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.

 

[More bags]

Since the Dior posts are scarce here’s my collection of minis. I will try to take family pic later.

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These are gorgeous, do you have a favourite?

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Do I hear coats? Haha, fortunately it´s still warm here, but some new coats must have silently sneaked into the house...
I can´t leave a nice coat behind when I see one. So they are hanging from the doorframes.

From Paris I brought a stunning red Carlisle coat (DS urged me to get it immediately after we had simultanously spotted it in a thrift shop while DH saw it and commented: "You won´t get run over by any car in this colour." DS answered: "Shut up!") and a lightweight black fakefur from the Porte Vanves fleamarket. I only finished cleaning it up last night. It definetely has been altered during its life. The current state is 50ies. It might be older.

I bought it without knowing what exactly it looked like. It was dirty and so smelly even the seller questioned me whether I was sure to get it. The fakefur looked so nice even in its sad state that I didn´t hesitate to spend the 8€ on it. I never tried it on, only knotted it into double trashbags from which I only released it for washing. I had to disassemble it almost completely, because the space between outer and lining was full of stinky dust from what must have been deteriorated huge shoulder pads. After this was gone the coat came out of the machine nice and clean. DS said: "posh outdoor bathrobe!" Exactly, that´s what it feels like: something to throw on and feel comfy.

The third coat came from a local fleamarket last week: grey wool, 70ies, big grey fur collar and an assortment of moth holes which I darned. It´s still pretty.

Ha ha, it's hard for me to not let new coats sneak into the house too, but I really do not have space anymore unless I move some things out. Coats occupy lots of space.
We need to see a pic of your red coat! I love red coats.
I have a couple of vintage Ralph Lauren blazers that need shoulder pads removed. The shoulder pads are fine, but I just don't like the shape they give to the silhouette. However, I have zero seamstress skills, sadly, and will have to take them to a tailor.

 

[missie1]

These are gorgeous, do you have a favourite?

Thanks so much. The green lizard is my favorite..

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Ha ha, it's hard for me to not let new coats sneak into the house too, but I really do not have space anymore unless I move some things out. Coats occupy lots of space.
We need to see a pic of your red coat! I love red coats.
I have a couple of vintage Ralph Lauren blazers that need shoulder pads removed. The shoulder pads are fine, but I just don't like the shape they give to the silhouette. However, I have zero seamstress skills, sadly, and will have to take them to a tailor.

You are right, coats need a lot of space! And most are heavy. After my old coatstand collapsed this winter I tried to do a coat purge. But only two were ready to go.
I´ll try to get a proper photo of the red coat for you on Olga.

When your Ralph Lauren blazers are really tailored blazers - like mens´ jackets- a tailor might be the best solution to get the shoulder pads removed. They might be built into the construction. In the simpler kind of lady´s blazers shoulder pads are usually only tacked onto the shoulder seam and can easily be cut out when you open a little bit of a lining seam to reach in. Lots of jackets have a part of a sleeve lining seam closed from the outside that can be easily opened to be able to reach into the lining and later tacked close again.

 

[dcooney4]

I had to return the bag my dh bought me. It was lovely but when I was planning an outfit to wear with it. I put it on in front of the mirror. With in five minutes of it hanging on me my shoulder started to hurt. The strap was just too thin for my shoulder. It only had tissue in it, as I had not removed tags or anything yet. They didn't have anything else at the moment that was calling me. I was so annoyed with myself for not trying it on longer when we bought it. Do you ever still make mistakes when buying something?

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

When your Ralph Lauren blazers are really tailored blazers - like mens´ jackets- a tailor might be the best solution to get the shoulder pads removed. They might be built into the construction. In the simpler kind of lady´s blazers shoulder pads are usually only tacked onto the shoulder seam and can easily be cut out when you open a little bit of a lining seam to reach in. Lots of jackets have a part of a sleeve lining seam closed from the outside that can be easily opened to be able to reach into the lining and later tacked close again.

This is useful information, thank you. I think it's likely that the shoulder pads are built into the construction so taking it to a tailor is the best choice.

Well, all this talk of coats has started me thinking about @papertiger's fall looks question again. For the past few years, I have been loosely following a capsule wardrobe, and really liking it, so that is something I will be doing again this fall. So capsule wardrobe, and also uniform dressing, although I need to diversify a bit there. My "go to" fall uniform is comprised of jeans or slacks, top or tee, and a blazer or jacket. This is my default outfit, chosen mostly because of the ease of styling, but this year, I want to focus on adding more skirts to the mix, and teaming with boots. I am looking at skirts appropriate for cooler weather like knee lenght, midi, or maxi length denim and maybe corduroy skirts. Possibly some warmer wool knit skirts too, paired with ankle and knee high boots.

Another uniform outfit for when it just starts to cool down is pairing chunky and lighter knit pullovers/jumpers with slacks or skirts. A jacket is not needed if the weather is just slightly cool, but I need to think about how to accessorize or layer this outfit. I still haven't quite gotten into the habit of wearing scarves. So if you were to wear slacks or a skirt with a jumper or pullover style knit (and no coat or jacket), do you think another piece needs to be added to "complete" the look like a scarf or a necklace?

