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]

Once. I had a remote girlfriend. We were mostly phone friends who got together when she came to my state on business. I would see her when we were in CA. We were the purple sisters. We both LOVED purple. I bought her this Nancy Gonzales bag made of real croc from Fashionphile for $440. She was having a really hard time and could use a bright spot in her life. Then before I gave it to her, she said she would never have a bag that didn't have a shoulder strap. Opps. So I did not give it to her. Shortly after that she really p$ssed me off, so I sold the bag back to Fashionphile for 75%. The bad feelings I had towards her transferred to the bag. The bag was pristine and I loved it. I kick myself in the behind for selling it. I wish I could re purchase it for that price. So it was probably mainly a bag I wanted for myself, that never even made it to the intended recipient.

View attachment 5409670

I have also been the recipient of a gift bag--a Pendleton wool tote from a man friend of DH and myself (one half of a friends couple who is no longer a couple). It was a birthday present. I appreciated the thought but hated the bag. I gave it to a girlfriend here and she seem thrilled, but who knows.

Bag giving is risky IMHO.

DH bought me a Gucci bag, enlisting my SA in the process. Let's say I've learned to love the bag. I couldn't pass it along, DH was always quite sensitive to those kind of things

 

[Cookiefiend]

The bag I bought for my sister arrived yesterday. It’s a Ted Baker camera bag. What do you think?
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It’s colour is cinnamon so a sort of tan/orange mix. It’s croc leather. We don’t buy expensive gifts as an extended family so it’s more than I would usually spend (despite 30% off all stock) but I wanted to treat her as she never treats herself. She carries the Radley shoulder bag she owns all the time. I don’t carry any TB bags but they are lovely designs. No dust bag or anything so no luxury feel which is a shame as I hoped for that.

It’s so hard to chose for someone else, especially when price is a factor. I think this is a simple, small but fun evening bag for holidays and we are going on holiday together in the summer. Do you think this little bag fits that brief?

When DH buys me a bag it’s usually one I’ve dropped hints about for months so he can’t go wrong. I did once have friends but me a little Radley for my 30th when I was Radley obsessed and I was delighted back then. I’m not so sure how I’d feel now. Grateful yes but my taste is more honed.

So my new question for today:
Does your passion for bags ever lead you to purchase them for other people and do you like other people purchasing for you?

I think she’ll love it - it’s a great color!

I don’t purchase bags for others, but I have given some of my bags to family members after asking if they would like the bag in question.

I don’t particularly like being given a bag… I’m so picky that a gifted bag rarely works for me, and I don’t want a bag I’ll never carry. This past Christmas, Mr Cookie bought a Gucci bag for me on line - we checked the dimensions against a different bag and I was certain it would work and that I’d like it. When it arrived - it was too small. I sent it back and ordered the bigger size - which I was worried it would be too big… and it was. it went back also. He says he never buys me anything that I like, which isn’t true! But I’m very particular about handbags!

I ended up not getting a bag, but we had an enormous vet bill - and I’d rather have the dog over some handbag any day. I consider that the best Christmas prezzie ever. ❤️

 

[880]

It meets all my numerous hard to meet criteria except I don't love it

above, plus the color. . . . JMO don’t do it

But. Epi does wear like iron

by the way, I once also had a remote GF who pissed me off. I sent her the bag anyway, but considered it closure on a friendship. I took stuff that she sent me and gifted it or donated it depending.

 

[Cordeliere]

I still see really good vintage examples of LV bags in Epi leather in consignment stores/dress agencies, I think it's a great option for LV lovers, obviously it wears like iron.

Really good to know. Lately I have noticed how some of the bags (non Hermes) that make me salivate a couple of years ago did not wear well. The ones in the resale market--their suede parts look like crap, leather corners badly worn, wonky shapes. Seeing this makes me really respect bags that hold up well.

 

[DME]

Really good to know. Lately I have noticed how some of the bags (non Hermes) that make me salivate a couple of years ago did not wear well. The ones in the resale market--their suede parts look like crap, leather corners badly worn, wonky shapes. Seeing this makes me really respect bags that hold up well.

+1 on all the great things you’re hearing about the wear on epi. I have several epi bags and they’ve held up well; my oldest is from 1990 and it’s still going strong!

That said, I might be concerned about color transfer on a light bag, even epi. It can happen. Maybe check some of the LV threads here? The chalk/ivory color has been popular in the last six months, or so, and reviews on these bags could be helpful.

