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.

 

[Sparkletastic]

@cowgirlsboots - We balance out the universe. LOL! The texture of pasta (or rice or most breads) makes me

@afroken - Welcome! I love hearing about your self development / intellectual pursuits. Keep sharing!

@poizenisxkandee @Alienza @Jereni @More bags Thanks for the yummy suggestions!

Unfortunately, I cannot stand couscous or quinoa. Really the only grain I can tolerate is the rare bowl of oatmeal. Maybe I can try cauliflower rice. I hope it’s not gummy / chewy like regular rice. But, I adore mushrooms, lentils, beans and chickpeas so I’ll consider those for replacements for the starchy options.

I made a delish “kitchen sink” soup today with all the left over bits and bobs in the fridge along with sole odds and ends from the freezer. Super yummy and no animal products. I don’t intend to be vegetarian but I would like to limit animal products to 3 days a week or less.

@Jereni - That SDJ looks marvelous! You absolutely made the right choice.

 

[dramaprincess713]

Since the pandemic began, I realized that many of my old favourites no longer get the same wear as they used to pre-covid. For example, before covid, I used to love mid sized bags like shoulder bags and totes. Back when we still went into the office, I used to wear my mid sized bags everyday. Now that we are no longer going into the office, and our city is continuously going into lockdowns, my mid sized bags have been sitting in the closet. I realized that my bag preference have changed a lot compared to two years ago and I only use crossbodies now. One of my goals this year is to only buy bags with crossbody functions because as much as I love the aesthetics of bigger bags, my lifestyle has changed and some bag styles no longer serve me.

I relate to this so much. Pre-pandemic and pre-baby, BIG tote bags were my favorite and most-used bag style. I would carry EVERYTHING I needed for a full day of work, workouts, etc. Now I only go into the office maybe 1-2 times a week, and when I do, it's straight to the office and straight home - no more fitness classes or meeting up with people after work - so all these huge totes I have don't really get used anymore. I actually think that in normal times they could have been super useful for new mom life, but since I very rarely actually go anywhere, they're not serving that purpose either. My mid-sized bags get used more now for going into the office, and crossbody bags (which I never really used to like at all) are getting more use as I find them convenient to carry with baby when I don't want to schlep the whole diaper bag on the rare occasions we actually do leave the apartment. So much is in flux for me though with work and baby needs that I feel like what serves me now can change very quickly, but it's been really interesting to see my bag needs and preferences change so much, especially when I felt like those needs and preferences were pretty set in stone.

 

[afroken]

@More bags just wanted to say thanks for these suggestions, they helped me focus in on which bag is the right one. Fundamentally, I like handling my bags as much as possible, i.e. hand carry. And I prefer a medium sized bag for hand carry, so I think it will be the baby SDJ!

Here’s a mod shot with it hand held. Now I just have to wait one more week to buy it so that I fulfill one of my 2022 goals, which was imposing a two week minimum waiting period on any bags.

View attachment 5298569

This is a stunning bag and love your outfit too. I've seen a few SDJ here and there in-person but this one is no doubt my favourite that I've seen so far.

I relate to this so much. Pre-pandemic and pre-baby, BIG tote bags were my favorite and most-used bag style. I would carry EVERYTHING I needed for a full day of work, workouts, etc. Now I only go into the office maybe 1-2 times a week, and when I do, it's straight to the office and straight home - no more fitness classes or meeting up with people after work - so all these huge totes I have don't really get used anymore. I actually think that in normal times they could have been super useful for new mom life, but since I very rarely actually go anywhere, they're not serving that purpose either. My mid-sized bags get used more now for going into the office, and crossbody bags (which I never really used to like at all) are getting more use as I find them convenient to carry with baby when I don't want to schlep the whole diaper bag on the rare occasions we actually do leave the apartment. So much is in flux for me though with work and baby needs that I feel like what serves me now can change very quickly, but it's been really interesting to see my bag needs and preferences change so much, especially when I felt like those needs and preferences were pretty set in stone.

A few days ago I actually went into the office for the first time in a long time, and wore one of my mid sized bags. It felt so heavy! I used to wear these bags all the time pre-covid and walked around everywhere wearing them, and did not feel a thing. But now having WFH for so long and only carrying minimum essentials in crossbodies, I'm no longer used to carrying bigger bags. I gotta start carrying all those mid sized bags more, so that I can get used to the weight again!

