attachment 5405473View attachment 5405475

Spring/summer bag: Chanel Reissue Camera bag, silver metallic
View attachment 5405476

Perfect 5, total respect

 

[afroken]

Sorry for the delayed replies and just catching up! It's been a hectic time at work these few months. I keep wanting to find sometime to pop into a coffee shop and catch up with TPF and just relax but before I know it, it's already dark and I'm still trying to catch up with work. Can't wait for my vacation next month!

My bags are not equally rotated. I’m very similar to @DME and it’s my work tote that’s currently getting used most. I also spend too much time there! I have other work bags but this is the lightest so easiest to carry when walking with resorting to a backpack which I did for most of 2021.
View attachment 5399935
My other most used bag is currently my KS nylon satchel because it dog walks in all weather. Just realised that sounds like the bag walks the dog - if only! Accessories here are dog treats and ball.
View attachment 5399934
And finally trying hard in third place is my Alexa Icon. This is my go to weekend bag but I also carry it to work on days when I need a bit less with me.
View attachment 5399936
These bags all score in the high 20s for carries. My other bags carries are in the low teens or less. I’d like to go out more socially and casually bringing more joy into my life but time, opportunity and money cause restriction - mostly time and opportunity!

I’ve said this before but can’t help but say it again - I love your business casual style!

Love your happy bags and delighted you are reaching for them.

I can’t advise on tummy control swimsuits as they bring images of horror for me! Getting into them (and out again) is a nightmare. They are not made for the pear shaped ladies. The tummy control is way too tight to get on over ample thighs leading too contortist movements. And should a bathroom visit be needed mid sunbathing after getting the costume wet in the pool! Impossible!

If I don’t dare to bare in a bikini (think ample coverage not teenie weenie), I reach for a longline Tankini with high waisted briefs, buying the top half at least one size smaller than the bottoms if not two!

I can totally see how tummy control swimsuits are a nightmare for pear-shaped. Two piece with a tankini is a good idea that I’ll look into

I'm not sure about the tummy control but I have a Lands End swimsuit. It's the regular tank suit. It's okay. It is kind of hard to get on and the leg openings don't fit that well, but my thighs are skinnier than most. I like the fit of LL Bean better. In my experience, the tummy control doesn't necessarily make your tummy look flat. It works better if the style is more camouflaging. For example, the gathered fabric of this suit helps hide any bulges: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/922...egular&bc=12-27-624&feat=624-GN1&csp=f&pos=10 I'm not recommending this particular suit as I've never tried it myself, just something with this type of gathers. It doesn't mention cups but I would think it should have them. I like Reebok swimwear too.

If you can get to a store to try things on, it might help you figure out what works. There are a few brands I bought at department stores a few years ago that had good tummy camouflage. I can't look now as DH is sleeping but if I remember I'll look tomorrow. However, I think these brands, if they still make them, probably sell for over $100.

Thank you @whateve ! Times like this is when I really hope Canada has half the amount of shopping choices as the states. We don’t have many stores here (including Lands End and LL Bean), and return shipping for unwanted items is astronomical not to mention its a great hassle to get your customs fee back. Thank goodness we do have Reebok stores here, I’ll check it out.

I bought a bathing suit from athleta that hides things well and for me it came in tall too.

Thank you! I like what I'm seeing at the athleta website - I might put in an order. Free shipping and returns within Canada, woohoo!

Miraclesuit, which you can snag at a hefty discount, uses tummy control AND design elements to flatter less than modelesque bodies in styles that are not frumpy. I have a very Old Hollywood style ruched black one piece of theirs that has gotten me compliments from both men AND teenage girls! Got it at TJ Maxx or Marshall’s for $30, no more than $40.

Thank you Bowie! Miraclesuit has some gorgeous stuff but the smallest size is 6. I'm a size 4. These companies need to know that us petite ladies have tummy issues too

Talk me off the ledge, y’all!!!!

Did some retail therapy and got these for a steal. I saw the solid black but chose these because they are a little less basic/serious/businessy and have more personality. Now I have started looking at pink bags to wear with them for the summer. But 3 times now I have bought and sold pink bags because I never wore them and the color is not “me.”

