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]

Got this fun orange Balenciaga coin purse. Credit to @BowieFan1971 and her orange Picotin (and other orange items) and @afroken and her orange Nodini for helping me properly appreciate orange bags and SLGs.

View attachment 5852758

So pretty!

 

[dcooney4]

Anyone have some Chloe or Dior they want to share?

 

[Evia]

Anyone have some Chloe or Dior they want to share?

No, not me. I had a couple of Marcies in the past which were great bags.

 

[stacy_natalie]

Anyone have some Chloe or Dior they want to share?

I only have 1 Dior bag but am not currently staying at my house so I will have to find another photo I may have previously posted elsewhere.

ETA: Attaching photo collage I made when bought bag a couple months ago and was trying to figure out potential outfits. I've only used it once for a couple of hours so definitely need to get it into my rotation once I'm back home.

This is the fuschia medium Lady Dior Toile de Jouy Voyage print with elephants and peacock on front DMX tiger on back. I was told there were only 500 of these made but not sure if that's accurate.

 

[dcooney4]

I only have 1 Dior bag but am not currently staying at my house so I will have to find another photo I may have previously posted elsewhere.

ETA: Attaching photo collage I made when bought bag a couple months ago and was trying to figure out potential outfits. I've only used it once for a couple of hours so definitely need to get it into my rotation once I'm back home.

This is the fuschia medium Lady Dior Toile de Jouy Voyage print with elephants and peacock on front DMX tiger on back. I was told there were only 500 of these made but not sure if that's accurate.

View attachment 5852946

Looks wonderful with all these outfits.

 

[JenJBS]

So pretty!

Thank you!

 

[Bag peace]

Hope you guys don't mind if I share this story. Do you know when you get a snooty SA and it completely puts you off a brand? I just had one of those experiences.
I've never been to an Hermes boutique- frankly, waaaaay out of my prince range and too proper for my style. However, I have always thought I'd pop in one day if I got the chance. Well, that day came and I totally regret it.
I was waiting for an appointment and killing time walking around and, as I was carrying my bespoke snakeskin bag, I figured, if I'm ever going to walk into H with confidence, it's on a day when I'm wearing my bespoke exotic (a bag like Mr. grumpy would hardly do).

Anyway, doorman (is this normal for H?) opens door and smiles/greets me. I walk in and see homewares- make mental note to bring mum next time so she can browse because she loves this sort of thing. Look up and this male SA is looking at me funny. Clearly I don't look rich enough to be here, lol. I notice perfumes on the counter, so I ask if I can have a sniff and he just nods without saying anything. I think I'm noticing an attitude but ignore it and go ahead.

Then I remove my mask to sniff the perfume blotter I just sprayed. Big mistake. My stupid face was his final straw. He pounces over to me and asks in the most condescending manner if I have an appointment today. I reply that I don't and am just having a look. He says he's so sorry, I can't be served because I need an appointment. I knew the issue was my appearance because he literally jumped when I removed the mask, and instead of leaving, I pressed on with this pointless conversation. What can I say, my ego was bruised!
I said, I don't believe I do need an appointment to browse what's already out on display, do I? He says it's H policy. I swallow my pride, nod, say thank you and leave. I'm certain this is rubbish- surely people can walk in and look, can't they? Those of you who are better informed can correct me if I'm wrong.

Well, as I'm walking out, another (fabulous looking) customer walks in. She's holding a Kelly in rose sakura. I have no idea how I identified rose sakura- I am not an H client and I don't know their stuff. I must've become familiar from here. I praise her on the bag and colour (it is truly stunning and I'm being sincere). She was thrilled! I look back at the SA whose jaw had dropped. He seems confused because now he's not sure if I could have had the money to spend or not. Ha!

It's so weird. I know I don't look like an H customer at all, and certainly I am in a place where wealth and beauty are the norm so I stick out like a sore thumb, but this felt so blatantly rude. I'm totally put off. I wouldn't even accompany a friend to another H store after this experience. I have no desire to ever be made to feel this small again. Whatever happened to luxury being about great customer service?

Contrast this to the Henry Jacques boutique I got to visit some time ago. I removed my mask to smell their perfumes and the staff never once flinched or made me feel unwelcome or unworthy of their time. Felt like actual luxury being in there because they treated everyone equally.

