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.

 

[Vintage Leather]

hi, my name is Vintage and I’m a member of the “Ill Parent High Stress” brigade.

My stress reactions seem to vary depending on how much leisure time I have.

When my stress is insanely high and my time is short (5-20 minutes), I’m very active on tPF. Heck, I can measure when my life is at a tipping point by my number of comments on the “z-list celebrity fighting for relevance by opening public toilets” train wreck celebrity gossip threads. I also follow jewelry blogs like The Court Jeweller and The Adventurine, and GemX community pages and read issues of Vogue and Country Living.

When I have a half hour or so of time, shopping is a stress reliever for me. To keep shopping from becoming a problem, I like to shop for the rare and impractical. I set myself semi-impossible goals and look on resale sites, Poshmark, VC, ect. I’ll also “shop” by going through auction catalogues. Sometimes I’ll bid, but the annoyance of registering is usually enough to keep it to just browsing. Of course, the flip side is, when I do find something Ive been looking for, I feel obligated to buy it...

When I’m sitting in hospital waiting rooms, I usually knit. I have a few “home” projects, but it’s usually on the road. I’ll crochet when I’m angry

When I’m just stressed but time isn’t a factor, I’ll listen to audiobooks, sort my closet, plan a trip, go to the gym - especially the climbing gym.

I love urban sketching, and en plein air watercolors. I tend to go for the A6 Moleskin watercolor books, but I ordered a few British cold press and hot press books to play with. I do find it relaxing to take painting classes when time permits - but they’re usually at a specific time so it’s hit or miss on those.

 

[dcooney4]

hi, my name is Vintage and I’m a member of the “Ill Parent High Stress” brigade.

My stress reactions seem to vary depending on how much leisure time I have.

When my stress is insanely high and my time is short (5-20 minutes), I’m very active on tPF. Heck, I can measure when my life is at a tipping point by my number of comments on the “z-list celebrity fighting for relevance by opening public toilets” train wreck celebrity gossip threads. I also follow jewelry blogs like The Court Jeweller and The Adventurine, and GemX community pages and read issues of Vogue and Country Living.

When I have a half hour or so of time, shopping is a stress reliever for me. To keep shopping from becoming a problem, I like to shop for the rare and impractical. I set myself semi-impossible goals and look on resale sites, Poshmark, VC, ect. I’ll also “shop” by going through auction catalogues. Sometimes I’ll bid, but the annoyance of registering is usually enough to keep it to just browsing. Of course, the flip side is, when I do find something Ive been looking for, I feel obligated to buy it...

When I’m sitting in hospital waiting rooms, I usually knit. I have a few “home” projects, but it’s usually on the road. I’ll crochet when I’m angry

When I’m just stressed but time isn’t a factor, I’ll listen to audiobooks, sort my closet, plan a trip, go to the gym - especially the climbing gym.

I love urban sketching, and en plein air watercolors. I tend to go for the A6 Moleskin watercolor books, but I ordered a few British cold press and hot press books to play with. I do find it relaxing to take painting classes when time permits - but they’re usually at a specific time so it’s hit or miss on those.

What is your favorite brand of watercolors? These are good stress relievers. Though sometimes the search for something is the best part, but you don't really want the item for your collection.

 

[Vintage Leather]

What is your favorite brand of watercolors? These are good stress relievers. Though sometimes the search for something is the best part, but you don't really want the item for your collection.

Daniel Smith hit my sweet spot on the quality v price range, and they have a wonderful mix of colors.

For natural, hand-mixed pigments, I like “Greenleaf and Blueberry” and “A Gallo”

For sparkle, Finetec and The Creative Kinds on Etsy

Gouache - I like Linel, but use Windsor Newton more often because I can get it

I love the Art Toolkit card case palettes for traveling with my paints, but I recieved a Frazer Price brass watercolor box for my birthday, and I’m playing with it.

My plein air kit is: FP brass box with paint, Rosemary & Co travel brushes (6 and 2 round), watercolor notebook, non-photo blue pencil, micron fine liner pen, pencil sharpener, viewfinder.
Minimalist urban kit: Art Toolkit palette, Sakura water brush, sock with the toes cut out for cleaning rag, cellphone.