Tell me I do not need a pink bag! Even a cheap one!View attachment 5400052

This is so beautiful!!!

That’s exactly what I do. I have so many that it would be a full time job to keep track if I rotated them! It’s bad enough that I have so many choices it’s hard to pick.

I did work with a VP who rotated her wardrobe and she wore the same outfits on the same days of the week. So like every three weeks on a Tuesday she’d wear her gray suit with a red silk blouse. And every third Monday she’d wear the same royal blue dress. She said it took away her having to try making a choice. She said it was easier for her. She’d switch her wardrobe choices based on seasons.

I like variety and my mood changes so I can’t be locked into a rotation schedule like that. But it works for some people. Instead I change my mind several times when choosing my bags for the day. They all want to go out. Lol!

I'm exactly like you. I choose what I wear based on my mood and sometimes that means even my bag and outfit doesn't quite coordinate with one another! Not to mention the weather changes so frequently here so often I'd have to wear a cardigan instead of a light coat, leather jacket instead of trench coat, sweater tights or sheer tights, etc. Too much changes and having a routine wardrobe wouldn't work here.

Omg! I laughed at your contortionist comment! We rent a villa in St Croix with our own pool and I found that living in a swimsuit, especially when wet, is easier if I wear a tankini. My first clue that a Miraclesuit (tummy control) one piece, while slimming and flattering on me, was not a good option was taking a bio break. Trying to put that wet, tight thing on again was challenging to say the least. I opted for bottom piece that is Miraclesuit brand in black that is easier to get on and off. Then I pair it with different tankini tops. All I wear down there is a swimming suit so it’s much more practical.

This is super important to know!!

I’m a fan of La Blanca. I’ve had several of their tankinis and love them! And I’m pretty sure @whateve and I have the opposite body types, but I second Reebok, so that tells me they work for multiple shapes.

I just checked out La Blanca and HOLY MOLY these are possibly the most gorgeous swimsuits I've ever seen! All with tummy control! I'm in swimsuit heaven! Icing on cake is that they are widely available in Canada too. I don't even care about the price anymore, I'm getting one... possibly two...

I hope you get to go back to Japan next year

re swimsuits, I have a relatively thick mid section. I last picked up a suit at athleta which seemed to hold me in. . . . I last wore it pre Covid though.

i find a higher leg opening; a deeper neckline ( or V or faux wrap detail) or a bodice detail minimizes my waist.
i am talking about a one piece swimsuit though I also like tankini suits for the same reasons as @Paris Girl.

ETA: just realized @dcooney4 also recommended athleta great minds
also I agree with @whateve re bag usage and travel. I have been wearing my TPM Evelyne and mini Della cavalerria quite a bit. If I buy something that I love, such as my resale stingray micro boy, I wear it a lot in the beginning. . .

Another vote for athleta! If so many ladies here have mentioned them then they must be good. I might put in an order soon.

Thank you! We did have so much fun... but now - back to work!

I'm going to be an outlier... Do Not Worry about your 'tummy'.
Girlllll - go celebrate with your friends - drink some champagne, jump in the water, and smile. That's what everyone will see - your happy joyful smile.

Cheers honey!

Welllpppp - I say buy a cute pink bag!
But... make it a fun pink! Not a sweet pink, but a fun and happy pink!
(looking at my MZ Wallace Micro Sutton in Punch - the ONLY pink bag that's made it for 4 years! I think it's the color and the size - not too big and such a great color!)

wow...

Thank you dear @Cookiefiend it's my goal to reach that level of confidence one day. In my heart of hearts I know you're absolutely right and that having fun and laughing is much more important than "tummy issues". The thing is, my friends all have stunning figures. While I don't consider myself having body image issues, I've always wished that I have more curves (I have a flat chest and for the most part I've learned to embrace and love that), but the tummy fat threw me off guard and I've been looking for different ways to get rid of that. Tummy control swimsuits is just a bandaid to the problem, but I guess I don't want 1) my friends seeing me like this and 2) looking back at our photos and seeing this. It is my goal to have the tummy toned down in a couple of months

M&S has a huge range of tummy control swimsuits at good prices.

