2023 Resolution: Shopping my Own Bags and SLG Collection

[Vintage Leather]

A long standing tradition in this thread is to remind ourselves of how wonderful our own collections are by showcasing them. We can see how far we have come, collection wise, and we reminded that we have all (or most of) what we need making it easier to shop our own closets.



• New theme weeks start each Sunday

• Don’t jump ahead but, if you miss a week, please do show your bags “late”.

• Show bags individually or in a group

• You do NOT have to wear the bags that week

• For added fun, show old pictures from previous years to demonstrate how you have curated it over time.

• This is completely voluntary. There is no pressure to post at any time.





So what are the showcases? In the Fall, we group our bags by makers! Feel free to show bags, small leather goods, or however it is easiest to organize!

August 13 - Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta

August 20 - Burberry, Celine

August 27 - Coach, Chanel

September 3 - Chloe, Dior

September 10 - Dooney & Bourke, Fendi

September 17 - Ferragamo, Givenchy

September 24 - Goyard, Gucci

October 1 - Hermes, Kate Spade

October 8 - Loewe, Longchamp

October 15 - Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs

October 22 - Michael Kors, Miu Miu

October 29 - Mulberry, Prada

November 5 - Proenza Schouler, Rebecca Minkoff

November 12 - Saint Laurent, Tods

November 19 - Tory Burch, Valentino

November 26 - Bags by Jewelers: Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany Co, Van Cleef & Arpels. Alternatively, the pillboxes, compacts and other lovelies made by jewelers that fit in your bag.

December 3 - independent artisans and custom bags.

 

[dcooney4]

Hi @Purses & Perfumes, Thank you so much for your interest in the new pieces I’ve added to my collection! I don’t mind sharing. So few of my family and friends have an interest in bags and accessories that it’s great to have so many like-minded souls here.

First up is the Louis Vuitton Croisette in Damier Azure. I’ve been wanting a carefree, light-colored summer bag and this fit the bill! My lovely CA helped me accessorize it with a fun bandeau. I’m just shy of 5’6” for reference (the strap is not adjustable, which is a pet peeve of mine, but the length on this is good for me). And even though I didn’t purchase anything from the Kusama collaboration, my CA loved that the bear in my avatar is sporting a Louis Vuitton ribbon, so she gave Bear some goodies from the packaging for that collection so he can accessorize, too.

View attachment 5757466View attachment 5757469View attachment 5757470

I also purchased a Chanel card case in pink; I’ve been on a pink kick.

View attachment 5757475

I did fulfill a few of my jewelry wish list items. I’ve been wanting the Hermes Farandole pendant in rose gold, but I read so often on this site that H jewelry doesn’t hold its value, so I was skeptical about purchasing. However, I also learned from this site that H fine jewelry is a pathway to a quota bag and women often flip what they buy on resale sites, often without ever wearing the item. Enter Yoogi’s Closet, where I was able to secure this $2K pendant for $1,100 and I had a discount code for an extra $75 off. It came with the box, ribbon, shopping bag, copy of the receipt (bought in Texas in July 2022) and receipt holder, and was in boutique condition. Score!

View attachment 5757477

I’ve also been wanting a piece from the Bulgari Serpenti line, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about the full snake. I saw online that there’s a band version without the head and tail, and I loved it when I tried it on, so purchased it. This is also rose gold.

View attachment 5757478

My Burberry SA moved over to Cartier last year. Yes, that’s super dangerous for me! Luckily he (like most of my SAs/CAs) is located in Las Vegas and we only go there once, or twice a year. I save up most of my luxury shopping for those vacations; most of the pieces here were bought on our most recent trip. After spending about two hours chatting and trying on all sorts of fun pieces, I settled on the Trinity ring, which has one band each of yellow, white and rose gold. I was actually surprised at how smooth it is to roll on and off.

View attachment 5757481

To continue with my pink theme, I purchased the Tiffany Mini Double Heart Tag pendant in silver. This piece has been discontinued, but is still available for purchase. The first SA I asked (Bellagio Las Vegas location) couldn’t seem to be bothered, so I tried next door at Forum Shops and they had one (plus that SA was super helpful).

View attachment 5757488

There are still some items on my wish list for future visits, all from Louis Vuitton. One is a ring, while the other two are essentially small trunks that I would use as display pieces. The trunks also come with red and beige interiors. Maybe some day!

View attachment 5757490View attachment 5757491View attachment 5757492

I’m with you on three pouches being too much! My preference has always been an open concept, if you will, with zip and/or open pockets; the Croisette has just one interior open pocket. It’s not leather, but if you like canvas… Not to enable, or anything! Are you looking for structured, or slouchy?

On jeans, it took me a long time to embrace the skinny trend and I’m now having a hard time going back! I do miss the styles from the aughts, though, where jeans were long and bootcut. Pants, too. I had a couple of great suits. Low-rise, which was really popular then, never worked for me as a short-waisted pear, but I do still love a mid-rise.

