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.

 

[More bags]

I really enjoy the thoughtful and insightful posts on this thread, and all the humour!

@Katinahat I hope you’re having better days. Your Mulberry bags - SBS and Alexa Icon are lovely, real classics!
@dcooney4 great question about purse peace. I agree with @Jereni bags are a distraction and I’m at purse peace with Chanel bags (so crazy expensive now). Are you referring to your Cranberry PLG Mini - that is a really pretty colour.
@coffee2go Re: multiples, I have the same colour in different styles (Etain Bolide and Etain Massai Cut), the same style in different colours (Reissue in black and red, wallet on chain in black and red)
@Cordeliere I love your thought process on the bags on your watch list. I love the raisin colour of the Whitebus picture you shared. I don’t have any advice on your bag angst. The bags you’re thinking of releasing are beautiful. Perhaps we’re just custodians of beautiful things and you’ll know when you’re ready to move things on to another owner?

Your post and pictures surfaced to my mind that I would consider letting go of my Hermes Massai Cut 40 in Etain. It’s a wonderful leather - Evergrain, the bag is large, it’s a hobo. I’ll have to take some photos of me wearing different outfits with the bag to help my decision. The bag has a long strap that would make this bag usable as a crossbody (if you were a tall person, and I am not a tall person.) @Cordeliere keep an eye out for a Massai Cut 32 that comes with both straps, for greater versatility. We have a trip coming up. I have a few bags on my list to look for, research, and investigate on that trip. The Massai Cut may be my one in one out sacrifice bag if I am successful finding a new addition.


I’m inspired by @880 ‘s outfit and bag pictures - she looks great in all outfits and with all bags! I adore the bags you’re considering rehoming. Gorgeous dress you’re wearing with the metallic BV and metallic Reissue. I love the shawl in the background of your group bag pic.
@Vintage Leather sending hugs to you and your mama.
@Cookiefiend I get what you mean about being bag fidgety. Those are great bags you’ve mentioned.
@pjns Wonderful choices for work bags. Others have already mentioned considering the weight and shoulder strap functionality. I struggle with carrying a laptop in a nice leather bag because my work laptop is large and heavy. Good luck with your decision!
@cowgirlsboots very pretty Alma and wonderful travel bag!
@JenJBS congratulations on your new bag, pretty colour! How are the first few days of the new job?

 

[ms p]

Thank you for sharing. This is an excellent post. I thought I'm the only one who "nit pick" on all my bag's "flaw" (for me). Sometimes I think I'm doing this as I'm supposed to be a minimalist but as I keep on buying so I continue selling if it's not "perfect". Sometimes I think I'm just too bored. I enjoy buying and try new bags but hate to sell. But because I buy I need to sell. I always question myself why am I putting myself through this.

I just had two epiphanies I want to share. I have been pondering why I am bothered by having more bags than I carry. It is neither a space nor a money issue. Partly it is the overwhelming burden of perfectionism. The bags I am considering selling are not absolutely perfect for me. They can be perfect bags but not perfect for me. Any minor thing that bothers me in the least little way (size, weight, color, feel) is fatal. I am also bothered that I made a judgment mistake in buying the bag that is not absolutely perfect for me, even though there was no way I could know in advance that it would not be perfect for me. The great is not supposed to be the enemy of the good, but in my purse collection, it is. I need to make room in my collection for the good.

My second realization that I am not bothered by other things that I buy and don't use. DH and I have a magnificent pool table that we bought over 30 years ago and don't use. We have moved it multiple times, refinished it, re-felted it and bought the table its own $$$ expensive room in terms of extra square footage in the house. We have a swimming pool we use about once a year. We have a home gym that gets used every other year. Last summer I bought a tricked out Webber grill and have never used it. Do I feel bad about any of these? No. Do I feel stressed out that I don't use any of these things. No. Why should I hold my bags to a higher standard?

 

[coffee2go]

Hi there! I know we’re more focused on bag discussions, but I would like also to discuss fashion shopping preferences. Yesterday I went to an outlet store, not the big outlets that have dedicated brand outlets, but a multibrand outlet, that doesn’t have special merchandise produced for the outlet, but the one that buys the leftover stock, so usually you can’t find multiple of the same item. I found these two bags, one YSL I’m not sure which year this canvas was released and whether it’s from men’s line and the other was from Ferragamo. The YSL was great except the opening part, I hate when there is this type of opening. The Ferragamo one was super cute, if I hadn’t bought several bags this year already, I would have gone for it. The color was quite versatile and the shape of the bag seems functional. My only issue with this type of hobo bags trend that YSL, Gucci and other brands have jumped one, there is no zip closure, so I’m afraid the items can fall out. Maybe this style of the bag is mostly for being shoulder-carried, so one doesn’t necessarily needs a zip, as the bag stays secure under your armpit, but still it wouldn’t hurt to have a zip pocket at least.

