2023 Resolution: Shopping my Own Bags and SLG Collection

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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.
 
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This month I have had a lot of movement in my closet. When I am stressed, I tend to look at my bags more as a calming distraction. I have a lot of bags that went out and a few that came in. One I bought with mostly a credit I had, but it did sit right on me so, I sold it. That one I won't count at all. Dh had me pick out a Florentine Dooney & Bourke I wanted but can't use it till Mother's Day. That I will count now even though I can't use it till next month, because it is already taking space in my closet. Then I picked up a small Kate Spade in an auction to give as a gift, but I no longer need the gift, so I listed the bag. That I am not counting as it won't go in my closet. Am I the only person who has a lot of movement? If I wasn't part of this thread, I would probably I be buried in bags. Now I tend to keep my closet very neat.
 
Am I the only person who has a lot of movement? If I wasn't part of this thread, I would probably I be buried in bags. Now I tend to keep my closet very neat.
I've had a lot more movement out than I could have imagined possible. It's really surprised me. I definitely think stress motivates us to clear out.
This thread has totally changed the way I edit and curate my bag collection. Seeing people really hone in on what works and what doesn't has made me better understand my own bag closet and needs, which has made it easier to shift the bags that aren't 100% right for me.
 
So I couldn't wait and was so curious to see what raffia yarn was like, plus I couldn't be sure raffia yarn would even be available at the sheep and wool festival I'm going to next month (it's pretty uncommon), so I ordered raffia yarn from Wool and the Gang (cool name!). Ra-Ra Raffia. It's to try my hand at making something like the Prada tote featured on purseblog. I'd actually not be particularly interested in such a tote, even for $20 at Target. But now I'm curious if I make an item that looks like the expensive designer one. I already crocheted a swatch. It's not enjoyable to crochet with, the raffia. And crochet, I believe, can still only be done by hand, not machine, and that Prada raffia tote does indeed look crocheted. But it's so ... holey that even though it's not an enjoyable crochet, it should be a quick one. I'm actually trying a few things on the swatch. The bag itself looks just like double crochet, chain 1, every single row. With maybe half double or single crochet without the spaces to make the triangle and the sides. Not sure what weight a bag like this can support. I think it needs to at least support a towel, flip flops, and a wet swimsuit to be decent beach tote.

Anyway, while browsing projects others had made with this yarn, I found someone who had the same idea!

1682621257600.png

The totes I already had in my favorite projects were sturdier, like this one:
1682621356310.png
 
So I couldn't wait and was so curious to see what raffia yarn was like, plus I couldn't be sure raffia yarn would even be available at the sheep and wool festival I'm going to next month (it's pretty uncommon), so I ordered raffia yarn from Wool and the Gang (cool name!). Ra-Ra Raffia. It's to try my hand at making something like the Prada tote featured on purseblog. I'd actually not be particularly interested in such a tote, even for $20 at Target. But now I'm curious if I make an item that looks like the expensive designer one. I already crocheted a swatch. It's not enjoyable to crochet with, the raffia. And crochet, I believe, can still only be done by hand, not machine, and that Prada raffia tote does indeed look crocheted. But it's so ... holey that even though it's not an enjoyable crochet, it should be a quick one. I'm actually trying a few things on the swatch. The bag itself looks just like double crochet, chain 1, every single row. With maybe half double or single crochet without the spaces to make the triangle and the sides. Not sure what weight a bag like this can support. I think it needs to at least support a towel, flip flops, and a wet swimsuit to be decent beach tote.

Anyway, while browsing projects others had made with this yarn, I found someone who had the same idea!

View attachment 5771416

The totes I already had in my favorite projects were sturdier, like this one:
View attachment 5771417
Can’t wait to see the final product.
 
So I couldn't wait and was so curious to see what raffia yarn was like, plus I couldn't be sure raffia yarn would even be available at the sheep and wool festival I'm going to next month (it's pretty uncommon), so I ordered raffia yarn from Wool and the Gang (cool name!). Ra-Ra Raffia. It's to try my hand at making something like the Prada tote featured on purseblog. I'd actually not be particularly interested in such a tote, even for $20 at Target. But now I'm curious if I make an item that looks like the expensive designer one. I already crocheted a swatch. It's not enjoyable to crochet with, the raffia. And crochet, I believe, can still only be done by hand, not machine, and that Prada raffia tote does indeed look crocheted. But it's so ... holey that even though it's not an enjoyable crochet, it should be a quick one. I'm actually trying a few things on the swatch. The bag itself looks just like double crochet, chain 1, every single row. With maybe half double or single crochet without the spaces to make the triangle and the sides. Not sure what weight a bag like this can support. I think it needs to at least support a towel, flip flops, and a wet swimsuit to be decent beach tote.