Just finished reading through the entire thread. Congratulations on the arrival of your baby! I'm 9 months late lol. I remember a year or so ago you had mentioned in the MM thread that you were expecting. I seem to remember that you had ordered a beautiful metallic teal Sabrina from MM a year or so before and I was drooling over it do you still wear that bag now? Since you mentioned that your mid-sized bags are getting more use now with your new mom life.

 

[dcooney4]

Already questioning my goals after seeing this photo from Nat in the stock thread...

I wear mostly warm earthy neutrals so cooler tones don't work as well for me but WOW this is a showstopper. I should pass, right...?

View attachment 5298263

If it is not a color you would wear, I would not buy it. I have bought bags that were gorgeous and then never wore it.

 

[Katinahat]

That pink Mini Alexa is just the most fabulous shade of pink-love it!

Thanks! Totally agree. It’s the same pink as my long wallet. Very deep and just gorgeous.

Glad you were able to go in and check it out. This is why it's so important to actually physically go into a store and try on things, particularly for someone like me. I am not very good about mailing back returns once I have ordered something online, and often fall into the trap of rationalizing why I need to keep it (especially if I like it somewhat), rather than boxing it up and sending it back.

I definitely have this problem! I was thinking just this as I left the store. I am usually ok when it’s clothes. I know I either don’t suit me or it doesn’t fit so I’m quick to return them but with bags it’s different. They all fit and I like them all!

Beautiful finds! I love both of those colors… I am beginning to be of the viewpoint that there is no such thing as too many pink bags, but then again I am an enabler.

I love pink and shades can be very different. The Balenciaga is incredible and I like the silver hardware on it. I feel it’s vibe is similar to the Alexa. Carries crossbody or top handle. Not too structured. Worn casual or for going out. It’s a bit more edgy and I was really drawn. However, it’s definitely too small for me. If it were bigger I might have been tempted to save up for it. I searched to see if they do a bigger size that colour and they don’t which was very disappointing.

The Mini Alexa on the other hand is small but is slightly bigger than a Mulberry Lily and I know that size works for me. Fits summer essentials: keys, long wallet, hand gel, hand cream cream or small sun screen, mask, sun glasses (without case) and a reusable tote bag. Yes, I’d prefer the full sized but this size would work. Modelled shot (not me)


And this is the full sized (model not me) but it’s in patent leather. I like it but again I’m not sure I love it. The sheen feels just a bit like it makes the colour too much. I don’t generally go for patent bags.

 

[Katinahat]

@Katinahat - I’m sending you tons of hugs. You have been through a lot and it’s hard to make decisions on lower level things when you have larger things to consider.

Just a comment. Through my work, I have employed insights from a number of psychological learnings including behavioral economics, neurolinguistics, brain plasticity, etc. In working with one brilliant Ivy League brian scientist she explained that our brains only have so many “points” to spend on things that require discipline. After those are spent in a day it gets almost impossible to apply pure discipline to an action. For example, if you have a high stress day with marriage, job, chiid issues you will tend to be more likely to “cheat” on a healthy diet at the end of a day.

So, do NOT beat yourself up about wardrobe / bag decisions or even small nuance in weight when you’re fighting real life issues. No guilt. Your brain has reached max capacity. And, that is ok.

That being said, I think you nailed your casual shopping look! So, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

This is so insightful and helpful! I still spend a lot on therapy and your wonderful advice is for free. It’s very interesting to read about saturation point for the brain. I love TPF for the friendship , encouragement and good advice I find here. And the bag chat!

Your comments really resonate. I do work long hours in a very stressful job. My family life has its own complexities. I’m constantly tried from my medication and just getting by. My trauma although long ago was significant and, once retriggered, it consumed me. I’m so much better now but it still takes daily effort. Finding the joy is difficult at times and this pandemic does NOT help. Everyone’s lives are so much more restricted. I’m meant to be working on self-compassion so thanks for this helpful reminder that I’m doing all I can for now. To quote @More bags. I am enough (and I’m doing enough)!

 

[Katinahat]

@More bags just wanted to say thanks for these suggestions, they helped me focus in on which bag is the right one. Fundamentally, I like handling my bags as much as possible, i.e. hand carry. And I prefer a medium sized bag for hand carry, so I think it will be the baby SDJ!

Here’s a mod shot with it hand held. Now I just have to wait one more week to buy it so that I fulfill one of my 2022 goals, which was imposing a two week minimum waiting period on any bags.

