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.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

The H Evelyne was complete U-turn, I went from hate to love. Otherwise, I think I've been pretty consistent.

I must admit I have not been particularly drawn to the Evelyne, but I haven't really tried the different sizes. I do think it's a very practical design and a great crossbody. And I am looking for a crossbody bag...(although I prefer one with a top zipper closure). I am interested to hear what made you go from not caring for the bag to loving it.

Love your metallic bags, and that vintage minaudiere is stunning!

 

[papertiger]

I must admit I have not been particularly drawn to the Evelyne, but I haven't really tried the different sizes. I do think it's a very practical design and a great crossbody. And I am looking for a crossbody bag...(although I prefer one with a top zipper closure). I am interested to hear what made you go from not caring for the bag to loving it.

Love your metallic bags, and that vintage minaudiere is stunning!

I H-ated:
The big H on what I thought was the front, I hate people knowing I'm carrying Hermes.
The people I saw wearing it
The holes
The way it was styled by others (smart-casual/tourist)
I only saw Epsom leather versions
So many people wrote the strap wasn't comfortable
It didn't look 'beautiful' (like a K or a Gucci BTH)
It seemed unsafe with just the tab

Then I saw a really cool woman wearing black clemence 29 in a much more 'urban-warrior-chic' way in London. She was wearing all-black and very minimalist but not strictly so. I saw another wearing a Gold 29 with a maxi and her hair flowing.

I have the Black Clemence PM 29. I would say it's not light as a feather but totally doable, even all day. I always carry keys, phone, magnifying glass, silver nail file, sewing kit, tape-measure, work pass, 2 Calvis (one business cards/one ccs) separate case for another card, travel pass, lip-balm, lipstick, silk scarf in a silk case. Occasionally, I carry a folded umbrella or sunglasses or a iPad in alligator case. I carry a water bottle separately.

So:
The big H is the back (funny, I don't mind a large Gucci Interlocking logo on my Blondie - but I don't think anything that isn't gg-print registers as the GG-logo).
I don't see so many wearing Evies lately - they're carrying Bs
I use a pouch so even if you saw through the holes, you'd only see the side of my Loewe pouch.
I don't dress like most others and I only wear sneakers for running
Mine's Clemence
The strap is very comfortable
Very few practical X-bodies are beautiful, round the non-H way it certainly looks better
No-one can get their hand in the bag without me knowing once the tab's closed.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I H-ated:
The big H on what I thought was the front, I hate people knowing I'm carrying Hermes.
The people I saw wearing it
The holes
The way it was styled by others (smart-casual/tourist)
I only saw Epsom leather versions
So many people wrote the strap wasn't comfortable
It didn't look 'beautiful' (like a K or a Gucci BTH)
It seemed unsafe with just the tab

Then I saw a really cool woman wearing black clemence 29 in a much more 'urban-warrior-chic' way in London. She was wearing all-black and very minimalist but not strictly so. I saw another wearing a Gold 29 with a maxi and her hair flowing.

I have the Black Clemence PM 29. I would say it's not light as a feather but totally doable, even all day. I always carry keys, phone, magnifying glass, silver nail file, sewing kit, tape-measure, work pass, 2 Calvis (one business cards/one ccs) separate case for another card, travel pass, lip-balm, lipstick, silk scarf in a silk case. Occasionally, I carry a folded umbrella or sunglasses or a iPad in alligator case. I carry a water bottle separately.

So:
The big H is the back (funny, I don't mind a large Gucci Interlocking logo on my Blondie - but I don't think anything that isn't gg-print registers as the GG-logo).
I don't see so many wearing Evies lately - they're carrying Bs
I use a pouch so even if you saw through the holes, you'd only see the side of my Loewe pouch.
I don't dress like most others and I only wear sneakers for running
Mine's Clemence
The strap is very comfortable
Very few practical X-bodies are beautiful, round the non-H way it certainly looks better
No-one can get their hand in the bag without me knowing once the tab's closed.

Thank you, this is very insightful! The H doesn't bother me so much as the holes I think, but of course a pouch is the solution for that. You make a good point that very few practical crossbody bags are beautiful, but they can look great with the right styling. It's good to know that the tab closure is very secure, as this was my one big hesitation with that style of bag vs crossbodies with zipper closure.