Agree with @880 that if you don’t love it, then I might leave it. It sounds like you’re looking for a permanent member of your collection and, without the love part, this might not be it.

 

[papertiger]

Really good to know. Lately I have noticed how some of the bags (non Hermes) that make me salivate a couple of years ago did not wear well. The ones in the resale market--their suede parts look like crap, leather corners badly worn, wonky shapes. Seeing this makes me really respect bags that hold up well.

Just a disclaimer that, that's my opinion regards '90s LV. I'm always interested in seeing 80s/90s Epi because they bring back memories.

I have no experience with new/newer Epi leather and would have to bow to those that do.

 

[Cordeliere]

above, plus the color. . . . JMO don’t do it

I hear ya on the love. In the last four days, I looked at 130 pages of resale bags listed by Rebag in hopes of discovering a bag model that I was not acquainted with to be a travel purse. That is almost 7,000 bags. They have 23,000 bags listed but I just couldn't look at another bag. I gave up. The problem is the numerous exacting requirements for a travel purse. I can't find one that meets all the requirements, much less one that I love. The ones I liked all had major requirement deficiencies.

My computer has to fit in it, so it has to be 12 inches wide but I don't want over 14. It has to be 10 high. And it can't be too thick. Less than 5 is preferable.

It has to have handles that are a length that are short enough for hand held but long enough for shoulder carry (I don't like having a short and a long handle and I don't like crossbody). This is the most difficult requirement.

It has to have a zipper close. Last time I traveled, I tossed my id in before it went through the scanner and it fell out. If another traveler hadn't seen it and picked it up, I would have been toast.

It has to be light weight. It can't have delicate leather. And it has to have feet. And it can't be black.

A travel bag is more demanding on function than a daily bag. Airplane seats, airport scanners, pickpockets, rain, etc. Talking this through will all of you is making me realize that love is less important on this bag than others. Functionality is more important for this particular bag.

+1 on all the great things you’re hearing about the wear on epi. I have several epi bags and they’ve held up well; my oldest is from 1990 and it’s still going strong!

That said, I might be concerned about color transfer on a light bag, even epi. It can happen. Maybe check some of the LV threads here? The chalk/ivory color has been popular in the last six months, or so, and reviews on these bags could be helpful.

Agree with @880 that if you don’t love it, then I might leave it. It sounds like you’re looking for a permanent member of your collection and, without the love part, this might not be it.

Another vote on their wear resistance is good to hear. I have never had a color transfer problem but maybe that is because all my jeans are so well worn. No loose dye left. Very interesting to hear that ivory is currently popular. I thought it looked so old fashioned. I should not be influenced what others think, but that does please me.

 

[dcooney4]

@BowieFan1971

I have questions for you. A while back you were talking about what a great value LV epi is. What are the things you like about it? I understand that it is heavier than LV canvas. Is it about the same weight as a same sized non LV bag, or is it lighter? How does it wear? Is it scratch or corner wear prone? Is there anything special to consider when evaluating an epi piece? Is epi highly faked?

In case you are wondering, the "good enough" potential travel bag I was considering is in epi (purse not luggage). It is ivory, which I am not crazy about, but the only alternative color for this bag is black, which I don't want. I got more excited about the bag this morning when I realized I could jazz it up with bag charms. It meets all my numerous hard to meet criteria except I don't love it. But love might bloom here. Please weigh in.

I had a rouge epi speedy with silver hardware for a few years till my dd begged me for it. I once bumped it in to a brick wall going around a corner to fast and it stayed perfect. I on the other hand freaked out till I saw it was ok. It is quite sturdy, but like Bowiefan said it can get wrinkles if not stuffed when not in use.

 

[SakuraSakura]

He didn't come with the property. There was a time when I was obsessed with pets. I blame it on my parents not letting me have any. I went to the pet store nearly every weekend. One time they had baby tortoises. They were about the size of a quarter. So tiny and perfect looking, so I had to bring one home. I knew he was going to get giant. He is now 23 years old.View attachment 5409284

View attachment 5409286

Oh my goodness that is so amazing, whateve! I love your shelled companion, what a cutie! Twenty three years old, wow! Nearly as old as I am. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Katinahat]

Totally off topic. I have a long weekend with a day off work tomorrow. I’ve been feeling out of sorts so DH took me for a walk with the dog late afternoon then insisted I come out with him this evening to find some joy. I found it hard to make the effort so went for a relaxed style with jeans and this top which works with mini Alexa.