Anyway, while browsing projects others had made with this yarn, I found someone who had the same idea!

View attachment 5771416

The totes I already had in my favorite projects were sturdier, like this one:
View attachment 5771417
This is the one I was considering: https://www.twoofwands.com/patterns/accessories/amagansett-tote-bag-pattern
 
I am loving all this crochet discussion! Back in 2010, I destressed by crocheting. Then Chanel had a most exciting season with many crochet items. I was smitten with the flap bag but they were so limited. I decided to try to make my homage..and found out how difficult it is to construct bags. All
in all, I was happy with the result, though I think I’ve really only carried it once. It was so much work and I developed an appreciation for the craft Of handbags.

Here are some images of the runway and the bag that inspired mine! And then ...there is mine. I know, I know...don’t laugh; no comparison, but I enjoyed the process!
82DC9418-A8B0-47FC-A2A4-A6F4AD6C91F1.jpeg

91CFAA71-5533-4789-B9B9-C4862DC5436A.jpegD55BC408-27BC-4A39-BEC6-8965E242BD74.jpeg
 
I am loving all this crochet discussion! Back in 2010, I destressed by crocheting. Then Chanel had a most exciting season with many crochet items. I was smitten with the flap bag but they were so limited. I decided to try to make my homage..and found out how difficult it is to construct bags. All
in all, I was happy with the result, though I think I’ve really only carried it once. It was so much work and I developed an appreciation for the craft Of handbags.

Here are some images of the runway and the bag that inspired mine! And then ...there is mine. I know, I know...don’t laugh; no comparison, but I enjoyed the process!
View attachment 5771788

View attachment 5771790View attachment 5771789
OMG, you did an absolutely amazing job! I am so impressed!
 
I was happy with the result, though I think I’ve really only carried it once. It was so much work and I developed an appreciation for the craft Of handbags.
You did an outstanding job. I hope you carry it again soon. Maybe you can bring it out more over the coming months? It would be easy to style with spring/summer outfits! :)
 
I am loving all this crochet discussion! Back in 2010, I destressed by crocheting. Then Chanel had a most exciting season with many crochet items. I was smitten with the flap bag but they were so limited. I decided to try to make my homage..and found out how difficult it is to construct bags. All
in all, I was happy with the result, though I think I’ve really only carried it once. It was so much work and I developed an appreciation for the craft Of handbags.

Here are some images of the runway and the bag that inspired mine! And then ...there is mine. I know, I know...don’t laugh; no comparison, but I enjoyed the process!
View attachment 5771788

View attachment 5771790View attachment 5771789
ohmigosh - you made that? It's adorable!!
 
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
Mr Cookie is very opinionated. I listen 'sometimes'.

He doesn't care for my scarves and really doesn't like it when I wear - lets say - a striped blouse and a scarf. It's too much 'pattern' for him. Today I'm wearing a striped jacket, navy pants, a silk tee and a scarf - he just closes his eyes. :lol:

But he has also picked out several scarves for me that I LOVE.

He loves for me to wear heels - loves it. He doesn't care that they make me 6' 3" - god bless him! So I do wear them (nothing extreme because I have to be able to walk, not mince along on my tippy-toes) when my outfit calls for them.

Purses, he doesn't comment much on... unless it's too small to fit my things and his wallet. Then it's a 'Stupid Purse' :doh::shocked::biggrin:
I don't think he cares for a few of my bags (he called the Pico ugly the other day, and he doesn't like metallic bags :shrugs: ), but he really likes my Ferragamo bags, and the LVs. I think he likes my Kelly, but thinks the Drag looks 'old lady-ish'.

I do ask his opinion if I am unsure myself - otherwise - I don't ask. I do have a few things he doesn't like - though honestly I can't think of what they are - I wear them anyway because *I* like them.
 
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