It's not a big deal and I'm not upset really; more shocked because I forgot my place and was reminded. I do generally feel like customer service was a different game a few decades ago. The market has changed so much.

 

[Bag peace]

@dcooney4 and @Pessie gorgeous Mulberry bags!
@JenJBS Love that pop of orange!
@stacy_natalie That Dior is lovely and you've styled it so well!

 

[JenJBS]

Hope you guys don't mind if I share this story. Do you know when you get a snooty SA and it completely puts you off a brand? I just had one of those experiences.
I've never been to an Hermes boutique- frankly, waaaaay out of my prince range and too proper for my style. However, I have always thought I'd pop in one day if I got the chance. Well, that day came and I totally regret it.
I was waiting for an appointment and killing time walking around and, as I was carrying my bespoke snakeskin bag, I figured, if I'm ever going to walk into H with confidence, it's on a day when I'm wearing my bespoke exotic (a bag like Mr. grumpy would hardly do).

Anyway, doorman (is this normal for H?) opens door and smiles/greets me. I walk in and see homewares- make mental note to bring mum next time so she can browse because she loves this sort of thing. Look up and this male SA is looking at me funny. Clearly I don't look rich enough to be here, lol. I notice perfumes on the counter, so I ask if I can have a sniff and he just nods without saying anything. I think I'm noticing an attitude but ignore it and go ahead.

Then I remove my mask to sniff the perfume blotter I just sprayed. Big mistake. My stupid face was his final straw. He pounces over to me and asks in the most condescending manner if I have an appointment today. I reply that I don't and am just having a look. He says he's so sorry, I can't be served because I need an appointment. I knew the issue was my appearance because he literally jumped when I removed the mask, and instead of leaving, I pressed on with this pointless conversation. What can I say, my ego was bruised!
I said, I don't believe I do need an appointment to browse what's already out on display, do I? He says it's H policy. I swallow my pride, nod, say thank you and leave. I'm certain this is rubbish- surely people can walk in and look, can't they? Those of you who are better informed can correct me if I'm wrong.

Well, as I'm walking out, another (fabulous looking) customer walks in. She's holding a Kelly in rose sakura. I have no idea how I identified rose sakura- I am not an H client and I don't know their stuff. I must've become familiar from here. I praise her on the bag and colour (it is truly stunning and I'm being sincere). She was thrilled! I look back at the SA whose jaw had dropped. He seems confused because now he's not sure if I could have had the money to spend or not. Ha!

It's so weird. I know I don't look like an H customer at all, and certainly I am in a place where wealth and beauty are the norm so I stick out like a sore thumb, but this felt so blatantly rude. I'm totally put off. I wouldn't even accompany a friend to another H store after this experience. I have no desire to ever be made to feel this small again. Whatever happened to luxury being about great customer service?

Contrast this to the Henry Jacques boutique I got to visit some time ago. I removed my mask to smell their perfumes and the staff never once flinched or made me feel unwelcome or unworthy of their time. Felt like actual luxury being in there because they treated everyone equally.

It's not a big deal and I'm not upset really; more shocked because I forgot my place and was reminded. I do generally feel like customer service was a different game a few decades ago. The market has changed so much.

I am furious at that horrid SA. He was beyond rude! What a jerk!
I'm sorry you were treated that way.

As for the doorman, from what I saw at the designer boutiques in New York a few years ago I'd bet serious money those are truly security guys who also act as doormen. Acting like doormen lets them evaluate customers coming in, and keeps them right at the door in case they need to stop someone from leaving. And the vibe they gave off just screamed security to my Marine training.

 

[Bag peace]

I'm sorry you were treated that way.

It's okay, really. Just needed to vent! I just saw on a Tiffany thread that another tpf'er had a very rude SA spoil her experience. Customer service is not what it used to be at all!

As for the doorman, from what I saw at the designer boutiques in New York a few years ago I'd bet serious money those are truly security guys who also act as doormen. Acting like doormen lets them evaluate customers coming in, and keeps them right at the door in case they need to stop someone from leaving. And the vibe they gave off just screamed security to my Marine training.