View attachment 5298569

Well done on making this choice. I can feel how the size works for you from the image. Beautiful mod shot. I love your boots with your jeans. The red works really well again both the dark and the neutral colours.

 

[dcooney4]

My January intentions/challenges update, as suggested by @ElainePG
1) use my bags - carried 10 bags
2) wear my scarves - 4 shawls and 6 scarves

In following the style conversations, elevating outfits, and wearing my scarves, here’s a dress/scarf/H horn pendant combo I wore to work from home on Friday.
View attachment 5298591

Looks fantastic!

 

[Katinahat]

Thank you so much for the excurse into brain functions. It´s very helpful! I was looking for an explanation why DS and I are failing with school work at the moment. He has a big grammar test coming. For the last two weeks we´ve been going through grammar boot camp at home every spare minute next to his normal school work and it does not seem to take him anywhere. He sits down to work, but his attention span is short and very quickly he will just fold- brain shutdown. He either stares into space, gets silly, cries or gets angry...
I think my whole family is still very much affected by post Covid fatigue. Normal school work alone is a lot and this on top pushes the capacity. It´s too much for me, too. I´m always preparing work sheets and summaries, standing on tip-toes when will be the right moment to get him to study. For the last few nights I couldn´t sleep, because my head was full of grammar details- stuff I´m hopeless with. I can speak, I can write, but the theory??? DS came to a point where he shouted: "No fun anymore, nothing. I know I´m a failure!" (No, my boy, you are not!) Later he came to me asking could we get a t-shirt that says: "it´s too late to take me to the abortion clinic."
The latter I know he considered a joke. Actually a good one. This kid has a very strange sense of humour, beyond his 12 years. And guts as he wanted me to actually make this shirt so he could wear it to school. Bad idea, I guess... a while ago he turned a boring English exercise into the story of a dog planning and comitting suicide. He had great fun making up all the details. I had less fun with the very concerned teacher...

So I can definitely help with this one being that education is what I do. I often deal with stress and anxiety in children who do make these awful comments. It is so important that the school knows he’s feeling this way so I’m glad you are talking to them. It’s important to help him to recognise, express and, importantly, rebalance his emotions.

The success of doing additional work at home can be very mixed. And here I don’t mean regular homework set for the whole class by the teacher but work set by the parent or a tutor for one child. For some children they will catch up and improve. For many others the very request from parents that they should do extra work can send the message that they are failing in some way. This message further erodes their self confidence and they learn less as a result both at home and also in school. They then experience a whole range of negative emotions. It’s a tricky ground to navigate unless the child is asking for help.

Children do their best work first thing in the morning at school when they are fresh. As you say, by the time school finishes they are exhausted and need some down time. Learning works best when it is purposeful and fun. If you can find some Apps or games that reinforce the learning rather than worksheets it might be more enjoyable so you’d meet less resistance.

Many families go through this very thing and I know how hard it is for you and your DS. Good luck.

 

[Katinahat]

My January intentions/challenges update, as suggested by @ElainePG
1) use my bags - carried 10 bags
2) wear my scarves - 4 shawls and 6 scarves

In following the style conversations, elevating outfits, and wearing my scarves, here’s a dress/scarf/H horn pendant combo I wore to work from home on Friday.
View attachment 5298591

Well done on your usage stats. Your scarf is beautiful!

 

[Katinahat]

I relate to this so much. Pre-pandemic and pre-baby, BIG tote bags were my favorite and most-used bag style. I would carry EVERYTHING I needed for a full day of work, workouts, etc. Now I only go into the office maybe 1-2 times a week, and when I do, it's straight to the office and straight home - no more fitness classes or meeting up with people after work - so all these huge totes I have don't really get used anymore. I actually think that in normal times they could have been super useful for new mom life, but since I very rarely actually go anywhere, they're not serving that purpose either. My mid-sized bags get used more now for going into the office, and crossbody bags (which I never really used to like at all) are getting more use as I find them convenient to carry with baby when I don't want to schlep the whole diaper bag on the rare occasions we actually do leave the apartment. So much is in flux for me though with work and baby needs that I feel like what serves me now can change very quickly, but it's been really interesting to see my bag needs and preferences change so much, especially when I felt like those needs and preferences were pretty set in stone.

