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]

I am sorry it was a tough month(s). Great to hear you and your mom are recovering. Congratulations on all of your recent activity and outs. You bring light and joy to many!

Your question about privilege reminded me of the Wheel of Power and Privilege. It was particularly interesting to plot my spot on each of the categories, appreciate my privilege, and consider how I can use my power to uplift those who are marginalized. Keep up the great posts @jblended, we are all continuing to learn and grow from our feelings of being connected, and these insightful conversations.

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https://www.thisishowyoucan.com/post/__wheel_of_power_and_privilege

I don't think this wheel holds up, it seems written from the POV of privilege. It's not so useful to people who don't have privilege, if you don't have privilege you already know it. It's also very specifically geological.

It's almost a crime to be poor in the UK. The police definitely have unconscious bias against those that live in less salubrious neighbourhoods where people renti by the room (multiple occupancy) or flats, people from diverse backgrounds, don't speak English or dress differently. Where I used to live in London for a few years, the police didn't take crime seriously, if a victim (of a crime) reported that crime, it would just be an inconvenience. Hence why my bags were carried in larger plastic bags until I got on my way. That is not the same as my experience reporting incidents in other areas.

 

[dcooney4]

Sounds great. Went straight to Amazon and ordered.

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

I have the book and need to read it. Things are not quite so insane here, so now is the time to add a bit of me time .

 

[papertiger]

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.
View attachment 5768684

So - again at least for me - the ‘slight hobo’ is any bag where the ends of the bag curve up, even slightly, ala:
View attachment 5768685

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^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:
View attachment 5768687

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.
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I love something in the middle for a hobo. Not exactly just a people of 'cloth' loosely hanging, but not quite as structured as you showed. My Gunmetal BV woven Cervo hobo is absolutely perfect, if either of the other colours came up in a bricks and mortar concession store, I would def be very tempted. BV make the best hobos IMO, the little 'Jodie' (used to be called the Knot Hobo) is so light and easy but can't be over-stuffed and looks a it sad 'underfed'. My Gucci half-moons are also fantastic and look quite on-trend (large is about 10 and the small is almost 20) and I also have a Trussardi hobo somewhere, great leather. A hobo has to showcase the most amazing leather/material/suede.

 

[dcooney4]

This was actually hard for me -- not sure why! A lot of times, my dressing is intuitive. I will look in the mirror and play around until it looks right to me. I haven't followed any styling or color systems.
Off the top of my head I would say:
Comfort: It has to be flattering, but the garment also has to be comfortable or I won't wear it. So no scratchy wool, tight jeans (high rise cotton jeans and I have parted ways), skirts and pants sweeping the floor, and so on.
Casual elegance: Well, most of the time, my outfits are casual, but I like them to have a certain quality to them, whether that be an interesting detail at the sleeves, beautiful linings in coats and blazers, a lovely texture to the material, or even a print that appeals to me.
Clean lines with feminine touches: I like the silhouette to be clean, but I like feminine touches like some eyelet or embroidery at the collar or details at the sleeves.
I think I'm over the three-word limit. I might need to edit this down a bit!

Glad to hear this. The practice of guided meditation has really helped me. I would like to incorporate journaling as well, but somehow haven't been able to get it into the daily routine. It took me a long time to get started on meditation, so maybe I will eventually get around to journaling too.

Love the Dior embroidery bag and your Duret bag (the charm definitely counts as embellishment.)

It's a good name for it! And your slight hobo bags are beautiful!

Comfort is a big thing for me too. I need to find more clothes that are comfortable and yet still look good on me, without looking fussy

 

[Bag peace]

The worst things an SA can say to me are:

Agree on every single one. I'll add a personal pet peeve: "You look like a doll!"
Not sure if it's the internalized misogyny or what with that statement, but it makes me immediately hate whatever the item is.

I don't think this wheel holds up, it seems written from the POV of privilege. It's not so useful to people who don't have privilege, if you don't have privilege you already know it. It's also very specifically geological.