 

[BowieFan1971]

Thank you, this is very insightful! The H doesn't bother me so much as the holes I think, but of course a pouch is the solution for that. You make a good point that very few practical crossbody bags are beautiful, but they can look great with the right styling. It's good to know that the tab closure is very secure, as this was my one big hesitation with that style of bag vs crossbodies with zipper closure.

If you like the basic style of the Evie but hate the H, take a look at the pre-loved Hermes Vespa. Similar size and style, much more affordable since it is overlooked by the logo-crazy.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I have met people who in the eyes of the World are considered truly 'successful'. They never thought of themselves as successful or having made it. They too, tell me of what could have been or should have been, moan moan. It shows me there is no such thing as 'success' if someone cannot accept their own achievements and that everything is transitional. Achievements are not buying (influencers) nor not not buying things (deinfluencers - and sorry for the double-negs) there is only knowing why you do things and owning your past decisions. No would-haves, should-haves, could-haves. Edited highlights are for movies, that's not a life. IMO, nobody should want to be a billionaire - especially if they are one, yet this is the yard-stick we are supposed measure ourselves and the life to yearn for(?) How about enjoying the profession we're in or the family we have? Isn't that a success and full of worth?


Sending you a philosophical musical interlude

I love the music! Thank you!

 

[880]

The H Evelyne was complete U-turn, I went from hate to love. Otherwise, I think I've been pretty consistent.

I’m the opposite lol, except for the TPM which I still wear (and love especially for travel and airplane). I used to love the evelyn when I carried more things. But it was a deep dark hole and forced me to dig continually for my things. I also loved the drape of the bag, but when you fill it that is lost. I also feel that since it’s a north south orientation crossbody, it isn’t great visually for shorter people (the bottom of the bag is low on the thigh and shortens the leg. JMO. I do like the Evelyne sellier and got my DH the sellier in size 33 which is a bit too big for me to share. I did own a few vespas (T were older and I’m not sure they had upgraded as the Evelyn Did) The Vespas are similar in their north south orientation, but the Pm is smaller in the Vespa, and the strap is thinnner and less comfy. It’s not detachable, so you cannot swap the strap for an Evelyne one either. It’s also not adjustable and really best shoulder carry. I do adore the Vespa hardware. In the ones I owned, the Vespa didn’t drape around the body as much, but I like a more structured bag. In the end, neither format really worked for me. Ans, Post Covid I carry a lot less.

ETA: while I see the need for the adjustable Evelyne strap, I dislike the metal buckle mechanism and the bulk. But, I prefer structured top handle hand carry bags, so the Evelyne simply isn’t my thing. I do admire how it looks on other people When I do wear a crossbody, I prefer a higher one like the dior men’s saddle (ergonomic, adjustable, no HW) or the H sac a depeches 21 (the latter is especially great for travel)

 

[Bag peace]

It would be easy for me to roll my eyes and wonder where their salaries have gone and ask why they can’t seem to live within their means, but instead I try to sympathize by remembering my own twenties and how real those struggles were for me. That helps to keep me grounded.

So true! That stage in life is challenging no matter what (first bit of independence, some money in your account, adulting and becoming financially responsible). I think it's also like @BowieFan1971 stated- it's important to remember that the world 20 years ago isn't the same as now, so it's easy to judge but, really it is comparing apples to oranges. Much better to be flexible and understanding, particularly in this economic climate.

We got her a bank account and a debit card a little over two years ago and now she is responsible for managing her own funds.

It makes such a difference to instill financial literacy and responsibility at an early age.
And, thank you for your kind words!

but I think it's an absolute tragedy to have to endure poverty in old age with not even hope that one's life will get better.

Wow, that's profound!

Achievements are not buying (influencers) nor not not buying things (deinfluencers - and sorry for the double-negs) there is only knowing why you do things and owning your past decisions.

How about enjoying the profession we're in or the family we have? Isn't that a success and full of worth?

