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.

 

[880]

Has anybody been sucked into the Black Friday bargains?
So far I´ve been good and not bought anything. Impatient as I am I had done my online Christmas shopping earlier. Now I was nervous this might have been a mistake, but everything I had already bought did not go down in price for Black Friday (the one item that did go down by 20€ only did so from a marketplace seller on amazon, not as "sold by amazon" - this option went up by 10€- which I really wanted in case I might need their easy warranty in the future.

To avoid looking into lots of items just because they are in the sale I turned the computer off and went to the sewing table. I made a bag organizer- I hate making them! They never turn out as neat as they should. At least the size is perfect and made from fabric remnants it only cost me 2€ for the 2 felt table mats I needed to make it.

I bought a back up Bundt pan and some muffin tins
I had forgotten about this Bundt pan when a fellow TPF friend reminded me.
And then, when I made the blueberry pound cake, and it basically fell out of the pan without much effort,
I thought I should buy a back up. To make this even remotely on topic, it’s this back up, hoarder mentality
that I try not to use for my closet.

 

[whateve]

Has anybody been sucked into the Black Friday bargains?
So far I´ve been good and not bought anything. Impatient as I am I had done my online Christmas shopping earlier. Now I was nervous this might have been a mistake, but everything I had already bought did not go down in price for Black Friday (the one item that did go down by 20€ only did so from a marketplace seller on amazon, not as "sold by amazon" - this option went up by 10€- which I really wanted in case I might need their easy warranty in the future.

To avoid looking into lots of items just because they are in the sale I turned the computer off and went to the sewing table. I made a bag organizer- I hate making them! They never turn out as neat as they should. At least the size is perfect and made from fabric remnants it only cost me 2€ for the 2 felt table mats I needed to make it.

I bought some slippers about a week ago for 50% off; now they are 60% off with free shipping. Yesterday I bought a keychain which seems to be more expensive today so I think I hit that one right, except I really don't need the keychain!

The sales make me nervous. It is work to look and there is pressure to make a decision before the sale is over or items sell out.

I've been mostly only looking at things I need. I bought some chemicals for the pool as soon as they went on sale for 10% off. Still super expensive but I'll be set until the middle of summer. I bought some lightbulbs from Amazon that were Black Friday deals.

I'm purposely not looking at clothes or shoes as I don't need any. Or purses, for that matter, but I have a credit on Posh I've been trying to use up. I spent part of it buying a purse for rehab that is turning out pretty good but not perfect. Since I'm spending a credit, it doesn't feel like I spent any money.

We are in the middle of some minor remodeling so until that is paid for, I'm trying not to spend too much. We still don't know how much it is going to cost as we don't have a fixed price contract; we're paying for time and materials so it depends on how much time they put in.

 

[whateve]

I bought a Bundt pan and some muffin tins

I'm avoiding buying anything for the kitchen as now everything has a place and if I get too much more stuff, I'll have to cram things in. I just realized I may have lids that don't fit anything. When I was cooking for Thanksgiving, I was surprised that none of the Corning containers I used had lids. I'm sure they did at one time. I had to use foil, which is fine, so I guess I can live without lids for them.

I almost never make muffins!

I may get new bathroom accessories to match the new color we painted the bathroom.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I don’t use the Nice cases for travel, but I do have all three sizes of the LV toiletry cases and both sizes of the cosmetics cases and I use those for travel.

There's something about the square Nice shape that I really like for toiletries, especially if one is going away for a longer vacation and needs to carry larger sizes of preferred toiletries. Or maybe it's nostalgia -- my aunt and mom always travelled with square toiletry cases in which they carried a gazillion things, half of which were never used! My aunt had a fancy one with a large fitted mirror and a removable tray on top, which had small compartments for things like bobby pins, cotton swabs, hair ties, etc. The bigger bottles went underneath. I'd quite forgotten about those cases, and it's nice to be reminded of them now.
It would be a fun topic to discuss what everyone uses for their travel toiletries, maybe with pictures. I don't have anything by premier designers. In fact my current toiletries pouch is more utilitarian than pretty. Perhaps it's time to consider an upgrade!

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Has anybody been sucked into the Black Friday bargains?

Not really. Just some household stuff like plates and bowls and some odds and ends, but some of it I bought last week. I should have waited since they're better priced now. Oh well.
I am always tempted by purses, but have been good and not bought anything.

 

[880]

I almost never make muffins

I shouldn’t either since I’m supposed to avoid sugar and carbs. Oops
Remodeling and renovations always end up costing more . . .

fun topic to discuss what everyone uses for their travel toiletries

A zip lock. Since TSA airport screenings, I don’t even bother with a cosmetic case or Dopp kit.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I bought a back up Bundt pan and some muffin tins
I had forgotten about this Bundt pan when a fellow TPF friend reminded me.
And then, when I made the blueberry pound cake, and it basically fell out of the pan without much effort,
I thought I should buy a back up. To make this even remotely on topic, it’s this back up, hoarder mentality
that I try not to use for my closet.

