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]

@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.
View attachment 5794557

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.

It looks fantastic on you. I used to have some fabulous well made jackets but gave them away when I left NYC. I kind of regret not keeping one or two of the best ones.

 

[whateve]

May stats

bags in 0
bags out 0
SLGs in 0
SLGs out 1

ytd
bags in 2
bags out 4
SLGs in 0
SLGs out 4

I carried 8 bags this month. The Balenciaga bag I bought last month turned out to be a good purchase. I've carried it several times. I still haven't carried the Brahmin bag I bought last month but missed the return window. That makes me mad at myself. I haven't decided if I'll carry it or try to sell it.

I bought another pair of Allbirds since they were on sale. Other than that, I haven't been buying much, just stuff for the house, garden and pool. I've been spending a lot of time trying to get my pool balanced.

I finished the crochet blanket but haven't started anything else. It takes concentration to start a new project. I much prefer being able to mindlessly work without having to look at instructions and count stitches.

 

[dcooney4]

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.

Your Evie really turned into a fantastic bag for you. I love the casual yet chic look of it. I am so glad you found your bracelet.

 

[DME]

@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.
View attachment 5794557

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.

Wow, that jacket looks stunning on you! And it looks great with your Birkin and those Chanel flats; the belt lends a really nice contrast, too.

Knowing what worked with the jacket is the easy part; finding one with the same/similar details that work for me is the tough part. I’m pear-shaped, but also have broad shoulders, and this one fit my shoulders and my hips perfectly, even when buttoned, so the slightly boxier shape worked well. But not too boxy; it still had a slimmer shape when open. I also liked the less traditional Mandarin-style collar and those are very hard to find. I spent years looking for a black biker-style leather jacket with that kind of collar and eventually found one in the Coach Outlet, of all places. Navy is a preferred color since it goes with so much of my existing wardrobe (all four seasons!); thankfully, navy is pretty ubiquitous. The sleeve length was a surprise since I normally wouldn’t have gone for it, but really liked it on.

Where I’m sure a lot of the cost lies and the reasons for the high price, but where i am more than happy to compromise, are the brand name and the details such as the buttons and the logo lining. I‘m not afraid of spending some amount of money, if the item is a big win, but $1,500-$2,000 would make happier. I’ll have to remember to scour the resale sites now that I’ve gotten more comfortable with those. While it may take a bit for one to pop up, some don’t keep their items for more than a couple of years, so I might get lucky and find the exact jacket at some point.

 

[DME]

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.

I used the pandemic to do the same thing with friends and family who weighed me down and, like you, my life is so much better for having done it. That may sound heartless to some, but if I’m not happy and healthy, which includes my mental health, then I can’t be there for me, let alone anyone else.

On the job front, which is the source of my anxiety, I work in a very large place and it’s quite common for people to move around to different organizations, so I don’t even need to find a new employer to remove myself from the situation, I just need to find a new position. It just takes time to navigate our internal hiring process, which is very, very slow. I have an interview for one position on Tuesday and applications submitted for another four; I am confident at least one more of those will lead to an interview. New postings are listed each week, so I have a standing calendar appointment to check them. I may not take the first offer, but I should hopefully be out of this current situation in a couple of months.

 

[papertiger]

I used the pandemic to do the same thing with friends and family who weighed me down and, like you, my life is so much better for having done it. That may sound heartless to some, but if I’m not happy and healthy, which includes my mental health, then I can’t be there for me, let alone anyone else.

On the job front, which is the source of my anxiety, I work in a very large place and it’s quite common for people to move around to different organizations, so I don’t even need to find a new employer to remove myself from the situation, I just need to find a new position. It just takes time to navigate our internal hiring process, which is very, very slow. I have an interview for one position on Tuesday and applications submitted for another four; I am confident at least one more of those will lead to an interview. New postings are listed each week, so I have a standing calendar appointment to check them. I may not take the first offer, but I should hopefully be out of this current situation in a couple of months.

Fingers and toes crossed for you

 

[baghabitz34]

Wow, that jacket looks stunning on you! And it looks great with your Birkin and those Chanel flats; the belt lends a really nice contrast, too.

Knowing what worked with the jacket is the easy part; finding one with the same/similar details that work for me is the tough part. I’m pear-shaped, but also have broad shoulders, and this one fit my shoulders and my hips perfectly, even when buttoned, so the slightly boxier shape worked well. But not too boxy; it still had a slimmer shape when open. I also liked the less traditional Mandarin-style collar and those are very hard to find. I spent years looking for a black biker-style leather jacket with that kind of collar and eventually found one in the Coach Outlet, of all places. Navy is a preferred color since it goes with so much of my existing wardrobe (all four seasons!); thankfully, navy is pretty ubiquitous. The sleeve length was a surprise since I normally wouldn’t have gone for it, but really liked it on.

Where I’m sure a lot of the cost lies and the reasons for the high price, but where i am more than happy to compromise, are the brand name and the details such as the buttons and the logo lining. I‘m not afraid of spending some amount of money, if the item is a big win, but $1,500-$2,000 would make happier. I’ll have to remember to scour the resale sites now that I’ve gotten more comfortable with those. While it may take a bit for one to pop up, some don’t keep their items for more than a couple of years, so I might get lucky and find the exact jacket at some point.

I have the same issues when trying to find blazers. I have broad shoulders & long arms. Usually if the blazer fits my arms & shoulders, it’s too wide in the body, making me look like a linebacker.

 

[DME]

I have the same issues when trying to find blazers. I have broad shoulders & long arms. Usually if the blazer fits my arms & shoulders, it’s too wide in the body, making me look like a linebacker.

