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.

 

[papertiger]

It's kind of sad that replacing a part is so expensive that it makes more sense to get a new appliance even though the unit is running just fine otherwise. We did the same thing with our very first dishwasher -- the issue was with the racks and so we ended up getting a new one. Glad to hear you are liking it. I am still trying to figure out what to put in the third (top) rack, as I am so accustomed to the basket for the spoons, forks, etc.


Circling back to bags, we have had such frequent downpours this summer that I need a special raincoat for my bags! Rainy days and Mondays...
A question for everyone: What's your "rainy day" bag? I've been using a very old pebble grain bag that is going strong despite being exposed to all kinds of weather.

Hermes Evie goes out in all weathers.

My H GP in Vache Country (although I'd pray it doesn't rain unless I could close) BV cervo (deerskin) and Gucci Capra (goat) Aphrodite don't seem to mind a bit of rain either. It's rained quite a bit recently.

I try not to care about my BV Roma, Chloes or other old bags because I'd rather wear them than not. The last 3 times I wore my BV Roma it poured. I always feel annoyed for woven bags, but I try to make sure they're dry and moisturised (for suppleness) before putting away or using again. .

If you carry a rainproof bag or raincoat make sure no droplets can seep in at all. It's the droplets that can't run-off that are the biggest concern. Carrying around a wet bag inside a plastic/nylon bag is much worse for a bag than just exposing it to the rain.

I think the most important things I try to remember are 1. Wipe down ASAP 2. Don't put away until fully dry 3. Moisturise if need be, but again, only when fully dry.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I have a Bosch washing machine. It doesn’t always drain properly especially if it’s a small load on a wool or delicates cycle, and it’s ripped buttons off a few things. It’s done this from new The new dishwasher will definitely be something else.

Rainy days I use one of my clemence bags usually. If it’s really pouring I wear my bag inside my coat

I have tucked smaller bags inside my coat too when I've got caught in unexpected rain showers.

If it is torrential rain, I use an Orla Kiely Coated canvas small backpack. That backpack still looks brand new and yet has been through down pours that soaked me .

Sounds like a good one! Looks like coated canvas is another material that generally holds up well in rain showers.

For me it's either my YSL grain de poudre envelope bag or my Prada saffiano shoulder bag.
Both leathers are pretty heavily treated with a tough coating. It makes them very resilient to scratches and water resistant.

I'd forgotten about saffiano leather. Agree that heavily treated leathers are pretty resilient. I think I'll add my saffiano bags to the rainy day bags rotation!

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I always feel annoyed for woven bags, but I try to make sure they're dry and moisturised (for suppleness) before putting away or using again. .

If you carry a rainproof bag or raincoat make sure no droplets can seep in at all. It's the droplets that can't run-off that are the biggest concern. Carrying around a wet bag inside a plastic/nylon bag is much worse for a bag than just exposing it to the rain.

I think the most important things I try to remember are 1. Wipe down ASAP 2. Don't put away until fully dry 3. Moisturise if need be, but again, only when fully dry.

Excellent points! Proper care is so important. And you make such a good point about not letting the droplets seep in inside the rainproof bag. They can pool or puddle in there and really sink into the leather. Thanks for these suggestions.
You have a nice selection of bags that can withstand rainy days! Agree that having a bag that closes fully is important too.

I haven't been able to participate in brand showcase because of some issues with my phone (I think I will have to get a new phone). I take all my pics on the phone. However, I am enjoying all the beauties posted throughout the weeks. Hopefully I can join in once I have fixed my phone issues.

 

[nyeredzi]

That black one is stunning. Is it very heavy? They are all pretty.

Thank you! No, it's not very heavy, and it's not very big either. 27cm across. I love the different metals for the studs.

 

[whateve]

I think I will start using the top rack for large serving spoons and suchlike.

So patent leather doesn't get affected by rain? That's a plus point for patent leather. AWL Dooney is back -- I saw an ad for their bags recently.

I wouldn't carry these bags in the rain either if I owned them. They're beautiful!

This is such a good idea. I have a collapsible nylon bag that folds down really small. I might just begin carrying it with me on a regular basis. Synthetic bags do get soggy in the heavy rain. The Trim sounds great, and it can be tucked nicely under the arm too to limit exposure to rain.

Saffiano works well in rain too. When we traveled to the South, where it rains all the time, my nylon bag didn't handle it well but the saffiano was great.

 

[whateve]

I thought I'd start with the easy one. This is my only Chanel. It's a vintage coin purse.

 

[Bag peace]

Hi everyone! I've missed you all and hope everyone is well.
Life has been unkind but I'm soldering on.
No movement in my bag collection but, equally disappointing, no chance to carry any bags recently at all! I miss using them and hope to get the chance to do so more in the coming months.

Edit: just skimming the last couple of pages...
@cowgirlsboots I'm so sorry for your loss! What a shock.