This is a stunning bag and love your outfit too. I've seen a few SDJ here and there in-person but this one is no doubt my favourite that I've seen so far.

A few days ago I actually went into the office for the first time in a long time, and wore one of my mid sized bags. It felt so heavy! I used to wear these bags all the time pre-covid and walked around everywhere wearing them, and did not feel a thing. But now having WFH for so long and only carrying minimum essentials in crossbodies, I'm no longer used to carrying bigger bags. I gotta start carrying all those mid sized bags more, so that I can get used to the weight again!

Just finished reading through the entire thread. Congratulations on the arrival of your baby! I'm 9 months late lol. I remember a year or so ago you had mentioned in the MM thread that you were expecting. I seem to remember that you had ordered a beautiful metallic teal Sabrina from MM a year or so before and I was drooling over it do you still wear that bag now? Since you mentioned that your mid-sized bags are getting more use now with your new mom life.

Interesting that so many of us are finding the pandemic has change their bag usage in this way. I’m using my larger bags less even though I do go to work. Great to find the new purpose for them as baby bags! Creative usage is what it’s all about!

 

[Jereni]

I love pink and shades can be very different. The Balenciaga is incredible and I like the silver hardware on it. I feel it’s vibe is similar to the Alexa. Carries crossbody or top handle. Not too structured. Worn casual or for going out. It’s a bit more edgy and I was really drawn. However, it’s definitely too small for me. If it were bigger I might have been tempted to save up for it. I searched to see if they do a bigger size that colour and they don’t which was very disappointing.

The Mini Alexa on the other hand is small but is slightly bigger than a Mulberry Lily and I know that size works for me. Fits summer essentials: keys, long wallet, hand gel, hand cream cream or small sun screen, mask, sun glasses (without case) and a reusable tote bag. Yes, I’d prefer the full sized but this size would work. Modelled shot (not me)
View attachment 5298710

And this is the full sized (model not me) but it’s in patent leather. I like it but again I’m not sure I love it. The sheen feels just a bit like it makes the colour too much. I don’t generally go for patent bags.
View attachment 5298711

The model shots are very helpful and agree 100% on pink with silver hardware. I’m very happy with gold HW most of the time, but a vivid pink can look SO GOOD with silver HW, it makes for a nice contrast.

I would probably pick the mini Alexa - I think it’s not too small and I also don’t do much patent in my bag choices.

 

[doni]

Wow, so many interesting posts to read with my morning coffee

Thank you so much for the excurse into brain functions. It´s very helpful! I was looking for an explanation why DS and I are failing with school work at the moment. He has a big grammar test coming. For the last two weeks we´ve been going through grammar boot camp at home every spare minute next to his normal school work and it does not seem to take him anywhere. He sits down to work, but his attention span is short and very quickly he will just fold- brain shutdown. He either stares into space, gets silly, cries or gets angry...
I think my whole family is still very much affected by post Covid fatigue. Normal school work alone is a lot and this on top pushes the capacity. It´s too much for me, too. I´m always preparing work sheets and summaries, standing on tip-toes when will be the right moment to get him to study. For the last few nights I couldn´t sleep, because my head was full of grammar details- stuff I´m hopeless with. I can speak, I can write, but the theory??? DS came to a point where he shouted: "No fun anymore, nothing. I know I´m a failure!" (No, my boy, you are not!) Later he came to me asking could we get a t-shirt that says: "it´s too late to take me to the abortion clinic."
The latter I know he considered a joke. Actually a good one. This kid has a very strange sense of humour, beyond his 12 years. And guts as he wanted me to actually make this shirt so he could wear it to school. Bad idea, I guess... a while ago he turned a boring English exercise into the story of a dog planning and comitting suicide. He had great fun making up all the details. I had less fun with the very concerned teacher...

Oh I LOVE your kid. He sounds so creative, fun, smart and what a struggle to protect such a precious child from the unrelented efforts of teachers to wear him down and crush him. I will never understand it…
I feel in Germany an issue is that they go from a very undemanding primary education to an extremely demanding secondary school, which also starts very early. And the victims of this are often boys who take a bit longer to mature. I’ve gone through the same thing with my boy. I feel like I am his last line of defense from a school which should be there to help him flourish and instead encourages failure. The good news is, it gets better. Your kid is obviously VERY smart, so the main and perhaps only thing you have to do is to keep his spirits high so that he survives and then he will come into his own.

