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.

 

[FizzyWater]

Hi all!

Thanks to earlier years' worth of these threads, I've realized that I don't want lots of variety of styles and colors. (Those of you who do though, I totally admire your collections - thank you for the lovely pictures!)

I have concentrated on a few models of bags, in: Light gray, dark red, black, "fun color". Then there's a chaos of evening bags. One of the models is a 20-year-old super-cheap model, so I bought many more than the above colors, but I have a place to store the extras and am mostly over it.

For 2023, I would like to finally sell the bags that don't fit in, and get into a maintenance routine for the bags I'm keeping. I have a good relationship with a local leather guy, and under his raised eyebrow I must improve the moisturizing, at least of the bags. Maybe of me, too.

 

[880]

Make complete outfits including bags and shoes.
2. Continue to stay in the allotted amount of space for my collection. No bags can be squashed together.
3. Stay within my budget.
4. Continue to try to do the 1 in 1 out.
5. Use all my bags.

I definitely want to do all of this including make complete outfits so I use more of my bags and shoes (this will prevent me from shopping unnecessarily. (I have those goals with @jp824 and @DoggieBags too, so perhaps they will pop in)

Along with @jblended and others, I don’t have to buy a bag to admire it

ETA: I typically don’t buy unless I am so sure that I love it and will use it enough to wear it out of the store. But, I will add a special resolution to use a purchased item the week of purchase. Even if it’s to break in a new pair of shoes or working out outfit combinations that will actually leave the closet

 

[Bag peace]

Ah, a fresh new thread! Feeling warm and fuzzy in here already!

I popped into the last thread with my initial 2023 goals, so there may be some repetition here, but here we go:

Shopping my own goals:

This is another 'No buy' year for me. Well, I usually do 'low-buy' years where I replace things I need to but, this year it's more strict. I feel content with what I have (thankful for the abundance, in fact) and want to maintain that state. I can't foresee anything needing replacing, not even socks.

Bag goals:

Bag count starting the year: 35 bags (actually 32 but also 3 nylon travel/gym bags that I figure should go in the official count).
I'd like to donate 5 of those by the end of the year. I'm not putting pressure on myself to do so but, I feel like I'll be ready to release them soon.
The ultimate goal is a slow and steady edit of my bag collection so that I end up with 15-20 bags that are really loves. It'll take however long it takes to get there. I am not adding while I edit, only releasing bags as I go.

Wardrobe and Accessories goals:

Style my existing wardrobe in new ways so that I can refresh my outfits without needing to add anything new. I've been in medical isolation for the better part of 3 years now, and the few times I go out it's in jeans and a hoodie. I want to really enjoy getting dressed again!

I feel like I'm not using a lot of my jewelry. I'd like to use more of my pieces and, if I find I don't enjoy a piece when I use it, immediately put it aside for donation.
It's mostly sterling silver stuff and a lot of handmade off of Etsy and markets from various places I've lived.
I have literally a handful of 'proper' fine (and very dainty) jewelry that I never used because I lived in places where it wouldn't have been appropriate. Now I'm in a city where my good stuff looks like children's jewelry compared to others, so I can wear it without worry!
Life's too short to save it, so once I use and enjoy the cheap stuff for a bit more, it'll be time to release it all and really savour my small, but infinitely better, fine jewelry collection.

Have some of my older clothing tailored. I have shorts and skirts that I've never been able to enjoy because they are too short for me to be comfortable in. In my defense, they fit when I got them, but I grew a few inches randomly in my late 20s so things that were previously a reasonable length were suddenly
Think I've already found a tailor who is up to adding a few inches to the hem of each item. Need to give him a piece to test-drive.

Personal goals: (a longer list)

Stay on top of both my physical and mental health.
Over the last couple of years I hit my rock bottom and sort of had a slow-motion nervous breakdown. I lost all emotional resilience, became very needy and self-centred, and am overall very ashamed of myself.
I have been working hard to correct course. I’m continuing that work and hope that there will be a lightness to my words and actions in this next year.
I can't go back and do it differently but, I can be sure to carry the lessons forward and do better now.

