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.

 

[dcooney4]

I am a bit fluffier than I normally am, so I bought a few basics in the size I am now. It has helped me feel better, but I am not investing any real funds into clothes until I am a bit heathier and thinner.
You DME look fantastic in the that, but it needs to be in your comfort zone spending wise too.

 

[DME]

I am a bit fluffier than I normally am, so I bought a few basics in the size I am now. It has helped me feel better, but I am not investing any real funds into clothes until I am a bit heathier and thinner.
You DME look fantastic in the that, but it needs to be in your comfort zone spending wise too.

OK, I am stealing that phrase! My weight has fluctuated all of my adult life and that’s a kinder, gentler way to put it than my normal way. I’m glad your new pieces are helping you feel better. And I appreciate the kind words about the jacket. I am sooooo tempted, but I am also so not a RTW person. Doing the math, the cost of that jacket is on the order of 35+ pairs of my favorite lululemon leggings, so… I do have extra fun money squirreled away from selling some items I no longer use to Fashionphile and Yoogi’s and clothing I wasn’t wearing via my local consignment shop, so it’s possible I may opt to put that money toward the jacket. We’re going to Vegas next month, so it will probably depend on what goodies I snap up there. I kindly cruse @papertiger, who was so, so right about not being able to own just one Cartier Trinity ring. I’m loving my small model in the three golds, so might consider another in white gold and black ceramic, which would be really great for my fall my wardrobe transition (I go from prints and pastels to what most would probably describe as funeral attire).

 

[dcooney4]

OK, I am stealing that phrase! My weight has fluctuated all of my adult life and that’s a kinder, gentler way to put it than my normal way. I’m glad your new pieces are helping you feel better. And I appreciate the kind words about the jacket. I am sooooo tempted, but I am also so not a RTW person. Doing the math, the cost of that jacket is on the order of 35+ pairs of my favorite lululemon leggings, so… I do have extra fun money squirreled away from selling some items I no longer use to Fashionphile and Yoogi’s and clothing I wasn’t wearing via my local consignment shop, so it’s possible I may opt to put that money toward the jacket. We’re going to Vegas next month, so it will probably depend on what goodies I snap up there. I kindly cruse @papertiger, who was so, so right about not being able to own just one Cartier Trinity ring. I’m loving my small model in the three golds, so might consider another in white gold and black ceramic, which would be really great for my fall my wardrobe transition (I go from prints and pastels to what most would probably describe as funeral attire).

Your math is with lululemon leggings, mine is almost always with bags. For me bags would win over a jacket, no matter how lovely.lol

 

[Bag peace]

Popping my head in here but I'm still not caught up on the thread (have barely managed to look in this year).
This post is just to hold myself accountable, so please forgive me, dear pocket friends, for my selfishness at this time.

I've been struggling with my mental health and the medication I tried sent me on a serious downward spiral, triggering flashbacks of my previous abusive relationship and memories of every loved one who has passed away. I thought I was depressed before the meds and learned very quickly that it can get much, much worse when your own mind won't play nice.

I almost gave away my entire bag collection. I packed up every single one and was ready to drop them off at any charity that would have them. For whatever reason, I wanted to clear out everything I own and I started with bags. I think part of me feels like I don't deserve nice things.
My darling mum patiently watched me and left me to prepare my things for release, then quietly stepped in at the last minute and suggested that my medication may be impacting my mental clarity. She suggested we put it all in storage for a while- out of sight so I don't feel so irritable with my belongings- and then pull it back out at a later time to review and reassess.
I'm ever so grateful for her gentle guidance, now that I have some mental clarity back. There are bags in my collection that are irreplaceable, including 2 handmade bags that were designed and commissioned for me by loved ones who have passed away. It would have been a devastating loss.

Sending best wishes to all of you and hoping you're enjoying your summer bags and the thread's challenges.

 

[880]

Popping my head in here but I'm still not caught up on the thread (have barely managed to look in this year).
This post is just to hold myself accountable, so please forgive me, dear pocket friends, for my selfishness at this time.

I've been struggling with my mental health and the medication I tried sent me on a serious downward spiral, triggering flashbacks of my previous abusive relationship and memories of every loved one who has passed away. I thought I was depressed before the meds and learned very quickly that it can get much, much worse when your own mind won't play nice.

I almost gave away my entire bag collection. I packed up every single one and was ready to drop them off at any charity that would have them. For whatever reason, I wanted to clear out everything I own and I started with bags. I think part of me feels like I don't deserve nice things.
My darling mum patiently watched me and left me to prepare my things for release, then quietly stepped in at the last minute and suggested that my medication may be impacting my mental clarity. She suggested we put it all in storage for a while- out of sight so I don't feel so irritable with my belongings- and then pull it back out at a later time to review and reassess.
I'm ever so grateful for her gentle guidance, now that I have some mental clarity back. There are bags in my collection that are irreplaceable, including 2 handmade bags that were designed and commissioned for me by loved ones who have passed away. It would have been a devastating loss.

Sending best wishes to all of you and hoping you're enjoying your summer bags and the thread's challenges.