The only ones I've bought from them don't have tummy control (not saying I don't need it ) I have this one in navy and another in black.

View attachment 5400591

That's one gorgeous swimsuit! I will check out M&S.

Since spring has finally sprung where I am, thought I’d share this beauty.
View attachment 5402354View attachment 5402355View attachment 5402356
Ferragamo Travel tote. No interior pockets, but it has the removable pouch. And the print goes all around the bag including the bottom.

Happy Ferragamo Friday!

Omg my heart!! Ferragamo does some of the most beautiful pieces, whether it's leather goods, scarves, RTW or shoes. I have yet to see a Ferragamo piece that I don't like yet. This bag is a work of art.

Fun Friday Question: Which bag(s) in your collection are your favorites? Not necessarily the most functional, but the ones that bring the most joy? No more than 5 (& a possible honorable mention).

1. Balenciaga City in black
2. The Row Duplex in black
3. Frrry Happy Bags (I have two, can't choose which one I like better)
4. Balenciaga Mute City in vert veronese
5. Balenciaga Small City in bleu nuit

Honorable mention: Fendi Anna Selleria in asphalt

Honorable mention: my new Polene Huit!!!! This bag is like the epitome of spring to me.

View attachment 5402677


Another question for the group: which bag in your wardrobe is your most ‘quintessentially’ spring bag?

My spring bag would be my frrry Happy Bags, which I haven't been able to stop talking about in the past month, so I'll save you all from another long speech about why I love them so much.

Question for everybody- what’s a small or inexpensive thing that really makes you feel good or that you look pulled together?

For me, it is polished nails. I frequently have polished toes, but my fingernails chip so quickly and I had to keep them short and unpolished for work so I stopped bothering to do my hands. My friend let me use her gel polish set yesterday and my nails had grown, so I tried a new, trendy nail shape and painted them. Amazing how chic it makes me feel…I need to do this more often (though with regular polish…)

View attachment 5403222View attachment 5403222

My little pleasure would be doing my nails too! A bottle costs $10, but they last so long. Another one would be face sheet masks. This one is a bit more expensive, I use SK-II and Shiseido sheet masks, but there are so much essence left in the little packets to last me more than a week. I also bought some cheap Japanese heat eye masks from Amazon - I love wearing them while listening to a sleep story from the Calm app.

On the low energy thing and not wanting to go out that so many of us are feeling I think mine is caused by my own MH issues more than post pandemic. I sometimes think that ADs and PTSD, even when less triggered, make it harder to be emotionally present and experience the full extent of joy. I feel like I’m watching myself doing things a lot of the time which is odd. Does anyone else get that?

I felt a bit better yesterday during the day and met my line manager, who is also a great friend, for a run and to chat about the day before where I had to leave work. She is hugely supportive and knows my whole back story so gets where I’m coming from. It’s my next boss up who keeps triggering me by snapping at people. He isn’t normally so like that and normally I’m more feisty so I’m not sure what’s going on but since the PTSD set in, I can’t cope with men, especially well known to me, being confrontational. DH is mild mannered and gentle so I’m lucky there.

I thought I was doing better yesterday, I was cheery and present when I met her, but by the evening I was jumpy and distant again, very distracted by thoughts of the past and anxiety. It sucks! I’m meant to be meeting another friend this afternoon. We have a voucher for Prosecco and Cake for two at a cafe. Shame to waste it. I don’t want to let her down but I’m feeling really tired and quite anxious. Not so much about going out but about having lots to do at home and going to work tomorrow. I know I will enjoy it if I do go so I probably will but getting in the right zone is tiring let alone planning which bag to take.

I can relate... I grew up with a male figure close to me who has anger issues but is otherwise kind. Sometimes he would switch between white hot anger and gentle funny side. As a result, up till this day I go into survival mode (have all my defences up, get far away, sometimes shut down, or sometimes immediately get apologetic without realizing it) whenever a trusted person loses temper or get confrontational. This wasn't something I figured out until I started going to therapy, and knowing the underlying cause of my reaction to anger has felt liberating.

