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.

 

[Jereni]

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!

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Beautiful gift, congrats!

And I have roses:
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Love your tea rose bags especially! I don’t own any but I love looking at them.

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.

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Agreed on all points - yeah BV does make the best hobos. Your Gucci are lovely as well!

 

[Jereni]

I’ve been musing on the style question but can’t come up with just three words for me. It’s been really interesting reading everyone’s responses tho.

Like @nyeredzi I don’t think I’m faithful to a particular style. Some days I feel like dressing more classic, at other times I do more ‘casual fabulous’, lately I’ve been into sporty/preppy, etc. I guess I experiment a lot.

I do have some style ‘rules’ that I tend to follow, which sounds similar to @880. I tend to try to keep an outfit to *one* piece of ‘flare’, I only wear baggy tops with tight pants and vice versa, only one pattern in an outfit at a time, stuff like that. I think I have a concept that ‘balance’ in an outfit is important.

@papertiger I also love in boots in the winter. A combo of leggings or jeans, tall boots, and a tunic sweater of some sort is almost a winter uniform for me. I need to branch out more clearly.

@lill_canele I love your devotion to your heels! Preach, sista!

My husband sounds a lot like @Purses & Perfumes . He offers unsolicited opinions once in awhile but mostly I choose and he doesn’t comment, or if he does, it’s a compliment. His style is decidedly sporty, so there are times when I am way more dressed up than him and sometimes that bothers him. But mostly he’s used to it. He definitely prefers me in ‘cute’ clothing than dressy. And he doesn’t love it when I wear heels because it impacts how far we can walk but I love my damn heels. He likes most of my bags… I do find that if he really hates one of them, I tend to end up getting rid of it.

On the topic of shopping, I also pretty much shop alone. I don’t want to feel like I’m holding anyone up, or being rushed. Sometimes DH and I go shopping together but mostly that’s when he wants to look at watches, and if we are out I will pull him in to show him a handbag here or there. But I never go clothes shopping with anyone else anymore.

 

[lill_canele]

I was referring to the original post by @papertiger re the point or purpose of how one selects clothes or styles an image
PT was referring to the respective preferences of her DH or friends re desirability or quirkiness. . . while making clear, I think, that what others perceive or value is not always the same as the original intention

I feel this way about SAs that I do not know well. If an SA doesn’t know you, the interaction can feel like a once way push to purchase without regard to whether the prospective buyer wants to buy. An SA you know understands that browsing is important and not everything has to culminate into a purchase.

Agree. My SA's know me quite well and I think it's funny when another SA tries to step in and offer me something. What ends up happening is that I go for what my SA offers because he or she knows my tastes very well. Not sure why sometimes some other SA's introduce other things but I guess it's their job.
Also, when I tell my SA's that's it's just a browsing day, they know exactly what that means and leave me alone to take my time unless I request their assistance.

Yup, I have a couple of friends who are huge enablers, and try to avoid shopping trips with them. Lol, the dessert buffet analogy is a good one! It's so nice that you have your DH and SA, who know your taste and style really well, to help with those shopping decisions.

I kind of have the opposite problem. My friends are not enablers because some of them are ridiculously big spenders. They can easily drop 5x or 10x of what I would spend on a good shopping day. So what they would consider is totally out of my budget.
But I love shopping with them because it's like living vicariously through others haha.

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)

Haha, 4 and 5 resonate with me so much!

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.

Yea, I don't really get that comment either. I definitely do not look like a doll imo. I'm not petite, or cute, or particularly feminine lol. And I don't dress like one, that's for sure!

 

[JenJBS]

What does this mean? Sounds intriguing.

"re: 880 said:
The point of dressing, desirability or otherwise, is a whole other discussion, depending on context and situation"


Here's how I'd take this: Dressing for work, the point is to look professional. Dressing for a date, the point is to look attractive. Dressing for a family dinner, the point is to be comfortable. Dressing for a spaghetti dinner, the point is to not have a white shirt stained with tomato sauce. Dressing to go on a hike the point is to be protected (hiking boots, hat) and comfortable (breathable fabric).

 

[papertiger]

Agree. My SA's know me quite well and I think it's funny when another SA tries to step in and offer me something. What ends up happening is that I go for what my SA offers because he or she knows my tastes very well. Not sure why sometimes some other SA's introduce other things but I guess it's their job.
Also, when I tell my SA's that's it's just a browsing day, they know exactly what that means and leave me alone to take my time unless I request their assistance.

I kind of have the opposite problem. My friends are not enablers because some of them are ridiculously big spenders. They can easily drop 5x or 10x of what I would spend on a good shopping day. So what they would consider is totally out of my budget.
But I love shopping with them because it's like living vicariously through others haha.



