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.

 

[Cookiefiend]

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

Yes, there is room for beautiful things, and I have carried the mentioned bags a few times this year... they are beautiful!

Don’t sell the Drag!!!!!! I own it vicariously through you!

zomg - I burst out laughing!!

 

[Cookiefiend]

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 bargain shopping!
This week on the SOTD, the theme is Cheap & Chic. So we're pairing out H scarves with bargain clothing.
Everything I am wearing today (well almost everyday - with the exception of my jewelry and scarf) is the direct result of Bargain Hunting! My blouse and shoes were on clearance at Nordstrom Rack, my pants and purse are from Poshmark. I also love TJ Maxx.

I feel that by doing this, I am saving things from the landfill, not being wasteful of our resources, and (because I am a clothes horse - I have way too many clothes... I do wear them, or out they go) I can find nice things that I can't find at home.
(our Nordstrom is the most pedestrian Nordstrom)

Plus, as @BowieFan1971 mentioned - because the item may already have a few scratches, I am less likely to have a conniption when I bang it into something myself. Like the snowblower...

 

[Jereni]

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.

Haha totally agreed about the nesting dolls aspect of my travel bag desires.

Re: duffles, I think you’re right about the military thing. Below is also what I think of as a ‘classic’ duffle, esp when used by a male:


That kind of thing is gorgeous in its own way, but ideally I’d like something slightly more feminine and with some other aspects of interest to it. This is in the right direction, but I don’t think I’d go for white/cream.


Edited to add: @Cordeliere it’s possible that you and I should start up a DM convo or spin off a new thread entirely about travel bags lol!

 

[Christofle]

Haha totally agreed about the nesting dolls aspect of my travel bag desires.

Re: duffles, I think you’re right about the military thing. Below is also what I think of as a ‘classic’ duffle, esp when used by a male:
View attachment 5412566

That kind of thing is gorgeous in its own way, but ideally I’d like something slightly more feminine and with some other aspects of interest to it. This is in the right direction, but I don’t think I’d go for white/cream.
View attachment 5412567

Edited to add: @Cordeliere it’s possible that you and I should start up a DM convo or spin off a new thread entirely about travel bags lol!

The roots banff bag that you posted is lovely and has come in so many colours, leathers and sizes over the years. They also offered a made to order service (you could choose the leather, lining, embroidery, stitching and all sorts of other fun details).
I haven’t shopped with them since the brand was sold to an American investment firm but from my understanding they streamlined made to order options to be more limited since the acquisition.

It’s a great weekender!

 

[whateve]

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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Love the earrings!

Yes, definitely I get more excited about going to a thrift or antique store than regular shopping. You never know what you might find. I'm a bargain hunter and prefer outlets to boutiques too.

 

[whateve]

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.
View attachment 5412443
(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!




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

The third type of travel bag is the kind I need. For me the requirements would also include comfortable to carry all day, no matter how loaded up it is. And it has to be a color that goes with the clothes I brought on the trip. I don't need the umbrella but I always need a water bottle.

Before every trip I go through my bags and try to decide which one is going to meet this requirement.

 

[whateve]

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.

Great post! I feel the same way.

 

[BowieFan1971]

Re:travel bags

Saw this. They also have a grey one for $200 more.

https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/handbags/handle-bags/hermes-clemence-atlas-35-df20d

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

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.
View attachment 5412443
(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!

You made some excellent points about travel bags (not rambling at all), and I liked how you identified the three different categories, because those are my categories as well, and it's hard to find the ideal bag that meets the criteria you have defined in each of those categories. For my travel bags, I typically prefer contemporary brands with solid quality, low key and practical.

For a "weekender duffle" bag, I usually go with a roll-on small size suitcase or a sturdy duffle bag that I can carry (prefer something that is not heavy). If I can find something that does the same job and is more interesting and fun than my current options, I would certainly consider it.
As far as the medium to large carry-on bag on the day of travel, I agree that fashionable and functional would be great. Would love to hear what others are using in this category.
The third type of bag -- the perfect day bag for sightseeing around a city -- is also one I am searching for. Ideally a crossbody bag with a top zip in a medium to large size. Something like the Celine trio (but with just a single compartment) perhaps. My YSL large college bag (now no longer in my collection) was the right size, with soft, semi-structured leather. However, it was strictly a shoulder bag, not crossbody.

 

[lill_canele]

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Here's my embroidered Lady Dior. I wanted an embroidered Lady Dior for a while, and now I am at purse peace.

Beautiful!! I love Dior's embroidered lady dior bags! such works of art!
This one reminds of the Hermes 3 graces.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Beautiful!! I love Dior's embroidered lady dior bags! such works of art!
This one reminds of the Hermes 3 graces.

Thank you! I agree Dior's embroidered bags are indeed works of art. I think they released a bag with embroidered elephants in this series (not sure if that was a small or medium Lady Dior though). I love giraffes. I hardly ever wear scarves, but if I did, the Hermes 3 graces would certainly go on my wish list.

 

[coffee2go]

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?

The outlet I went to was in Milan, they have 3 stores, all in one city. When I was in NYC I went to check out both TJMax and Nordstrom rack, but those located in Manhattan didn’t had that many of cool merchandise. Also US prices are much higher than the European ones, it’s much easier to find a good bargain in Italy or France I think

 

[coffee2go]

Love the earrings!

Yes, definitely I get more excited about going to a thrift or antique store than regular shopping. You never know what you might find. I'm a bargain hunter and prefer outlets to boutiques too.

Thank you!

 

[Katinahat]

Hello friends, my head is scrambled this week and I need a screen break which is preventing me reading all your posts in any depth on shopping and travel bags. Just briefly on travel, I’ve just lent my friend an evening bag for a fabulous trip she’s going on. She’s helped me a lot recently and it’s a small way to thank her.

I would also like to praise the courage of the Texan teachers, Irma Garcia and Eva Mireles, who died trying to protect the children they taught and the families of everyone there. The world seems full of terrible things right now and my thoughts are with all those who are suffering anywhere in the world.

 

[bagsamplified]

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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Well done on your Old Celine find! This is exactly what I love about outlet shopping, too. To me it's like rare gem hunting . It really gives me a thrill and I enjoy my purchases more knowing they're the original season but at a much much better price.

Celine outlets are the BEST!! Haven't been able to get to one in years but I can't wait to whenever it happens again! I was trying to declutter and I couldn't decide whether to keep or sell an Old Celine bag I'd bought from the outlet.. decided to keep for now, it still has more time with me.