And yes, typing this out, I probably have a paint buying problem.

 

[dcooney4]

Daniel Smith hit my sweet spot on the quality v price range, and they have a wonderful mix of colors.

For natural, hand-mixed pigments, I like “Greenleaf and Blueberry” and “A Gallo”

For sparkle, Finetec and The Creative Kinds on Etsy

Gouache - I like Linel, but use Windsor Newton more often because I can get it

I love the Art Toolkit card case palettes for traveling with my paints, but I recieved a Frazer Price brass watercolor box for my birthday, and I’m playing with it.

My plein air kit is: FP brass box with paint, Rosemary & Co travel brushes (6 and 2 round), watercolor notebook, non-photo blue pencil, micron fine liner pen, pencil sharpener, viewfinder.
Minimalist urban kit: Art Toolkit palette, Sakura water brush, sock with the toes cut out for cleaning rag, cellphone.

And yes, typing this out, I probably have a paint buying problem.

Absolutely not! This is exactly the info I wanted. I use Sennelier and some Windsor Newton and I have a couple of Gansai Tambi colors. I have not tried Daniel Smith but have heard nothing but good things about them. Thanks for the info. When people ask what I want for the holidays I am going to tell them a selection of different art supplies with a list. This way it can be stuff I can truly use rather than bags that aren’t my style.
I rarely use gouache but when I do it is Caran D‘ache.

 

[whateve]

Absolutely not! This is exactly the info I wanted. I use Sennelier and some Windsor Newton and I have a couple of Gansai Tambi colors. I have not tried Daniel Smith but have heard nothing but good things about them. Thanks for the info. When people ask what I want for the holidays I am going to tell them a selection of different art supplies with a list. This way it can be stuff I can truly use rather than bags that aren’t my style.
I rarely use gouache but when I do it is Caran D‘ache.

I haven't painted in ages but when I did, I loved gouache. It gave me more control.

 

[DME]

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) she has no interest in handbags whatsoever. None of these girls carry a purse at this age - they just carry their phones, etc. I don't understand it, I recall always carrying a purse in high school and we didn't even have cell phones back then. I would think having a small bag to hold phone, keys, wallet, lip balm, tampons, would be good and I have bought her a few really cute smaller crossbody bags (contemporary brands like coach, kate spade, tory burch, nothing crazy) but she doesn't use them. I especially worry when she goes to the mall with her friends that she will end up setting her phone, wallet or keys down and leave them somewhere but she refuses to carry. However, she likes those canvas tote bags and when we were in Paris about a month ago, she bought a few all for around $20 so I guess I can't complain LOL My older daughter (turned 24 today) on the other hand suddenly seems to have an interest in designer bags and wants to save up for a YSL or LV bag and has already decided to put dibbs in on certain bags in my collection. I expect the other one will eventually come around!

My DD is 16 and she also has no interest in bags. She can’t possibly be my kid! But maybe there’s hope, based on what you wrote about your older DD. When my bag-loving friends hear DD has zero interest, they start putting down markers on my bags since they figure I could will those to them instead.

 

[lill_canele]

October stats: No changes in the bag collection. It has been a difficult month, dealing with some family health issues. In fact, my bag usage has been abysmal in terms of rotation. At some point in the month, I just relied on a capacious Dooney bag which was helpful for doctor appointments, stuffing paperwork in, and so on, and I just found it easier to not rotate. Hopefully, this month will be better as things settle down. I am however definitely feeling the need for a hard pause in terms of new bag acquisition. My lifestyle at present is more suited to using about 10 bags. The rest are just sitting around. It has more or less been this way since the last few years, post pandemic. So as the year comes to a close, and looking ahead, I could see letting go of a few bags from my collection, but not adding any more purses. The funny thing is, I still have a list in my head of the bags I would like to add, lol. Maybe that never goes away if you love bags.

So sorry about the family health issues. Wishing everyone the best!

Thank you all so much! I talk to the surgeon tomorrow. It should be a quick laparascopic procedure, in and out. Fingers crossed!