You deserve nice things. I’m glad you have your mom there to remind you of this when you forget

hugs

re bans versus RTW, I vote with RTW. Quality pieces can last decades.

 

[papertiger]

I have been all over the place with my bags. Overall I am still less bags in for the year than out.
Bags in 7- I am still waiting for most of them to arrive.
Bags out 4
Slgs in 1
slgs out 0
Sports bags in 1- Simple canvas tote to carry art supplies to class.
Sports bag out 0
Not sure if all these bags will stay, but I will count them now anyway.

You've been busy!

 

[papertiger]

Popping my head in here but I'm still not caught up on the thread (have barely managed to look in this year).
This post is just to hold myself accountable, so please forgive me, dear pocket friends, for my selfishness at this time.

I've been struggling with my mental health and the medication I tried sent me on a serious downward spiral, triggering flashbacks of my previous abusive relationship and memories of every loved one who has passed away. I thought I was depressed before the meds and learned very quickly that it can get much, much worse when your own mind won't play nice.

I almost gave away my entire bag collection. I packed up every single one and was ready to drop them off at any charity that would have them. For whatever reason, I wanted to clear out everything I own and I started with bags. I think part of me feels like I don't deserve nice things.
My darling mum patiently watched me and left me to prepare my things for release, then quietly stepped in at the last minute and suggested that my medication may be impacting my mental clarity. She suggested we put it all in storage for a while- out of sight so I don't feel so irritable with my belongings- and then pull it back out at a later time to review and reassess.
I'm ever so grateful for her gentle guidance, now that I have some mental clarity back. There are bags in my collection that are irreplaceable, including 2 handmade bags that were designed and commissioned for me by loved ones who have passed away. It would have been a devastating loss.

Sending best wishes to all of you and hoping you're enjoying your summer bags and the thread's challenges.

 

[papertiger]

So sorry that many of you are going through such major hard times. From 2018-21 were awful times which I won't go into (but some of you know).

Cutting off friends and family members who'd constantly weighed me down indirectly or put me down directly, was fundamental to my mental health. Changing jobs also helped a lot. In every way I am so much happier with my personal and work life now.

I don't think my shopping habits have changed much, but over this past year ('23) I've sold a lot of broken or second rate fine jewellery for scrap and investing in my wishlist. My wish-list has things on it I wanted even as a kid or teen, I really have changed little over the decades.

I had a very busy month but it didn't stop me shopping . I looked at some lovely Asprey 167 bags last week. I had to promise myself I would think l o n g and hard. My priority is a bespoke Gucci suit - and perhaps a Cartier necklace, if I can stop myself buying other stuff.

May:

Bags out: I (broken briefcase)
Bags in: 0

SLGs in:0
SLGs out:0


Jewellery out 1 (citrine ring)
Jewellery in 1 (wooden bangle)
It was the Elsa Piretti red/black 'doughnut' lacquered bangle that's been on my wishlist since 2017 and I gave up on when it went up to 'stupid money'. I found one pre-loved for 1/3 of the retail.

Scarves in 1 (another H Lazy Leopardess in pink 90 I'd stupidly passed on a couple of years ago). This is a substitute for a new SS23 scarf.
Scarves out 0

RTW out 1 (Vintage wiggle dress)
RTW in 2 (vintage checked Ted Lapidus skirt suit and a high-street light-blue denim, embroidered jacket)

May Challenges:
I did all the challenges bar 'the least favourite'. I just feel I can't pick one of my keeper bags out and declare YOU are my least favourite LOL.

Bag observations May:
Really seem to be enjoying red bags. if I'm not wearing my Evie, red is the go-to colour.

 

[papertiger]

Okie dokie, May stats for me

Okay, stats:
May:
Bags out: 1 (Brahmin Small Nadine)
Bags in: 1 (Marc Jacobs The Tote Mini)
SLGs in:0
SLGs out: 0

YTD:
Bags out: 2 (Dooney and Bourke hobo, Brahmin Small Nadine)
Bags in: 3 (Gucci Aphrodite, Kate Spade heart, Marc Jacobs The Tote Mini)

SLGS out: 1 (Brahmin Small Veronica wallet)
SLGs in: 1 (Coach Nolita 19)

Bags net: +1
SLGs net: 0

I know I said I thought having "The Tote Bag" imprinted on a bag was ridiculous. It's still ridiculous, but after looking at it 100 times, one almost comes to accept it as normal. Also, I wanted a bag in a pretty color, also a cool color, and one that would fit more stuff than my small Brahmin. These totes have the best colors.

View attachment 5793341

Also, I'm making slow progress on my crochet tote, but it's still a fun project.

View attachment 5793342

I'll have to block again when it's all done. I'm almost finished with one handle. There's actually a small white fabric pocket behind that square, because I'm morally opposed to bags with no pockets. An acquaintance helped me, since I don't really know how to sew. Even so, I would have preferred beige and didn't plan ahead to buy beige fabric before my little sewing lesson, and could only find white when I stopped at the craft store on the way to her house. Depending on how much effort I want to expend, I might try removing the pocket and putting one in in beige later.

