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.

 

[880]

when people are following rigid style 'rules', it is often just a cookie-cutter look that doesn't tell me anything about their personality.

I follow rigid style rules. . . But they are ones I’ve made up for myself lol
Like, within an ensemble, limit color palette; use different size scales of pattern; and vary volume of silhouette
don’t match shoes and belt, but do match dress and coat or otherwise mix it up
use neutrals for bags and shoes to tone an outfit down
pair a heavier boot or shoe to give a dainty dress or skirt more of an edgy quality
mix vintage with current season for a more timeless look
try not to buy the it look of the season bc it will date faster,
only buy current RTW if you love it and you want to incorporate into your permanent roster
know what shades of light neutral work for your complexion
and, take action shots of the outfits you like so you don’t have to start from ground zero.
and lots of others

And I have roses

I love your roses. When I see your bags, your clear and cohesive aesthetic shines through.
I have some roses myself, only all black

 

[lill_canele]

Which brings me to a question:

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

- classic
- neutral
- beauty is pain

I am okay wearing an outfit if it is uncomfortable or painful to a certain degree. I am also okay with wearing an outfit and not eating or something along those lines. Of course, there are limits and exceptions, but for the most part I'm okay with suffering a little bit to look good. I love my CL and my YSL pumps, and they are meant for looks not comfort. But I will wear them until I feel like my toes are being cut off 100x and no I do not take my heels of at any point when I am out unless I am in the car or in the bathroom. I refuse to walk with bare feet and heels in hand, it's just not something I'm willing to do unless I broke a toe or something.

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

Haha, I am also debating on a Cartier ring (trinity) and a Gucci suit (the all gray one with logo).
Which items are you thinking about?

I'm wouldn't ask DH, he thinks the point of dressing is desirability. As I've written before, he likes me in corset and bias slip dresses and heels. He does not get anti-fashion or anything loose on the body at all.

Yeah. I often ask my husband for his opinion but would not consider more than half of the stuff he likes on me. My husband is too "adventurous" for me.
He likes unique things, "cool" as he would say, things that stand out and are different than others (doesn't matter to him the cost or the brand), but it has to be special.
And then I'm like...how can I wear these things on a daily basis?! He's like...just wear it! (I appreciate his support though haha)

Another question for everyone, does your husband or significant other have an opinion on fashion/style/clothes or even bags? Do you consider his/her opinion? Do you even bother to ask? lol

My husband is very opinionated, and I'll ask. I'll take him seriously 60% of the time, but at the end of the day, I'll make my choices whether he likes them or not.

As I typed it, I did wonder if casual and elegant work together. Perhaps in my mind I was thinking elevated casual. But I see how not too "try-hard" and effortless is elegant. And I like the effortless look.

I think so. I think brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana give that sort of aesthetic.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

In spring and summer, I tend to be more playful and bright (think color and patterns), while remaining effortless and casual. In fall and winter, I’m much more monochromatic, but would still say I am effortless and casual.

The seasons impact my style too -- more dresses and skirts in the warmer months, as well as more prints, and more jeans and pants in the winter.

My DH surprised me with a just because/thank you for doing such a great job designing and overseeing the bathroom renovations gift. My first robins egg blue box! I had eyed one (preloved of course) for myself but did not get it. Sometimes he gets it very right!

View attachment 5769000

Lovely gift! Enjoy!

Oh, if you have any recommendations of videos or sites here, please do share them. It was suggested to me by a therapist but I got angsty when I tried to follow along. Impatient and squirmy, somehow. Quite the opposite effect than the one we were hoping for. I'd love to try again but can't figure out where to start!

That's interesting. When you got impatient and squirmy, were you following the therapist, or did you try on your own? For a long time, whenever I tried on my own, it somehow didn't click with me. Then, a friend who has borderline hypertension and uses meditation to manage stress told me about guided meditation on YT. I tried it and now usually use it when meditating. The key is consistency (I need to be more consistent though.) Doing about 7 to 10 minutes regularly is more effective than longer sessions, especially in the beginning. Longer time frames might make you squirmy if you're not used to it. On YT, I use Yoga with Adrienne; specifically her Stillness for Stress Relief (15 minutes) is excellent. However, you may want to start with something shorter like her 7 minute Meditation to Start the Day, or her Meditation for anxiety (about 10 minutes). You can type these titles in the search bar to find the videos.