Congrats on all your lovely goodies!

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Thank you on all the lovely comments! The bracelet stack is the Lagos Caviar Rope Station Bracelet, the David Yurman Madison Chain Bracelet and the Return to Tiffany Heart Tag Bracelet (the beads are silver, but the heart is some discontinued metal they used called rubedo, which is gold in color); I wear this trio a lot!

H bracelets are great, too. Are you considering fashion bracelets, or something from their fine jewelry line? I have several of their Click bracelets and love them.

Good memory on the Croisette! Yes, it also comes in Damier Ebene. Truth be told, I prefer DE over DA, but that would have defeated my desire for a light-colored neutral that I could wear in the spring/summer. It was hard to resist, though.

Do you have a go-to jeans brand? I used to love the LOFT curvy fit, but the newer versions have too much stretch and the waist is too high for me. I’m carefully taking care of the ones I have since I have no idea what I could replace them with. Would love some recommendations if you have them!

Unfortunately, I don't have a go-to jeans brand currently. I've heard good things about the Good American brand, especially for curvy figures. If you're near a Saks, you could try on a pair. Most of my jeans are from before the pandemic, and are more mid-range brands. Pre-pandemic, I bought some from Nordstrom Rack called Democracy, and they have held up well, without losing shape. Unfortunately, when jeans have a lot of stretch, I find that they can sag, but these have been good so far. Have you tried Levis? I tried some but they were all too long on me. Pre-pandemic, I recall wanting to try Jbrand jeans since I'd heard good things about them, so that might be something to consider. Sorry I can't be of more help.

I really like the Lagos Caviar Rope bracelets -- need to look into them. For H bracelets, I was considering the cdc bracelet, but I prefer yellow to rose gold, and I don't think they are available in YG. As for the Croisette, I think this bag in the DA is very pretty, and perfect for spring/summer. You made the right choice.

For some reason your description made me think of this bag. Not designer, but I’ve always been intrigued by how simple and straightforward it is. They have a smaller version also that would be a little closer to the Celine Trio in scale.

View attachment 5757569

Moyen Messenger

The CV classic - wearable 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year Fits an iPad, water bottle, sunnies, & more Two ways to carry - slightly shorter 36 1/2 inch crossbody strap & wide, comfy 21 inch shoulder strap Made of textured leather with a soft, buttery hand-feel

www.clarev.com

Thank you, yes, I was thinking about something along these lines, and I am fine with non-designer. I will mostly be using this for travel.

 

[DME]

Unfortunately, I don't have a go-to jeans brand currently. I've heard good things about the Good American brand, especially for curvy figures. If you're near a Saks, you could try on a pair. Most of my jeans are from before the pandemic, and are more mid-range brands. Pre-pandemic, I bought some from Nordstrom Rack called Democracy, and they have held up well, without losing shape. Unfortunately, when jeans have a lot of stretch, I find that they can sag, but these have been good so far. Have you tried Levis? I tried some but they were all too long on me. Pre-pandemic, I recall wanting to try Jbrand jeans since I'd heard good things about them, so that might be something to consider. Sorry I can't be of more help.

I really like the Lagos Caviar Rope bracelets -- need to look into them. For H bracelets, I was considering the cdc bracelet, but I prefer yellow to rose gold, and I don't think they are available in YG. As for the Croisette, I think this bag in the DA is very pretty, and perfect for spring/summer. You made the right choice.

Thank you, yes, I was thinking about something along these lines, and I am fine with non-designer. I will mostly be using this for travel.

Thanks for the suggestions! Yes, it’s the baggy thing I don’t like that happens when jeans have too much stretch. For whatever reason, denim has seemed to move into the stretch direction, which is making it difficult to find a good pair.

Good luck with your crosssbody search!

 

[papertiger]

White or cream are usually not the colours I tend to pick. Still I do own a few vintage bags, because the light shades were popular in the 50ies and 60ies. I only wear them with the corresponding vintage outfits, though.
Here are a few:

View attachment 5756110View attachment 5756111View attachment 5756112View attachment 5756113View attachment 5756114View attachment 5756115View attachment 5756116

The patent bag in the last photo even is Dior. (1961)

Elegant and unusual. I always think of Hitchcock blondes with ivory bags (is that weird?). Look equally good on brunettes and redheads too of course

I love that cool 50s/60s look

 

[papertiger]

I remember begging my mom for a pair of skinny jeans in the 2000s.
Previously I always wore the straight-leg jeans of the 90s, which I didn't mind because I didn't care when I was younger.
I wanted the low-rise skinny jeans too and I remember just hopping around in them to get them on.

