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.

 

[whateve]

I know there are dedicated brand threads for price increases, but I just found out Valextra has increased their prices and Celine will be implementing an increase in a few days, and obviously there will be more price increases for LV and Chanel later in the year, and I imagine other of your favorite brands have followed through on this too. So my thinking is do any of you feel to be priced out of any of the brands you usually shopped at, or does price increase affect in any way your bag purchases (like buy less bags, but still get the bag you wanted despite price increase)? Or maybe you feel like you have enough and can pause for now? Or rather than getting a bag at a retail price, you’d rather go for pre-owned? Do you think some brands are not worth it anymore the price they’re asking?

I’m definitely starting to feel I have more than enough and will try to focus more on “shopping” my own collection and so happy I got a chance to get the bags I wanted for a fairer price (some even on sale)

I rarely pay full price for any bag so it will make me even less likely to buy new. Some brands don't keep even close to their selling price. None of my bags gets my undivided attention so it doesn't make sense to have a lot of money tied up in one bag. Yes, I have enough. Not that it will stop me from wanting more. I'm going to be more selective.

 

[whateve]

I spent last week with my best friend from high school. I was shocked at how much airfare was. She, in turn, was shocked at how much airfare is for the trip she was booking for June. Airfare prices jumped 20% in April alone. While airfares are not bags, the price jump had the impact on me to feel less interested in buying bags.

I consider bags to be "funny money" purchases--an expensive frivolity that was absolutely fine because we could afford it with no problem. It no longer seems prudent to buy expensive bags until we see how the economy shakes out. Our situation will not change much, if at all, and we could still afford my bag habit, but I just don't feel good about it. I don't buy bags new so there is no announced price increase, but the pre-loved bags are all so much more than they were pre-pandemic. I am not finding much of anything for sale that seems worth the price. I would have to love something a lot before I would buy it even at reduced prices. My level of pickiness goes up with the prices.

I'm seeing much higher prices on preloved, and the few bags I have for sale, at what I believe are reasonable prices, aren't selling.

 

[DME]

I know there are dedicated brand threads for price increases, but I just found out Valextra has increased their prices and Celine will be implementing an increase in a few days, and obviously there will be more price increases for LV and Chanel later in the year, and I imagine other of your favorite brands have followed through on this too. So my thinking is do any of you feel to be priced out of any of the brands you usually shopped at, or does price increase affect in any way your bag purchases (like buy less bags, but still get the bag you wanted despite price increase)? Or maybe you feel like you have enough and can pause for now? Or rather than getting a bag at a retail price, you’d rather go for pre-owned? Do you think some brands are not worth it anymore the price they’re asking?

I’m definitely starting to feel I have more than enough and will try to focus more on “shopping” my own collection and so happy I got a chance to get the bags I wanted for a fairer price (some even on sale)

I’ve been giving this one a lot of thought lately. On the one hand, I can still afford the higher prices, even if they make me grumpy. On the other hand, I have a very nice collection already, so how much more can I possibly need? I find myself being more selective lately, and I’ve also rediscovered my love of jewelry, which is a different avenue to send my funds. But I do know this: These constant price increases are so annoying! And all of these limited editions exhaust me; it’s become too much work to get what I want. I am not liking the direction luxury fashion is moving…

 

[Jereni]

This is such a beautiful bag spill. Love the whole combination and your TDF accessories.

Nottinghill is fabulous.!

Not a great combination. I’m sure you’ll be fine. DD1 is stomping her way through her school exams. Good luck!!

Aw thank you!

Have you worn this bag crossbody? Is it comfortable that way? I’m thinking of adding this bag in either the cognac or blush color.

Love the bag spill & all the pretty AoL SLGs.

Thank you! I have only worn it crossbody once, and I slid the bag to the back because I really needed it out of the way. Overall it’s much better as a shoulder or handheld bag. I don’t know that crossbody is uncomfortable, just looks kinda awkward with the bag in front because the base is wide/deep.