Both are such good points and so true. Bib is the stage I'm at in my life now. Hitting new lows at every turn has made me analyze my choices, my moods and feelings around those choices, and take responsibility for it all.
Then just sitting with where I am in life, no matter how uncomfortable it is. Finding contentment in what I own and gratitude for the love I have experienced through family and friends, even through tpf.
I can't undo the difficult lessons I've learned, and now I realize that I wouldn't want to go back and do it differently either. Life is still full of gifts amongst the pain, no matter how challenging it is to take off the wrapping to get to the hidden gift at the core (how's that for a nonsensical analogy ), so my focus is to appreciate and redefine the challenges in my own mind.
So sorry to make this all about me! It just resonated...

I think the practice of gratitude.....Incorporating it as part of ones daily routine of meditation or even during a quiet moment on a regular basis is key. It's important to remember that nothing is a given in this world, and everything is temporary.

Totally agree and think it's actually very good for our mental health to have rituals that are based around gratitude. Last year I started having my morning cup of coffee and my afternoon tea in total silence (in fresh air whenever possible- by a window or in a garden is ideal for me). No devices, no company for chatting, just a short time of quiet to focus on enjoying the hot drink.
It has become a mental cleansing ritual of sorts, and a time where I reflect on my daily gratitude for things big and small. It has really been transformative for me to schedule silence into my days.
I've also become more open to sharing my gratitude for friends (be they virtual friends or real life contacts) as a result. It puts me in a very vulnerable position and I may sound like a fool (and be super annoying) saying "thanks for being my friend" or "thanks for teaching me xyz", and I greatly suspect it makes them uncomfortable but, life is short and I want people to know they're making a positive impact on me, for whatever little that is worth.

They are happy and engaged and involved, and take pride in their work, no matter how big or small. Family is so important too, to feel loved and supported -- literally an anchor in our lives.

So true! Those are the things that bring fulfillment like no other.
Funny how this has triggered a little nugget in my mind...I'm trying to remember a post from these threads from maybe 2 years ago that really stuck with me. I think it may have been (???) @More bags (so sorry if it wasn't you!) who was making dinner with her DDs (?) and shared this brilliant menu they had planned, consisting of all manner of wonderful dishes (including some Mexican and French meals). It stuck with me that their family ritual was to work together and make fabulous meals, and how it would forge even deeper connections and create great memories for their kids to look back on later.
I've gone off on a tangent and I'm probably misremembering a lot of the details (my memory is truly rubbish) but you could feel that anchoring of "family quality time" from that simple post. It's something we should all be so lucky to experience, in whatever form we can get it (parental love, marital stability, chosen family, etc.).

Loving this discussion! So sorry for my very long replies again. Thank you all for giving me so much to mull over!

 

[papertiger]

So true! That stage in life is challenging no matter what (first bit of independence, some money in your account, adulting and becoming financially responsible). I think it's also like @BowieFan1971 stated- it's important to remember that the world 20 years ago isn't the same as now, so it's easy to judge but, really it is comparing apples to oranges. Much better to be flexible and understanding, particularly in this economic climate.


It makes such a difference to instill financial literacy and responsibility at an early age.
And, thank you for your kind words!


Wow, that's profound!




Both are such good points and so true. Bib is the stage I'm at in my life now. Hitting new lows at every turn has made me analyze my choices, my moods and feelings around those choices, and take responsibility for it all.
Then just sitting with where I am in life, no matter how uncomfortable it is. Finding contentment in what I own and gratitude for the love I have experienced through family and friends, even through tpf.
I can't undo the difficult lessons I've learned, and now I realize that I wouldn't want to go back and do it differently either. Life is still full of gifts amongst the pain, no matter how challenging it is to take off the wrapping to get to the hidden gift at the core (how's that for a nonsensical analogy ), so my focus is to appreciate and redefine the challenges in my own mind.
So sorry to make this all about me! It just resonated...


Totally agree and think it's actually very good for our mental health to have rituals that are based around gratitude. Last year I started having my morning cup of coffee and my afternoon tea in total silence (in fresh air whenever possible- by a window or in a garden is ideal for me). No devices, no company for chatting, just a short time of quiet to focus on enjoying the hot drink.
It has become a mental cleansing ritual of sorts, and a time where I reflect on my daily gratitude for things big and small. It has really been transformative for me to schedule silence into my days.
I've also become more open to sharing my gratitude for friends (be they virtual friends or real life contacts) as a result. It puts me in a very vulnerable position and I may sound like a fool (and be super annoying) saying "thanks for being my friend" or "thanks for teaching me xyz", and I greatly suspect it makes them uncomfortable but, life is short and I want people to know they're making a positive impact on me, for whatever little that is worth.