As for standard style rules, a lot of them like matching handbags to shoes, not wearing certain colors together, or not wearing white during winter months are no longer being followed strictly. I'm certainly no expert in this area though. I wish I could get over my hesitation with white though. I have a pair of white jeans but hardly wear them. And I am hesitant to buy a premier designer white handbag because of color transfer issues. I'm more comfortable with off-white though.

 

[papertiger]

- classic
- neutral
- beauty is pain

I am okay wearing an outfit if it is uncomfortable or painful to a certain degree. I am also okay with wearing an outfit and not eating or something along those lines. Of course, there are limits and exceptions, but for the most part I'm okay with suffering a little bit to look good. I love my CL and my YSL pumps, and they are meant for looks not comfort. But I will wear them until I feel like my toes are being cut off 100x and no I do not take my heels of at any point when I am out unless I am in the car or in the bathroom. I refuse to walk with bare feet and heels in hand, it's just not something I'm willing to do unless I broke a toe or something.



Haha, I am also debating on a Cartier ring (trinity) and a Gucci suit (the all gray one with logo).
Which items are you thinking about?


Yeah. I often ask my husband for his opinion but would not consider more than half of the stuff he likes on me. My husband is too "adventurous" for me.
He likes unique things, "cool" as he would say, things that stand out and are different than others (doesn't matter to him the cost or the brand), but it has to be special.
And then I'm like...how can I wear these things on a daily basis?! He's like...just wear it! (I appreciate his support though haha)

Another question for everyone, does your husband or significant other have an opinion on fashion/style/clothes or even bags? Do you consider his/her opinion? Do you even bother to ask? lol

My husband is very opinionated, and I'll ask. I'll take him seriously 60% of the time, but at the end of the day, I'll make my choices whether he likes them or not.

I think we may need to swap husbands

I would never ask DH's opinion about a bag. I may ask which he prefers with a certain outfit (and I still may take no notice). He likes me in heels but then will complain if I can't stride along, so I always warn him of what that means that if I wear the shoes he likes. There are 2 things DH hates 'shapeless' dresses (including CdG, Issey miyake etc) and "slut skirts" (denim minis - which I wore a lot in the 00s). He's bought me tailored trouser(pant)-suits, Dolce & Gabbana corset or Moschino figure hugging dresses, that's the extent of his likes. He also likes white underwear which I detest!

I tried on some very expensive embroidered OTK boots in McQueen. He was all "get them, get them!!" and I was thinking about the wedding we were supposed to go to at a little country church - in the country - mud - cobblestones - flagstones.... . I have very high suede OTKs already and I have worn them once in the last 8 years.

And I LOL, but not at your actual pain, but I know what you mean. I can't do pain anymore even though I have a high threshold, I'd rather wear pointe shoes than CL So Kates 120s which is DH's favourite shoe (I think they look nice but I don't own them). I just have some still high bit nor sky-high, spindly heels. I must have a T-bar, lace or strap because I walk out of pumps/courts.

I have 4 Cartier Trinty rings, get one they're wonderful .

I tried the grey suit (High double breasted, brown label on sleeve?). It was a perfect fit apart from my bottom stuck out (which it didn't in my SLP Le Smoking).

The Gucci suit is from a new line of MTO called 'High End' (like the old DIY). I went to an event, and the black velvet embroidered (trouser) suit and the navy embroidered wool cape were the best on me. No way am I ordering a velvet suit for Summer though so that can wait. I don't want new clothes sitting in my wardrobe for months. You can also do MTO bags. I don't know if anyone can ask or you have to be invited like at H.

 

[BowieFan1971]

- classic
- neutral
- beauty is pain

I am okay wearing an outfit if it is uncomfortable or painful to a certain degree. I am also okay with wearing an outfit and not eating or something along those lines. Of course, there are limits and exceptions, but for the most part I'm okay with suffering a little bit to look good. I love my CL and my YSL pumps, and they are meant for looks not comfort. But I will wear them until I feel like my toes are being cut off 100x and no I do not take my heels of at any point when I am out unless I am in the car or in the bathroom. I refuse to walk with bare feet and heels in hand, it's just not something I'm willing to do unless I broke a toe or something.