View attachment 5900245View attachment 5900246View attachment 5900244

Congratulations on redirecting your hoarder energy to basic household related purchases!

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

A zip lock. Since TSA airport screenings, I don’t even bother with a cosmetic case or Dopp kit.

True, I use a quart size zip lock too. But I like to transfer to a cosmetic bag once I am at my destination. Actually, I just put larger toiletries in my check in bag if I'm checking in a suitcase. For road trips, I like to pack in a regular cosmetic case.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I bought some slippers about a week ago for 50% off; now they are 60% off with free shipping. Yesterday I bought a keychain which seems to be more expensive today so I think I hit that one right, except I really don't need the keychain!

The sales make me nervous. It is work to look and there is pressure to make a decision before the sale is over or items sell out.

I've been mostly only looking at things I need. I bought some chemicals for the pool as soon as they went on sale for 10% off. Still super expensive but I'll be set until the middle of summer. I bought some lightbulbs from Amazon that were Black Friday deals.

I'm purposely not looking at clothes or shoes as I don't need any. Or purses, for that matter, but I have a credit on Posh I've been trying to use up. I spent part of it buying a purse for rehab that is turning out pretty good but not perfect. Since I'm spending a credit, it doesn't feel like I spent any money.

We are in the middle of some minor remodeling so until that is paid for, I'm trying not to spend too much. We still don't know how much it is going to cost as we don't have a fixed price contract; we're paying for time and materials so it depends on how much time they put in.

I totally agree on sales making one nervous! Reduced prices for a limited amount of time create a buy-now pressure and often result in unnecessary purchases.
I think the only way to handle sales responsibly is sticking to a curated shopping list.

Good luck with your remodeling project! Hopefully it won´t turn out too expensive!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

A zip lock. Since TSA airport screenings, I don’t even bother with a cosmetic case or Dopp kit.

My "cosmetic bags" are clear document sleeves with a zipper. Practical, cheap to buy and fit for the airport.

 

[Bag peace]

I'm playing catch-up so...

This is such a warm and supportive thread, i am enjoying being a part of it very much

It really is the warmest corner of TPF. So happy you've joined us!

A Roberta di Camerino bag for my lush materials satchel. And a Harvey’s Christmas tree mini Parkhopper for fun.

I adore both of these! Your collection is filled with treats that make me drool!

I removed a cut glass bowl that had been full of leftover Halloween candy and replaced it with a tray holding some winter beauty care needs.

What a clever idea!
If you can, try to make it all into a relaxing evening routine. Play some soft music or a favourite show in the background, do some light stretching or reading (whatever it is you enjoy), then lather on the creams and tuck yourself in.
I've been trying (and failing) to create such routines for myself over the past couple of years. I've got an early morning walk into the routine, which is sometimes difficult to manage as I often have appointments that require me to leave home at 5am. And I take 10 minutes twice a day in complete silence to enjoy a coffee (morning) and tea (afternoon) in fresh air (in a park or by an open window). It has really helped centre me during hectic times.
I need to get a better evening routine as I tend to spiral then. My head spins with chaotic thoughts. So I'm going to try to set aside an hour to stretch, unwind and nourish my skin, all in an attempt to slow down my mind at bedtime. We'll see if this physical self-care translates to more mental peace.

@jblended, here’s a mod shot of the Louis Vuitton with the LV London scarf tied around the handle. I love the corgi!

Thank you so much for posting!
I love that scarf and it looks fabulous on the bag!
I've lived outside of London far longer than I have ever lived in it, but I get all the feels when I see things that harken back to home. The corgis, phone box and beefeater...
edit: *lol autocorrect fail fixed

I forgot it is Tory Burch week.

Love them all but the barrel is a real favourite of mine. Have you had a chance to use them all?

And then, when I made the blueberry pound cake, and it basically fell out of the pan without much effort,
I thought I should buy a back up.

Looks so yummy!

It would be a fun topic to discuss what everyone uses for their travel toiletries, maybe with pictures.

I'm so dull! I have an old Elizabeth Arden pouch that was a free gift with some purchase. I've been using it for toiletries for a couple of decades and never bothered upgrading. It still looks new.

I've lost a couple of my quotes, so:
@cowgirlsboots Happy you found your scraps! Amazing how they turned up after you mentioned them here.
@Sunshine mama So glad you were able to pop in! You don't visit often enough! I hope you're well.