PSA: Apparently lots of people have gallstones and never have issues. (An ultrasound for something else actually found mine many years ago, and the doctors said to just leave them until there was an issue.) But if you have nausea and dull pain under your ribcage just to the right of your breastbone, go ASAP to an emergency room. Beyond the discomfort, a stone getting stuck can cause infections or other complications.

Yes, my brother had surgery to remove his gallbladder because it was causing a ruckus as well. Wishing for a speedy post-op recovery! Should be pretty straightforward, just no air travel for you for the next 2-3 days post-op.

Thank you everyone! The store opens within the next two weeks. I'm looking forward to creating a healthy, collaborative work environment. I have to say I'm pretty excited.

I bought myself a Coach bag as a reward. It's the Coachtopia Ergo in Mini Checkerboard Upcrafted Leather. I ensured that I purchased the upcrafted leather instead of the bonded stuff. While I'm not thrilled that the lining is Coachtopia leather, I have accepted it. I've been eyeing this piece up for quite sometime. It is supposed to arrive within the next few days. I can't wait.

Congratulations on your new job! Very exciting! We look forward to seeing your new purchase.

I am sending everyone who is not feeling well or caring for someone who is not well, good healing thoughts. I have been dealing with this as well and coming here is my escape. There has been a lot of movement in my bags, because when I am over stressed, I have fun with bags. I tend to buy midrange so as not to mess with my finances. What are ways you cope with stress?

I am generally good at dealing with work stress mentally. I think medical missions have also trained me to cope with acute short term stress as well. Most of the time I just take a breath, plan for the worst, and move on.

My body responds differently though. I get susceptible to yeast and staph infections when it comes to long term/chronic stress. (like this year ha ha...) When that happens, I am forced to take time to take care of my health. I generally spend a lot of time at home relaxing. I like cleaning, and watching YouTube videos.
I had a yeast infection that lasted for 2 months this year. The staph infection on the nape of my neck that started in August is still there. It has been very slowly improving. It was stable for a time but recently has started to show positive signs of finally going away. I hope that it completely resolves by the end of this year.

I also have two wonderful dog children who always greet me with love when I come back home everyday. They always help de-stress me. (but they also stress me out when they get sick lol).
I used to stress shop. Those were the pre-pandemic days.
Hmm...I really like sleeping, lol, but who doesn't.

 

[dcooney4]

So sorry about the family health issues. Wishing everyone the best!


Yes, my brother had surgery to remove his gallbladder because it was causing a ruckus as well. Wishing for a speedy post-op recovery! Should be pretty straightforward, just no air travel for you for the next 2-3 days post-op.


Congratulations on your new job! Very exciting! We look forward to seeing your new purchase.


I am generally good at dealing with work stress mentally. I think medical missions have also trained me to cope with acute short term stress as well. Most of the time I just take a breath, plan for the worst, and move on.

My body responds differently though. I get susceptible to yeast and staph infections when it comes to long term/chronic stress. (like this year ha ha...) When that happens, I am forced to take time to take care of my health. I generally spend a lot of time at home relaxing. I like cleaning, and watching YouTube videos.
I had a yeast infection that lasted for 2 months this year. The staph infection on the nape of my neck that started in August is still there. It has been very slowly improving. It was stable for a time but recently has started to show positive signs of finally going away. I hope that it completely resolves by the end of this year.

I also have two wonderful dog children who always greet me with love when I come back home everyday. They always help de-stress me. (but they also stress me out when they get sick lol).
I used to stress shop. Those were the pre-pandemic days.
Hmm...I really like sleeping, lol, but who doesn't.

I hope you heal completely this time.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Hey pocket friends! I have started thinking about re-curating my collection and doing some lurking on the forum the past few weeks.

Post Covid, my life never went back to the “same ole” - which is actually 90% a good thing! But, with that, my fashion needs / style have shifted. For example, I can’t imagine a scenario where I’ll ever need to wear a business suit again. And I’ve developed a sneaker addiction. Who knew there were so many cute & fashionable options? So, I want to add a couple of new bags that make my heart sing but have zero desire to stay in lanes I have in the past.