Haha, I am also debating on a Cartier ring (trinity) and a Gucci suit (the all gray one with logo).
Which items are you thinking about?


Yeah. I often ask my husband for his opinion but would not consider more than half of the stuff he likes on me. My husband is too "adventurous" for me.
He likes unique things, "cool" as he would say, things that stand out and are different than others (doesn't matter to him the cost or the brand), but it has to be special.
And then I'm like...how can I wear these things on a daily basis?! He's like...just wear it! (I appreciate his support though haha)

Another question for everyone, does your husband or significant other have an opinion on fashion/style/clothes or even bags? Do you consider his/her opinion? Do you even bother to ask? lol

My husband is very opinionated, and I'll ask. I'll take him seriously 60% of the time, but at the end of the day, I'll make my choices whether he likes them or not.


I think so. I think brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana give that sort of aesthetic.

I think my husband likes my style, sone outfits more than others. With bags, he used to not understand at all and be a little snippy when I bought one but now he understands and just leaves it to me. He never offers an opinion about what I should wear and mostly says nothing about my outfits except a compliment every now and again. I wear what I wear for me. Though he did surprise me recently…I had to get a pair of glasses for distance after not wearing them for about 10 years (I got LASIK). Since I don’t wear them all the time, I chose something a little funky and he loves them! Says they make me look sophisticated. Never met a guy who likes a girl in glasses before.

Gave away almost all of my heels, just kept the basics and even they only have a 3” or less heel. Some outfits/occasions require them but I am rarely in those scenarios. I just can’t and won’t do it anymore. If I am in pain, I get cranky and no one looks good when they are short tempered, no matter how good the outfit is. What I wear has to feel right or I can’t wear it right, be confident and content. Be my most ME. There are so many choices out there that no one has to be in pain or uncomfortable in order to look good.

The new glasses…no makeup selfie

 

[lill_canele]

I think we may need to swap husbands

I would never ask DH's opinion about a bag. I may ask which he prefers with a certain outfit (and I still may take no notice). He likes me in heels but then will complain if I can't stride along, so I always warn him of what that means that if I wear the shoes he likes. There are 2 things DH hates 'shapeless' dresses (including CdG, Issey miyake etc) and "slut skirts" (denim minis - which I wore a lot in the 00s). He's bought me tailored trouser(pant)-suits, Dolce & Gabbana corset or Moschino figure hugging dresses, that's the extent of his likes. He also likes white underwear which I detest!

I tried on some very expensive embroidered OTK boots in McQueen. He was all "get them, get them!!" and I was thinking about the wedding we were supposed to go to at a little country church - in the country - mud - cobblestones - flagstones.... . I have very high suede OTKs already and I have worn them once in the last 8 years.

And I LOL, but not at your actual pain, but I know what you mean. I can't do pain anymore even though I have a high threshold, I'd rather wear pointe shoes than CL So Kates 120s which is DH's favourite shoe (I think they look nice but I don't own them). I just have some still high bit nor sky-high, spindly heels. I must have a T-bar, lace or strap because I walk out of pumps/courts.

I have 4 Cartier Trinty rings, get one they're wonderful .

I tried the grey suit (High double breasted, brown label on sleeve?). It was a perfect fit apart from my bottom stuck out (which it didn't in my SLP Le Smoking).

The Gucci suit is from a new line of MTO called 'High End' (like the old DIY). I went to an event, and the black velvet embroidered (trouser) suit and the navy embroidered wool cape were the best on me. No way am I ordering a velvet suit for Summer though so that can wait. I don't want new clothes sitting in my wardrobe for months. You can also do MTO bags. I don't know if anyone can ask or you have to be invited like at H.

Haha, my husband hates denim skirts and shapeless anything is a no. Maybe our husbands should go shopping with each other.

Cartier Trinity is high on the wishlist, if I get one I'll be sure to let you and everyone know!

Gucci high double breasted, yes! I am afraid of trying it on and falling in love with it, haha. Like the velvet suit you're watching, I can't justify wearing a suit in California spring. It's already high-70s/low-80s in the afternoon and I'm already not happy about it. (I'm one of the few people who do not like summer in California lol)

I just started getting into Gucci so I don't know how it works either. I don't mind asking though haha.

 

[nyeredzi]

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?