Agreed, to an extent. The most obvious flaw in that wheel that stands out to me is the skin colour category. I remember the assumption being made on the H&M thread that to be racist, one must first be white. It's absolutely incorrect because it depends on the context. In places like South Africa, there are communities where the white are marginalized, for one example. One can be "othered" with any skin tone; it just requires being in the minority and having some cultural prejudice against said minority.
Context is so important and often missing in discussions like this one (and tools like the wheel). As you rightly pointed out, this is written from a place of privilege and a very specific point of view, at that.

Having said that, I think tools like this can be incredibly useful for a straightforward way to point out privileges that may not be so obvious to us. We all know that being male and rich is a privilege, but how often do people note that being neuro-typical is? It can help people realize there are many, many layers of privilege and that as soon as they walk out the door to go to work in the morning, they already have a pocket full of privileges above others (housing, employment, income... just from this one example of walking out the door to start your commute).
I quite like tools such as this for that purpose and as a reminder of just how many ways one can be perceived as being privileged beyond the obvious.

It's almost a crime to be poor in the UK. The police definitely have unconscious bias against those that live in less salubrious neighbourhoods where people renti by the room (multiple occupancy) or flats, people from diverse backgrounds, don't speak English or dress differently.

This is so true, but unfortunately, I'd have to expand it to other countries as well. There's always this undercurrent of mistrust if you're in the "wrong" part of town or don't look or speak a certain way. It's incredibly frustrating in this day and age.

 

[papertiger]

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.

My mother made a great shopping companion too

DH just asks if there's a chair - LOL.

Friends can be tricky. I have some friends I can totally trust, but if I feel judged (spending my own money) or pushed into things because they just bought a ton and feel guilty I 'write a note to self' and don't go shopping with them again.

 

[papertiger]

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

View attachment 5769563

Stunning, I'm in love with the MK studded suede bag

 

[papertiger]

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.

It sounds like you dress things instinctively and know what's good for you. Most people IMO don't, they just make do and hope for the best. I just really enjoy analysing everything. Maybe I overthink.

When Im going somewhere posh with DH, I tell him Im dressing-up. Its code for "think about what you're going to wear".

 

[papertiger]

The thing is, often, I like to take my time and ponder over a purchase, maybe go back once or twice to try things on if I'm not sure. However, he makes very quick decisions, so our shopping styles are quite different. Sometimes I like to linger and browse. So when I need more time to shop, it's just better to shop separately.
I'm so sorry about your mom. My mom loved shopping, but was very indecisive at times. I guess I don't really have a shopping buddy.

This, precisely. I sometimes find the input of others distracting, especially some of my friends. When I shop alone, I am more attuned to what really works for me, and make better decisions.
Thanks, the Tank Must is the most classic design from them, and I love rectangular watches.

I agree totally on the big purchases.

A beautiful Cartier watch is a classic, and apart from Ballon Bleu, I like rectangular.

I don't mind being another person's s shopping buddy. There are just some make you mind up times I need to be alone.

 

[dcooney4]

- 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.

My husband would be happy if I wore dresses every day of the week. As far as my bags go he doesn't really care unless he is paying then he prefers to buy me leather bags.

 

[dcooney4]

The worst things an SA can say to me are:

1. "It looks nice with what you're wearing" (I'm looking in a mirror, I can see that for myself!)
2. "X (celeb. name) has one" (then I don't want it)
3. "It makes you look 'fresher'" (er yer, thanks - you think I look tired/old without it)
4. "It fits you perfectly" (that's not the only criteria for buying stuff) My sister hates this because she is larger and the SA makes her feel obligated to buy because they found something that actually fits her.
5. "We only have one left" (did I ask?)
6. "Let me check if we can sell it" (fine, don't bother)
7. "it's only a little mark/pull/scratch" (pardon me for wanting new to look - new)

This is me exactly! lol

 

[Bag peace]

I don't think this wheel holds up, it seems written from the POV of privilege. It's not so useful to people who don't have privilege, if you don't have privilege you already know it. It's also very specifically geological.

