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.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

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.

Yes, it's a good plan to make it a part of a routine. Evening routines are really important. I'm trying to incorporate rhythmic breathing and pranayama into my evening routine. Another thing that helps me is thinking about things that I find mentally absorbing as well as distracting in the late evenings. I will sometimes ponder on organizational tasks for instance. Currently, I am trying to reorganize the entryway closet so I will think about solutions to combat clutter there. I find that thinking about organizational projects is very relaxing for me. Reading about perfume and writing reviews in my head (they never get written down though) is also calming. So in addition to self care and nourishing the skin etc., I think it might be helpful to keep the mind focused on pleasant thoughts or a specific project that you find relaxing, in order to redirect the chaotic thoughts.

Generally, I'll buy what I know I need or will need soon. Not stockpiling, just more like buy now to save later.

This is a good strategy and I do this as well. Speaking of make up, I am looking for a red lipstick. I probably need to get to the store to try some colors. I am thinking of a nice shade of red, but not too much of a bright red. Actually, it's the same shade as the red bag I have in mind and am eternally seeking lol.

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.

Your blueberry pound cake looks absolutely delicious! Please share the recipe if it's not too much of a bother. I have made strawberry cake (just tossed in chopped strawberries into the standard cake batter) long ago, and it was very good.

 

[880]

Yes, it's a good plan to make it a part of a routine. Evening routines are really important. I'm trying to incorporate rhythmic breathing and pranayama into my evening routine. Another thing that helps me is thinking about things that I find mentally absorbing as well as distracting in the late evenings. I will sometimes ponder on organizational tasks for instance. Currently, I am trying to reorganize the entryway closet so I will think about solutions to combat clutter there. I find that thinking about organizational projects is very relaxing for me. Reading about perfume and writing reviews in my head (they never get written down though) is also calming. So in addition to self care and nourishing the skin etc., I think it might be helpful to keep the mind focused on pleasant thoughts or a specific project that you find relaxing, in order to redirect the chaotic thoughts.

This is a good strategy and I do this as well. Speaking of make up, I am looking for a red lipstick. I probably need to get to the store to try some colors. I am thinking of a nice shade of red, but not too much of a bright red. Actually, it's the same shade as the red bag I have in mind and am eternally seeking lol.

Your blueberry pound cake looks absolutely delicious! Please share the recipe if it's not too much of a bother. I have made strawberry cake (just tossed in chopped strawberries into the standard cake batter) long ago, and it was very good.

@Purses & Perfumes , I posted it here , #10246, hugs

Small things that make you happy!

Too many blueberries, so I made blue berry cream cheese pound cake (I normally do Maida Heatters Elvis pound cake or Toni’s pound cake, but had no lemons or heavy cream) https://www.food.com/recipe/blueberry-cream-cheese-pound-cake-88238 (adding a scant tablespoon of baking powder; a total of...

forum.purseblog.com

ETA: @Purses & Perfumes , I more than doubled the blueberries and used fresh ones, not frozen. I knew this would increase the baking time so I lowered the heat and made sure to cover the top with foil when it got to the desired color. The bottom once inverted will be the top, so I spoon in a layer of batter first. Then fold the floured berries into the remainder of the batter that goes in. This cake produces a thick brown crust. Maida HeAtters Toni’s pound cake is more of a golden soft crusted cake. . .

 

[cowgirlsboots]

more like buy now to save later.
Even then, I factor shipping costs and what the discount is.

Thoughtful and clever- exactly what I expected from you.

Interestingly, new game tactic:

That´s good- shower the customer with freebies to remind them of shopping. I bet this tactic paid off for Sephora.

 

[DME]

Has anybody been sucked into the Black Friday bargains?

I get sucked in every year! lululemon has a great one and I both ordered online and shopped in store. I don’t buy too many holiday gifts anymore and most gifts I give are gift cards, cash, or wine, so Black Friday shopping is primarily for me. DH asked for some long sleeve shirts from lulu, so the sale came in handy for that, too. DD got tops at several stores, which she really needed to go with some pants she has. I ended up with a free tote bag from one store, which made me happy! And I got interviewed by one of the local news channels while we were waiting in the lulu line (it was bright and early, just after 0600). DD and my niece bolted, but I had no problem chatting with the reporter!

 

[DME]

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!

I used to have one of those! It was a Samsonite and I think they were called train cases? For travel these days, it depends on whether we’re checking bags. If we are, then I used a zippered black nylon case I bought at Sephora ages ago. Everything goes in plastic bags before going in the case and then I put the case in a jumbo plastic bag. I’m always concerned about leakage, both from bag handling (they aren’t kind) and changes in air pressure. If we’re carrying in, then I just use a plastic bag and really pare down my toiletries to make sure I’m following TSA rules. We have PreCheck, so it’s rare I have to take them out of my bag, but at least I’m compliant if they do a check. So more utilitarian than pretty for me, too, at least for toiletries.