 

[Bag peace]

A slightly different take on stats this month. As we're at the last quarter of the year, I wanted to go back to my original goals and see how much progress I've made. Gives me time to accomplish any that I've forgotten along the way.
From my first post on this thread:

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.

It turned out to be a low buy. I added 2 items of clothing, iirc. Happy with that as it's in keeping with my normal low-buy approach.

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.

Almost lost the entire collection a few times. There was a mould issue last year, then this year I got depressed and almost donated the whole lot, and last month we had a fire...but I remain the luckiest person ever and the beauties are still with me!
Collection currently sitting at 33, including 3 nylon travel/gym/laptop bags. I donated a few but was gifted a couple so the total number remains high.

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 used my capsule wardrobe to death but, I can't say I styled anything nicely. I have been feeling very low and hid myself in jeans/hoodie for the most part, not really putting in an effort beyond getting dressed.
I'll try to do better over these next few months. This should be achievable before the end of the year.

I feel like I'm not using a lot of my jewellery. 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.

I ended up donating the majority of my jewellery early in the year, so goal achieved.
While doing that, we randomly ended up donating all sorts, including my mum's fine china and quite a few watches. It was pretty awesome.

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.

I had several pieces that were hitting me mid-thigh and I wasn't able to use them as a result (had a growth spurt after purchasing so they were shorter than I wanted). I got one piece tailored and they managed to lower the hem by 6 inches. The rest I ended up donating because tailoring them would ruin the shape. They'll fit someone shorter (or less fussy about hemlines) just as they are.

Personal goals:
- Stay on top of both my physical and mental health
- 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.
- 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.

Didn't hit any of these goals, unfortunately.
- I'm getting ongoing treatment (physical and mental).
- For my hair, I took supplements but it continued to fall and I ended up with bald patches (and gradually lost one eyebrow, lol). Shaved my head and have been keeping it shaved since. Hopefully it'll grow back properly when I'm healthier.
- I forgot about my posture with all the other stuff happening in my life. I will make this a priority for the next few months and hopefully feel a difference.

Overall, not bad. My bag collection is being carefully edited and is shrinking, though more slowly than I'd like. We did release a lot of additional bits and bobs along the way for worthy causes, so overall we have a lot less stuff, which makes me happy.
I mostly failed my larger personal goals. I guess it's easier to fix material "stuff" than it is to fix yourself.

So, between now and the end of the year, I'd like to put more effort into how I dress, try to work on my posture consistently, and see if I can get into a better headspace instead of feeling so defeated by this run of bad luck. Maybe even release one more bag by the end of the year, as well.
That feels doable.

 

[dcooney4]

A slightly different take on stats this month. As we're at the last quarter of the year, I wanted to go back to my original goals and see how much progress I've made. Gives me time to accomplish any that I've forgotten along the way.
From my first post on this thread:


It turned out to be a low buy. I added 2 items of clothing, iirc. Happy with that as it's in keeping with my normal low-buy approach.

Almost lost the entire collection a few times. There was a mould issue last year, then this year I got depressed and almost donated the whole lot, and last month we had a fire...but I remain the luckiest person ever and the beauties are still with me!
Collection currently sitting at 33, including 3 nylon travel/gym/laptop bags. I donated a few but was gifted a couple so the total number remains high.


I used my capsule wardrobe to death but, I can't say I styled anything nicely. I have been feeling very low and hid myself in jeans/hoodie for the most part, not really putting in an effort beyond getting dressed.
I'll try to do better over these next few months. This should be achievable before the end of the year.


I ended up donating the majority of my jewellery early in the year, so goal achieved.
While doing that, we randomly ended up donating all sorts, including my mum's fine china and quite a few watches. It was pretty awesome.


I had several pieces that were hitting me mid-thigh and I wasn't able to use them as a result (had a growth spurt after purchasing so they were shorter than I wanted). I got one piece tailored and they managed to lower the hem by 6 inches. The rest I ended up donating because tailoring them would ruin the shape. They'll fit someone shorter (or less fussy about hemlines) just as they are.


Didn't hit any of these goals, unfortunately.
- I'm getting ongoing treatment (physical and mental).
- For my hair, I took supplements but it continued to fall and I ended up with bald patches (and gradually lost one eyebrow, lol). Shaved my head and have been keeping it shaved since. Hopefully it'll grow back properly when I'm healthier.
- I forgot about my posture with all the other stuff happening in my life. I will make this a priority for the next few months and hopefully feel a difference.

Overall, not bad. My bag collection is being carefully edited and is shrinking, though more slowly than I'd like. We did release a lot of additional bits and bobs along the way for worthy causes, so overall we have a lot less stuff, which makes me happy.
I mostly failed my larger personal goals. I guess it's easier to fix material "stuff" than it is to fix yourself.

So, between now and the end of the year, I'd like to put more effort into how I dress, try to work on my posture consistently, and see if I can get into a better headspace instead of feeling so defeated by this run of bad luck. Maybe even release one more bag by the end of the year, as well.
That feels doable.

Glad to see you back. Thanks for the reminder to check my goals. I need to work on a few too.