This is so insightful and helpful! I still spend a lot on therapy and your wonderful advice is for free. It’s very interesting to read about saturation point for the brain. I love TPF for the friendship , encouragement and good advice I find here. And the bag chat!

Your comments really resonate. I do work long hours in a very stressful job. My family life has its own complexities. I’m constantly tried from my medication and just getting by. My trauma although long ago was significant and, once retriggered, it consumed me. I’m so much better now but it still takes daily effort. Finding the joy is difficult at times and this pandemic does NOT help. Everyone’s lives are so much more restricted. I’m meant to be working on self-compassion so thanks for this helpful reminder that I’m doing all I can for now. To quote @More bags. I am enough (and I’m doing enough)!

We are not made to work long hours in stressful jobs… We don’t realize what that does to us in the long term. And specially women who then pile a up a million other commitments and obligations. I know very well how difficult it is, but if you could do something about that, other things in your life would fall into place.

 

[BowieFan1971]

@Katinahat - I’m sending you tons of hugs. You have been through a lot and it’s hard to make decisions on lower level things when you have larger things to consider.

Just a comment. Through my work, I have employed insights from a number of psychological learnings including behavioral economics, neurolinguistics, brain plasticity, etc. In working with one brilliant Ivy League brian scientist she explained that our brains only have so many “points” to spend on things that require discipline. After those are spent in a day it gets almost impossible to apply pure discipline to an action. For example, if you have a high stress day with marriage, job, chiid issues you will tend to be more likely to “cheat” on a healthy diet at the end of a day.

So, do NOT beat yourself up about wardrobe / bag decisions or even small nuance in weight when you’re fighting real life issues. No guilt. Your brain has reached max capacity. And, that is ok.

That being said, I think you nailed your casual shopping look! So, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

@More bags - Also sending you tons of hugs.

@ElainePG - I’m IN to supporting our pivots back to better dressing. And any progress that moves a person to a happier place will be cause for celebration! This is hard. I need and appreciate support.

@cowgirlsboots - Oddly I feel more comfortable in my own skin now than I ever have. So I’m completely eschewing the trends to start hunting purely for what I love. New, old or vintage. So, I’m totally on board with your train of thought!

@ItsPurseonal - IMO, hard pass. I think this would end up shelf sitting in your closet based on what you like to wear. Enjoy looking at it and wait on “your” next bag to come.
And, congrats on your rose gold shoes.

The “full brain” syndrome is so me. It’s amazing how much seems to go out the window the more mentally busy I am, even if it is subconsciously busy. And I honestly think the hormone shot I took to prepare for my hysterectomy/fibroid treatment next month made it worse, particularly when we were getting the house ready to sell. No wonder I felt overwhelmed/overloaded at points.

 

[doni]

@More bags just wanted to say thanks for these suggestions, they helped me focus in on which bag is the right one. Fundamentally, I like handling my bags as much as possible, i.e. hand carry. And I prefer a medium sized bag for hand carry, so I think it will be the baby SDJ!

Here’s a mod shot with it hand held. Now I just have to wait one more week to buy it so that I fulfill one of my 2022 goals, which was imposing a two week minimum waiting period on any bags.

View attachment 5298569

I LOVE this on you!

Unfortunately, I cannot stand couscous or quinoa. Really the only grain I can tolerate is the rare bowl of oatmeal. Maybe I can try cauliflower rice. I hope it’s not gummy / chewy like regular rice. But, I adore mushrooms, lentils, beans and chickpeas so I’ll consider those for replacements for the starchy options.

I made a delish “kitchen sink” soup today with all the left over bits and bobs in the fridge along with sole odds and ends from the freezer. Super yummy and no animal products. I don’t intend to be vegetarian but I would like to limit animal products to 3 days a week or less.

@Jereni - That SDJ looks marvelous! You absolutely made the right choice.

What about other root vegetables to substitute potatoes? They tend to be much less starchy. There is sweet potatoes, that I find a bit too sweet, but I love celeriac and jerusalem artichokes. Then there are parsnips, turnips, kohlrabi… All these can be used as potatoes.
I like to just fill an oven dish with a variety of veggies including root vegetables, olive oil, salt, herbs… you can add lemon, and grated cheese or nutritional yeast, and roast in the oven. You can also mash them like mash potatoes (celeriac is delicious for this, mixed with parsnips), braise in oil or butter, cook them as chips or in a gratin…