I'd like to give myself permission to take care of myself without feeling guilty. More specifically:
-My medical treatment caused my weight to yo-yo all of last year, but I think it's finally stabilizing. Let my body settle wherever it wants to, I just want it to be strong again. Hopefully I get permission to start exercising soon, as well. I miss movement!
-Another side effect is that my hair fell out in chunks and it looks all scraggly, lol. I’d like to focus on nourishing it this year and helping it grow back, without feeling shallow for prioritizing it. Going to look into biotin and other supplements that may help there.
-Finally, I have spent a massive portion of time on bed rest and it has ruined my posture. It was the thing I never anticipated but my shoulders are rolled forward all the time now. I want to actively correct this before it becomes a permanent issue.

For the first time in my life, I find myself not planning my next move. I never would have imagined I would be where I am now. I really don't belong in any way lol, but I feel good about it. I can picture making a life here for however long I need to stay.
Another unexpected benefit of not moving is that my cats are much older now than when I rescued them and they really wouldn't tolerate yet another move. So, for now, this is home.
Bhutan, Vietnam, Japan and NZ can wait until I'm healthier...or maybe I'll be normal when the time comes and visit them as a tourist instead of moving my whole life over!

The best thing that happened to me was that my mum moved in with me (and abroad with me) during the pandemic. In spite of this, I haven't enjoyed as much of her company as I'd wished. Time to make up for that and explore our new city together!

As ever, thank you to my TPF pocket friends who have set a wonderful example of kindness, consideration, insight and patience at every turn. You are the best role models and I can only hope that I start following in your footsteps!
Last year was exceptionally difficult for a handful of us, so I'm hoping that this year holds brighter days and unexpected joys for everyone!

(I guess I should also resolve to break my habit of these stupidly long posts this year too)

Edit: Oh also, extra pets and cuddles to Coco, Ryder, Jes, Jet, Charlie and all the other TPF fur balls!

 

[Bag peace]

1) I’m doing another purge. Eliminating 2023 items in 2023. Special focus on Books, Art, and tools, but I do have 5 handbags that I want to put on the chopping block.

I was so impressed by your purging last year, especially in the circumstances! I have no doubt you'll hit this goal this year.

I made a big jump 2.5 years ago to a different but related field, I got a promotion last Summer and have really been really enjoying my job although it's a lot more work/hours.

Congratulations!

7. Have fun and find new adventures. Finally got to go to London in December. After having to cancel the trip twice, I didn't want to say anything till after I finally got to go.

Wonderful! I hope the city charmed you!

I will rotate through at least 20 bags this month & focus on using new bags & lesser used bags.

Brilliant goal and love your Polene!

I am completely done with Coach and will be unloading mostly everything aside from my black Rogue and my Cassies.

Welcome! May I ask why you're getting rid of your Coach bags?

1. Joining a gym or dance studio and working out or taking classes at least 2x per week.

That sounds like such fun!

Thanks to earlier years' worth of these threads, I've realized that I don't want lots of variety of styles and colors.

Isn't it lovely when you get a personal insight like that? It makes it so much easier to have a functional collection when you know what works for you.

Along with @jblended and others, I don’t have to buy a bag to admire it

So true! I said recently that I enjoy other people's bag reveals as much as my own. It's really freeing to enjoy pretty things without needing to possess them.

I typically don’t buy unless I am so sure that I love it and will use it enough to wear it out of the store. But, I will add a special resolution to use a purchased item the week of purchase. Even if it’s to break in a new pair of shoes or working out outfit combinations that will actually leave the closet

You're so mindful about your additions that I can't even imagine you adding anything that doesn't work at this stage! I do like the idea of using new things immediately though. I'm going to keep that in mind for the future.

Best of luck with your goals everyone!

