2023 Downsizing Your Bag Collection

[papertiger]

Deinfluencing is a trend like another, it's not like deprogramming after being a member of a cult. No one forces anyone to buy a handbag.

• Work out your personal style, expressions, lifestyle and colours, not what's in fashion - that may lead to preloved, vintage or new
• Buy secondhand if you want, but why didn't you buy when new? IMO, unless you really couldn't afford it and have been counting the days and stalking the site for the one and only HG, it's just another con. - The 'thrill' of the chase and bargain hunting is another addiction.
• Stop trying to save money by shopping
• Shop from your own wardrobe
• Guilt is an unhealthy emotion, it eats people up like battery acid and makes them make extreme decisions/actions. Enjoy your things and/or you hobbies or give them up.
• Learn to recognise real quality (not just a bag without a fault/issue)
• Classics (styles, sizes, colours) are often classics for a reason
• You want the item, buy it and use it, if you don't and/or you won't, then don't
• Don't follow influencers, they only want your subscriptions, clicks, likes and follows.
• Gaps in your wardrobe may be there for a reason. Find out what you don't like/doesn't suit you, as well as what you do/does.
• Don't buy on-trend, fashionable colours (although sometimes there's no predicting - I bought bright green in 2014).
• Use a personal wardrobe app and style boards, it's harder for items to hide in your wardrobe if it's not physical.
• Bag/luxury companies need to make a profit, if you don't approve of a brand in any way as a business then don't carry their products, mass produced cr*p has the same mark-ups and the stuff is unsaleable on the resell market.
• Try before you buy
• Measure worth by value not by cents/pennies paid
• Invest in style/usage, not a future resale market

 

[Mirus’ Dream]

+1

Imho the main problem is constant dealing with this stuff. Even the discussions about how ro reduce the urge to buy new handbags are an expression of obsession with it.

I agree with this 100%. In my attempt to buy less, this is exactly my reflection with my shopping habits, too.

If I were to stop buying purses, I will have to leave TPF, no more YT videos, and stop following any fashion related accounts on all SM platforms.

That will totally take my mind off from thinking about purses. At this point in my life, I realized I have to stop fooling myself because I am not yet ready to give up this hobby.

 

[leechiyong]

I'm odd, but I don't wait for sales (if I can wait, I don't need it/love it enough), only buy second-hand if that's the only option (same reasoning), and love being on tPF (living vicariously through others helps curb my desire for my own delivery).

What I've learned is to ask myself if I love it and can afford it. I'll compare everything that's out there with it, making sure I love it (I might see a detail I love, then realize it's not as uncommon as I thought, and debate the items until my attention's caught by something else), and compare it with pieces in my collection already to see if it holds muster. Occasionally I'll ask DH's opinion, but outside of that, if I'm debating it or feel compelled to ask others, I don't get it. There will inevitably be something else out there that I do love and will know it immediately. I'd rather wait to spend on that.

I'll also add these are my tips for buying things I love, like bags. Otherwise, I do shop sales and go for the cheapest option that fits my purposes. I either buy what I love or I spend as little as possible on it, which is my other tip.

Don't feel obligated to spend on things that you don't love. Just because you see a luxury lifestyle on IG doesn't mean every part of it resonates, but they're trying to sell you on anything and everything because it's their job. As well, don't feel compelled to follow every single cost-cutting measure they recommend either if it doesn't work for you. If they're saying they afford bags by not having a car, that might work in some areas, but not in others. It doesn't mean that one has to have a luxury car though either. Realize what matters to you and what doesn't and what your balance is. You're the only one living your life, so only you know.

 

[jellyv]

Remember the goal is to be cute or interesting, and happy. That's the whole script. It can cost $12 or $12K and you will feel the same either way if you're clever.

Be an individual and do your thing.

 

[lill_canele]

I'm going to go a bit against the grain here.

Currently for me, I follow many influencers on Youtube and IG. I probably watch at least 1-3 videos of them a day. It could be shopping, hauls, reviews, collection showcases, etc. And at this point, in terms of feeling influenced or wanting to buy, I don't really feel very much to be honest. The more I see, sometimes, the less interesting it becomes to be actually.
There was only one item that I visibly remember being influenced by Tamara in 2021, which was a pair of YSL heels. I think she wore them to the YSL runway show during fashion week. I still love them and wear them to this day.