Anyone else do a post Covid collection reboot? If so, I’d love to hear about it.

 

[whateve]

Hey pocket friends! I have started thinking about re-curating my collection and doing some lurking on the forum the past few weeks.

Post Covid, my life never went back to the “same ole” - which is actually 90% a good thing! But, with that, my fashion needs / style have shifted. For example, I can’t imagine a scenario where I’ll ever need to wear a business suit again. And I’ve developed a sneaker addiction. Who knew there were so many cute & fashionable options? So, I want to add a couple of new bags that make my heart sing but have zero desire to stay in lanes I have in the past.

Anyone else do a post Covid collection reboot? If so, I’d love to hear about it.

Shocked about the sneaker addiction! I thought I remembered you never wearing them, or maybe that was jeans.

Covid didn't actually change my life that much as I was already retired. What bags are you considering?

 

[DME]

Hey pocket friends! I have started thinking about re-curating my collection and doing some lurking on the forum the past few weeks.

Post Covid, my life never went back to the “same ole” - which is actually 90% a good thing! But, with that, my fashion needs / style have shifted. For example, I can’t imagine a scenario where I’ll ever need to wear a business suit again. And I’ve developed a sneaker addiction. Who knew there were so many cute & fashionable options? So, I want to add a couple of new bags that make my heart sing but have zero desire to stay in lanes I have in the past.

Anyone else do a post Covid collection reboot? If so, I’d love to hear about it.

Great to see you back! I am definitely moving toward a more relaxed way of dressing since the pandemic. I still like to look nice, but have moved more and more towards athletic wear, which has really stepped up its game (I’ve gotten some wide-leg pants that are great for work). I’m also nearing retirement, hoping to do that in about six years, so I’m trying to blend the two as I move forward with purchases. Clothing, bags, shoes and jewelry included.

Which sneaker brands and styles are you loving? And what styles of bags are you considering?

 

[Bag peace]

I keep meaning to post my updated stats but things are in flux so I haven't had a chance to. Figured I'd pop in and say hi to everyone instead. Just looking at the last page or so and it seems lots of us are going through a rough time. Sending everyone best wishes and hoping that all the medical hurdles we each have pass with ease. I know how hard it is when you're in the middle of it and the stress is weighing down on you, but I promise you it will get better, so hang in there and be gentle with yourselves as you navigate these obstacles.

____

To keep (slightly) on topic- while I can't say that I have actual stats handy, I have had 2 unexpected upgrades. I went to a consignment store to get some prices on my contemporary bags and ended up swapping two of my bags instead. They weren't worth anything in cash but the store had bags that were on clearance and my store credit was just enough to get them. Who can say no to, essentially, free bags?!
Out went a couple of no-brand (but still beautiful leather bags) that were both gifted to me, and in came 2 nappa leather puffer bags (Max & co). The leather is so silky and the bag is so smooshy! I've always wanted a puffy bag and was eyeing up the MJ pillow bags a while ago but, they had quality issues that prevented me from purchasing when I could.
These are much nicer. They look like a more functional version of the Margiela Glam Slam bags, and without the logo (which I dislike).
The glam slams were amazing when I got to touch them a couple of years ago but something about the shape of the ones I saw didn't work for me (and besides, the cost was prohibitive). I'm much happier with these additions as they're a lot more casual and feel like they were meant to be mine.
*Sorry no pictures because the forum won't let me upload for some reason. I'll try again later.

Looking at my collection, I find my favourite bags are always the unplanned ones (which is the majority of them). It's more fun when you stumble across the perfect piece. I'm so glad my mental wishlist has never been uber-specific. It has left me open to nice surprises.

I've also been experimenting with shopping my own clothes closet in an extremely minimalist manner. For the past few months, I've only had out 9 items of clothing and 1 pair of shoes. I'm blown away at how easy it was to live with that little. Admittedly, that's because I have no life at the moment and I only go to the supermarket and the hospital, but it has also reminded me of how little we need to get by. Now everything extra I have feels like a huge bonus!
I did get terribly bored of my outfits so have just added in a few more pieces, totalling 15. I'll play around within that capsule for a while before revamping it all.