 

[dcooney4]

August Stats!
Bags in 2
Bags out 2
Slgs in 1
Slgs out 0
Sports Bags in 1- This is a mens Mz belt bag for my son. He then tells me he doesn't like olive. So when it comes I will keep it. Maybe!
Sports Bag out 1

 

[Bag peace]

Thanks @dcooney4. Love your new avatar! Cats do rule the world, after all!

May I ask, do you use your sports bags for gym/outdoor activities, or for art supplies?

 

[dcooney4]

Thanks @dcooney4. Love your new avatar! Cats do rule the world, after all!

May I ask, do you use your sports bags for gym/outdoor activities, or for art supplies?

All of the above. Sports counts as single use type thing. My lululemon belt bags is for dog walking, A certain backpack is for travel only to big for daily use, Gym bag, tote to carry art supplies , basically bags that can get dirty and are used only for one job.

 

[lill_canele]

August stats

Bags = 0 bags in/ 0 bags out

• 5/12 bags used.
• Once again my Celine triomphe was most used this month. It has been a summer favorite!

SLGs = 1 in/ 0 out
Jewelry = 0 in/ 0 out
Shoes = 0 in/ 0 out
Accessories = 0 in/ 0 out

Clothes = 1 in/ 1 out

• another linen shirt for the warm and muggy weather. Summer weather in Southern California goes far into September and part of October so I’m sure I’ll get use out of it.
• Said goodbye to another pair of ill-fitting trousers.

Bag use has been a little sparse this past month. I’m dealing with a staph and fungal infection that have been going on for 3 weeks and 8 weeks respectively. This usually happens to me after a high period of stress, usually from work. May to July was very productive but also very stressful.

Now I’m just dealing with the consequences. (On meds, just takes time)

 

[cowgirlsboots]

A question for everyone: What's your "rainy day" bag? I've been using a very old pebble grain bag that is going strong despite being exposed to all kinds of weather.

Honestly I do not care much for the weather and take my usual bags- the New Locks, my imposters, the Gaucho...- out even when it rains. So far it never done them any harm.
Some of my bags have already suffered through getting actually drenched and not taken damage. Examples that come to mind are: When I got my red Gaucho as my first ever designer bag many years ago I took her out and got soaked in the rain- she did not suffer. My Dior 61 tote came with me to Hamburg years ago. It rained heavily. The bag still is perfect. Lots of my vintage bags have been in heavy rain without taking any damage either. But: most of my bags are darker colours. I wouldn´t schlepp a light coloured bag through the rain.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

A slightly different take on stats this month. As we're at the last quarter of the year, I wanted to go back to my original goals and see how much progress I've made. Gives me time to accomplish any that I've forgotten along the way.
From my first post on this thread:


It turned out to be a low buy. I added 2 items of clothing, iirc. Happy with that as it's in keeping with my normal low-buy approach.

Almost lost the entire collection a few times. There was a mould issue last year, then this year I got depressed and almost donated the whole lot, and last month we had a fire...but I remain the luckiest person ever and the beauties are still with me!
Collection currently sitting at 33, including 3 nylon travel/gym/laptop bags. I donated a few but was gifted a couple so the total number remains high.


I used my capsule wardrobe to death but, I can't say I styled anything nicely. I have been feeling very low and hid myself in jeans/hoodie for the most part, not really putting in an effort beyond getting dressed.
I'll try to do better over these next few months. This should be achievable before the end of the year.


I ended up donating the majority of my jewellery early in the year, so goal achieved.
While doing that, we randomly ended up donating all sorts, including my mum's fine china and quite a few watches. It was pretty awesome.


I had several pieces that were hitting me mid-thigh and I wasn't able to use them as a result (had a growth spurt after purchasing so they were shorter than I wanted). I got one piece tailored and they managed to lower the hem by 6 inches. The rest I ended up donating because tailoring them would ruin the shape. They'll fit someone shorter (or less fussy about hemlines) just as they are.


Didn't hit any of these goals, unfortunately.
- I'm getting ongoing treatment (physical and mental).
- For my hair, I took supplements but it continued to fall and I ended up with bald patches (and gradually lost one eyebrow, lol). Shaved my head and have been keeping it shaved since. Hopefully it'll grow back properly when I'm healthier.
- I forgot about my posture with all the other stuff happening in my life. I will make this a priority for the next few months and hopefully feel a difference.

Overall, not bad. My bag collection is being carefully edited and is shrinking, though more slowly than I'd like. We did release a lot of additional bits and bobs along the way for worthy causes, so overall we have a lot less stuff, which makes me happy.
I mostly failed my larger personal goals. I guess it's easier to fix material "stuff" than it is to fix yourself.

So, between now and the end of the year, I'd like to put more effort into how I dress, try to work on my posture consistently, and see if I can get into a better headspace instead of feeling so defeated by this run of bad luck. Maybe even release one more bag by the end of the year, as well.
That feels doable.

Sending you huge hugs xxx