However, having said that, I was very obsessed with luxury goods and shopping in my early 20s. I think part of it was that I wanted what I could not afford.
And then I sort of let it go, did other things in my life, had other hobbies, worked on my career, etc.
Came back to luxury in my late 20s, could afford some things, mostly pre-loved, but enjoyed them never-the-less! Made my fair share of mistakes of course . I was still a little obsessed with Chanel, but then when I got my CF I realized I probably did not love the brand as much as I thought I did. No wow factor for me when I unboxed the bag. Of course, I would not sell it, I still like it and glad that I have it. But I probably truly love some of my other bags more.
And now in my 30s, I have a decent collection. I've slowed down a lot. I'm a lot more picky (I turn down more things than I say yes to). I know what I like (generally). I have a wishlist but I don't check it often, it just sits there until I'm in the mood to buy.
I still make spontaneous purchases here and there, but I feel that after experimenting with my style, my gut feeling is more on point.
In addition, I very much dislike having a lot of stuff. It's ironic because I like buying stuff, but it gets on my nerves when I see my closet start getting packed, especially with things that I don't use or wear as often. I'll do a bit of spring cleaning here and there, but as I accumulate more RTW and designer shoes, it gets harder to clean out things that cost so much and then it cycles back to, not wanting to buy as much because I already have this much stuff.

So, I guess, maybe a break is a good idea?

 

[Antonia]

I'm going to go a bit against the grain here.

Currently for me, I follow many influencers on Youtube and IG. I probably watch at least 1-3 videos of them a day. It could be shopping, hauls, reviews, collection showcases, etc. And at this point, in terms of feeling influenced or wanting to buy, I don't really feel very much to be honest. The more I see, sometimes, the less interesting it becomes to be actually.
There was only one item that I visibly remember being influenced by Tamara in 2021, which was a pair of YSL heels. I think she wore them to the YSL runway show during fashion week. I still love them and wear them to this day.

However, having said that, I was very obsessed with luxury goods and shopping in my early 20s. I think part of it was that I wanted what I could not afford.
And then I sort of let it go, did other things in my life, had other hobbies, worked on my career, etc.
Came back to luxury in my late 20s, could afford some things, mostly pre-loved, but enjoyed them never-the-less! Made my fair share of mistakes of course . I was still a little obsessed with Chanel, but then when I got my CF I realized I probably did not love the brand as much as I thought I did. No wow factor for me when I unboxed the bag. Of course, I would not sell it, I still like it and glad that I have it. But I probably truly love some of my other bags more.
And now in my 30s, I have a decent collection. I've slowed down a lot. I'm a lot more picky (I turn down more things than I say yes to). I know what I like (generally). I have a wishlist but I don't check it often, it just sits there until I'm in the mood to buy.
I still make spontaneous purchases here and there, but I feel that after experimenting with my style, my gut feeling is more on point.
In addition, I very much dislike having a lot of stuff. It's ironic because I like buying stuff, but it gets on my nerves when I see my closet start getting packed, especially with things that I don't use or wear as often. I'll do a bit of spring cleaning here and there, but as I accumulate more RTW and designer shoes, it gets harder to clean out things that cost so much and then it cycles back to, not wanting to buy as much because I already have this much stuff.

So, I guess, maybe a break is a good idea?

I especially agree with the bold above!! I recently purchased 4 few pre-owned bags from TRR (in less than 1 month)....and now my handbag collection is giving me anxiety because I already have too many! I do this to myself ALL.THE.TIME. I just want to snap out of it! HELP!!

 

[papertiger]

I especially agree with the bold above!! I recently purchased 4 few pre-owned bags from TRR (in less than 1 month)....and now my handbag collection is giving me anxiety because I already have too many! I do this to myself ALL.THE.TIME. I just want to snap out of it! HELP!!