Haha, 4 and 5 resonate with me so much!


Yea, I don't really get that comment either. I definitely do not look like a doll imo. I'm not petite, or cute, or particularly feminine lol. And I don't dress like one, that's for sure!

In fashion terms, it's absolutely the correct term. The doll as a model is one of fashions oldest forms of marketing. As before fashion plates (illustrations) a doll was dressed in a miniature version of a design with the actual fabric and trim that would then be made (to measure) of the lady or gentlemen. Pandoras or poupées (dolls) de mode, were display tools and tailors and dressmakers, even milliners.

1950s/'60s when women were called 'doll' it was as a term of endearment or 'dolly-bird' but also as a derogatory term usually said by men denoting a woman 'out of their league' who then they would interpret as 'stuck-up' ("she thinks she's too good for me all dressed-up').

 

[papertiger]

"re: 880 said:
The point of dressing, desirability or otherwise, is a whole other discussion, depending on context and situation"


Here's how I'd take this: Dressing for work, the point is to look professional. Dressing for a date, the point is to look attractive. Dressing for a family dinner, the point is to be comfortable. Dressing for a spaghetti dinner, the point is to not have a white shirt stained with tomato sauce. Dressing to go on a hike the point is to be protected (hiking boots, hat) and comfortable (breathable fabric).

ITA.

Looking professional for work is often a priority, because as a woman (especially) at work we want to be taken seriously. As serious as the men (in comparison) who often don't have to dress 'up' as professionally. Which brings us back to the wheel of privilege.

What is difficult, is very often a woman is often still pressured to look professional and desirable (sexually). It's not for nothing that (at least the UK's version) of The Apprentice.The contestants dress in a manner that for them denotes power and success. S o many of the women wear a very figure hugging dress (similar to the Roland Mouret Galaxy from the '00s) high heels, full makeup and, long, flowing tresses. That is not equable or equivalent to the men's formal business suit and more individual grooming.

 

[Evia]

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

It’s going off at a tangent but this discussions making me think of some British men who when *on holiday* think a nice new football kit is acceptable wear to accompany the wife or gf in the evening. The gf is usually looking lovely and dressed to the nines. One of my pet peeves and makes me want to affect a foreign accent.

ITA.

Looking professional for work is often a priority, because as a woman (especially) at work we want to be taken seriously. As serious as the men (in comparison) who often don't have to dress 'up' as professionally. Which brings us back to the wheel of privilege.

What is difficult, is very often a woman is often still pressured to look professional and desirable (sexually). It's not for nothing that (at least the UK's version) of The Apprentice.The contestants dress in a manner that for them denotes power and success. S o many of the women wear a very figure hugging dress (similar to the Roland Mouret Galaxy from the '00s) high heels, full makeup and, long, flowing tresses. That is not equable or equivalent to the men's formal business suit and more individual grooming.

This is a fairly recent phenomenon though isn’t it? Since uber heavy make up and big hair extensions showed up and became daywear.

 

[FizzyWater]

ITA.

Looking professional for work is often a priority, because as a woman (especially) at work we want to be taken seriously. As serious as the men (in comparison) who often don't have to dress 'up' as professionally. Which brings us back to the wheel of privilege.

What is difficult, is very often a woman is often still pressured to look professional and desirable (sexually). It's not for nothing that (at least the UK's version) of The Apprentice.The contestants dress in a manner that for them denotes power and success. S o many of the women wear a very figure hugging dress (similar to the Roland Mouret Galaxy from the '00s) high heels, full makeup and, long, flowing tresses. That is not equable or equivalent to the men's formal business suit and more individual grooming.

I'm over here, looking at my vintage Dress for Success and Women's Dress for Success paperbacks... I'm just as happy to not have to wear a gray flannel skirt suit with a white pussy bow blouse*, but my brain just breaks when I see, say, a newsreader wearing what looks like clubwear.

I also didn't notice the long flowing tresses thing until *****'s administration, where it struck me as crazily inappropriate for official people to wear, but he came from reality TV, and that hyper-feminine look seems to have spread everywhere from that genre.

*I lie. I love suits. I work in tech where they're totally inappropriate, but I miss them.

(edited to remove "get off my lawn" grumpiness)

 

[BowieFan1971]

I'm over here, looking at my vintage Dress for Success and Women's Dress for Success paperbacks... I'm just as happy to not have to wear a gray flannel skirt suit with a white pussy bow blouse*, but my brain just breaks when I see, say, a newsreader wearing what looks like clubwear.

I also didn't notice the long flowing tresses thing until *****'s administration, where it struck me as crazily inappropriate for official people to wear, but he came from reality TV, and that hyper-feminine look seems to have spread everywhere from that genre.