What an interetsing question. I don't know that I've very stylish, though I have my moments. And while I have my idealized self-perceived style (which is also a reality, sometimes), I'm not sure how faithful I am to it. I'm not an astrology believer, but if I were, I might say it's because of my Gemini nature. Or maybe it's just the seasons? In warm seasons, it's definitely cute, pretty, whimsical. Almost the antithesis of tough girl, or today's favorite phrase, "bad b/witch". More, girl next door. or now, middle aged woman next door. I'm also goofy, so, goofball next door? My favorite thing to wear is an A-line cotton dress in light or bright color. My husband often refers to me going out as "frolicking".

But cold weather puts me in a different mood. It's harder to be light-hearted when you physically have to cover up, at least for me. The clothes are less cute. Hmm, what a question you've asked! Thanks for asking it. As now I sit here, I truly believe it's harder to be my authentic self in winter clothes. My favorite thing to wear in winter is not-too-tight sweater dress with tights and boots, so still aiming for pretty, but more 'cozy'. Hard to frolic in boots. My most frequent thing worn, though, is jeans and a sweater, ideally still in a pretty color, or embellished.

 

[nyeredzi]

Thanks to @baghabitz34 , I now realize rivets are embellishments (when used as decoration), so I do have something to contribute! I thought I'd have nothing for 'embellished' week.

Funny right after I got through saying my style was 'cute' and 'whimsical', I show what might be my favorite bag, which is my Coach Swagger, which has more 'edge' than my self description would lead one to expect


Still, the sparkly jack-o-lantern charm still gives whimsy, in the spooky Halloween way! Oh, and also, I decided to keep the Kate Spade heart bag, which is more centered in what I imagine to be my style. I found it on further sale, returned the one I had, and got it ultimately at 50% off! The chain detail could possible be called an embellishment

 

[baghabitz34]

@nyeredzi of course rivets are an embellishment - they add an extra oomph. And I love your Coach Swagger…quilts+rivets = fabulous!

@jblended and @880 It’s made me happy you guys get it. According to my ex (don’t cry for me Argentina, I’m glad he’s gone), my bags were just expensive & logo’s. I appreciate you all see there’s more to it than that.

 

[papertiger]

What an interetsing question. I don't know that I've very stylish, though I have my moments. And while I have my idealized self-perceived style (which is also a reality, sometimes), I'm not sure how faithful I am to it. I'm not an astrology believer, but if I were, I might say it's because of my Gemini nature. Or maybe it's just the seasons? In warm seasons, it's definitely cute, pretty, whimsical. Almost the antithesis of tough girl, or today's favorite phrase, "bad b/witch". More, girl next door. or now, middle aged woman next door. I'm also goofy, so, goofball next door? My favorite thing to wear is an A-line cotton dress in light or bright color. My husband often refers to me going out as "frolicking".

But cold weather puts me in a different mood. It's harder to be light-hearted when you physically have to cover up, at least for me. The clothes are less cute. Hmm, what a question you've asked! Thanks for asking it. As now I sit here, I truly believe it's harder to be my authentic self in winter clothes. My favorite thing to wear in winter is not-too-tight sweater dress with tights and boots, so still aiming for pretty, but more 'cozy'. Hard to frolic in boots. My most frequent thing worn, though, is jeans and a sweater, ideally still in a pretty color, or embellished.

That's so interesting! Perhaps many of us have an affinity with one season. My mother used to live in the S. of France and that suited her perfectly 8 months of the year, casual, bright, high-glamour, lots of white and coral, all pinks or turquoise, chunky jewellery, a deep tan, bright, bright pink or coral lipstick. I never remember my mother in the cold.

I also love how you'll go a frolicking.

I think I'm more authentic in terms of style the colder weather (although I do love sunshine and the leaves on the trees). I think coats are my armour and I live in boots 80% time.

 

[papertiger]

Thanks to @baghabitz34 , I now realize rivets are embellishments (when used as decoration), so I do have something to contribute! I thought I'd have nothing for 'embellished' week.