I'm lthe opposite. I love my stuff, all of it, I don't like buying. I have a one in/one out rule, and so I have to think of something that has to go before something can come in, it put's me right off (buying). When I'm browsing, I think "but I have better", I actually like that feeling. I don't miss the online parcels drama or the hauling stuff home.

There are no reasons to buy more anymore anymore apart from FOMO. Years ago things could look dated, I'm not so sure anymore, I think it's more a question of styling.

 

[Bagatha Christie]

I'm going to go a bit against the grain here.

Currently for me, I follow many influencers on Youtube and IG. I probably watch at least 1-3 videos of them a day. It could be shopping, hauls, reviews, collection showcases, etc. And at this point, in terms of feeling influenced or wanting to buy, I don't really feel very much to be honest. The more I see, sometimes, the less interesting it becomes to be actually.
There was only one item that I visibly remember being influenced by Tamara in 2021, which was a pair of YSL heels. I think she wore them to the YSL runway show during fashion week. I still love them and wear them to this day.

However, having said that, I was very obsessed with luxury goods and shopping in my early 20s. I think part of it was that I wanted what I could not afford.
And then I sort of let it go, did other things in my life, had other hobbies, worked on my career, etc.
Came back to luxury in my late 20s, could afford some things, mostly pre-loved, but enjoyed them never-the-less! Made my fair share of mistakes of course . I was still a little obsessed with Chanel, but then when I got my CF I realized I probably did not love the brand as much as I thought I did. No wow factor for me when I unboxed the bag. Of course, I would not sell it, I still like it and glad that I have it. But I probably truly love some of my other bags more.
And now in my 30s, I have a decent collection. I've slowed down a lot. I'm a lot more picky (I turn down more things than I say yes to). I know what I like (generally). I have a wishlist but I don't check it often, it just sits there until I'm in the mood to buy.
I still make spontaneous purchases here and there, but I feel that after experimenting with my style, my gut feeling is more on point.
In addition, I very much dislike having a lot of stuff. It's ironic because I like buying stuff, but it gets on my nerves when I see my closet start getting packed, especially with things that I don't use or wear as often. I'll do a bit of spring cleaning here and there, but as I accumulate more RTW and designer shoes, it gets harder to clean out things that cost so much and then it cycles back to, not wanting to buy as much because I already have this much stuff.

So, I guess, maybe a break is a good idea?

I especially agree with the bold above!! I recently purchased 4 few pre-owned bags from TRR (in less than 1 month)....and now my handbag collection is giving me anxiety because I already have too many! I do this to myself ALL.THE.TIME. I just want to snap out of it! HELP!!

I very much know what you both mean here - I am someone who loves the chase but hates the storage and I have a tidy addict OH to boot

1.I would say figure out what colours match what you like to wear. I’ve wasted so much money on beiges and browns and blues . I’ve got a Bayswater and a celine I should’ve got in black or red. I see pink bags (for example) here all the time and I keep thinking how lovely they’d look but it’s a nightmare to match.

2. Figure out if you are someone who loves the chase as much as the item. If you are you can always just look/bid low and miss out now and again. I know it sounds weird but I get a rush off things I saved being sold to someone else and I don’t have to find a place for it but I got to admire it (Is this just me?)

I'm lthe opposite. I love my stuff, all of it, I don't like buying. I have a one in/one out rule, and so I have to think of something that has to go before something can come in, it put's me right off (buying). When I'm browsing, I think "but I have better", I actually like that feeling. I don't miss the online parcels drama or the hauling stuff home.

There are no reasons to buy more anymore anymore apart from FOMO. Years ago things could look dated, I'm not so sure anymore, I think it's more a question of styling.

I think you’ve got the kind of wardrobe one would kill for though going from the photos

 

[Bagatha Christie]

So this is my current bag selection minus a plain black leather tote, a black nappy bag and an oak Bayswater that’s vanished atm.

As you can see there’s a theme

My thing is I LOVE green and turquoise but I find it much more difficult to match with my wardrobe than reds. I could get another green bag for sure (bought & sold a few) or another red or black of course

 

[Passau]

Downsizing is a journey of self discovery- learning what you love, developing your sense of style and your budget.

Take the time to stop spending and more time researching the bags already in your collection.