It's almost a crime to be poor in the UK. The police definitely have unconscious bias against those that live in less salubrious neighbourhoods where people renti by the room (multiple occupancy) or flats, people from diverse backgrounds, don't speak English or dress differently. Where I used to live in London for a few years, the police didn't take crime seriously, if a victim (of a crime) reported that crime, it would just be an inconvenience. Hence why my bags were carried in larger plastic bags until I got on my way. That is not the same as my experience reporting incidents in other areas.

Sorry to quote this twice PT, but I cannot edit my original response to add this (also, while I'm at it, sorry to move so far away the subject of bags).
I want to thank you for always approaching these discussions from such a well-rounded point of view. This topic has reminded of of a discussion on unconscious bias where you pointed out that sometimes the acknowledgement of one's own biases (by means of lecturing and virtue signalling) is used as a means of absolving oneself of responsibility for wrongdoings. I'm paraphrasing you badly and should really find the OP, but your opinion on that was such an eye-opening take for me.

I tend to be rather shallow in my thinking (ahem, I'm admittedly quite stupid) and have blinders on a lot of the time, and part of the reason I so enjoy these topics on tpf- particularly on this thread- is because everyone offers such nuanced takes on every subject. I always walk away with plenty of food for thought and a lesson in my back pocket that can be carried over to real life.

 

[BowieFan1971]

Agree on every single one. I'll add a personal pet peeve: "You look like a doll!"
Not sure if it's the internalized misogyny or what with that statement, but it makes me immediately hate whatever the item is.


Agreed, to an extent. The most obvious flaw in that wheel that stands out to me is the skin colour category. I remember the assumption being made on the H&M thread that to be racist, one must first be white. It's absolutely incorrect because it depends on the context. In places like South Africa, there are communities where the white are marginalized, for one example. One can be "othered" with any skin tone; it just requires being in the minority and having some cultural prejudice against said minority.
Context is so important and often missing in discussions like this one (and tools like the wheel). As you rightly pointed out, this is written from a place of privilege and a very specific point of view, at that.

Having said that, I think tools like this can be incredibly useful for a straightforward way to point out privileges that may not be so obvious to us. We all know that being male and rich is a privilege, but how often do people note that being neuro-typical is? It can help people realize there are many, many layers of privilege and that as soon as they walk out the door to go to work in the morning, they already have a pocket full of privileges above others (housing, employment, income... just from this one example of walking out the door to start your commute).
I quite like tools such as this for that purpose and as a reminder of just how many ways one can be perceived as being privileged beyond the obvious.

This is so true, but unfortunately, I'd have to expand it to other countries as well. There's always this undercurrent of mistrust if you're in the "wrong" part of town or don't look or speak a certain way. It's incredibly frustrating in this day and age.

Racism and privilege are related but not the same thing. You can be in the minority and lack privilege but still be a racist. There are plenty of Black, Asian and Latino racists here, who hate whites. They may have more justification, but if they hate based on skin color, they are racist. And it is still wrong.

 

[Bag peace]

Racism and privilege are related but not the same thing.

Absolutely! I started with privilege but it crossed over into racism and then unconscious bias. Each topic touches in the venn diagram but all have their own complexities.

 

[BowieFan1971]

It sounds like you dress things instinctively and know what's good for you. Most people IMO don't, they just make do and hope for the best. I just really enjoy analysing everything. Maybe I overthink.

When Im going somewhere posh with DH, I tell him Im dressing-up. Its code for "think about what you're going to wear".

I’m lucky. I never have to tell or hint for my DH to dress up. He has a good read for what is appropriate for what situation. I have never been embarrassed about what he has chosen. He has more clothes and SHOES than I do! He could use this thread, since he does not shop his own closet! LOL