So true! Those are the things that bring fulfillment like no other.
Funny how this has triggered a little nugget in my mind...I'm trying to remember a post from these threads from maybe 2 years ago that really stuck with me. I think it may have been (???) @More bags (so sorry if it wasn't you!) who was making dinner with her DDs (?) and shared this brilliant menu they had planned, consisting of all manner of wonderful dishes (including some Mexican and French meals). It stuck with me that their family ritual was to work together and make fabulous meals, and how it would forge even deeper connections and create great memories for their kids to look back on later.
I've gone off on a tangent and I'm probably misremembering a lot of the details (my memory is truly rubbish) but you could feel that anchoring of "family quality time" from that simple post. It's something we should all be so lucky to experience, in whatever form we can get it (parental love, marital stability, chosen family, etc.).

Loving this discussion! So sorry for my very long replies again. Thank you all for giving me so much to mull over!

Great words

 

[papertiger]

I’m the opposite lol, except for the TPM which I still wear (and love especially for travel and airplane). I used to love the evelyn when I carried more things. But it was a deep dark hole and forced me to dig continually for my things. I also loved the drape of the bag, but when you fill it that is lost. I also feel that since it’s a north south orientation crossbody, it isn’t great visually for shorter people (the bottom of the bag is low on the thigh and shortens the leg. JMO. I do like the Evelyne sellier and got my DH the sellier in size 33 which is a bit too big for me to share. I did own a few vespas (T were older and I’m not sure they had upgraded as the Evelyn Did) The Vespas are similar in their north south orientation, but the Pm is smaller in the Vespa, and the strap is thinnner and less comfy. It’s not detachable, so you cannot swap the strap for an Evelyne one either. It’s also not adjustable and really best shoulder carry. I do adore the Vespa hardware. In the ones I owned, the Vespa didn’t drape around the body as much, but I like a more structured bag. In the end, neither format really worked for me. Ans, Post Covid I carry a lot less.

ETA: while I see the need for the adjustable Evelyne strap, I dislike the metal buckle mechanism and the bulk. But, I prefer structured top handle hand carry bags, so the Evelyne simply isn’t my thing. I do admire how it looks on other people When I do wear a crossbody, I prefer a higher one like the dior men’s saddle (ergonomic, adjustable, no HW) or the H sac a depeches 21 (the latter is especially great for travel)

That's very interesting!

I have a fabulously stylish friend of goddess-like proportions, the dream hourglass figure, tall even in flats etc, she looks great in mini-bags and small posh and polished handbags and can wear high or kitten heels and look so effortless. I think she has an Evie in Barenia, the smooth, more structured leather still looks very casual, but old school, following the chase or VIP day at the races casual.

 

[papertiger]

@880 and others

ITA, I think size and shape are soooo important when it comes to usage and body-shape. This is why I always urge people to try on themselves. You have the Picotin TGM, that's the only one I don't look silly with and I am only med height. That is another reason I am still addicted to that blasted Saint Laurent SdJ Nano Mimosa Eel bag. It's one of the only mini bags I don't look and feel stupid with (the other being the Gucci SPIKED mini BTH) 'if a bag is 'dinky' or 'dolly' size, it prob has to 'roar' and scare the horses for it to work for me.

 

[papertiger]

Which brings me to a question:

If you could express your style in 3 words, which would they be?

Mine are:
Vintage (my constant love)
Quirky (because that's how others have described my style most consistently through the years)
Tough (because that's what I aim to be)

I did a Pinterest board on 'vintage, quirky, tough style' and it's worked out pretty well - certainly so much better than using others style systems. Not all things are fashion/accessories/clothes either, could be art, music dance etc. I also did one called London, Paris, Edinburgh and back to me which has worked out really well. I can relate to myself

Can anyone remember what our style phrases when we were doing that other thread in Wardrobe and Accessories Forum? I can't even remember the name of the thread LOL.