How clever! I would never have figured this out. It makes perfect sense! Thank you.

 

[stacy_natalie]

Hope you guys don't mind if I share this story. Do you know when you get a snooty SA and it completely puts you off a brand? I just had one of those experiences.
I've never been to an Hermes boutique- frankly, waaaaay out of my prince range and too proper for my style. However, I have always thought I'd pop in one day if I got the chance. Well, that day came and I totally regret it.
I was waiting for an appointment and killing time walking around and, as I was carrying my bespoke snakeskin bag, I figured, if I'm ever going to walk into H with confidence, it's on a day when I'm wearing my bespoke exotic (a bag like Mr. grumpy would hardly do).

Anyway, doorman (is this normal for H?) opens door and smiles/greets me. I walk in and see homewares- make mental note to bring mum next time so she can browse because she loves this sort of thing. Look up and this male SA is looking at me funny. Clearly I don't look rich enough to be here, lol. I notice perfumes on the counter, so I ask if I can have a sniff and he just nods without saying anything. I think I'm noticing an attitude but ignore it and go ahead.

Then I remove my mask to sniff the perfume blotter I just sprayed. Big mistake. My stupid face was his final straw. He pounces over to me and asks in the most condescending manner if I have an appointment today. I reply that I don't and am just having a look. He says he's so sorry, I can't be served because I need an appointment. I knew the issue was my appearance because he literally jumped when I removed the mask, and instead of leaving, I pressed on with this pointless conversation. What can I say, my ego was bruised!
I said, I don't believe I do need an appointment to browse what's already out on display, do I? He says it's H policy. I swallow my pride, nod, say thank you and leave. I'm certain this is rubbish- surely people can walk in and look, can't they? Those of you who are better informed can correct me if I'm wrong.

Well, as I'm walking out, another (fabulous looking) customer walks in. She's holding a Kelly in rose sakura. I have no idea how I identified rose sakura- I am not an H client and I don't know their stuff. I must've become familiar from here. I praise her on the bag and colour (it is truly stunning and I'm being sincere). She was thrilled! I look back at the SA whose jaw had dropped. He seems confused because now he's not sure if I could have had the money to spend or not. Ha!

It's so weird. I know I don't look like an H customer at all, and certainly I am in a place where wealth and beauty are the norm so I stick out like a sore thumb, but this felt so blatantly rude. I'm totally put off. I wouldn't even accompany a friend to another H store after this experience. I have no desire to ever be made to feel this small again. Whatever happened to luxury being about great customer service?

Contrast this to the Henry Jacques boutique I got to visit some time ago. I removed my mask to smell their perfumes and the staff never once flinched or made me feel unwelcome or unworthy of their time. Felt like actual luxury being in there because they treated everyone equally.

It's not a big deal and I'm not upset really; more shocked because I forgot my place and was reminded. I do generally feel like customer service was a different game a few decades ago. The market has changed so much.

I have never been to an Hermes store but was hoping to stop in the flagship store in Paris when I go in a few weeks for my birthday and am expecting to feel somewhat out of place even though I do often purchase other luxury designer products. I am not sure about their policies or requirements of an appointment. I know the brand is known to be snooty but there is no reason to treat anyone rudely. I just read and responded to a similar post someone started this morning about having a bad experience in a Tiffany & Co store, where SA was rude and condescending. I reminded her that he is WORKING there, not a customer himself. Anyway, I am sorry you had this experience and should not take it personally. Even those who can't afford their products should not be shunned from enjoying the eye candy and frankly, you cannot judge someone's wealth based on appearance. Many who are truly wealthy aren't concerned with what they wear. My youngest daughter's father owned numerous high end homes all over the world but had no fashion sense and referred to me as a "label chaser" while he shopped at Old Navy. I don't consider myself wealthy, but I have gone to semi-"fancy" restaurants like Capital Grill in sweatpants bc I just wanted to be comfy and wondered if people looked at me like I was poor and inappropriately dressed or alternatively, so wealthy that I didn't even think Capital Grill was a big enough deal to get dressed for LOL Please hold your head up high and don't let that arrogant schmuck ruin your day.