I had the most beautiful day yesterday. In the morning I was invited to a Gucci event at the Savoy Hotel. Gucci took over the suite and even re-wallpapered, everything was Gucci bar the fittings. Here were some of the MTO, MTM and one-off pieces that I saw. You don't really know my main house, but it's Edwardian and the decor is a bit similar (not as amazing or impressive) so I felt very much at home. I wish I could have taken home the bathroom.

A little bit of history. Italian Guccio Gucci worked at the Sovoy Hotel as a bell boy before 1921. In 1921 he went back to his parents hat factory in Florence and changed the product line to make leather goods (Florence was already locally famous for its leather as well as jewellery (and of course art). The rest is literally fashion history. I think it's great that one of the lowest paid workers in the hotel not only created a fine company employing many craftspeople through the years, but 101 years later, the company that bears his name could afford to rent a most expensive suite and had GUCCI emblazoned everywhere. I am sure he would be very proud even though his family no longer own the company.

We had cocktails and canapés for breakfast, coffee and the best time anyone could ever have had. The clothes were TDF but very much the dressy-side, red-carpet side. I have a lot of party gear already and need to get round to wearing it, so I'm actually looking at seemingly quite sober things I can wear all the time. Only problem was, a lot of suits could not be broken into separates (like you can at Chanel). I wore a vintage maxi and couture jacket with H scarf in my hair (see if you can spot me in one of the photos).

Afterwards, I picked-up my earrings from Cartier bought before the price rise. Hit Gucci again for some make-up I've been waiting for, and then went with some friends to an exhibition at the Royal Academy. Then I went to H - just to round off the day. Repair done, ordered scarf. Home.

I screenshot these from my Insta so apologies for the size.

The living room





View attachment 5404241


The dressing room

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View attachment 5404243


and the solid mahogany and marble bathroom - eye spy with my little eye and all-black bamboo top-handle. All the TDF croc and precious bags in the place and I still liked mine best of all.


View attachment 5404244

Hope you had an amazing day! Thank you for sharing, this all looks like a dreamland I'm drooling.

 

[whateve]

Sorry for the delayed replies and just catching up! It's been a hectic time at work these few months. I keep wanting to find sometime to pop into a coffee shop and catch up with TPF and just relax but before I know it, it's already dark and I'm still trying to catch up with work. Can't wait for my vacation next month!


I’ve said this before but can’t help but say it again - I love your business casual style!


I can totally see how tummy control swimsuits are a nightmare for pear-shaped. Two piece with a tankini is a good idea that I’ll look into


Thank you @whateve ! Times like this is when I really hope Canada has half the amount of shopping choices as the states. We don’t have many stores here (including Lands End and LL Bean), and return shipping for unwanted items is astronomical not to mention its a great hassle to get your customs fee back. Thank goodness we do have Reebok stores here, I’ll check it out.

Thank you! I like what I'm seeing at the athleta website - I might put in an order. Free shipping and returns within Canada, woohoo!

Thank you Bowie! Miraclesuit has some gorgeous stuff but the smallest size is 6. I'm a size 4. These companies need to know that us petite ladies have tummy issues too


This is so beautiful!!!


I'm exactly like you. I choose what I wear based on my mood and sometimes that means even my bag and outfit doesn't quite coordinate with one another! Not to mention the weather changes so frequently here so often I'd have to wear a cardigan instead of a light coat, leather jacket instead of trench coat, sweater tights or sheer tights, etc. Too much changes and having a routine wardrobe wouldn't work here.


This is super important to know!!


I just checked out La Blanca and HOLY MOLY these are possibly the most gorgeous swimsuits I've ever seen! All with tummy control! I'm in swimsuit heaven! Icing on cake is that they are widely available in Canada too. I don't even care about the price anymore, I'm getting one... possibly two...

Another vote for athleta! If so many ladies here have mentioned them then they must be good. I might put in an order soon.

