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.

 

[Alienza]

Exactly! It is slightly embarrassing to be so panic'd over dealing with cash, but I hate it.



Well DH does have pockets, but I expect to go places without him that he is not that interested in.


I have done a little research. The average Japanese person carries about the equivalent of $200 a day. Duh. That is what hotel safes are for.

Japanese money is larger than dollars. The Japanese frown on folding cash. They keep money pristine. (That rules out DH as money handler). Money has to be accepted with both hands. Sounds like pressure to me.

I googled what do Japanese carry their money in. 51% of those with incomes of $10 million yen ($75,000) carry bifold wallets, and 35% carry long wallets. What do the other 14% do? For men, bifold wallet convene stability and success. Do women's wallet signal status?

I did learn there are such things called Japanese wallets that are sized to accomodate Japanese bills. Duh squared. They sell them on Etsy. I found one I really like for bills.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/100892...rch_query=japanese+wallet&ref=sr_gallery-5-13

I am still sort of freaked about dealing with the coins. Apparently tourists prefer to use bills because they are easier to understand, but the change comes back to them in coins. Tourists end up with a large number of coins adding up to substantial lost value when they don't spend them. There are even articles on how to get rid of coins: Vending machines, donations at shrines, public transportation, tiny toys that come in vending machines. etc. etc etc.

Other than tiny cloth coin purses, I haven't figured out how the Japanese carry coins. They probably don't let them build up. I would look for a purse sized organizer for coins but who knows what size their coins are. If they are really mean, they will all be the same size and impossible to tell apart.

When we went to Japan 13 years ago, we paid for most things with credit card. we only used cash for little things. So I think you can still pay for most things with credit cards now as well.

You might want to try to use a travel wallet. Yen should fit in travel wallet. Or you can get a Chanel yen sized wallet. Japan is pretty safe so you can just carry your wallet in your handbag. No need for anti theft bags/wallet. I usually just take a smaller wallet but one that has 2 notes compartments (for 2 currencies) and 1 coin compartment.

I highly recommend trying vending machines in Japan. They sell all kinds of things. Its really cool . So save the coins for vending machine!. These days vending machines in my country sell anything from potted plants to mascara. But back then our vending machines were basic so I was very excited to see the weird and wonderful things sold in vending machines in Japan.
We also went during Sakura season. In my opinion it is the best time to visit Japan. Its beautiful. People go out to the parks, take photos with cherry blossoms, have picnic, there are outdoor markets with lots of interesting food and there are celebrations at some temples. You will love it! Enjoy your holiday!

 

[lill_canele]

I have been challenging myself to wear bags that have not seen the light of day in a long time or ever. It is now quite a bit warmer here and sunny so no more excuses. Anyone else care to join?

Yes! But for me it's not for bags but for clothes! I wear scrubs 4-5 times a week and so I only really wear my clothes for work events or on weekends. I can wear business casual clothes for work but scrubs are just too comfortable.

Hello everyone. Just stopping by to say I am recovering from a bad bout of the flu. Completely unexpected at this time of the year. Anyway, obviously, I haven't really been interested in bags, or perfumes or suchlike for a little while. It's perhaps a temporary thing, but my interest in bags has waned a lot. Likewise with perfumes -- between allergies earlier in the year, and now this, I have come to realize I tend to wear a small group of favorite fragrances on the repeat, and don't need the majority of my perfume collection. I've reached purse peace and most definitely perfume peace, at least for the time being! My goal now is really to pay more attention to my health, increase energy and stay healthy for the rest of the year!

Oh no, get better soon! I have a similar feeling. Not at purse peace but I've hit my bag quota for this year and I'm not really interested in buying any bags anytime soon or in the near future. My husband and I just went back to the gym for the first time in 2 years and 3 months and it was amazing! Of course, we're very sore haha, it's been almost a week and we're still sore, but I'm looking forward to another gym session this weekend!