I used to be super into jeans in my teens and college years. At one point in think I had 20 pairs of jeans (that was a lot for me).
It wasn't until I went to professional school that we all wore business casual and I just stopped wearing them. And I was also on the East Coast, and in the city, I didn't really see that many people with jeans in my area. Especially not the distressed jeans that Californians love. And then when I came back to California I wasn't as into them anymore.

Now I have 2 high rise skinny jeans (one plain, one distressed), 1 mid-rise skinny jean (black/gray, slightly distressed).
And then 2 pair of baggy jeans (one high rise, one low rise).
I mainly wear the skinny ones in the fall/winter, and the baggy ones in the spring/summer. I do enjoy being able to wear skinny jeans with heeled boots, I think it gives a very sleek look.
I can't stand wearing skinny jeans in the summer, I don't know how I did it back then. I even played soccer and basketball in them!

I'm not a legging girl. I'm part of the group that believes leggings are not pants. I don't mind wearing a very long top or a skirt over a pair of leggings, but that's my limit.
I actually really like tights. I think it's something brought over from my time on the East Coast. I wore them to not get bitten by mosquitos lol but I found them a great season transition piece. And if I'm wearing a shorter flowy skirt, I just feel safer with tights (nude or black).

I tried on some really nice skinny-cropped (dark-grey-wash) jeans the other day and they weren't expensive but cheap. No big-brand label but a branded-button on the front that was hard to miss. I don't even like wearing/carrying designer logos, I'm certainly not going to advertise the high-street.

IMHO, all jeans need to be tried on. I don't think it 'skinny' or 'cropped' high-rise or low-pitch that's the problem but the actual pair.

I am in total love-ish with a Saint Laurent pair of high-waisted (I don't normally do high-waisted because I'm short-waisted so high-waisted need to come-up really high or stay mid-low) wide-leg-straight cuts, 100% cotton (no elastane). But they're not quite perfect, someone decided to add a permanent crease down the front, and that killed the look for me because it ruined the 'line'.

 

[papertiger]

The one bag I have that leans closest to white or cream (kind of blends in with the wall color here). I had classified it in my mind as belonging to the taupe/beige family, but am not so sure it's a good fit there? Anyway, I own this exact bag in deep blue as well as dark orange. The dark orange one sat in my closet of departing bags for a while, but I might just add it back to the collection. Henri Bendel Waldorf satchel in a color called Safari. I wish I had fresh flowers for this pic, but we haven't been to the grocery store in ages (that's where I get my flower bouquets.)
View attachment 5756725

This is a lovely colour. in Gucci-language it's called chalk. Most 'white' leather bags (and shoes) in ye old 'classic' days were off-white to show that were leather and now bright-white plastic.

I also put a very light-beige bag in this week. They fit better here than browns IMO.

 

[papertiger]

March stats:
Bags in: 4
Bags out: 2
SLGs in: 0
SLGs out: 8
Scarves in: 1
Scarves out: 3

I finally took a bunch of things to the high-end consignment shop downtown. When they called me with their appraisal total, I caved and said I'll take back the Dogon, so it's not included in the SLGs out. When I go get it, I'll drop off 2 more bags from last month's total, which were "proof that Fizzy can not actually ID the correct size LC tote from a picture, and apparently can't even ID the right color".

But one of the bags in was finally a pristine LC red tote in the right size to replace my becoming-decrepit one, and I decided that my existing LC purple tote is actually pretty nice with the purple Cuir. Another bag in is a raffia tote that will be nice for the farmers' market.

Admitted Dogon lover - I'm glad you kept.

 

[papertiger]

My whites, for the color week. Previously I had an ivory Tory Burch bucket bag but I ended up selling that. The Polene was new in Feb and I am obsessed with it.

View attachment 5757023

Yes to obsession (when it comes to bags!)

 

[Love Of My Life]

My whites, for the color week. Previously I had an ivory Tory Burch bucket bag but I ended up selling that. The Polene was new in Feb and I am obsessed with it.

View attachment 5757023

I am also a fan of the Polene brand. Last year I purchased the NEUF (regular size) in CHALK & TAUPE
Couldn't be happier.. The bag is well made, stylish & just works as a good knock around handbag

 

[papertiger]

Hi @Purses & Perfumes,
My Burberry SA moved over to Cartier last year. Yes, that’s super dangerous for me! Luckily he (like most of my SAs/CAs) is located in Las Vegas and we only go there once, or twice a year. I save up most of my luxury shopping for those vacations; most of the pieces here were bought on our most recent trip. After spending about two hours chatting and trying on all sorts of fun pieces, I settled on the Trinity ring, which has one band each of yellow, white and rose gold. I was actually surprised at how smooth it is to roll on and off.

View attachment 5757481

super-dangerous! I'm telling you now, Trinity stacks beautifully and you'll be wanting sets too. Price rise 18 April, I'm glad you you made your purchase now.

