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.

 

[papertiger]

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 .

I can visualise!

Maybe @Cookiefiend had it too?

I am obsessed by wardrobe and wardrobe management and find it fascinating, but the hocus stuff that's all over YT really annoys me. As the lovely, funny stylist Gabrielle Arruda says these systems are just tools to guide us, not set us in stone or make us into something we're not (physically or personality wise). But the devotees even tell her off.

 

[BowieFan1971]

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?

Classic- I like and am comfortable in timeless clothes
Simple- I wear mostly solid colors with minimal detail, low key accessories
Fitted casual- I like clothes that fit but are not tight or confining. Oversized was never my thing. My casual is like what casual was before everyone started wearing sweats and athleisure 24/7, more like Europeans.

Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style was life changing for me. He does not tell anyone what they should look like, but does help you refine what your style is to help you find, respect and stick to it. He also advocates loving yourself in your own skin and your own style, to be the best version of you- whoever that may be. I found the book by accident exactly when I needed it and reread it periodically as a “check in.” Though he is not a fan of athleisure, so if that is your style, you may not gel.

 

[papertiger]

Classic- I like and am comfortable in timeless clothes
Simple- I wear mostly solid colors with minimal detail, low key accessories
Fitted casual- I like clothes that fit but are not tight or confining. Oversized was never my thing. My casual is like what casual was before everyone started wearing sweats and athleisure 24/7, more like Europeans.

Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style was life changing for me. He does not tell anyone what they should look like, but does help you refine what your style is to help you find, respect and stick to it. He also advocates loving yourself in your own skin and your own style, to be the best version of you. I found the book by accident exactly when I needed it and reread it periodically as a “check in.” Though he is not a fan of athleisure, so if that is your style, you may not gel.

That's a clear and concise style-directive, and thanks for the recommendation.

I am not a fan of athleisure for myself, I'd have to have a near-perfect body to pull that look off (or give-up caring). Baggy, thick, shapeless clothes are OK too warm-up with before/after dance/dojo/run, not what I want to wear to express myself. Aspects are OK. I actually really like my body, I think athleisure is for people that know they look good in everything or hate their body and want to obliterate it. Excuse me if any of you are a fan of that look, please educate me. The style seemed to have come about by the logo-heavy tees and sweats that were basically the cheapest designer item on the shelves. And a nice bag instead of a gym bag with athleisure never works for me.

 

[JVSXOXO]

Hi all! Life has been quite busy and I haven’t been able to read through the forums much. No new bags for me so far in 2023. I recently came across one that is tempting but not the most practical color choice. I hope that everyone is doing well!

 

[Bag peace]

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

Neat- I always have to look and feel neat, so even oversized clothes have to hang right. I don’t like fussy layers or messy lines. I wear my natural hair (curls) but prefer it tied back if long, so I don't feel disheveled.

Detail- I wear block colours and very few prints, but most of my things have some sort of subtle detail that makes them standout if you’re close enough to notice. A contrast cuff or placket, a unique button, interesting zips or texture in the fabric.

Masculine tailoring- Once a tomboy, always a tomboy. I will choose masculine silhouettes over feminine ones, and tailored menswear inspired pieces are my jam. I wear the occasional skirt or dress, but even those will often be ‘hardened’ a bit via accessories. I can’t pull off very girly looks. They don’t go with my personality. No puffy pink blouses with bows, but I’ll take an undone bowtie with a crisp button-down shirt, or a paper boy cap or Oxfords any day of the week.

No new bags for me so far in 2023.

Good job! Hope you're enjoying your existing closet.

 

[Cookiefiend]

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?

<Raises hand>
I do!
It was called “Sophisticated Chameleon and Understated Graceful”, based on a book called ‘Style Statement, Live by Your Own Design’ - and it was facinating.

My words were Understated Playful - originally i had Understated Joy - and I saved a note that @papertiger said because it made me so happy. She said “That sparkles like the gift of a floating set flawless diamond”, which was a beautiful thing to say. ❤️ I felt Playful was a better fit for me than Joy, because I do think I am more ‘playful’… (or goofy) than ‘joyful’.

I did a second style analysis a few years later, using the book ‘Brenda Kinsey’s Fashion Makeover’, and came up with “Understated Elegance”. I kept the paper I was using for this book; my Style words were ‘delicate, soft, elegant/chic, neutral, comfortable, and unusual’, which worked out as Understated Elegance = clean, elegant, redefined, comfort, peaceful, classic, quiet, delicate.