I'm adding my voice. It looks great with the white edging, I much prefer it.

 

[whateve]

I’ve sold 5 bags this year, and 2 last year. My only bag in since May 22 is on its way and should be here tomorrow. Am avidly watching tracking
My knitting project is progressing. I’ve finished the back, one side of the front and half of the other. Just sleeves and making up (the worst bit) left to do.
View attachment 5793499

Beautiful yarn and pattern. What is this stitch called?

 

[Evia]

Beautiful yarn and pattern. What is this stitch called?

Thanks, I don’t know what it’s called, but it’s very simple. It’s just K1P1 rib on the right side and plain knit on the wrong side.

 

[880]

@DME, @dcooney4,

I try to apportion my budget for clothes and accessories towards wardrobe areas that are bare. Most of us have plenty of
bags and accessories, but IMO everyone needs basic, versatile capsule clothing that makes us feel slim and attractive; wears three season; and withstands the test of time. While people love bags and shoes bc you can wear them no matter your dress size, neither a bag or pair of heels can magically make you look ten pounds lighter Lol. I think everyone needs a dress; a pair of trousers, a skirt, a jacket, a coat. Whether you are sartorial or fashion, colorful or neutral, is a matter of taste, but I start with dark neutrals to get maximum usage. I think tops are where you can get away with a lot, whether it’s a shell, a button down or a slim pullover, but the right top and skirt can also approximate a dress. So, I have always prioritized jacket, trousers, and skirt first.

The magic jacket doesn’t need to be dior. For example, for many years I didn’t have well tailored navy jacket. But i did have a fabulous vintage deadstock jacket (50 USD) that was cut like a pseudo riding jacket and somehow carved out a waist on my basically boxy athletic build. It was better than a bar jacket, and I wish I kept it. If you like the cut and fit of this Dior jacket, then simply figure out the things you like best about it, and either keep trying other things on in shops, or nail down your size range or measurements and experiment with eBay or online.* I like to buy vintage just as much as premier designer RTW bc of the cut, fit, and fabric. Here is a 100% polyester jacket ( the thick kind that holds its shape) that I stumbled upon on eBay in my exact measurements. Actually a 1970s skirt suit for 70 USD, and it’s gorgeous, with covered buttons even. I am very found of certain types of vintage synthetic fabric).

It’s like a bar jacket, but better suited to me bc I have a long thick torso relative to my shoulder. Sadly, the Bar jackets I like often do not have enough seam allowance to let out. The item description deterred many bc there was a coffee stain on the arm and a rhinestone bow at the nape of the neck, but regardless, no one seriously considered it. As soon as I got it, I raced to my dry cleaner who assured me the stain would come out. It isn’t exactly shopping my own closet, but it’s sustainably shopping someone else’s lol.


if you are lucky, a vintage garment might have three labels: the designer; the dress shop; and, the fabric mill. Once you start reading listings, you can use this information to aid your search. This one did not, but it did have the brand name Lilli Anne.

 

[dcooney4]

You've been busy!

I have been. One came today from a mass produced company and it is going back. It came with no wrapping and just tossed in a box. It was dirty and the zipper wouldn’t move. I live in the Country and there are no shops unless I get in the car and drive for an 40 minutes to an hour. So I order stuff and hope for the best.

 

[dcooney4]

Popping my head in here but I'm still not caught up on the thread (have barely managed to look in this year).
This post is just to hold myself accountable, so please forgive me, dear pocket friends, for my selfishness at this time.

I've been struggling with my mental health and the medication I tried sent me on a serious downward spiral, triggering flashbacks of my previous abusive relationship and memories of every loved one who has passed away. I thought I was depressed before the meds and learned very quickly that it can get much, much worse when your own mind won't play nice.

I almost gave away my entire bag collection. I packed up every single one and was ready to drop them off at any charity that would have them. For whatever reason, I wanted to clear out everything I own and I started with bags. I think part of me feels like I don't deserve nice things.
My darling mum patiently watched me and left me to prepare my things for release, then quietly stepped in at the last minute and suggested that my medication may be impacting my mental clarity. She suggested we put it all in storage for a while- out of sight so I don't feel so irritable with my belongings- and then pull it back out at a later time to review and reassess.
I'm ever so grateful for her gentle guidance, now that I have some mental clarity back. There are bags in my collection that are irreplaceable, including 2 handmade bags that were designed and commissioned for me by loved ones who have passed away. It would have been a devastating loss.

Sending best wishes to all of you and hoping you're enjoying your summer bags and the thread's challenges.

Hugs! Glad your Mom could help.

 

[papertiger]

I have been. One came today from a mass produced company and it is going back. It came with no wrapping and just tossed in a box. It was dirty and the zipper wouldn’t move. I live in the Country and there are no shops unless I get in the car and drive for an 40 minutes to an hour. So I order stuff and hope for the best.

That's awful and disappointing. Where I usually live 6 months of the year is also very remote, I understand the process.