You have 18 bags - analyze their place in your bag rotation and see the similarities between them.

Good luck and be kind to yourself!

 

[papertiger]

View attachment 5760551
So this is my current bag selection minus a plain black leather tote, a black nappy bag and an oak Bayswater that’s vanished atm.

As you can see there’s a theme

My thing is I LOVE green and turquoise but I find it much more difficult to match with my wardrobe than reds. I could get another green bag for sure (bought & sold a few) or another red or black of course

Colours are really important. Even if we love a colour to wear, it may be too much to have a bag/accessories in the same. Sometimes very slightly off of the same colour can look worse than a completely different one. I find red an easy colour (yours are gorgeous) but I also need to be in the mood. I reach for black or brown, black is definitely my default.

I think a certain shade can mean everything in a bag, for instance, I have lots of brown: tan, chestnut, chocolate, rust, but there is not a single taupe or dark grey-browns (unless you count Hermes Etain - which I think is grey) I have smokey, Prussian and navy blues but no light or bright blues. If I want a 'pop' I go green or red. I've seen a 'one that got away' bag at a preloved agency - but it's light blue, so end of story.

As for green, I am so fussy (I may not seem it). A shade/tint/hue one way or the other makes all the difference. As a secondary colour it is harder to find the right one that leans neither too blue or yellow, isn't too dark or light, greyed or bright. And then of course it has to be in the right style and size. The odds are not always in our favour.

 

[Mirus’ Dream]

I think it’s really about being honest with oneself. Do I want to keep this hobby or not? If yes, enjoy it to the fullest. If not, stop being exposed to purses.

I also went through a phase where I was so guilty purchasing these and made tons of reflections and felt defeated. But now, I love what I have and enjoy being at TPF.

Maybe one day I need to stop. Who knows? But for now, I am happy. Life is short.

 

[Joule]

I started on a downsizing kick a few years ago when I realized my large collection was too overwhelming for me. I wasn’t using what I had; I just stuck to one bag all the time. I reduced my luxury collection drastically, parting with nearly thirty bags. I’m now down to five: one for each basic category (I am not including my Longchamp tote and Pacsafe carry-on for long flights in this list because I use those primarily as luggage pieces). After culling the herd, I find that I use everything I have and am much happier.

My rules for myself:
1. One in, one out. Always and forever.
2. Anything I buy must match my lifestyle.
3. If I haven’t worn it in the past year, out it goes.
4. I want my bags to be versatile: ideally, they can each serve in multiple categories.
5. No trendy items that will soon look dated. The point for me is not having to replace things often.
6. All bags must be darkish colors that go easily with my wardrobe. Blacks, browns, and jewel tones can work. No bright reds, yellows, pinks, or oranges (I don’t wear these well) or light neutrals/pastels (these show wear and tear too quickly and easily for me).
7. Adequate strap drop is essential. No top handle bags.
8. I must be happy with the closure. My needs here depend on the type of bag in question.
9. Material matters. No silk clutches for me; I prefer a worry-free durable leather unless a bag is used as a beater, in which case I go with nylon (lightweight and waterproof).

Of course, these are rules I’ve set only for myself. Everyone’s experience is different, and one of the biggest benefits of downsizing is discovering what works best for you. I hope you find as much satisfaction in cultivating and pruning your collection as I have!

 

[papertiger]

Very much the same info on the other thread you started not long ago Deinfluencing/Tips to Buy Less


We also have plenty more threads about downsizing and shopping from our closets 2023 Resolution: Shopping my Own Bags and SLG Collection

 

[cecchetti]

I started 2023 with 15 bags and a wishlist..

I’ve sold a couple, gifted several…bought 1.

Atm I have 9, with a wishlist of 3/4 (all exotic).

I’m happy with my collection..I do intend to buy my wishlist, but all of the bags are very expensive , and I’m doing other things with the money atm, I have enough bags…the bags I want are classic and will still be there….I will buy them, and in the future will cull my collection; further, but for now I think I’m ok with it, enough of each size, all either black or dark blue..

I don’t covet anybody else’s collection, like @papertiger I like what I have, although in the future I’ll replace some of them…but right now I have other priorities ..