Putting the results of both books together I came up with Understated Playful Elegance.

 

[papertiger]

Neat- I always have to look and feel neat, so even oversized clothes have to hang right. I don’t like fussy layers or messy lines. I wear my natural hair (curls) but prefer it tied back if long, so I don't feel disheveled.

Detail- I wear block colours and very few prints, but most of my things have some sort of subtle detail that makes them standout if you’re close enough to notice. A contrast cuff or placket, a unique button, interesting zips or texture in the fabric.

Masculine tailoring- Once a tomboy, always a tomboy. I will choose masculine silhouettes over feminine ones, and tailored menswear inspired pieces are my jam. I wear the occasional skirt or dress, but even those will often be ‘hardened’ a bit via accessories. I can’t pull off very girly looks. They don’t go with my personality. No puffy pink blouses with bows, but I’ll take an undone bowtie with a crisp button-down shirt, or a paper boy cap or Oxfords any day of the week.


Good job! Hope you're enjoying your existing closet.

I love the sound of your style!

Good point on the gender signifiers. I can do ironic girly (camp?) (shocking pink leopard print, stylistic blast of floral, platform silver shoes) but not straight femme (delicate, petit bows and frills). I would do a billowing bright pink blouse with a huge bow (pref. undone) just not classic pale pink blouse with classic pussy-bow - and I'd wear it with army boots and oxfords.

Thank you, I enjoy my closet to the max.

However, I've donated 2 enormous bags of clothes shoes and bags recently and it hasn't even made the slightest dent. I need to refine. Maybe my camp days are over?

A fashion photographer friend wants to style me and to sit for him (we work together a lot). I think we called it (scrolls Notebook on phone) 'Opulence / Powerful / Elegance'. I haven't been front of camera for a few years so it's not easy to give-up on autonomy - he's great at photoshop though He thinks my handbag collection is hilarious too (with every camera and lens ever made neatly arranged on shelves).

 

[papertiger]

<Raises hand>
I do!
It was called “Sophisticated Chameleon and Understated Graceful”, based on a book called ‘Style Statement, Live by Your Own Design’ - and it was facinating.

My words were Understated Playful - originally i had Understated Joy - and I saved a note that @papertiger said because it made me so happy. She said “That sparkles like the gift of a floating set flawless diamond”, which was a beautiful thing to say. ❤️ I felt Playful was a better fit for me than Joy, because I do think I am more ‘playful’… (or goofy) than ‘joyful’.

I did a second style analysis a few years later, using the book ‘Brenda Kinsey’s Fashion Makeover’, and came up with “Understated Elegance”. I kept the paper I was using for this book; my Style words were ‘delicate, soft, elegant/chic, neutral, comfortable, and unusual’, which worked out as Understated Elegance = clean, elegant, redefined, comfort, peaceful, classic, quiet, delicate.

Putting the results of both books together I came up with Understated Playful Elegance.

Thank you!!!!!

That is brilliant, I'm going to buy Style Statement, Live by Your Own Design, so pleased you found it useful too. I will have a look for Brenda Kinsey’s Fashion Makeover too.

I remember I had to do some work for Mercedes' (new prototype high-tech) working virtually (with camera) and had a really hard time with their 'appropriate attire code' for the campaign. Using 'Understated Graceful' version of their show blacks brought me to a happy place for the duration of the engagement. I interpreted Audrey as beatnik and Conrad Viedt The Cabinet dr Caligari to get me on the right track (basically black polo, black skinnies and flat, black pointed shoes and up-do, heavy on the eyeliner, very soft on makeup otherwise. Words seem easier to play with than pictures somehow because they're not finished, they need to be put in context and conjure up many images.

She said “That sparkles like the gift of a floating set flawless diamond”, which was a beautiful thing to say. ❤️

I need to screenshot that, how sweet


I agree with 'playful' because whenever I see a picture (of you) I see sunshine and warmth. 'Joy' can sound a bit worthy, religious or forced (as in Kondo's 'sparks joy' even though she may not have meant it to sound that way). Clean, elegant, redefined, comfort, peaceful, classic, quiet, delicate is interesting too because pics of your bags reflect these IMO, at least 2 or 3 at a time.

It makes far more sense to me to shop with words in one's pocket than colour swatches or pics.