So I skipped the bags, but then went to check out the accessories section, and I couldn’t believe I found a pair of Old Celine earring for half of the retail price they used to be priced at. There are lots of dedicated Old Celine resellers, so would I ever want to buy smth it would have been way overpriced, so I did bought the earrings, and they are simply gorgeous.

My point is, I think what I like about shopping in general is the thrill of looking and finding some rare/unique pieces, or a deal on an item, it’s way more fun for me than sipping champagne while being catered to by SA at a luxury store. I love the good bargain Do any of you feel the same? Outlet or vintage/secondhand stores vs luxury stores shopping experience.

 

[dcooney4]

exactly
Also +1 with @cowgirlsboots directly above. Don’t buy something you need to jazz up or learn to love
i had a red epi SLG circa 1990s that just simply never aged. It probably could have survived a tank


@Cookiefiend, is there room in your collection and closet for bags that are just beautiful


love both, but as per subsequent posts, like @Cordeliere ’s, it seems SDJ is lighter



I have decided finally to ask my SAs to weigh in on whether I should let go of my 35 trim II bags, each purchased for 600 or 800 USD, and worn quite a bit. After hearing everyone’s opinions, they are going to be rehomed to a younger friend who is a working mom who will use them a lot. I may also release my ebene victoria II to another friend bc when I reach for a Victoria II, I only end up using etoupe. (I used the ebene a lot circa 2012, when bittersweet brown was the new black). So, these bags have earned retirement from previous cost per wear. I’m now pondering whether to release a BV metallic hobo, that I think is gorgeous and that I got for a great price, and a 226 metallic reissue. Perhaps the hobo, since at the time, I really wanted a metallic mini cabat (but was unwilling to pay). I’m not really a hobo person, but 8 keep thinking if I ever go to a dive bar in Brooklyn and am wearing jeans it might be ideal . .. that hasn’t happened in years Lol

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@Cordeliere, you have a very pampered pool table if you choose to be a perfectionist in only one area such as bags, so long as that makes you happy, why not

You are going to have some very happy friends.

 

[dcooney4]

Alma from 1996 for you...
(pre tlc)
View attachment 5412188

I made a bag organizer to make sure she keeps her shape and I keep my sanity as all my stuff tumbling around in a bag drives me crazy.

So pretty!

 

[dcooney4]

Hi there! I know we’re more focused on bag discussions, but I would like also to discuss fashion shopping preferences. Yesterday I went to an outlet store, not the big outlets that have dedicated brand outlets, but a multibrand outlet, that doesn’t have special merchandise produced for the outlet, but the one that buys the leftover stock, so usually you can’t find multiple of the same item. I found these two bags, one YSL I’m not sure which year this canvas was released and whether it’s from men’s line and the other was from Ferragamo. The YSL was great except the opening part, I hate when there is this type of opening. The Ferragamo one was super cute, if I hadn’t bought several bags this year already, I would have gone for it. The color was quite versatile and the shape of the bag seems functional. My only issue with this type of hobo bags trend that YSL, Gucci and other brands have jumped one, there is no zip closure, so I’m afraid the items can fall out. Maybe this style of the bag is mostly for being shoulder-carried, so one doesn’t necessarily needs a zip, as the bag stays secure under your armpit, but still it wouldn’t hurt to have a zip pocket at least.

So I skipped the bags, but then went to check out the accessories section, and I couldn’t believe I found a pair of Old Celine earring for half of the retail price they used to be priced at. There are lots of dedicated Old Celine resellers, so would I ever want to buy smth it would have been way overpriced, so I did bought the earrings, and they are simply gorgeous.

My point is, I think what I like about shopping in general is the thrill of looking and finding some rare/unique pieces, or a deal on an item, it’s way more fun for me than sipping champagne while being catered to by SA at a luxury store. I love the good bargain Do any of you feel the same? Outlet or vintage/secondhand stores vs luxury stores shopping experience.

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I love a good bargain.

 

[dcooney4]

I really enjoy the thoughtful and insightful posts on this thread, and all the humour!