 

[Jereni]

Happy new year to all! I’m excited to join this thread at the start of the year. I have a lot more personal goals than bag goals, which I can get into while I share about myself:

I am a single mom (divorce forthcoming) to an amazing toddler. I work from home as a student success manager at an education technology company. After spending the first three quarters of 2022 getting everything in order to be able to leave my ex, I moved myself and my toddler back home to my mom’s house in September. It’s been so nice to be around supportive family while handling matters with my ex in family court.

I shared in the previous thread that I acquired a lot of new bags, SLGs and charms last year to help distract from the emotional turmoil I was experiencing. I am now at a better place and ready to enjoy what I have this year rather than continue to grow my collection. Bag goals include:

1. Use at least 3 different bags a month - In December I used just 2 bags so I’d like to do better this year and really use my bags.
2. Improve my storage organization - Right now I have most of my bags on the top shelf of my closet but there’s a lot of empty space between that shelf and the ceiling, so I’m thinking about having a second shelf added so I can spread out my bags more.

Personal goals include:
1. Joining a gym or dance studio and working out or taking classes at least 2x per week.
2. Taking advantage of my job’s professional and personal learning budgets. I can use the personal learning budget for joining a dance studio or even on supplies to learn something new. I’m thinking about getting a Cricut, for example. And I would like to figure out my next career move because I’ll need to increase my earning potential as a single mom. So once I know which direction I’d like to move in, I can use that professional learning money to help get there.
3. Setting my mom up on Poshmark and FB Marketplace to help her sell some things that she needs to get rid of.

I think that’s plenty for now!

I am so inspired by your goals!!! Congrats on starting ‘anew’ - and take care of yourself!

 

[Jereni]

Happy New Year everyone!

Since we are introducing ourselves, here’s a little about me: I’m a product manager in the software industry, married / no kids, live in the DC area. Hobbies include gardening & bonsai, reading, jogging/cycling, and to a lesser extent crafty stuff like scrapbooking and the occasional diorama. I am into fashion, although that mostly manifests in handbags and shoes, as dressing crazy/Instagram fashionable wouldn’t really fit in at my office. I would sort of love to start a YouTube channel reviewing handbags, with a lot of humor mixed in, but I prefer to stay anonymous on the internet so I probably never will.

Goals / resolutions for 2023

Bag / Fashion Resolutions:

• Continue to impose a handbag-purchase waiting period - 2 weeks minimum.
• Sell the following bags: Polene large Neuf, Coach Dreamer 20, Prada tote, Chanel mini flap, LV multi-pochette.
• No Chanel bags, unless it is the crumpled black square mini from yesteryear, or the reverse chevron.
• Sell 20-30 pieces of jewelry that I am no longer wearing.

Bag Acquisition Goals (only if the right one comes along):

• A bag in a rich plum color.
• The perfect red bag.
• A shoulder or crossbody black bag.
• Another Valextra Iside, depending on what colors they release this year.

Non-Closet related:

• Lose 20 lbs.
• Get involved in local community things to meet new people.
• Enroll in a German language class with Mr J, and join a language club.
• Take more local, weekend trips.
• Read 3-5 books about designing and building a house (recommendations?).

 

[More bags]

Yay and thank you @Vintage Leather for starting the 2023 thread. I’m happy to share this place with all of you - great conversations, insights, and inspirations.

I am with @FizzyWater on knowing what colours I like - red, grey, black, burgundy, and jewel colours.

 

[More bags]

Ah, a fresh new thread! Feeling warm and fuzzy in here already!

I popped into the last thread with my initial 2023 goals, so there may be some repetition here, but here we go:

Shopping my own goals:

This is another 'No buy' year for me. Well, I usually do 'low-buy' years where I replace things I need to but, this year it's more strict. I feel content with what I have (thankful for the abundance, in fact) and want to maintain that state. I can't foresee anything needing replacing, not even socks.