 

[880]

She is more the foodie, I like taking pictures for future paintings , old buildings and unique shopping .

@papertiger’s mention of Fitzrovia jogged my memory of this cute coffee bar for breakfast, if you happen to be in that neighborhood.

@DME, I like Benares . Also ottolenghi. And, Lebanese (not far from the Connaught and Saudi embassy) . And, Patchi baklava

The Attendant, Fitzrovia

Drink your espresso at a Victorian-era urinal in this underground-restroom-turned-coffee-bar.

www.atlasobscura.com

There is a Michelin rated west African restaurant (we decided we were too tired of eating and didn’t want Michelin starred or exciting meals, and went to Scott’s instead, but it’s on our list for our next trip)

Is This London’s Most Captivating Restaurant?

Inside Ikoyi, the contemporary West African-inspired restaurant that has captured the capital’s imagination — and now a Michelin star

london.eater.com

Also we are fans of Donmar theater

Re shopping, London no longer does VAT back, so I’m of two minds re whether to shop. For high end, I prefer the atmosphere of Mayfair and bond St to across the park Knightsbridge, but the latter has Cadogan place H which is relaxed and has a nice view.

The manager of Georg Jensen recommended the Van Gogh afternoon tea ( we didn’t do this but we’ve seen Van Gogh immersive in NY and loved it

The Grill Room | Eat & Drink | Café Royal

Once the preferred haunt of Oscar Wilde and his contemporaries, this gilded jewellery box of a room is now the stunning backdrop for our award-winning afternoon tea service.

www.hotelcaferoyal.com

 

[dcooney4]

Late on the reply on this but here you go! I don’t usually carry all this in it, but you could.

View attachment 5406568

Wow it really fits a lot. I thought it was much smaller. Such a pretty bag.

 

[dcooney4]

The price increases at the moment are across the board, at least at the brands I have been looking at. Lately I am having more fun buying and trying handmade bags by small companies or individual artists. I will still buy the occasional premium bag, but at the moment they don't fit my lifestyle. The constant price increases make me buy less unless I truly love the bag, but I have not seen anything that I absolutely can't live without.
The only bad thing about buying from small makers is if the hide is not the texture that you want, you are stuck with it. The good thing is there are a lot of people who like a lot of character on their bags so you can sell them fairly easily.

 

[coffee2go]

Interesting note on the secondhand luxury bags rising their prices too, especially when it comes to popular bags like LV or Chanel, do you think it’s because sellers try to narrow the gap between retail and their price and maximize the profit? Sometimes the price difference is so small, that I rather think better to get the new bag from a boutique than having to deal with uncertainty of overall bag condition, authenticity, and so, but that’s totally different topic.

 

[Cordeliere]

Interesting note on the secondhand luxury bags rising their prices too, especially when it comes to popular bags like LV or Chanel, do you think it’s because sellers try to narrow the gap between retail and their price and maximize the profit? Sometimes the price difference is so small, that I rather think better to get the new bag from a boutique than having to deal with uncertainty of overall bag condition, authenticity, and so, but that’s totally different topic.

I don't get reseller pricing either.

The definition of inflation is too much money chasing not enough goods.

During the pandemic, the Covid checks gave people who were still working a lot of extra disposable income. People spent it on stuff like big screen tvs. Maybe purse people used that cash on purses. When people are spending free money, they are less sensitive to price.

On the not enough goods side, I have heard that Hermes dropped their production levels because not enough craftspeople and difficulty getting leather. Maybe other designers have problems keeping normal levels of inventory.

I can understand why there might not be much retail inventory, but I don't get why there is not much re-sale inventory. There is not much listed in the older vintage Hermes bags that I follow. Much less than in prior years. Why would that be?

I understand the more money chasing bags, but I don't understand fewer resale bags. Are people seeing less re-sale availability in other brands?