Yes! I also have long arms (and long legs, which makes finding pants difficult, too). Any brands that work for you? I swear this is why I like 25” leggings and tanks so much: They fit.

 

[880]

SilkyPop collapsible bag

Accessory bc it folds and zips into itself

thank you @DME and @dcooney4

@DME , fingers crossed for a great professional fit in a new situation

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I want to get rid of everything I own. I want to keep it all.

You took the words right out my mouth! And you definetely aren´t alone! I am feeling the same at the moment. I want all the bags, all the clothes, all the shoes and all the pretty things, while at the same time I´d really enjoy simply to ged rid of all my hoard and sit in a totally empty room.
Even when I make something with my own hands, challenging myself to do the impossible, put in the utmost effort and succeed, it does not give me any feeling of accomplishment...

 

[cowgirlsboots]

:slowly open door and peek through the crack:
:quickly slam the door shut and run:

On a more serious note, the Knight is beginning his senior year of high school. Which means 1) I’m losing my traveling companion, 2) there are dozens of deadlines all coming up in about 3-6 months, and 3) we’re doing college visits and it’s seriously messing with my head that things that were popular when I was last on a college campus are popular again.

Like, it feels like I’m in a time warp and I’m feeling like I haven’t accomplished anything but I’m a little more creaky and a lot older than I used to be.

Meanwhile, I’m worried about the Knight’s mental health, and will he care for himself when he doesn’t have anyone to remind him.

Meanwhile, I’m worried about VintageMama, and her health. She resents the doctors and medicine and she needs them and so I am trying to make the medical equipment pretty. Like, I’m taking her blood pressure cuff, getting rid of the institutional nylon case and storing it in a vintage Gucci vanity.

Some days I think I might have her in my life another ten years, and some days it’s just a few weeks. She keeps shopping and buying things she’s sure that I’ll need or that the Knight will need and I keep feeling overwhelmed.

The Knight is trying to encourage us to do family road trips, ect. And VintageMama keeps making excuses not to because she feels miserable and VintageDaddy’s loss two years ago hit him really hard, and he keeps thinking about what he has lost. And I’m in the middle.

Meanwhile, I keep wondering if moving would make life better for us or worse. Honestly, there’s a lot of house maintenance that I can’t do alone, and this house was just about the right size for four people but much to big for one.

So, yeah.

I’m also applying for jobs.

In a year, my chick is flying the nest. In a year to ten, I’ll be losing my mother. In three months to two years, I’ll probably be moving. But there is very little I can do about it right now, other than worry, clean and shop. Make plans that might or might not come into being.

Sending you a huge hug xx

 

[cowgirlsboots]

May stats

I´m overwhelmed by my hoard, by my son´s school, by getting old and ugly- time doesn´t have a structure, it simply passes.... and really had to think hard whether I did buy any bags in May or not...
I guess:
bags in 3: the 3€ basket from the fleamarket and two "ppp" (as in polishing poo project) homemade bags




bags out: 0
no slgs in or out
clothes in: several homemakes, all in the "ppp" category
clothes out: maybe... I remember throwing some worn out crap in the donation bin (the kind of collecting containers commercial collectors have at the curb everywhere, the items are sold or go into the shredder for recycling)

With the latest of my ppp bags I really pushed the idea to the limit. The material for this bag was nothing but scraps- the leftovers from a terrible 5€ leather jacket I had bought as a leather donor for my son´s jacket project, but not used, because the pig nappa was so bad. The lining was great and I at least used the fabric. Later I used the better leather parts for my blue raffia bag- all covered up... the scraps should have been thrown away. Oops, they did not and last week I shopped my own bin bag and patched together the little black bag.
The pig nappa still was a nuissance, like sewing chewing gum. It worked out in the end. I experimented with using double sided tape and iron on interfacing and learned something new...



There still are scraps... fancy a laugh? I caught myself wondering whether I should keep them and maybe patch together a linging for a pouch...

 

[cowgirlsboots]

It did fit perfectly, which really shocked me as I don’t consider my body type made for RTW. Nothing has fit well any time I’ve tried in the past (except for a few Burberry coats and that Celine, but outerwear is a different beast and one can own only so many coats!). I know they can tailor, but I have zero imagination, so need things to look close to right when I try them on. I’m still contemplating it. The SA was lovely and he suggested the piece, taking one look at me and one look at the jacket, knowing instantly it would work and was my size. How they do that, I don’t know.

The SA definetely has a perfect eye! This jacket is perfection on you and will still be in many years to come!
It´s so rare to find the perfect fit, a piece that simply elevates everything.
My DH had this prescious experience this morning with a Baldessarini for Hugo Boss suit jacket I had bought preloved cheaply and "for material". He tried it on and it fit like custom made, making him look extremely polished even though the rest of his outfit consisted of scruffy work clothes.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

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.

Thank you to the universe for your perfect Mum!
I hope you will be feeling much better soon!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

@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.
View attachment 5794557

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.

I adore your new jacket! It suits you so well! Lilli Anne has been fabulous over the decades and certainly always is a good choice!
Buying vintage might be tricky and often enough comes with "surprises" like stains, little defects and flaws, but as long as the price is right, I feel that everything can be fixed. "Good old quality" certainly is woth the effort and you get a piece that simply "is something".
DH and I were speaking about this topic this morning. I was comparing my awful H&M jogging pants to the vintage Baldessarini for Hugo Boss jacket I bought for him. Both were the same price. My pants look like shapeless rags after only one winter of wearing them. The jacket is perfection!