Congratulations on all your beautiful jewellery.

 

[whateve]

Unfortunately, I don't have a go-to jeans brand currently. I've heard good things about the Good American brand, especially for curvy figures. If you're near a Saks, you could try on a pair. Most of my jeans are from before the pandemic, and are more mid-range brands. Pre-pandemic, I bought some from Nordstrom Rack called Democracy, and they have held up well, without losing shape. Unfortunately, when jeans have a lot of stretch, I find that they can sag, but these have been good so far. Have you tried Levis? I tried some but they were all too long on me. Pre-pandemic, I recall wanting to try Jbrand jeans since I'd heard good things about them, so that might be something to consider. Sorry I can't be of more help.

I really like the Lagos Caviar Rope bracelets -- need to look into them. For H bracelets, I was considering the cdc bracelet, but I prefer yellow to rose gold, and I don't think they are available in YG. As for the Croisette, I think this bag in the DA is very pretty, and perfect for spring/summer. You made the right choice.

Thank you, yes, I was thinking about something along these lines, and I am fine with non-designer. I will mostly be using this for travel.

I have one pair of Levis I bought about a year or two ago. They aren't as soft and comfortable as most of my other jeans but look very nice. I think they come in lengths. I'm pretty short and don't think they are too long.

Before I was married I worked for Levis at their corporate headquarters. They had employee sales with super good prices. At the time I was the same size as the fit model, which was the size they made all the samples, so there were tons to choose from. Ironically we weren't allowed to wear jeans to work.

 

[whateve]

For some reason your description made me think of this bag. Not designer, but I’ve always been intrigued by how simple and straightforward it is. They have a smaller version also that would be a little closer to the Celine Trio in scale.

View attachment 5757569

Moyen Messenger

The CV classic - wearable 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year Fits an iPad, water bottle, sunnies, & more Two ways to carry - slightly shorter 36 1/2 inch crossbody strap & wide, comfy 21 inch shoulder strap Made of textured leather with a soft, buttery hand-feel

www.clarev.com

Now you've got me looking at that bag! It looks so soft and squishy. I'm resisting because I just bought 2 bags but it sure is pretty!

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

This is a lovely colour. in Gucci-language it's called chalk. Most 'white' leather bags (and shoes) in ye old 'classic' days were off-white to show that were leather and now bright-white plastic.

I also put a very light-beige bag in this week. They fit better here than browns IMO.

Thank you! I really like the softer white of chalk or ivory. Bright white I just can't do. And agree, light beige fits in better this week than with browns.

I am in total love-ish with a Saint Laurent pair of high-waisted (I don't normally do high-waisted because I'm short-waisted so high-waisted need to come-up really high or stay mid-low) wide-leg-straight cuts, 100% cotton (no elastane). But they're not quite perfect, someone decided to add a permanent crease down the front, and that killed the look for me because it ruined the 'line'.

A permanent crease down the front of jeans would ruin the look for me too. It just doesn't go with jeans.
Love the look of 100 percent cotton jeans, but they can be hard to wear. I like the ones with a small percentage of stretch (roughly between 1 to 5 percent), and plan to get a quality pair once I am sure my weight won't fluctuate too much (working on that with systematizing my diet and exercise).

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I have one pair of Levis I bought about a year or two ago. They aren't as soft and comfortable as most of my other jeans but look very nice. I think they come in lengths. I'm pretty short and don't think they are too long.

Before I was married I worked for Levis at their corporate headquarters. They had employee sales with super good prices. At the time I was the same size as the fit model, which was the size they made all the samples, so there were tons to choose from. Ironically we weren't allowed to wear jeans to work.

Oh absolutely, they do come in different lengths (didn't intend to imply otherwise). To clarify, I just couldn't find something in a style I liked in the right length the day I tried them, but I was also at the Levis outlet and did not try all the options -- we just didn't have the time that day. I love Levis, and plan to visit the Levis store in the mall at a later date. Jeans shopping cannot be done in a hurry; one needs to invest plenty of time to try on different pairs.

 

[whateve]

Thank you! I really like the softer white of chalk or ivory. Bright white I just can't do. And agree, light beige fits in better this week than with browns.

A permanent crease down the front of jeans would ruin the look for me too. It just doesn't go with jeans.
Love the look of 100 percent cotton jeans, but they can be hard to wear. I like the ones with a small percentage of stretch (roughly between 1 to 5 percent), and plan to get a quality pair once I am sure my weight won't fluctuate too much (working on that with systematizing my diet and exercise).

Once I got a pair of jeans at the Gap that looked great right after washing when they fit tight and also looked great after they stretched out from wearing. I've never had any pants like that again, but most of what I own now keep their shape even after multiple wearings.

ETA: last year Express sold jeans that fit 3 different sizes - they were that stretchy. They were great for weight fluctuations.