First, pre dinner drinks at a lovely shore front inn with the sea in the background.

And for all those of you who enjoy looking at lovely food, we went on to a harbour restaurant where they did the best steaks! Delicious food, loving company, good for the soul!

 

[dcooney4]

Totally off topic. I have a long weekend with a day off work tomorrow. I’ve been feeling out of sorts so DH took me for a walk with the dog late afternoon then insisted I come out with him this evening to find some joy. I found it hard to make the effort so went for a relaxed style with jeans and this top which works with mini Alexa.
View attachment 5409944
First, pre dinner drinks at a lovely shore front inn with the sea in the background.
View attachment 5409945
And for all those of you who enjoy looking at lovely food, we went on to a harbour restaurant where they did the best steaks! Delicious food, loving company, good for the soul!
View attachment 5409947View attachment 5409946View attachment 5409948

Looks delicious! Hope you had a wonderful time.

 

[Katinahat]

Love this. It’s perfect for the purpose. I’m not keen on dust bags. You can wrap it in a vintage fabric or decorative paper

i also adore Radley. I had a tiny cross body navy messenger bag. My girlfriend loved it, so I gave it to her. I also love the little blue dog charm

i purchase bags for other people all the time. Or, more accurately, I buy stuff for myself that end up with others lol. Mainly family members. However, I really don’t want other people to give me stuff; they invariably choose things that don’t work. my mom is somewhat my size, so if I want something of hers, I just ask if I can have something or borrow it. Her normal response is sure, if I can find it. Lol.

Good tip re vintage fabric for wrapping.

Sometimes for the question. I think your she is going to love it .

Thank you!

Once. I had a remote girlfriend. We were mostly phone friends who got together when she came to my state on business. I would see her when we were in CA. We were the purple sisters. We both LOVED purple. I bought her this Nancy Gonzales bag made of real croc from Fashionphile for $440. She was having a really hard time and could use a bright spot in her life. Then before I gave it to her, she said she would never have a bag that didn't have a shoulder strap. Opps. So I did not give it to her. Shortly after that she really p$ssed me off, so I sold the bag back to Fashionphile for 75%. The bad feelings I had towards her transferred to the bag. The bag was pristine and I loved it. I kick myself in the behind for selling it. I wish I could re purchase it for that price. So it was probably mainly a bag I wanted for myself, that never even made it to the intended recipient.

View attachment 5409670

I have also been the recipient of a gift bag--a Pendleton wool tote from a man friend of DH and myself (one half of a friends couple who is no longer a couple). It was a birthday present. I appreciated the thought but hated the bag. I gave it to a girlfriend here and she seem thrilled, but who knows.

Bag giving is risky IMHO.

Oh no! That’s a terrible experience. It does look like a stunning bag. Where were her manners when you gave her such a lovely gift!!

I get this. Teens or someone you know really well is easier to please. I have gotten a few gifts of bags that weren’t my cup of tea.

i agree! My sister admired my Mulberry Lily and wished she had a smaller bag for the evenings last year.

To quote myself to continue the topic, I have thoughts on how to buy a bag for someone else . If I wanted to give someone a bag, I would do more delving into their opinions about bags. In a casual conversation, I would start talking about a bag I had recently purchased or planned to purchase. I would talk about how it ticked all my boxes in terms of size, closure type, carry type, degree of sturcture, etc. Then I would ask what was important to the other person in a bag. If they couldn't answer I would ask them about their favorite bag they had ever owned. Whenever we were out, I would comment on other people's bags and ask their opinion about specific aspects of a bag. "have you ever had a bag with a shoulder strap that long? How did you like it?" 'Or I love that bag except it is just too thick for me. I bang into stuff. What about you? Do thick bags bother you?" Or take her with you shopping for clothes and wander past the table of clearance bags and hold them up and discuss them. It would be a slow process but then your chances of getting a winner are much higher.

We did go bag shopping together once so I have some idea what she liked.

I love the Ted Baker and think she will too!