Bag goals:

Bag count starting the year: 35 bags (actually 32 but also 3 nylon travel/gym bags that I figure should go in the official count).
I'd like to donate 5 of those by the end of the year. I'm not putting pressure on myself to do so but, I feel like I'll be ready to release them soon.
The ultimate goal is a slow and steady edit of my bag collection so that I end up with 15-20 bags that are really loves. It'll take however long it takes to get there. I am not adding while I edit, only releasing bags as I go.

Wardrobe and Accessories goals:

Style my existing wardrobe in new ways so that I can refresh my outfits without needing to add anything new. I've been in medical isolation for the better part of 3 years now, and the few times I go out it's in jeans and a hoodie. I want to really enjoy getting dressed again!

I feel like I'm not using a lot of my jewelry. I'd like to use more of my pieces and, if I find I don't enjoy a piece when I use it, immediately put it aside for donation.
It's mostly sterling silver stuff and a lot of handmade off of Etsy and markets from various places I've lived.
I have literally a handful of 'proper' fine (and very dainty) jewelry that I never used because I lived in places where it wouldn't have been appropriate. Now I'm in a city where my good stuff looks like children's jewelry compared to others, so I can wear it without worry!
Life's too short to save it, so once I use and enjoy the cheap stuff for a bit more, it'll be time to release it all and really savour my small, but infinitely better, fine jewelry collection.

Have some of my older clothing tailored. I have shorts and skirts that I've never been able to enjoy because they are too short for me to be comfortable in. In my defense, they fit when I got them, but I grew a few inches randomly in my late 20s so things that were previously a reasonable length were suddenly
Think I've already found a tailor who is up to adding a few inches to the hem of each item. Need to give him a piece to test-drive.

Personal goals: (a longer list)

Stay on top of both my physical and mental health.
Over the last couple of years I hit my rock bottom and sort of had a slow-motion nervous breakdown. I lost all emotional resilience, became very needy and self-centred, and am overall very ashamed of myself.
I have been working hard to correct course. I’m continuing that work and hope that there will be a lightness to my words and actions in this next year.
I can't go back and do it differently but, I can be sure to carry the lessons forward and do better now.

I'd like to give myself permission to take care of myself without feeling guilty. More specifically:
-My medical treatment caused my weight to yo-yo all of last year, but I think it's finally stabilizing. Let my body settle wherever it wants to, I just want it to be strong again. Hopefully I get permission to start exercising soon, as well. I miss movement!
-Another side effect is that my hair fell out in chunks and it looks all scraggly, lol. I’d like to focus on nourishing it this year and helping it grow back, without feeling shallow for prioritizing it. Going to look into biotin and other supplements that may help there.
-Finally, I have spent a massive portion of time on bed rest and it has ruined my posture. It was the thing I never anticipated but my shoulders are rolled forward all the time now. I want to actively correct this before it becomes a permanent issue.

For the first time in my life, I find myself not planning my next move. I never would have imagined I would be where I am now. I really don't belong in any way lol, but I feel good about it. I can picture making a life here for however long I need to stay.
Another unexpected benefit of not moving is that my cats are much older now than when I rescued them and they really wouldn't tolerate yet another move. So, for now, this is home.
Bhutan, Vietnam, Japan and NZ can wait until I'm healthier...or maybe I'll be normal when the time comes and visit them as a tourist instead of moving my whole life over!

The best thing that happened to me was that my mum moved in with me (and abroad with me) during the pandemic. In spite of this, I haven't enjoyed as much of her company as I'd wished. Time to make up for that and explore our new city together!

As ever, thank you to my TPF pocket friends who have set a wonderful example of kindness, consideration, insight and patience at every turn. You are the best role models and I can only hope that I start following in your footsteps!
Last year was exceptionally difficult for a handful of us, so I'm hoping that this year holds brighter days and unexpected joys for everyone!