 

[Jereni]

Edit: @Jereni I can't find it now but, I saw a post yesterday with your scarf of the day(?)
I came to post on it but couldn't remember which thread it was on. Anyway, gorgeous neck scarf! I love your style. It's this refined feminine chic, with a bit of architectural detail in the lines you create. I'm in awe of it all. I have the exact opposite tomboy style and could never pull off these looks, so I adore the way you put things together. Random but, I've been meaning to say for a while...

Thank you so much for the compliment @jblended, that really means a lot!

I hope your health continues to improve/ be stable! I don’t have many thoughts to share on the privilege topic but have been appreciating the discussion.

Before I forget:

Gunmetal BV Cervo Hobo
Sliver Tanner Krolle Latch
Silver Gucci Romy clutch (such a great, cool evening bag)
Balenciaga sliver Holiday Bowler/Bowling(?) (behind the blue suede Babushka - I do have a better pic)
Sterling silver/gold vintage minaudière (sleeps by my bed)

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I also have an electric-blue-purple metallic Sergio Rossi clutch but I'd have to find it

Gorgeous metallics!!!

 

[Jereni]

Our tastes in bags are very similar! Can you give me some examples of what you mean by "slight hobo" bags? I am assuming you are referring to a semi-structured hobo, which I happen to like as well, although I don't have any in my collection.

Agreed on us having similar bag tastes!

The ‘slight hobo’ phrasing I used is 100% something I completely made up, for sure. It’s just what sticks in my own mind for a certain kind of bag.

Basically, to me this is a ‘pure’ hobo, i.e. when the bag itself tapers and eventually transitions into the strap.


So - again at least for me - the ‘slight hobo’ is any bag where the ends of the bag curve up, even slightly, ala:




^I used to despise this kind of bag. Not sure why. Probably because they tend to be ‘armpit’ bags which I definitely don’t like.

I even consider it a ‘slight hobo’ when the curving is super subtle:


But at any rate, as with many things I’m eating my words because now I own both these two and am LOVING them, lol.

 

[Cordeliere]

Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style was life changing for me. He does not tell anyone what they should look like, but does help you refine what your style is to help you find, respect and stick to it. He also advocates loving yourself in your own skin and your own style, to be the best version of you- whoever that may be. I found the book by accident exactly when I needed it and reread it periodically as a “check in.” Though he is not a fan of athleisure, so if that is your style, you may not gel.

Sounds great. Went straight to Amazon and ordered.

I have Style Statement and it has not resonated with me after two separate tries.

 

[Jereni]

Late on last week’s theme, but here is my one metallic, a teeny Chanel Trendy ‘clutch on chain.’ Doesn’t fit a phone and therefore technically fails at my criteria for being considered a bag, but I just love this. Sparks joy whenever I wear it.

 

[880]

Understated Playful Elegance.

Love this ^

ironic girly as it was too

And this ^

But these words are everything I am not lol

three words: structured; eclectic; layered

an embellished bag: dior around the world embroidery LD
perhaps the charm made for my Duret bag is an embellishment too

ETA: by layered, I mean I build from the inside out: top; pants, skirt or dress; sweater, jacket, coat. All in interchangeable capsules, so you can vary your look. Since I mix large and small scale patterns, I somewhat limit my color palette. I think that’s why ultimately, scarf, shoes, bag, are ancillary accessories, not the main event for me.

 

[baghabitz34]

Belated metallics:



MCM tote, metallic grey Coach camera bag & miscellaneous SLGs

 

[baghabitz34]

Masculine tailoring- Once a tomboy, always a tomboy. I will choose masculine silhouettes over feminine ones, and tailored menswear inspired pieces are my jam. I wear the occasional skirt or dress, but even those will often be ‘hardened’ a bit via accessories. I can’t pull off very girly looks. They don’t go with my personality. No puffy pink blouses with bows, but I’ll take an undone bowtie with a crisp button-down shirt, or a paper boy cap or Oxfords any day of the week.

I was trying to think of a way to capture my style, and you just said it for me. Thanks!
I don’t know that I’d call it masculine tailoring for myself, but more girly tomboy. I will wear a skirt or dress. But with a boot or sneakers.

I haven’t taken any styling courses. The only thing I’ve used is the color wheel, lol. Specifically if it’s a color I haven’t worn before, I will use Google and/or Pinterest for ideas of what pairs well with that particular color.