I just booked our 2023 vacation to Japan during cherry blossom season. To get accommodations during that time frame, you have to book a year in advance. I am being optimistic that the country will be open to international tourists then. They just opened to tourists in tour groups, but not to individuals. That is the pattern that Israel followed to re-open, so based on our Israel experience, I have the faith that it will work out and Japan will be open to us. I booked all hotels that can be cancelled at the last minute. The airline will give us our frequent flyer miles back if we cancel, so booking now is zero risk. The yen is currently at a two decade low in terms of exchange rates with the dollar, so we think it will be really cheap in terms of what is normal. Also, based on our experience of going to the uncrowded Rose Bowl Parade back in January, we are hoping Japan will not be as packed as usual because of covid fears. Needless to say, we are excited.

One shocking thing that I learned is Japan is a cash economy. Hotels take credit cards, but restaurants and everything else do not take plastic. They don't even have the infrastructure to take credit cards. That means people walk around with great wads of yen. It is supposedly very safe and great gobs of cash is not a problem. I have the reverse problem. I don't have the infrastructure to deal with cash. I carry emergency cash in my purse, but pay for EVERYTHING with credit cards. Cash? What's that? Does it go stale? Seriously, even parking meters take credit cards now.

Isn't dealing with great wads of cash a first world problem? I am thinking a purse pouch could be the thing. In an ideal world, I would carry a bag that has an attached purse pouch, but that is not happening. The bag I plan to take does not even have an interior ring.

Does anyone know of a pouch with dividers to accommodate the denominations? Yeah, I know that sounds like the description of a wallet. I am resisting wallet notions since I have visions of great gobs of bills being unpleasantly jammed in a wallet. I guess it would help if I understood how many denominations I will be dealing with. One dollar converts to 134 yen. So a $10 purchase would be $1,340 yen. A $100 purchase would be $13,400 yen.

DH just suggest I look up the currencies. So smart. "Currently, there are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen coins in circulation since 2009. Concerning banknotes, the current series was issued in 2004 with 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen notes in circulation".

Coins! Yikes! I don't want to be "moneybags". Any thoughts, wise ladies, about bag infrastructure for managing bills and coins? Anybody been to Japan (or other country that runs on cash) and have first hand experience with this?

Ooo fun! It's been a while since I've been to Japan. Have a safe and wonderful trip!
I've seen special coin slot wallets for Japanese money. The only 2 caveats is that 1) they're hard to find 2) they only fit Japanese coins lol

 

[ElainePG]

Still focusing on small things to get me through a difficult patch. How about these two beauties?
View attachment 5419787

Yes, indeed! Just look at that FACE!!!!! (The dog, silly, not the handbag!)

 

[ElainePG]

All this talk of travel plans is making me start thinking about my forthcoming family short break to the south of France. Just 4 weeks to go. Not going to work this week as still having ongoing issues but hopefully I’ll be better by then. I’m increasing my meds which I have very mixed feelings about but should hopefully help. Anyway, the trip is something to plan and look forward to so a good distraction from everything else I have going on.

So, bag choices, my Loewe basket is big but would perhaps allow me to pop my mini Alexa inside and take both as hand luggage. The Loewe is good for markets and the beach but big to carry all day where a backpack or larger crossbody would be better. I love my mini Alexa so much I’d like to make it work but it doesn’t hold huge amounts! I have a Coach which is a bit bigger and lovely too.
View attachment 5420394
View attachment 5420399
I was vaguely wondering about buying a longchamp instead but it seems a shame not to use the basket? Thoughts?
View attachment 5420397
View attachment 5420393
Then I just need to pick an alternative evening bag as a change. So it’s my tan Lily or new brioche (or possibly both depending on space and what dresses I pack).
View attachment 5420395View attachment 5420396
I probably need some new slightly larger shorts for daytime but might stick to short dresses for day and maxi ones for evening as it’s a city break.

Clearly I’m not good at travelling light. It’s just a mini break!

These bags are all lovely. I honestly prefer the straw basket bag to the Longchamp, but that's probably because I use my Longchamp bags for shopping (and therefore don't count them) rather than as "actual" handbags. I do like the color, though.

I like your little brioche bag for evening. I tend to pack light, so that would be the one I'd take for evening. I wouldn't take two. In our house, I pack light, and Mr. PG packs everything in his closet!