Well, those are some preliminary thoughts about fall looks, comprised of tops (tees, blouses, knits), bottoms (jeans, slacks and skirts) and jackets (leather, trench, wool and tweed blazers). This year, I am also looking at sweater jackets because they combine cozy, softer materials with a more structured silhouette which I like better than long, flowy cardigans.
Is anyone else thinking about fall looks yet? There's a nip in the air this morning that tells me I need to begin looking at the seasonal switch out soon. Once I do that, I will probably refine and firm up some looks/outfits, so these are definitely preliminary thoughts.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I had to return the bag my dh bought me. It was lovely but when I was planning an outfit to wear with it. I put it on in front of the mirror. With in five minutes of it hanging on me my shoulder started to hurt. The strap was just too thin for my shoulder. It only had tissue in it, as I had not removed tags or anything yet. They didn't have anything else at the moment that was calling me. I was so annoyed with myself for not trying it on longer when we bought it. Do you ever still make mistakes when buying something?

Oh, too bad that it didn't work out. It was a lovely bag, but it's a good thing you found out about the discomfort before you removed the tags and started to wear it. I definitely make mistakes when buying so you're not alone in that. Sometimes, I bring something home and realize it doesn't look as good as it did when I was in the store. Usually, most of my mistakes come from impulse shopping, which I have been working on reducing.

 

[papertiger]

This is useful information, thank you. I think it's likely that the shoulder pads are built into the construction so taking it to a tailor is the best choice.

Well, all this talk of coats has started me thinking about @papertiger's fall looks question again. For the past few years, I have been loosely following a capsule wardrobe, and really liking it, so that is something I will be doing again this fall. So capsule wardrobe, and also uniform dressing, although I need to diversify a bit there. My "go to" fall uniform is comprised of jeans or slacks, top or tee, and a blazer or jacket. This is my default outfit, chosen mostly because of the ease of styling, but this year, I want to focus on adding more skirts to the mix, and teaming with boots. I am looking at skirts appropriate for cooler weather like knee lenght, midi, or maxi length denim and maybe corduroy skirts. Possibly some warmer wool knit skirts too, paired with ankle and knee high boots.

Another uniform outfit for when it just starts to cool down is pairing chunky and lighter knit pullovers/jumpers with slacks or skirts. A jacket is not needed if the weather is just slightly cool, but I need to think about how to accessorize or layer this outfit. I still haven't quite gotten into the habit of wearing scarves. So if you were to wear slacks or a skirt with a jumper or pullover style knit (and no coat or jacket), do you think another piece needs to be added to "complete" the look like a scarf or a necklace?

Well, those are some preliminary thoughts about fall looks, comprised of tops (tees, blouses, knits), bottoms (jeans, slacks and skirts) and jackets (leather, trench, wool and tweed blazers). This year, I am also looking at sweater jackets because they combine cozy, softer materials with a more structured silhouette which I like better than long, flowy cardigans.
Is anyone else thinking about fall looks yet? There's a nip in the air this morning that tells me I need to begin looking at the seasonal switch out soon. Once I do that, I will probably refine and firm up some looks/outfits, so these are definitely preliminary thoughts.

It's so hot here today (for me 31C not sure in F) even the mention of the word knit has me sweating. I am watching NYF SS24 shows and for once the lighter outfits are making sense this Autumn.

I just want to say, IMO, bangles (not bracelets for obvious reasons) work well with jumpers/sweaters. If you go for a necklace, I would steer clear of chains, make it statement and just the one longer piece. Be careful with earrings too, especially if you take off and put on regularly.

Also, with a jacket, you can put on and take-off at will, with a jumper unless you are very sure it's going to stay one temperature (cold) you may have to think about what you wear underneath as, personally, I hate to feel too warm as much as I hate to feel too cold.

 

[papertiger]

I had to return the bag my dh bought me. It was lovely but when I was planning an outfit to wear with it. I put it on in front of the mirror. With in five minutes of it hanging on me my shoulder started to hurt. The strap was just too thin for my shoulder. It only had tissue in it, as I had not removed tags or anything yet. They didn't have anything else at the moment that was calling me. I was so annoyed with myself for not trying it on longer when we bought it. Do you ever still make mistakes when buying something?

With bags, I have been lucky lately. My last 3 bags have been Gucci and all come with at least 2 straps if not 3. I know beyond a mini for occasional wear I can't do chain straps. Narrow wouldn't both me, but tote bags with 2 long handles would really annoy me. I know most people prefer shoulder everything but weight beyond a certain point needs to be hand-carried.

I can't buy under pressure. For a cheap price, OK, but not jewellery or luxury. I'd say, unless I already had something in my sights for months, I can't just go shopping and spontaneously drop $2K on something, not even $400. I hate making mistakes, the returns, the credit notes, the browsing again, the selling unwanted stuff, the re-buying regret sales, hunting for discount. I know a lot of people love shopping who love luxury. I want the product in my hands and live my life.

I saw a film about working-class British life in Liverpool this week. The women did the washing and carried their laundry to a public laundrette where they all did the washing/drying together. When they carried it, they wrapped everything in a sheet, tied it in a knot at the top and carried it on their heads. I know the men carried bricks on their shoulders (hod-carriers), and baskets were also carried on people's heads at the market. Gap in the market?