Yes on purchasing for others. My mom, niece, sister in law and sister have all received bags or SLGs from me. I generally don’t like others purchasing bags for me because they get it wrong unless it is a bag I picked out and they then purchased. My D&B obsessed sister has bought me 3 D&Bs and they were all wrong. One was an ugly and too small crossbody, one was way too big and the other (the sand one) was very pretty but I hated the fold over zipper (scratched my hand) and it was bulky and heavy. They make great quality bags but a lot of their styles are not quite right for me. Put them all up for sale…the sand one was one of the ones taken to the consignment shop.

Oh no! I don’t think my sister would buy a bag for me in return so I’m probably ok.

It's a lovely colour. I cannot imagine anyone not liking a small cross-body camera bag, whatever they do, work or leisure, I'm sure it will be handy for some part of their life.

Yes, it is very hard choosing a bag for others. I just bought my aunt a bag for her birthday (a Polene nr. 1 in 'Heather'). I recently bought my niece a backpack for work too. Both were well received but maybe they were just being polite.

I’m glad you think that. It is s nice colour and a camera bag is an easy wear style for something even if just occasional use. Kind of you to gift a Polene to your aunt!

DH bought me a Gucci bag, enlisting my SA in the process. Let's say I've learned to love the bag. I couldn't pass it along, DH was always quite sensitive to those kind of things

Shame your SA didn’t get it right! Its worth learning to love the bag for a good DH! Mine is the best.

I think she’ll love it - it’s a great color!

I don’t purchase bags for others, but I have given some of my bags to family members after asking if they would like the bag in question.

I don’t particularly like being given a bag… I’m so picky that a gifted bag rarely works for me, and I don’t want a bag I’ll never carry. This past Christmas, Mr Cookie bought a Gucci bag for me on line - we checked the dimensions against a different bag and I was certain it would work and that I’d like it. When it arrived - it was too small. I sent it back and ordered the bigger size - which I was worried it would be too big… and it was. it went back also. He says he never buys me anything that I like, which isn’t true! But I’m very particular about handbags!

I ended up not getting a bag, but we had an enormous vet bill - and I’d rather have the dog over some handbag any day. I consider that the best Christmas prezzie ever. ❤

Totally agree with that choice! I’d put my bevy of beauties before a bag any day. None that have been around the 23 years of @whateve’s tortoise but my cats and dog are part of the family!

 

[whateve]

Totally off topic. I have a long weekend with a day off work tomorrow. I’ve been feeling out of sorts so DH took me for a walk with the dog late afternoon then insisted I come out with him this evening to find some joy. I found it hard to make the effort so went for a relaxed style with jeans and this top which works with mini Alexa.
View attachment 5409944
First, pre dinner drinks at a lovely shore front inn with the sea in the background.
View attachment 5409945
And for all those of you who enjoy looking at lovely food, we went on to a harbour restaurant where they did the best steaks! Delicious food, loving company, good for the soul!
View attachment 5409947View attachment 5409946View attachment 5409948

That's wonderful! It's great to have a DH that knows when you need cheering up. Steak is my favorite food.

 

[whateve]

The only people I've bought purses for are my girls. Sometimes it was something I wanted for myself and felt I could justify buying it only if it was for one of my daughters, thinking I might be able to borrow it. Other times, my daughter would tell me exactly what she wanted and I sent pictures before I bought. One time my daughter was visiting and I loaned her a bag, which she ended up keeping. I think a few other times, they needed a gift for a boyfriend's mother and I gave them brand new wristlets I had never used.

My very first purse that I can remember was a gift from my grandmother when I was 11. I had mixed feelings about the purse. It was pretty and functional but it was multicolored and I felt it was too flashy for me as I didn't like to draw attention to myself. Anyway, I appreciated the sentiment so carried that bag every day for at least a year. My sister, who isn't sentimental at all, complained immediately about her bag gift so I felt it was important that my grandmother knew I appreciated her effort.

When I first joined the forum and started getting crazy about bags, DH took me shopping so I could pick out a bag. I deliberated then picked out a practical bag. I carried awhile but it was never love. DH always referred to it as the bag he bought me and I think he was a little hurt when I sold it.

My family doesn't do a lot of gifts. DH won't ever buy a "gift" for me unless I tell him to and I'm there to pick it out. It isn't really a gift since all our money is pooled.

 

[coffee2go]

What a nice and varied collection you have.

Thank you! I guess one can have a bag collection without having to have any mainstream/well-known brands like Gucci/Dior/Chanel/LV/Hermes
Aesthetically the styles I like from them are mostly classics (way overpriced now in my opinion) or vintage ones