 

[Bag peace]

Spoiler: Update on DH

DH will have chemo but not abroad, then major surgery after - and then more rounds of chemo. SIL is coming over next week to help. All in this course of treatment will be exactly 8 months. Strangely (or maybe not strange) DH was understandably in-shock and depressed when first diagnosed then undergoing so many tests in the UK and abroad (it's quite a rare cancer). He's fairly young and super-fit so there is some hope. There will be no Scotland for Christmas/Hogmanay this year, no family/neighbourly gatherings so we're having a big party before the chemo starts next week

I'm terribly sorry you're having to go through this extremely difficult experience. However, if there's one thing I know from our brief interactions across threads, it is that you are a kind, compassionate, patient and resilient person. Given how much you're able to support complete strangers online, I can only imagine how much of a rock you are to your DH in real life. There's no doubt that you two will be able to navigate this deftly and with grace.
Please know that we are all here for you and will keep your DH in our thoughts and prayers. I hope his treatment and recovery are as easy as they can possibly be.
Have a wonderful time at the party! I hope it's filled with laughter and love to fuel you both for the next climb.

Also, if it's not too forward of me, I would suggest you keep some frozen yogurt handy if your hubby is fond of it. Chemo was a small part of my treatment and most of the side-effects didn't hit until much later, but one of the immediate problems I had was mouth and throat ulcers that made it very difficult to swallow.
While ulcers are common as a result of chemo, they're usually never discussed because they seem so minor in the grand scheme of things, so I was unprepared. It made basic things like drinking water really hard at a time when I didn't need yet another thing to worry about. The frozen yogurt was the only thing I could manage that circumvented the ulcers (and the nausea).
Forgive me for taking the liberty. I know everyone's experience is different but, perhaps the tip will come in handy.

 

[cecchetti]

@papertiger sending love to you and DH ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

 

[dcooney4]

I'm playing catch-up so...

It really is the warmest corner of TPF. So happy you've joined us!


I adore both of these! Your collection is filled with treats that make me drool!


What a clever idea!
If you can, try to make it all into a relaxing evening routine. Play some soft music or a favourite show in the background, do some light stretching or reading (whatever it is you enjoy), then lather on the creams and tuck yourself in.
I've been trying (and failing) to create such routines for myself over the past couple of years. I've got an early morning walk into the routine, which is sometimes difficult to manage as I often have appointments that require me to leave home at 5am. And I take 10 minutes twice a day in complete silence to enjoy a coffee (morning) and tea (afternoon) in fresh air (in a park or by an open window). It has really helped centre me during hectic times.
I need to get a better evening routine as I tend to spiral then. My head spins with chaotic thoughts. So I'm going to try to set aside an hour to stretch, unwind and nourish my skin, all in an attempt to slow down my mind at bedtime. We'll see if this physical self-care translates to more mental peace.


Thank you so much for posting!
I love that scarf and it looks fabulous on the bag!
I've lived outside of London far longer than I have ever lived in it, but I get all the feels when I see things that harken back to home. The corgis, phone box and beefeater...
edit: *lol autocorrect fail fixed

Love them all but the barrel is a real favourite of mine. Have you had a chance to use them all?


Looks so yummy!


I'm so dull! I have an old Elizabeth Arden pouch that was a free gift with some purchase. I've been using it for toiletries for a couple of decades and never bothered upgrading. It still looks new.

I've lost a couple of my quotes, so:
@cowgirlsboots Happy you found your scraps! Amazing how they turned up after you mentioned them here.
@Sunshine mama So glad you were able to pop in! You don't visit often enough! I hope you're well.

Thanks, I have used them except the black one. I wear the green one in summer. I would love it in a fall color too.

 

[papertiger]

Thank you everybody for your support and good wishes

Sale time temptations: Generally, I'll buy what I know I need or will need soon. Not stockpiling, just more like buy now to save later.
Even then, I factor shipping costs and what the discount is. Consumerism is a game by which both buyer and seller need to feel rewarded (IMO). If a buyer feels cheated or guilty by the transaction(s) it will eventually makes him/her more sceptical and resistant to shopping, for everything but the essentials in the future.

Interestingly, new game tactic: Sephora sent me a gift for Thanksgiving (slightly considering Sephora is French-owned and the British lost the war) I think the gift (mostly samples) was supposed to trigger loyalty and predispose me to Black Friday fever. I looked at the deals: My usual foundation was 30% off (I've half a bottle left); Tinted Moisturiser 10% (I'd run out); other things I use (concealer, setting powder etc) were not discounted. Skin care things similarly, most items were not discounted at all. Shipping's free over a certain amount, so I just bought doubles of my usuals if discounted. I must admit to buying a more frivolous purchase (-20%) I'd been curious about too which bumped up the price of the total. I was going to buy most anyway, but I would say Sephora profited from me buying through them and not me going to a dept store if/when I got round to it. Plus, Sephora 'made me' look again at a product that I'd wondered about and had given me a 'mini' with their free gift. Therefore, I don't actively resist, but I calculate - sometimes even indulge my wishlist. They also sent me yet more free 'gifts' (samples) but I will give them to a young colleague.