 

[papertiger]

Ha ha, it's hard for me to not let new coats sneak into the house too, but I really do not have space anymore unless I move some things out. Coats occupy lots of space.
We need to see a pic of your red coat! I love red coats.
I have a couple of vintage Ralph Lauren blazers that need shoulder pads removed. The shoulder pads are fine, but I just don't like the shape they give to the silhouette. However, I have zero seamstress skills, sadly, and will have to take them to a tailor.

Unfortunately, removing shoulder pads usually change the shape of the jacket. The armhole may hang lower and be too big generally. The whole sleeve will have to be set-in again and the armhole recut and tailored.

I used to have a fantastic tailor in Covent Garden, just round the corner from my flat (apartment). He worked on vintage Gautier, Chanel etc and would create simple 'what I always wanted' (like opaque pure linen or silk slip dress). Sadly, they put the rents up so high, when his lease came-up for renewal he decided to retire .

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

It's so hot here today (for me 31C not sure in F) even the mention of the word knit has me sweating. I am watching NYF SS24 shows and for once the lighter outfits are making sense this Autumn.

I just want to say, IMO, bangles (not bracelets for obvious reasons) work well with jumpers/sweaters. If you go for a necklace, I would steer clear of chains, make it statement and just the one longer piece. Be careful with earrings too, especially if you take off and put on regularly.

Also, with a jacket, you can put on and take-off at will, with a jumper unless you are very sure it's going to stay one temperature (cold) you may have to think about what you wear underneath as, personally, I hate to feel too warm as much as I hate to feel too cold.

All excellent points! I have bangles that will work and won't snag, but not so sure about necklaces. Hmm, maybe that's a gap that needs to be filled.

Unfortunately, removing shoulder pads usually change the shape of the jacket. The armhole may hang lower and be too big generally. The whole sleeve will have to be set-in again and the armhole recut and tailored.

I used to have a fantastic tailor in Covent Garden, just round the corner from my flat (apartment). He worked on vintage Gautier, Chanel etc and would create simple 'what I always wanted' (like opaque pure linen or silk slip dress). Sadly, they put the rents up so high, when his lease came-up for renewal he decided to retire .

I hadn't thought about how removing pads can change the shape of the jacket! A good tailor will be needed to make those changes if the pads are removed. Sorry to hear about your tailor. Honestly, it's so hard to find good tailors. I'm searching for a good tailor and a good hairdresser (My hairdresser retired sometime after the pandemic started.)

 

[papertiger]

All excellent points! I have bangles that will work and won't snag, but not so sure about necklaces. Hmm, maybe that's a gap that needs to be filled.

I hadn't thought about how removing pads can change the shape of the jacket! A good tailor will be needed to make those changes if the pads are removed. Sorry to hear about your tailor. Honestly, it's so hard to find good tailors. I'm searching for a good tailor and a good hairdresser (My hairdresser retired sometime after the pandemic started.)

Tailors and dentists should never retire

I have been cutting my hair for as long as I can remember for want of a hairdresser that will do what I ask or won't take 4 hours. who has all afternoon to sit in the hairdressers? )no need to answer )

 

[cecchetti]

It's so hot here today (for me 31C not sure in F) even the mention of the word knit has me sweating. I am watching NYF SS24 shows and for once the lighter outfits are making sense this Autumn.

I just want to say, IMO, bangles (not bracelets for obvious reasons) work well with jumpers/sweaters. If you go for a necklace, I would steer clear of chains, make it statement and just the one longer piece. Be careful with earrings too, especially if you take off and put on regularly.

Also, with a jacket, you can put on and take-off at will, with a jumper unless you are very sure it's going to stay one temperature (cold) you may have to think about what you wear underneath as, personally, I hate to feel too warm as much as I hate to feel too cold.

I’m Also watching NYFW as I live in a very hot building, suffering 31 degrees lol..

I liked Helmut Lang(years ago bought a great white paper shirting shirt from Liberty)- signed up to the website, but then received unwanted emails..why do they do this?

Looking forward to London, Milan and Paris!

 

[papertiger]

I’m Also watching NYFW as I live in a very hot building, suffering 31 degrees lol..

I liked Helmut Lang(years ago bought a great white paper shirting shirt from Liberty)- signed up to the website, but then received unwanted emails..why do they do this?

Looking forward to London, Milan and Paris!

Did it have a horse on it? I think I bought 2 (perhaps Prada owned HL in mid-00s). Unfortunately I put them in a washing machine Happily, I still have my black suit AW03. I never really liked HL after '06. I thought Do's designs were a bit tick-box and clumsy. You or I could have done better - let's see what he does for AW25.

Me too! I can't wait to see Gucci, word is from 'sources' it will be very minimalist.

Spoiler: and more

There's also digital fashion week too *yawn*

 

[JenJBS]

bangles (not bracelets for obvious reasons) work well with jumpers/sweaters.

I'm confused. I thought bangles were bracelets. I've only ever seen them in the bracelet section of stores or websites.