What are ways you cope with stress?

This is an excellent question and I'll be taking note of the answers given.
I used to be great at managing stress. A little time at the gym, long walks, a cup of tea and a pep talk to myself, and I was good to go. Over the last few years, that skill has eroded and, this past year in particular, I have found myself crumbling, time and again. I don't even recognize myself most days.
I've found that I tend to turn to TPF during those dark days and, basically, ask for help. As hard as it is to be that vulnerable and risk judgement for being stupid/weak/a failure, I've found that being brave and opening up here has always brought in nothing but love and support. The advice and emotional support everyone has readily provided each time I've shared my struggles has bolstered my resilience exponentially. I honestly don't know where I'd be today if not for this community- and my virtual friends on this thread, specifically.
So, to each and every one of you, let me take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The impact you've had on me is far greater than you'll ever know. I will forever be grateful!

 

[Bag peace]

Too late to edit my above post and tpf still won't upload my pics, so I have to resort to linking out to show my new additions: click me. Mine are ocean blue and black; can't find the exact colours online because mine are preloved and must be several years old now. I'll post mod shots at some point down the line. They're so squishy and soft.

 

[JenJBS]

Too late to edit my above post and tpf still won't upload my pics, so I have to resort to linking out to show my new additions: click me. Mine are ocean blue and black; can't find the exact colours online because mine are preloved and must be several years old now. I'll post mod shots at some point down the line. They're so squishy and soft.

Squishy! And the color is lovely! So happy for you!

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

So sorry about the family health issues. Wishing everyone the best!


Yes, my brother had surgery to remove his gallbladder because it was causing a ruckus as well. Wishing for a speedy post-op recovery! Should be pretty straightforward, just no air travel for you for the next 2-3 days post-op.


Congratulations on your new job! Very exciting! We look forward to seeing your new purchase.


I am generally good at dealing with work stress mentally. I think medical missions have also trained me to cope with acute short term stress as well. Most of the time I just take a breath, plan for the worst, and move on.

My body responds differently though. I get susceptible to yeast and staph infections when it comes to long term/chronic stress. (like this year ha ha...) When that happens, I am forced to take time to take care of my health. I generally spend a lot of time at home relaxing. I like cleaning, and watching YouTube videos.
I had a yeast infection that lasted for 2 months this year. The staph infection on the nape of my neck that started in August is still there. It has been very slowly improving. It was stable for a time but recently has started to show positive signs of finally going away. I hope that it completely resolves by the end of this year.

I also have two wonderful dog children who always greet me with love when I come back home everyday. They always help de-stress me. (but they also stress me out when they get sick lol).
I used to stress shop. Those were the pre-pandemic days.
Hmm...I really like sleeping, lol, but who doesn't.

Thank you for the kind words, things are getting better. Also wishing you complete healing from all the stress-related health issues. Chronic, long-term stress can cause all kinds of health challenges, so it's important to take care of yourself, especially during the high stress times.

Anyone else do a post Covid collection reboot? If so, I’d love to hear about it.

I wouldn't exactly say I have done a reboot but I continue to find that I simply don't need a large collection since my social life is quite slow at the moment. It never quite recovered post covid, and some friends have moved further away, so we don't get to meet them as often. So other than the occasional get together, or lunches and dinners out, my bags have been mostly sitting. For errands and running around getting things done, I have a specific style of handbag (medium sized satchel with top handles) and prefer to use that specific style of bag over other styles in my closet like chain strap bags for instance.
As for footwear, sneakers are great for running around town, but I simply can't drum up much enthusiasm for them from a style point of view, at least at present. Maybe that will change in the future, but currently I have less than five pairs of sneakers, and that works well for me. I do enjoy ankle boots, but though they look pretty, not all of them are as comfortable as sneakers, especially if a lot of walking is involved. I want to add a few loafers to my small footwear collection, and possibly some two tone slingbacks, but that's about it where footwear is concerned.
Scarves are something I have been eyeing, but not quite sure where to start. A few years ago, I didn't think they were my style, but I have come around to appreciating some of the rich colors, patterns and designs, and could see myself adding a few silks to my wardrobe at some point.