 

[papertiger]

Hope you guys don't mind if I share this story. Do you know when you get a snooty SA and it completely puts you off a brand? I just had one of those experiences.
I've never been to an Hermes boutique- frankly, waaaaay out of my prince range and too proper for my style. However, I have always thought I'd pop in one day if I got the chance. Well, that day came and I totally regret it.
I was waiting for an appointment and killing time walking around and, as I was carrying my bespoke snakeskin bag, I figured, if I'm ever going to walk into H with confidence, it's on a day when I'm wearing my bespoke exotic (a bag like Mr. grumpy would hardly do).

Anyway, doorman (is this normal for H?) opens door and smiles/greets me. I walk in and see homewares- make mental note to bring mum next time so she can browse because she loves this sort of thing. Look up and this male SA is looking at me funny. Clearly I don't look rich enough to be here, lol. I notice perfumes on the counter, so I ask if I can have a sniff and he just nods without saying anything. I think I'm noticing an attitude but ignore it and go ahead.

Then I remove my mask to sniff the perfume blotter I just sprayed. Big mistake. My stupid face was his final straw. He pounces over to me and asks in the most condescending manner if I have an appointment today. I reply that I don't and am just having a look. He says he's so sorry, I can't be served because I need an appointment. I knew the issue was my appearance because he literally jumped when I removed the mask, and instead of leaving, I pressed on with this pointless conversation. What can I say, my ego was bruised!
I said, I don't believe I do need an appointment to browse what's already out on display, do I? He says it's H policy. I swallow my pride, nod, say thank you and leave. I'm certain this is rubbish- surely people can walk in and look, can't they? Those of you who are better informed can correct me if I'm wrong.

Well, as I'm walking out, another (fabulous looking) customer walks in. She's holding a Kelly in rose sakura. I have no idea how I identified rose sakura- I am not an H client and I don't know their stuff. I must've become familiar from here. I praise her on the bag and colour (it is truly stunning and I'm being sincere). She was thrilled! I look back at the SA whose jaw had dropped. He seems confused because now he's not sure if I could have had the money to spend or not. Ha!

It's so weird. I know I don't look like an H customer at all, and certainly I am in a place where wealth and beauty are the norm so I stick out like a sore thumb, but this felt so blatantly rude. I'm totally put off. I wouldn't even accompany a friend to another H store after this experience. I have no desire to ever be made to feel this small again. Whatever happened to luxury being about great customer service?

Contrast this to the Henry Jacques boutique I got to visit some time ago. I removed my mask to smell their perfumes and the staff never once flinched or made me feel unwelcome or unworthy of their time. Felt like actual luxury being in there because they treated everyone equally.

It's not a big deal and I'm not upset really; more shocked because I forgot my place and was reminded. I do generally feel like customer service was a different game a few decades ago. The market has changed so much.

I wouldn't take any notice of any staff at any luxury boutiques. Don't take any of their nonsense personally. I've received death stares for presumably carrying Gucci into LV in Westfield London (shopping mall) and my mother once got refused service in LV in Nice for possibly daring to carry a Coccinelle. I joked she should have painted on the side of her bag "all my other bags are CHANEL" - which they were at the time (I don't know if you know the "My other car's a Ferrari" bumper sticker) they are usually displayed in Mini's and Ford KAs. I don't blame LV the company, I do blame LV's staff training. Most SA's make-up sh*t al the time.

I don't know where the H was where you are. It sounds like you are still under Covid restrictions if you're still asked to wear masks. During the Epidemic was happening, not only did we have to arrange appointments, but we had to pay by invoice through email and wait outside for goods to given to us outside the stores. Now, it's just sheer weight of the numbers of consumers. There's a queue outside H NBS if upstairs it too full (also where fragrance, RTW, make-up, shoes, homeware, saddlery and jewellery of all kind) unless you have an appointment and it can be an hours wait even inside. Downstairs is usually not too busy, but that's only Men's Universe and women's silks.

 

[Bag peace]

I have never been to an Hermes store but was hoping to stop in the flagship store in Paris when I go in a few weeks for my birthday

Thank you for your kind words. I also posted on that Tiffany thread. Such a shame her experience was spoiled!
Hope you have a wonderful experience at the flagship store when you go. Please post all about it!