Thank you dear @Cookiefiend it's my goal to reach that level of confidence one day. In my heart of hearts I know you're absolutely right and that having fun and laughing is much more important than "tummy issues". The thing is, my friends all have stunning figures. While I don't consider myself having body image issues, I've always wished that I have more curves (I have a flat chest and for the most part I've learned to embrace and love that), but the tummy fat threw me off guard and I've been looking for different ways to get rid of that. Tummy control swimsuits is just a bandaid to the problem, but I guess I don't want 1) my friends seeing me like this and 2) looking back at our photos and seeing this. It is my goal to have the tummy toned down in a couple of months


That's one gorgeous swimsuit! I will check out M&S.


Omg my heart!! Ferragamo does some of the most beautiful pieces, whether it's leather goods, scarves, RTW or shoes. I have yet to see a Ferragamo piece that I don't like yet. This bag is a work of art.


1. Balenciaga City in black
2. The Row Duplex in black
3. Frrry Happy Bags (I have two, can't choose which one I like better)
4. Balenciaga Mute City in vert veronese
5. Balenciaga Small City in bleu nuit

Honorable mention: Fendi Anna Selleria in asphalt

My spring bag would be my frrry Happy Bags, which I haven't been able to stop talking about in the past month, so I'll save you all from another long speech about why I love them so much.


My little pleasure would be doing my nails too! A bottle costs $10, but they last so long. Another one would be face sheet masks. This one is a bit more expensive, I use SK-II and Shiseido sheet masks, but there are so much essence left in the little packets to last me more than a week. I also bought some cheap Japanese heat eye masks from Amazon - I love wearing them while listening to a sleep story from the Calm app.


I can relate... I grew up with a male figure close to me who has anger issues but is otherwise kind. Sometimes he would switch between white hot anger and gentle funny side. As a result, up till this day I go into survival mode (have all my defences up, get far away, sometimes shut down, or sometimes immediately get apologetic without realizing it) whenever a trusted person loses temper or get confrontational. This wasn't something I figured out until I started going to therapy, and knowing the underlying cause of my reaction to anger has felt liberating.


Hope you had an amazing day! Thank you for sharing, this all looks like a dreamland I'm drooling.

Wow, size 4? That is really tiny. Are you sure you wear that size in swimwear? They aren't sized the same as other clothing. I've worn size 10 in swimsuits for as long as I can remember, even when I was 105 pounds. I think part of it is due to the length. I'm 5'4", and I do have a large chest, which translates into needing more length.

 

[dcooney4]

My Favourite Five, at the moment
1) Chanel Coco Handle, burgundy
2) Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag, red
3) Hermes Bolide, etain
4) Chanel Reissue, black
5) Chanel Reissue, red

View attachment 5405471View attachment 5405474View attachment 5405472View attachment 5405473View attachment 5405475

Spring/summer bag: Chanel Reissue Camera bag, silver metallic
View attachment 5405476

Such elegant favorites!

 

[dcooney4]

Can you all repeat the best places to visit in London? My dd and I are planning a girl's trip. I have to renew my passport so it won't be for a while ,but I want to start gathering info. It will be a short trip only about five days. Maybe one tour, but we like to wander about at our own speed and we both enjoy shopping.

 

[BowieFan1971]

My Favourite Five, at the moment
1) Chanel Coco Handle, burgundy
2) Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag, red
3) Hermes Bolide, etain
4) Chanel Reissue, black
5) Chanel Reissue, red

View attachment 5405471View attachment 5405474View attachment 5405472View attachment 5405473View attachment 5405475

Spring/summer bag: Chanel Reissue Camera bag, silver metallic
View attachment 5405476

Wow! Gorgeous!

 

[BowieFan1971]

Wow, size 4? That is really tiny. Are you sure you wear that size in swimwear? They aren't sized the same as other clothing. I've worn size 10 in swimsuits for as long as I can remember, even when I was 105 pounds. I think part of it is due to the length. I'm 5'4", and I do have a large chest, which translates into needing more length.

I too have always had to size up one or two sizes, especially in tummy control suits. And I am 5’5”, smaller chested and not especially curvy. If a suit is too small, it could definitely contribute to muffin top/appearance of belly fat.