 

[ElainePG]

Hi ladies! I'd love to join this conversation after doing a lot of shopping around and obsessing over my next purchase lately. I have 1-2 bags on the way (one is a waitlist item that I may not get) but after that, I really want to focus on appreciating and using what I have. My biggest issue is feeling like I don't have time to regularly switch my bags and I don't really have many reasons to - I'm a toddler mom and work from home, so I'm not dressing up like I used to when I worked on campus. I mainly get out for Target runs and literally walk to my son's daycare to pick him up 3 days a week and I don't carry a bag at all there. But I do have a little family trip coming up next week and my husband and I have been doing monthly date nights now that we feel comfortable with my son sleeping over at my mom's. I am hoping to get out more with my friends for brunches or drinks now that our weather is nice enough to be outside again. So hopefully I'll have more reasons to switch out of my go-to bag on the horizon!

So nice to meet you! This is a lovely thread. The date nights sound like such a good idea; hopefully you'll be able to do a bit more dressing up, and have a chance to carry your bags.

When your new bags (or bags) arrive, we'd love to see photos. If you have a chance. Difficult with a toddler, but pix are always fun.

 

[ElainePG]

Oh my gosh, guys!!! I got a unicorn! The Gucci mono tote I had mentioned the other day. The bag I really wanted but was always more than I wanted to spend but I found this one that was discounted with an additional coupon on top of it. It had a small but noticeable stain on it that I thought looked like blood and a few scratches on the bottom. I think the stain scared people off. I figured worst case, I could cover the stain with something…like a cute bee patch. The corners and straps looked great. Well, it arrived today and it was indeed a blood stain. Well, after 15-20 mins of careful cleaning with baby wipes and a very soft toothbrush with dish soap and Oxyclean, the stain is 90% gone and I am left with a stunning bag that is everything I could have hoped for! I love it! It is so much nicer than I imagined in terms of quality and condition. I thought the leather was brown, but it is bronze, which really looks pretty. I have had a really rough time the last few days and this is such a mood lifter. I have Gucci purse peace.View attachment 5420704

This is beyond gorgeous! Good for you, for being able to lift 90% of the stain off.

I'm sorry you've been going through a difficult time. So glad that this bag (at a bargain price, yet!) was a spirit-lifter.

 

[ElainePG]

Bag spill! At the moment, and for at least a year now, Coach. I fell in love with the orange paisley canvas and got the brown leather one to coordinate. All were purchased on Poshmark and Mercari. I wanted them all as flat as possible to minimize bulk. I use the orange pouch as a wallet for receipts, gift cards and credit cards I don’t use much. The card holder is for license, debit, insurance and two credit cards, cash and coins with attached key ring. The brown one holds lip stick, lip balm, emery board, blotting papers, tape measure, mints, pen and soap leaves. I also carry my iPhone SE 2020. I use small/medium handbags. This is a medium bag (12x8x4) and I have tons of room.
View attachment 5420769View attachment 5420771

View attachment 5420775

Very cute pouches! I have some nice ones in my closet, not doing me a bit of good!

I love your idea of the way you use a pouch to hold mints, a pen, etc. I just toss those things into my bag, but I'm gonna try putting them in a pouch and see how it works, since I'm trying to be better about switching bags every day and it's a pain in the whatsis to fish these things out at the end of the day.

(Off she goes, to find a cute pouch in the closet!)

 

[ElainePG]

Hello everyone. Just stopping by to say I am recovering from a bad bout of the flu. Completely unexpected at this time of the year. Anyway, obviously, I haven't really been interested in bags, or perfumes or suchlike for a little while. It's perhaps a temporary thing, but my interest in bags has waned a lot. Likewise with perfumes -- between allergies earlier in the year, and now this, I have come to realize I tend to wear a small group of favorite fragrances on the repeat, and don't need the majority of my perfume collection. I've reached purse peace and most definitely perfume peace, at least for the time being! My goal now is really to pay more attention to my health, increase energy and stay healthy for the rest of the year!

So sorry to hear that you got flattened by the flu. You must have been scared it was Covid. Glad it wasn't.

Your new goal makes a lot of sense to me. Best wishes for staying healthy & strong.

 

[ElainePG]

Yesterday, I followed my own advice and listed a bag to bring new viewers. I had gotten an offer on the bag that was under what I was asking. I decided to wait till this morning and remove the bag from sale as I adore the color. I woke up this morning and it sold for asking price . It also brought new people and sold an slg. It was not an expensive bag but kind of regret listing it. I know it was the right thing to do as I have not been wearing it . I think it is because the color is no longer available. Do regret selling inexpensive bags ever?