I joked she should have painted on the side of her bag "all my other bags are CHANEL"

This cracked me up!
Btw, I love Coccinelle bags. The leather is great (on the older ones, not sure what the current stuff is like).
You're right, though. It's a training issue and I shouldn't take it personally. Maybe he was just having a bad day. Theirs is not an easy job, after all. Thank you!

It sounds like you are still under Covid restrictions if you're still asked to wear masks.

No covid restrictions anymore around these parts, unless H is just choosing to continue following them. I keep my mask on because it creates less hassle for me in daily life. Plus, I'd rather not catch that blasted virus again.

 

[papertiger]

I'm not on my computer right now so I don't have all pics.

My Chloe and Dior bags are old and are as follows:

Large Chloe Bay in smooth dark brown lamb with brass fittings
All-black Paddington with front pocket (the hardware is all-black)

Both are very heavy but gorgeous.

When I came to this forum I hung out in the Chloe forum, but because my bags were already a bit old (2009) I felt a bit left out with all the newer bags. No one seemed to use their Bay or Paddington anymore.

My only Dior bag now is a '00s Black leather Saddle with brass. I never stopped using it as an evening bag. It's not exactly pristine anymore.

The Chloe and Dior were hard-saved for items. I absolutely understand members struggling to buy their first bags and now bags are at least 4 x the price.

 

[Evia]

Hope you guys don't mind if I share this story. Do you know when you get a snooty SA and it completely puts you off a brand? I just had one of those experiences.
I've never been to an Hermes boutique- frankly, waaaaay out of my prince range and too proper for my style. However, I have always thought I'd pop in one day if I got the chance. Well, that day came and I totally regret it.
I was waiting for an appointment and killing time walking around and, as I was carrying my bespoke snakeskin bag, I figured, if I'm ever going to walk into H with confidence, it's on a day when I'm wearing my bespoke exotic (a bag like Mr. grumpy would hardly do).

Anyway, doorman (is this normal for H?) opens door and smiles/greets me. I walk in and see homewares- make mental note to bring mum next time so she can browse because she loves this sort of thing. Look up and this male SA is looking at me funny. Clearly I don't look rich enough to be here, lol. I notice perfumes on the counter, so I ask if I can have a sniff and he just nods without saying anything. I think I'm noticing an attitude but ignore it and go ahead.

Then I remove my mask to sniff the perfume blotter I just sprayed. Big mistake. My stupid face was his final straw. He pounces over to me and asks in the most condescending manner if I have an appointment today. I reply that I don't and am just having a look. He says he's so sorry, I can't be served because I need an appointment. I knew the issue was my appearance because he literally jumped when I removed the mask, and instead of leaving, I pressed on with this pointless conversation. What can I say, my ego was bruised!
I said, I don't believe I do need an appointment to browse what's already out on display, do I? He says it's H policy. I swallow my pride, nod, say thank you and leave. I'm certain this is rubbish- surely people can walk in and look, can't they? Those of you who are better informed can correct me if I'm wrong.

Well, as I'm walking out, another (fabulous looking) customer walks in. She's holding a Kelly in rose sakura. I have no idea how I identified rose sakura- I am not an H client and I don't know their stuff. I must've become familiar from here. I praise her on the bag and colour (it is truly stunning and I'm being sincere). She was thrilled! I look back at the SA whose jaw had dropped. He seems confused because now he's not sure if I could have had the money to spend or not. Ha!

It's so weird. I know I don't look like an H customer at all, and certainly I am in a place where wealth and beauty are the norm so I stick out like a sore thumb, but this felt so blatantly rude. I'm totally put off. I wouldn't even accompany a friend to another H store after this experience. I have no desire to ever be made to feel this small again. Whatever happened to luxury being about great customer service?

Contrast this to the Henry Jacques boutique I got to visit some time ago. I removed my mask to smell their perfumes and the staff never once flinched or made me feel unwelcome or unworthy of their time. Felt like actual luxury being in there because they treated everyone equally.

It's not a big deal and I'm not upset really; more shocked because I forgot my place and was reminded. I do generally feel like customer service was a different game a few decades ago. The market has changed so much.

I’m sorry he made you feel bad. It may be he was covering up his own loss of composure. Try not to be put off, he’s just a jerk.