@Katinahat I hope you’re having better days. Your Mulberry bags - SBS and Alexa Icon are lovely, real classics!
@dcooney4 great question about purse peace. I agree with @Jereni bags are a distraction and I’m at purse peace with Chanel bags (so crazy expensive now). Are you referring to your Cranberry PLG Mini - that is a really pretty colour.
@coffee2go Re: multiples, I have the same colour in different styles (Etain Bolide and Etain Massai Cut), the same style in different colours (Reissue in black and red, wallet on chain in black and red)
@Cordeliere I love your thought process on the bags on your watch list. I love the raisin colour of the Whitebus picture you shared. I don’t have any advice on your bag angst. The bags you’re thinking of releasing are beautiful. Perhaps we’re just custodians of beautiful things and you’ll know when you’re ready to move things on to another owner?

Your post and pictures surfaced to my mind that I would consider letting go of my Hermes Massai Cut 40 in Etain. It’s a wonderful leather - Evergrain, the bag is large, it’s a hobo. I’ll have to take some photos of me wearing different outfits with the bag to help my decision. The bag has a long strap that would make this bag usable as a crossbody (if you were a tall person, and I am not a tall person.) @Cordeliere keep an eye out for a Massai Cut 32 that comes with both straps, for greater versatility. We have a trip coming up. I have a few bags on my list to look for, research, and investigate on that trip. The Massai Cut may be my one in one out sacrifice bag if I am successful finding a new addition.
View attachment 5412359

I’m inspired by @880 ‘s outfit and bag pictures - she looks great in all outfits and with all bags! I adore the bags you’re considering rehoming. Gorgeous dress you’re wearing with the metallic BV and metallic Reissue. I love the shawl in the background of your group bag pic.
@Vintage Leather sending hugs to you and your mama.
@Cookiefiend I get what you mean about being bag fidgety. Those are great bags you’ve mentioned.
@pjns Wonderful choices for work bags. Others have already mentioned considering the weight and shoulder strap functionality. I struggle with carrying a laptop in a nice leather bag because my work laptop is large and heavy. Good luck with your decision!
@cowgirlsboots very pretty Alma and wonderful travel bag!
@JenJBS congratulations on your new bag, pretty colour! How are the first few days of the new job?

Not just the cranberry plg. I have been ruthless lately. If I wasn't wearing in the last two years no matter how pretty, I got rid of it. Now I am looking at the things that I forced myself to try and wear. I am worried I might get rid of too much. I am comfortable between 40 -45 bags depending on size. Right now I am on the low end.

 

[Jereni]

@Cordeliere, travel bags are hard. My mom loved Vera Bradley for travel because they are lightweight (good for those with shoulder or back issues) and have lots of compartments. Also, they can be thrown into the washing machine after coming home from travels.

Travel bags ARE hard. Like @Cordeliere, I am also looking for the perfect travel bag, tho probably not as actively.

For me there’s also like 3 types of travel bags I want. One is the perfect fabulous ‘weekender’ bag, such as a duffle. Something I’d bring to a swanky bed and breakfast in the country, or carry on a plane. Currently for this I have an extra large nylon Longchamp, but it’s a little too much of a bottomless pit and getting quite dirty. But I haven’t found the right thing to replace it.

Then there is the day-of-travel / perfect medium-to-large carry-on bag. I like the idea of something fashionable *and* functional to have all my essentials in on the plane or the train, for trips where I have larger/checked luggage. Currently for this I use my medium Longchamp Cuir.

(not my pic, but this is the color)

Which is totally fine, but this bag doesn’t really thrill me anymore. Sometimes I use my Celine ‘Big’ bag, but that isn’t as easy to put under a plane seat.

The third type of travel bag I need/want is the perfect day bag for sightseeing around a city. In my mind, this would be a medium size bag, capable of fitting a mini umbrella and a small water bottle, with a secure but easy opening because I will be going in and out of it a lot. Currently for this I tend to use the Longchamp Cuir if that’s the carry-on bag I brought, but it’s not that easy to get in and out of actually. For our New York trip, I used my Valextra Iside, which worked pretty well, but it isn’t quite big enough for the water bottle / umbrella requirement.

So… that was a lot about travel bags lol. Thanks for letting me ramble!

I am actively looking for a bag in a dark raspberry color. It’s a shade of pink I do not see very often. Ferragamo had a small Studio in this color & I missed it

Yes, bags are a big distraction. Especially if I’m bored, sad, etc.

LOVE a raspberry bag. Hope you find the perfect one soon!

 

[dcooney4]

Besides my carry on , I use this Mz Wallace Backpack. It has a travel sleeve and multiple pockets inside and out. Then I bring a Crossbody bag. Last trip I brought my Mz Wallace Bowery Crossbody in dawn. It has the most comfortable crossbody strap and in the evening the strap gets replaced with the leather covered chain strap. It worked great but I don’t carry a water bottle.