No, I don't. And I don't regret donating bags, either. Out of sight, out of mind! And then the purse closet has more room in it, which makes me happy. I just try VERY hard not to think about filling it up again…

 

[ElainePG]

Received this bag today. I had ordered and counted it last month. I think it scratches that cognac itch. The woman that made it did a really nice job and the Crossbody strap is adjustable and removable which I love.

You always find the BEST bags! I've just gone over to her web site. I do have a cognac bag already (my Valentino Rockstud) but… maybe…

 

[ElainePG]

Good heavens - that’s a fantastic Red!

Thank you! And I adore the silver hardware, too. Not so easy to find a red bag with SHW.

I was so excited to find it on a trusted reseller site. Sent the link to Mr. PG, and… ta-da!… my birthday present, all sorted.

 

[ElainePG]

Exactly! It is slightly embarrassing to be so panic'd over dealing with cash, but I hate it.



Well DH does have pockets, but I expect to go places without him that he is not that interested in.


I have done a little research. The average Japanese person carries about the equivalent of $200 a day. Duh. That is what hotel safes are for.

Japanese money is larger than dollars. The Japanese frown on folding cash. They keep money pristine. (That rules out DH as money handler). Money has to be accepted with both hands. Sounds like pressure to me.

I googled what do Japanese carry their money in. 51% of those with incomes of $10 million yen ($75,000) carry bifold wallets, and 35% carry long wallets. What do the other 14% do? For men, bifold wallet convene stability and success. Do women's wallet signal status?

I did learn there are such things called Japanese wallets that are sized to accomodate Japanese bills. Duh squared. They sell them on Etsy. I found one I really like for bills.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/100892...rch_query=japanese+wallet&ref=sr_gallery-5-13

I am still sort of freaked about dealing with the coins. Apparently tourists prefer to use bills because they are easier to understand, but the change comes back to them in coins. Tourists end up with a large number of coins adding up to substantial lost value when they don't spend them. There are even articles on how to get rid of coins: Vending machines, donations at shrines, public transportation, tiny toys that come in vending machines. etc. etc etc.

Other than tiny cloth coin purses, I haven't figured out how the Japanese carry coins. They probably don't let them build up. I would look for a purse sized organizer for coins but who knows what size their coins are. If they are really mean, they will all be the same size and impossible to tell apart.

I love the Japanese wallet that you found on Etsy. You're doing some fantastic research in advance of your trip.

Can't help you with any of the currency, since Pr. PG and I have never travelled to Japan. The closest we've come is being serious haiku poets. Mr. PG is more serious than I am; he's won tons of haiku contests, both in the U.S. and internationally. I've won a few, but not nearly as many as he has.

we listen
to oboe duets —
spring rain

 

[ElainePG]

Is that the fabled Rouge Theatre red?

It's Rouge Coquelicot. I don't know what year it was produced.

 

[JVSXOXO]

So nice to meet you! This is a lovely thread. The date nights sound like such a good idea; hopefully you'll be able to do a bit more dressing up, and have a chance to carry your bags.

When your new bags (or bags) arrive, we'd love to see photos. If you have a chance. Difficult with a toddler, but pix are always fun.

Thank you for the warm welcome! I have been getting cute for our date nights and carrying my nice bags.

Unfortunately the bag I was most excited about arrived damaged and not even gift wrapped like I ordered. I think maybe I got a return because the hardware appeared to have wear already (and wasn’t wrapped like you’d typically expect) and the bag had a noticeable scuff on the front! Very disappointing. And now I’ll have to wait for a replacement.

 

[ElainePG]

Received this bag today. I had ordered and counted it last month. I think it scratches that cognac itch. The woman that made it did a really nice job and the Crossbody strap is adjustable and removable which I love.

I've just been in touch with Robin at Coastal Hillbilly. I was impressed at how quickly she answered my questions.

What's the leather like on your bag? I'm looking at this one, in this color. It's called the Inner Stitch Crossbody. There's a pocket on the back for a phone.

In the photo, the leather looks nice & smooshy.