(I guess I should also resolve to break my habit of these stupidly long posts this year too)

Edit: Oh also, extra pets and cuddles to Coco, Ryder, Jes, Jet, Charlie and all the other TPF fur balls!

Welcome back, it’s great to see you here @jblended. Wishing you and our pocket friends all the best in 2023 and a year filled with love, laughter and adventures.

 

[More bags]

Starting of January with my Polene Cyme mini in lilac.
View attachment 5681770

This is so pretty, the colour and the shape. Great bag spill!

 

[More bags]

Happy New Year everyone!

Since we are introducing ourselves, here’s a little about me: I’m a product manager in the software industry, married / no kids, live in the DC area. Hobbies include gardening & bonsai, reading, jogging/cycling, and to a lesser extent crafty stuff like scrapbooking and the occasional diorama. I am into fashion, although that mostly manifests in handbags and shoes, as dressing crazy/Instagram fashionable wouldn’t really fit in at my office. I would sort of love to start a YouTube channel reviewing handbags, with a lot of humor mixed in, but I prefer to stay anonymous on the internet so I probably never will.

Goals / resolutions for 2023

Bag / Fashion Resolutions:

• Continue to impose a handbag-purchase waiting period - 2 weeks minimum.
• Sell the following bags: Polene large Neuf, Coach Dreamer 20, Prada tote, Chanel mini flap, LV multi-pochette.
• No Chanel bags, unless it is the crumpled black square mini from yesteryear, or the reverse chevron.
• Sell 20-30 pieces of jewelry that I am no longer wearing.

Bag Acquisition Goals (only if the right one comes along):

• A bag in a rich plum color.
• The perfect red bag.
• A shoulder or crossbody black bag.
• Another Valextra Iside, depending on what colors they release this year.

Non-Closet related:

• Lose 20 lbs.
• Get involved in local community things to meet new people.
• Enroll in a German language class with Mr J, and join a language club.
• Take more local, weekend trips.
• Read 3-5 books about designing and building a house (recommendations?).

Great goals @Jereni. I love your Valextra Iside.

 

[Bag peace]

Hobbies include gardening & bonsai

Oh would you please share bonsai pictures with us at some point? I'd love that so much!
Also, I've spent like an hour trying to remember your gorgeous cat's name! It's driving me nuts! Please remind me and save me from myself!

I would sort of love to start a YouTube channel reviewing handbags, with a lot of humor mixed in, but I prefer to stay anonymous on the internet so I probably never will.

You could do it without showing your face, couldn't you? It sounds like a fun hobby!

I am with @FizzyWater on knowing what colours I like - red, grey, black, burgundy, and jewel colours.

Immediately reminded of the iconic picture of your reissues in black and burgundy (with matching scarves and pens)! Does your So Kelly with the blue interior fall into the "jewel" category for you?

 

[More bags]

Immediately reminded of the iconic picture of your reissues in black and burgundy (with matching scarves and pens)! Does your So Kelly with the blue interior fall into the "jewel" category for you?

Thank you for your kind words! LOL, yes, my So Kelly is the colour outlier of my collection - she’s a sapphire blue with a turquoise interior and stitching (Bleu Izmir). You have the most amazing memory @jblended!

 

[Bag peace]

she’s a sapphire blue with a turquoise interior (Bleu Izmir). You have the most amazing memory

Thank you for the eye-candy! She's such a beauty that it's impossible to forget!

 

[More bags]

Thank you for the eye-candy! She's such a beauty that it's impossible to forget!

Thank you!

 

[880]

Immediately reminded of the iconic picture of your reissues in black and burgundy (with matching scarves and pens)!

Agree with above
One of my favorite pics is the bolide belonging to @More bags , post 29

What is your ideal understated luxury bag collection?

So interesting that everyone has different definitions of "understated." IMO, understated is not synonymous with unrecognizable - bags can be both understated and unrecognizable to the general "non-bag-obsessed" public, but I don't think the two terms mean the same thing. I think of...

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