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.

 

[Evia]

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!


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!


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.

There’s an employee at my local Sainsbury’s who is routinely rude and impatient - especially with elderly customers - it makes me very cross. So I take particular satisfaction at choosing her lane and smiling sweetly whilst s.l.o.w.l.y. packing my groceries and locating my wallet. I am wicked that way

 

[missie1]

Oh how I have missed this thread….I’m going back on bag restriction until the new year as I’ve been on a mini bag binge lately. Planning to try to limit myself to shopping my bag closet and living thru you ladies for rest of the year.

 

[JenJBS]

There’s an employee at my local Sainsbury’s who is routinely rude and impatient - especially with elderly customers - it makes me very cross. So I take particular satisfaction at choosing her lane and smiling sweetly whilst s.l.o.w.l.y. packing my groceries and locating my wallet. I am wicked that way

Good for you! I love it!

 

[Bag peace]

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.

Thank you. It's fine, I was just frustrated when it happened. I'm probably more frustrated with myself than I am with the SA. This is a personal battle. I've become very sensitive over the last few years as I've been dealing with big changes in my life. I need to grow a thicker skin. Some days I can just 'stiff upper lip' it and other days, one weird look erases my self-esteem entirely.

There’s an employee at my local Sainsbury’s who is routinely rude and impatient - especially with elderly customers - it makes me very cross.

There's a massive problem with people not treating the elderly with respect. I see it all the time and it breaks my heart. Like these guys somehow don't realise they're going to age, too! Good on you for doing something about it.

 

[papertiger]

Thank you. It's fine, I was just frustrated when it happened. I'm probably more frustrated with myself than I am with the SA. This is a personal battle. I've become very sensitive over the last few years as I've been dealing with big changes in my life. I need to grow a thicker skin. Some days I can just 'stiff upper lip' it and other days, one weird look erases my self-esteem entirely.


There's a massive problem with people not treating the elderly with respect. I see it all the time and it breaks my heart. Like these guys somehow don't realise they're going to age, too! Good on you for doing something about it.

I remember a friend of my mother saying that when she turned 40 she literally felt like she became invisible over night, this was in Russia where perhaps there is even more of a culture of women being judged on their appearance, but perhaps its the same everywhere.

I just left feedback for a high-street store on how I did not appreciate DH's new tailored suit trousers being yanked off their store hanger and unceremoniously pushed at me, served-up like a used tissue for me to fold and put in my bag when I went to pick them up. Stores have their ESG directives but I don't see the point in tailored trousers (that used to include the hanger) being ruined after they've been paid for. What if I wanted to return them? Would they have been in a scalable condition if I'd already had to press/steam/iron?

Maybe contact H (their 'Contact Us' details are on the website of your country. The problem is they are riding too high right now. One thing is for certain, good staff training can never be underestimated. Intimidation, making people feel unwelcome or ignoring customers (or potential customers) are unnecessary. BTW, the most money they make (re markups) is on fragrance, make-up and bath/shower products.

 

[dcooney4]

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.

The guy was a jerk. If I am truly going to spend I often dress down a bit so people don’t hover around me as much and it gives me time to decide what I want. It has back fires where I could barely get any help once I saw what I wanted. Some to the point of being rude. Other places such as the Mulberry store have always been lovely no matter whether I look like I belong or not. Needless to say that is where I go back to and give them my money.

 

[Cookiefiend]

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

Ohmigosh - is that pretty!?!

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 so sorry. Frankly that guy was a jerk and an asshat*.
There is no excuse for his behavior. I would write a letter of complaint.

I saw that you said you’re not required to wear a face mask because the COVID restrictions have relaxed. During COVID, appointments were required… so I think that SA (super asshat) was wrong in SO MANY ways to tell you that you needed an appointment. You do not need an appointment to look around, and smell the perfume.
Shame on him.



* Next time you think of this jerk, or any future jerks - picture a hat perched on his derrière.

 

[Cookiefiend]

My three Diors

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Would love to see photo when you're done and even a before and after if you have. Glad you have found a healthy outlet for yourself to chanel your talent and so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your former husband/ father of your children. I can't even imagine how upsetting that is for your entire family. Sending thoughts and prayers your way!

Thank you so much for your kind words!

Re the coat: unfortunately I did not take any before pictures... my males hated the coat and I was quick to be intimidated and start unpicking. It was classic 2000s: low waist, gathered skirt, very tight in the bodice and sleeves. It had a rudimental half lining in white cotton with a black skull print.

Here's the result of my alterations:

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Pic? Please? Pretty please?

Voila, the velvet trench, now all cleaned up. DS loves it!

 

[dcooney4]

My three Diors
View attachment 5853270

Gorgeous bags!

 

[dcooney4]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

Re the coat: unfortunately I did not take any before pictures... my males hated the coat and I was quick to be intimidated and start unpicking. It was classic 2000s: low waist, gathered skirt, very tight in the bodice and sleeves. It had a rudimental half lining in white cotton with a black skull print.

Here's the result of my alterations:

View attachment 5853295View attachment 5853296

You are so talented!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Anyone have some Chloe or Dior they want to share?

Lots of Dior from the Galliano era... haha... but you all have seen them many times before.

 

[dcooney4]

Lots of Dior from the Galliano era... haha... but you all have seen them many times before.

I love your bags ! You have the most intriguing collection of Dior!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I forgot my place and was reminded

Nooooooooooooo!
Your place is anywhere you want it to be!
This very rude SA forgot any good manners and values and acted totally out of order!
I´m very sorry this happened to you!