 

[Cordeliere]

Travel bags ARE hard.
For me there’s also like 3 types of travel bags I want. One is the perfect fabulous ‘weekender’ bag, such as a duffle.
Then there is the day-of-travel / perfect medium-to-large carry-on bag.
The third type of travel bag I need/want is the perfect day bag for sightseeing around a city.
So… that was a lot about travel bags lol. Thanks for letting me ramble!

I love it that there is someone who dissects their bag needs more than I do. And you don't get any gripes about long posts from me. There is a big difference between explained and rambling.

Your bag needs are like nesting dolls. Each one is progressively smaller. Tell us more about the duffle for a weekender bag. My mind is fuzzy about what makes something a duffle. When I think duffle, I think those huge canvas bags that military people carried.

 

[Cordeliere]

Besides my carry on , I use this Mz Wallace Backpack. It has a travel sleeve and multiple pockets inside and out. Then I bring a Crossbody bag. Last trip I brought my Mz Wallace Bowery Crossbody in dawn. It has the most comfortable crossbody strap and in the evening the strap gets replaced with the leather covered chain strap. It worked great but I don’t carry a water bottle.

That is a really good looking back pack.

 

[BowieFan1971]

Hi there! I know we’re more focused on bag discussions, but I would like also to discuss fashion shopping preferences. Yesterday I went to an outlet store, not the big outlets that have dedicated brand outlets, but a multibrand outlet, that doesn’t have special merchandise produced for the outlet, but the one that buys the leftover stock, so usually you can’t find multiple of the same item. I found these two bags, one YSL I’m not sure which year this canvas was released and whether it’s from men’s line and the other was from Ferragamo. The YSL was great except the opening part, I hate when there is this type of opening. The Ferragamo one was super cute, if I hadn’t bought several bags this year already, I would have gone for it. The color was quite versatile and the shape of the bag seems functional. My only issue with this type of hobo bags trend that YSL, Gucci and other brands have jumped one, there is no zip closure, so I’m afraid the items can fall out. Maybe this style of the bag is mostly for being shoulder-carried, so one doesn’t necessarily needs a zip, as the bag stays secure under your armpit, but still it wouldn’t hurt to have a zip pocket at least.

So I skipped the bags, but then went to check out the accessories section, and I couldn’t believe I found a pair of Old Celine earring for half of the retail price they used to be priced at. There are lots of dedicated Old Celine resellers, so would I ever want to buy smth it would have been way overpriced, so I did bought the earrings, and they are simply gorgeous.

My point is, I think what I like about shopping in general is the thrill of looking and finding some rare/unique pieces, or a deal on an item, it’s way more fun for me than sipping champagne while being catered to by SA at a luxury store. I love the good bargain Do any of you feel the same? Outlet or vintage/secondhand stores vs luxury stores shopping experience.

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Absolutely! I don’t think I could allow myself to pay retail designer bag prices for a new bag. I honestly think I would not use one much at that point because I would not want to “ruin” it and would find myself “saving it for a special occasion” that of course never comes. That is a powerful inherited urge. I feel overjoyed when I get a great bag that is much better quality for the price of a mid-price bag. I have begun applying this rationale to other clothing items, too. It is about value.

Not only is the value there, but since it looks great but is not perfect, I feel more comfortable wearing it. Also, since I am older, it looks more natural to be out and about with a pre-loved designer bag because people assume that yes, it is real, but I have had it for a while.

In addition, I think there is a wider variety of styles to choose from, since you are not limited to current stock. You may not be able to get the current It bag, but wearing the latest trend has never really been a big thing for me. Plus a lot of what is in right now, like mini and crossbody bags, do not fit my needs or likes. Should top handle mid-sized bags become the thing, that could change.

Last but not least, I have cone to truly appreciate the quality of workmanship and materials that go into designer and vintage bags. Skilled craftsmen spent time and effort to make these bags and they were made to last. For me, it is a sign of respect to them to give these bags a life outside a trash dump or to be treated like crap because they are not new. They are beautiful items that deserve care and appreciation, but also to be worn and used as they were created to do.

 

[coffee2go]

Absolutely! I don’t think I could allow myself to pay retail designer bag prices for a new bag. I honestly think I would not use one much at that point because I would not want to “ruin” it and would find myself “saving it for a special occasion” that of course never comes. That is a powerful inherited urge. I feel overjoyed when I get a great bag that is much better quality for the price of a mid-price bag. I have begun applying this rationale to other clothing items, too. It is about value.