Funny right after I got through saying my style was 'cute' and 'whimsical', I show what might be my favorite bag, which is my Coach Swagger, which has more 'edge' than my self description would lead one to expect
View attachment 5769520

Still, the sparkly jack-o-lantern charm still gives whimsy, in the spooky Halloween way! Oh, and also, I decided to keep the Kate Spade heart bag, which is more centered in what I imagine to be my style. I found it on further sale, returned the one I had, and got it ultimately at 50% off! The chain detail could possible be called an embellishment

View attachment 5769521

Both interesting, the KS is so cute

 

[whateve]

I don't consider myself to be stylish. I've never analyzed my style. I know what I like and what flatters me. I want to look good in my clothes. When I'm happy with my shape, I want clothes that will show it. When I'm not, I want clothes that hide it. I wear jeans a lot. DH never ever dresses up which makes it hard for me to be motivated to dress up. We are retired and everywhere we go there is no dress code. When we were working, there were strict dress codes so maybe we've had enough dressing up. During the winter, I just want to be warm. I love cozy and soft. I don't wear anything that really stands out, except maybe my purses. I don't like to draw attention to myself.

DH doesn't usually comment on my clothes. Sometimes he'll comment negatively about the bright colors of some of my bags. I love colors. The only time DH seems to pay attention to what I'm wearing is when I wear tight pants or leggings. He loves me in those.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Another question for everyone, does your husband or significant other have an opinion on fashion/style/clothes or even bags? Do you consider his/her opinion? Do you even bother to ask? lol

My husband dislikes shopping, so I pretty much shop alone, which is fine with me. I like taking my time, trying on things and making decisions. Sometimes my friends will ask me to go shopping with them, but while I will tag along and give input if asked, when I want to buy something, especially big purchases, I prefer to go alone and take my time over it. The exception was my watch. Well, I did go alone and try them on initially, and then DH came when I was making the final decision. On that day, I was really torn between the Tank Francaise and the Must with the leather strap. Eventually I decided on the TF and told myself I would get the Must at a later date. Well, he surprised me by getting me the Tank Must with the leather strap recently! Love it! I will post pics in the near future. Sometimes I might ask him his opinion on an outfit or bag choice when we are going out, but most of the time I make the decision and he seems to be fine with whatever I pick. Once in a while, he will have strong opinions on something, but it's rare. A while back, I had a corduroy jacket in the color similar to Dior's Fard color. It was my spring jacket, but for some reason, he really disliked it, which was a pity because I actually loved that jacket. Even so, I kept it for a while, but just wore it every now and then.

I think so. I think brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana give that sort of aesthetic.

Thanks, I haven't tried anything from either brand, so now I am curious to do so.

 

[whateve]

These were the embellished bags I had last year. I don't have the two wristlets anymore. All are Coach except for the green suede bag and the center black bag. Those are Michael Kors.



I had some tearoses added to the strap of this vintage black Coach bag to match the charm.

 

[BowieFan1971]

My husband dislikes shopping, so I pretty much shop alone, which is fine with me. I like taking my time, trying on things and making decisions. Sometimes my friends will ask me to go shopping with them, but while I will tag along and give input if asked, when I want to buy something, especially big purchases, I prefer to go alone and take my time over it. The exception was my watch. Well, I did go alone and try them on initially, and then DH came when I was making the final decision. On that day, I was really torn between the Tank Francaise and the Must with the leather strap. Eventually I decided on the TF and told myself I would get the Must at a later date. Well, he surprised me by getting me the Tank Must with the leather strap recently! Love it! I will post pics in the near future. Sometimes I will ask him his opinion on an outfit or bag choice when we are going out, but most of the time I make the decision and he seems to be fine with whatever I pick. Once in a while, he will have strong opinions on something, but it's rare. A while back, I had a corduroy jacket in the color similar to Dior's Fard color. It was my spring jacket, but for some reason, he really disliked it, which was a pity because I actually loved that jacket. Even so, I kept it for a while, but just wore it every now and then.

Thanks, I haven't tried anything from either brand, so now I am curious to do so.

I hate going shopping with my husband. He is a pain in the a**. He wants to look at what he wants to look at and then gets huffy if I want to take a minute to look. It makes shopping with him an irritating experience. I avoid it whenever possible, which is surprising because I usually enjoy doing most anything with him. I typically shop by myself, while DH is working. My favorite shopping buddy (my mom) is gone. I could always count on her honest opinion on whether something looked good, fit right and was “me.” I miss her in so many ways.