 

[Cookiefiend]

Late on the reply on this but here you go! I don’t usually carry all this in it, but you could.

View attachment 5406568

This might possibly be the prettiest bag spill ever... ever ever!
Thank you sweetheart!

 

[880]

Interesting note on the secondhand luxury bags rising their prices too, especially when it comes to popular bags like LV or Chanel, do you think it’s because sellers try to narrow the gap between retail and their price and maximize the profit? Sometimes the price difference is so small, that I rather think better to get the new bag from a boutique than having to deal with uncertainty of overall bag condition, authenticity, and so, but that’s totally different topic.

Depends on one’s risk tolerance and authentication process. I’ve seen tempting deals on non chanel Non H premier bags.


+1 with @Cookiefiend re the bag spill of @Jereni ! Gorgeous!

@Cordeliere , I’m seeing fewer resale bags that I want. It used to be that every summer toile and crinoline Birkins would come up for resale. No longer, and if one does, it’s an older kelly for an outrageous price. During Covid, I scooped up a ton of fabulous deals on B30 and K28, 32. There was a point in Covid summer when no one was shopping. No longer the case. I don’t think the upcoming recession will prevent 1%ers from shopping, but it may cause some who have held onto older bags to release them. Prices and stock will eventually come down from current highs, but I tend to think in terms of years, not months.

 

[whateve]

Interesting note on the secondhand luxury bags rising their prices too, especially when it comes to popular bags like LV or Chanel, do you think it’s because sellers try to narrow the gap between retail and their price and maximize the profit? Sometimes the price difference is so small, that I rather think better to get the new bag from a boutique than having to deal with uncertainty of overall bag condition, authenticity, and so, but that’s totally different topic.

I think it is partly due to sellers trying to read the market, realizing they can raise prices and still make the sale, and maximize profits. Part of it is that major brands are getting into reselling used items at high prices, and other resellers use these prices to price their items. But a lot of it is that the price of acquisition is higher. Thrift stores and consignment stores have raised their prices so resellers have to raise theirs. Selling sites have higher fees than they used to. Last year, most US resellers didn't have to report their selling income so didn't have to pay taxes on it. This year they will have to.

 

[whateve]

I don't get reseller pricing either.

The definition of inflation is too much money chasing not enough goods.

During the pandemic, the Covid checks gave people who were still working a lot of extra disposable income. People spent it on stuff like big screen tvs. Maybe purse people used that cash on purses. When people are spending free money, they are less sensitive to price.

On the not enough goods side, I have heard that Hermes dropped their production levels because not enough craftspeople and difficulty getting leather. Maybe other designers have problems keeping normal levels of inventory.

I can understand why there might not be much retail inventory, but I don't get why there is not much re-sale inventory. There is not much listed in the older vintage Hermes bags that I follow. Much less than in prior years. Why would that be?

I understand the more money chasing bags, but I don't understand fewer resale bags. Are people seeing less re-sale availability in other brands?

There might be less inventory because people are hanging onto their bags, especially if the price hikes on new have made these same people less likely to want to buy new bags to replace their old ones.

 

[Cordeliere]

Prices and stock will eventually come down from current highs, but I tend to think in terms of years, not months.

I don't have a problem waiting years. This reminds me of when I lived in CA and houses prices went up, up, up. None of us ever thought they would go back down, but they did. It was long cycles.

But a lot of it is that the price of acquisition is higher. Thrift stores and consignment stores have raised their prices so resellers have to raise theirs. Selling sites have higher fees than they used to. Last year, most US resellers didn't have to report their selling income so didn't have to pay taxes on it. This year they will have to.

There might be less inventory because people are hanging onto their bags, especially if the price hikes on new have made these same people less likely to want to buy new bags to replace their old ones.

All good points.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I'm seeing much higher prices on preloved, and the few bags I have for sale, at what I believe are reasonable prices, aren't selling.

It´s exactly the same here. Ok, in this case my bags will stay with me...