*I lie. I love suits. I work in tech where they're totally inappropriate, but I miss them.

(edited to remove "get off my lawn" grumpiness)

It started with Fox News and has trickled into local news. I have commented more than once during the news about the club wear the female anchors wear versus the formal, albeit very tight fitting, suits/shirts/ties the male anchors wear. Since when did strappy dresses become appropriate in a business context, even if a blowout covers the lack of sleeves or shoulder covering. Short skirts, tight dresses, cleavage…it needs to stop. It is an unnecessary distraction from the actual news. Maybe ok for a talk show or even news commentary…and when can the male anchors start wearing tank tops or tight tee shirts? Only fair.

 

[papertiger]

It’s going off at a tangent but this discussions making me think of some British men who when *on holiday* think a nice new football kit is acceptable wear to accompany the wife or gf in the evening. The gf is usually looking lovely and dressed to the nines. One of my pet peeves and makes me want to affect a foreign accent.

This is a fairly recent phenomenon though isn’t it? Since uber heavy make up and big hair extensions showed up and became daywear.

I'm not sure because 'sexy secretary' and 'sexy librarian' are retro 70s style aesthetic, and that's 50 years ago

 

[Jereni]

*I lie. I love suits. I work in tech where they're totally inappropriate, but I miss them.

(edited to remove "get off my lawn" grumpiness)

I love suits too! A blazer and slacks can look so sharp.

 

[baghabitz34]

I'm over here, looking at my vintage Dress for Success and Women's Dress for Success paperbacks... I'm just as happy to not have to wear a gray flannel skirt suit with a white pussy bow blouse*, but my brain just breaks when I see, say, a newsreader wearing what looks like clubwear.

I also didn't notice the long flowing tresses thing until *****'s administration, where it struck me as crazily inappropriate for official people to wear, but he came from reality TV, and that hyper-feminine look seems to have spread everywhere from that genre.

*I lie. I love suits. I work in tech where they're totally inappropriate, but I miss them.

(edited to remove "get off my lawn" grumpiness)

I work in tech/manufacturing. If a person shows up in a suit, people will ask if they are dressed for a funeral or an interview.

 

[whateve]

I'm over here, looking at my vintage Dress for Success and Women's Dress for Success paperbacks... I'm just as happy to not have to wear a gray flannel skirt suit with a white pussy bow blouse*, but my brain just breaks when I see, say, a newsreader wearing what looks like clubwear.

I also didn't notice the long flowing tresses thing until *****'s administration, where it struck me as crazily inappropriate for official people to wear, but he came from reality TV, and that hyper-feminine look seems to have spread everywhere from that genre.

*I lie. I love suits. I work in tech where they're totally inappropriate, but I miss them.

(edited to remove "get off my lawn" grumpiness)

Things have changed a lot. I worked in tech - I was a computer analyst/designer/programmer and the companies I worked for had strict dress codes (even Levi's!). I wore skirt suits, dresses with jackets, and heels, with nylons. I guess I'm showing my age! My daughter is a lawyer and it blows my mind that she wears pants in court.

 

[whateve]

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

This seems to be missing religion/heritage. Depending on the region, if you aren't a member of the dominant church or ethnic group, you can be marginalized. As a Jewish person, I'm well aware of it.

 

[whateve]

Hi @jblended, thanks for the mention, is this the story you were thinking of, re: Meal Planning …

In terms of mindfulness, gratitude and appreciation, I changed my mindset, my approach and feelings about cooking the daily meals, dinner, in particular. You’ve probably heard of “get to” vs. “have to.” I used to get frustrated and annoyed about cooking for my family, the time and effort required for meal planning, grocery shopping, processing the groceries when you get home, preparing the meals, cleaning up the dishes, etc.

Instead of ”I have to make dinner, again.” I feel happier when I think, “I get to make dinner.” I can afford to buy groceries, I can buy a variety of healthy ingredients, we get to enjoy sitting down together to share a meal regularly. Meals are a source of sustenance as well as connection in our family. During Covid, I engaged my sons and husband with doing meal planning. For our current routine, they sometimes assist with preparation, and often do the clean up. My younger son took a Foods class as a school option and he enjoys helping out in the kitchen. He also used to be my picker eater as a younger kiddo.

Good food and shared meals is an anchor of comfort and security in our home. We are blessed to enjoy the food, and each other’s company. What are some of your favourite Family Classic Recipes or Meals?

I love this! I wish I had had that attitude all those years I cooked for my family. No one helped for many years. When I finally complained to DH about all the work, he suggested getting the kids to wash the dishes. All these years later, when it is just the two of us, I do everything but I'm no longer bitter about it. When I cook, I am happy that I have the ability and don't have to rely on someone else to do it for me.