Not only is the value there, but since it looks great but is not perfect, I feel more comfortable wearing it. Also, since I am older, it looks more natural to be out and about with a designer bag because people assume that yes, it is real, but I have had it for a while.

In addition, I think there is a wider variety of styles to choose from, since you are not limited to current stock. You may not be able to get the current It bag, but wearing the latest trend has never really been a big thing for me. Plus a lot of what is in right now, like mini and crossbody bags, do not fit my needs or likes. Should top handle mid-sized bags become the thing, that could change.

Last but not least, I have cone to truly appreciate the quality of workmanship and materials that go into designer and vintage bags. Skilled craftsmen spent time and effort to make these bags and they were made to last. For me, it is a sign of respect to them to give these bags a life outside a trash dump or to be treated like crap because they are not new. They are beautiful items that deserve care and appreciation, but also to be worn and used as they were cr to do.

Me too, I’m not into “trendy” items, and love to find classic good quality pieces for reasonable prices, nowadays, so many pieces are way overpriced for whatever they’re really are. And I also always check the fabric, like the other day I saw a nice looking summer dresses but they were made of polyester, so big no for me. Brands try to sell you a crap for a ton of money, and I don’t want to wear crappy fabrics. I don’t care if its the newest latest collection, I just buy what I like. Once I found a cool real lamb skin leather jacket from Alexander McQueen in a new condition for just 100€! A steal! Even mass-market don’t offer such prices for a faux leather jacket, imagine the real leather one!

 

[dcooney4]

Absolutely! I don’t think I could allow myself to pay retail designer bag prices for a new bag. I honestly think I would not use one much at that point because I would not want to “ruin” it and would find myself “saving it for a special occasion” that of course never comes. That is a powerful inherited urge. I feel overjoyed when I get a great bag that is much better quality for the price of a mid-price bag. I have begun applying this rationale to other clothing items, too. It is about value.

Not only is the value there, but since it looks great but is not perfect, I feel more comfortable wearing it. Also, since I am older, it looks more natural to be out and about with a designer bag because people assume that yes, it is real, but I have had it for a while.

In addition, I think there is a wider variety of styles to choose from, since you are not limited to current stock. You may not be able to get the current It bag, but wearing the latest trend has never really been a big thing for me. Plus a lot of what is in right now, like mini and crossbody bags, do not fit my needs or likes. Should top handle mid-sized bags become the thing, that could change.

Last but not least, I have cone to truly appreciate the quality of workmanship and materials that go into designer and vintage bags. Skilled craftsmen spent time and effort to make these bags and they were made to last. For me, it is a sign of respect to them to give these bags a life outside a trash dump or to be treated like crap because they are not new. They are beautiful items that deserve care and appreciation, but also to be worn and used as they were cr to do.

I love that you do this.

 

[Cordeliere]

Hi there! I know we’re more focused on bag discussions, but I would like also to discuss fashion shopping preferences. Yesterday I went to an outlet store, not the big outlets that have dedicated brand outlets, but a multibrand outlet, that doesn’t have special merchandise produced for the outlet, but the one that buys the leftover stock, so usually you can’t find multiple of the same item. I found these two bags, one YSL I’m not sure which year this canvas was released and whether it’s from men’s line and the other was from Ferragamo. The YSL was great except the opening part, I hate when there is this type of opening. The Ferragamo one was super cute, if I hadn’t bought several bags this year already, I would have gone for it. The color was quite versatile and the shape of the bag seems functional. My only issue with this type of hobo bags trend that YSL, Gucci and other brands have jumped one, there is no zip closure, so I’m afraid the items can fall out. Maybe this style of the bag is mostly for being shoulder-carried, so one doesn’t necessarily needs a zip, as the bag stays secure under your armpit, but still it wouldn’t hurt to have a zip pocket at least.

So I skipped the bags, but then went to check out the accessories section, and I couldn’t believe I found a pair of Old Celine earring for half of the retail price they used to be priced at. There are lots of dedicated Old Celine resellers, so would I ever want to buy smth it would have been way overpriced, so I did bought the earrings, and they are simply gorgeous.

My point is, I think what I like about shopping in general is the thrill of looking and finding some rare/unique pieces, or a deal on an item, it’s way more fun for me than sipping champagne while being catered to by SA at a luxury store. I love the good bargain Do any of you feel the same? Outlet or vintage/secondhand stores vs luxury stores shopping experience.

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When you talk about a multi brand outlet, are you talking about stores like TJ Max, Marshall's, Ross, Nordstrom rack, or is there another type of store that I am not familiar with?