I find the men dictating women's style wholly inadequate, David Kibbe, John Kitchener and David Zyla. Money for old rope if you ask me. Especially since they didn't invent the theory behind it but take full credit(s). I also find the seasonal colour palettes needless. I've had friends ruin their wardrobes and style after taking advice from people using these hocus focus systems.

I think many of these theories are a good start but they are taken so literally, especially by the 'cults' that follow religiously.

What are your styling/colour systems that have helped you? Did you try others?

 

[Evia]

@880 and others

ITA, I think size and shape are soooo important when it comes to usage and body-shape. This is why I always urge people to try on themselves. You have the Picotin TGM, that's the only one I don't look silly with and I am only med height. That is another reason I am still addicted to that blasted Saint Laurent SdJ Nano Mimosa Eel bag. It's one of the only mini bags I don't look and feel stupid with (the other being the Gucci SPIKED mini BTH) 'if a bag is 'dinky' or 'dolly' size, it prob has to 'roar' and scare the horses for it to work for me.

PT I think you should just get that bag

 

[Evia]

Which brings me to a question:

If you could express your style in 3 words, which would they be?

Mine are:
Vintage (my constant love)
Quirky (because that's how others have described my style most consistently through the years)
Tough (because that's what I aim to be)

I did a Pinterest board on 'vintage, quirky, tough style' and it's worked out pretty well - certainly so much better than using others style systems. Not all things are fashion/accessories/clothes either, could be art, music dance etc. I also did one called London, Paris, Edinburgh and back to me which has worked out really well. I can relate to myself

Can anyone remember what our style phrases when we were doing that other thread in Wardrobe and Accessories Forum? I can't even remember the name of the thread LOL.

I find the men dictating women's style wholly inadequate, David Kibbe, John Kitchener and David Zyla. Money for old rope if you ask me. Especially since they didn't invent the theory behind it but take full credit(s). I also find the seasonal colour palettes needless. I've had friends ruin their wardrobes and style after taking advice from people using these hocus focus systems.

I think many of these theories are a good start but they are taken so literally, especially by the 'cults' that follow religiously.

What are your styling/colour systems that have helped you? Did you try others?

I don’t know how I’d describe my style, I don’t consider myself stylish. I’d have to think about that. But one thing I have learned is to try absolutely anything on - even the most unappealing looking things. I once came across a very drab brown sleeveless shift dress on a sale rail. Multiples available in every size it obviously hadn’t sold well. I only grabbed it because I was trying a few other things. However, tried on it was a revelation - fitted like glove, so flattering, and the colour looked amazing. I wore that dress every summer till it practically fell apart and got compliments every.single.time.

 

[papertiger]

PT I think you should just get that bag

It's fighting with a Cartier ring, a Gucci suit and a Balmain scarf in my head atm. The fact that (if I had enough money and space) they'd all work quite nicely together is even more annoying

 

[dcooney4]

Which brings me to a question:

If you could express your style in 3 words, which would they be?

Mine are:
Vintage (my constant love)
Quirky (because that's how others have described my style most consistently through the years)
Tough (because that's what I aim to be)

I did a Pinterest board on 'vintage, quirky, tough style' and it's worked out pretty well - certainly so much better than using others style systems. Not all things are fashion/accessories/clothes either, could be art, music dance etc. I also did one called London, Paris, Edinburgh and back to me which has worked out really well. I can relate to myself

Can anyone remember what our style phrases when we were doing that other thread in Wardrobe and Accessories Forum? I can't even remember the name of the thread LOL.

I find the men dictating women's style wholly inadequate, David Kibbe, John Kitchener and David Zyla. Money for old rope if you ask me. Especially since they didn't invent the theory behind it but take full credit(s). I also find the seasonal colour palettes needless. I've had friends ruin their wardrobes and style after taking advice from people using these hocus focus systems.

I think many of these theories are a good start but they are taken so literally, especially by the 'cults' that follow religiously.

What are your styling/colour systems that have helped you? Did you try others?

Off the top of my head for me I would say Artistic, Clean Lines, Strong. I had done a similar exercise but can't find the note book at the moment .