 

[papertiger]

Yes, it's a good plan to make it a part of a routine. Evening routines are really important. I'm trying to incorporate rhythmic breathing and pranayama into my evening routine. Another thing that helps me is thinking about things that I find mentally absorbing as well as distracting in the late evenings. I will sometimes ponder on organizational tasks for instance. Currently, I am trying to reorganize the entryway closet so I will think about solutions to combat clutter there. I find that thinking about organizational projects is very relaxing for me. Reading about perfume and writing reviews in my head (they never get written down though) is also calming. So in addition to self care and nourishing the skin etc., I think it might be helpful to keep the mind focused on pleasant thoughts or a specific project that you find relaxing, in order to redirect the chaotic thoughts.

This is a good strategy and I do this as well. Speaking of make up, I am looking for a red lipstick. I probably need to get to the store to try some colors. I am thinking of a nice shade of red, but not too much of a bright red. Actually, it's the same shade as the red bag I have in mind and am eternally seeking lol.

You're so good. I am just getting up in the morning, floating around in space and try to remember to wash occasionally.

I tried my colleague's Encre Noir (Lalique, men's) and I am in love. They just released Encre Indigo, but I need to find a sample. DH doesn't like scent for himself but I could buy it for me.

I like red but not too shiny, Dior used to do some amazing ones but they were ltd eds. You could try La Bouche Rouge for your red, they have so many reds https://www.laboucherougeparis.com/uk/ (sorry it defaults to UK). Also, Lisa Eldridge True Velvets are good, I mean phenomenal - but more on the darker side unless you like the one I have 'Velvet Ribbon'. I will buy 'Velvet Jazz' at some point. If you buy one, go gently on the bullet. The other lipstick brand I like is more known for fragrance, Bond No9. They have a whole range of reds https://www.bondno9.com/shop/lipsticks/ and the cases are Art Deco chic. If you really like a colour, I would recommend you buy the lipstick, refill and case together because I notice they discontinued the last 'Nude' I purchased.

 

[papertiger]

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.

Thank you, I have literally taken notes.

Spoiler: coz

DH has trouble swallowing already, so it's totally welcome.

 

[papertiger]

I used to have one of those! It was a Samsonite and I think they were called train cases? For travel these days, it depends on whether we’re checking bags. If we are, then I used a zippered black nylon case I bought at Sephora ages ago. Everything goes in plastic bags before going in the case and then I put the case in a jumbo plastic bag. I’m always concerned about leakage, both from bag handling (they aren’t kind) and changes in air pressure. If we’re carrying in, then I just use a plastic bag and really pare down my toiletries to make sure I’m following TSA rules. We have PreCheck, so it’s rare I have to take them out of my bag, but at least I’m compliant if they do a check. So more utilitarian than pretty for me, too, at least for toiletries.

+ @Purses & Perfumes I have 3.

My working case was/is (I still have it) a Delsey my mother bought me at 10 or 11. It contains my stage and screen makeup - including greying stick for making hair look older, nose putty and prosthetic glue

The other 2 are vintage, 1960s black leather Pierre Cardin and a black early-'70s crocodile, our Hermes artisan actually asked to work on.

If you want a great make-up/everything case that keeps everything organised, get a vintage one. They are the practical and chic, absolutely the best!

 

[880]

Encre Noir (Lalique, men's) and I am in love.

I have an old bottle of encre noire. Loved its bone dry cypress vetiver, but my DH wasn’t a fan either. have a wonderful time at your party this week. Thinking positive thoughts for you and your DH

ETA: he said it smelled like dirt. I said it was earthy. lol
ETA: @Purses & Perfumes , I forgot to mention that I add a bit of diamond kosher salt (red box), to the blueberry poundcake. Diamond is half the sodium of iodized table salt and a third less sodium than Morton’s kosher salt. Lalique and Bulgari make great fragrances. But I would say Encre Noir is an acquired taste. Austere, bitter, bracing.

 

[papertiger]

Sorry everyone, I don't have any jewellery company made bags. I was thinking of indulging either a B Serpenti in lizard - but the recent ones do not inspire me and I heard their service is appalling, and I was obsessed by a Guirlande de Cartier in dark red (it's the one that looks like their boxes) but then covid hit so...

I had/have a solid silver Asprey mirror that I used to carry, but I think I may have left it on a train because I can't find it - on a good note I did find my Cartier rings I mislaid so I am thankful

 

[papertiger]

I have an old bottle of encre noire. Loved its bone dry cypress vetiver, but my DH wasn’t a fan either. have a wonderful time at your party this week. Thinking positive thoughts for you and your DH

We'll just have to wear it ourselves then.

Yes, "bone dry" is a great description!

 

[cecchetti]

I don’t have any jewellery company bags-although my earliest bags were all exotics made by a former Asprey employee(picture is me at about 24/25 with a black crocodile bag, in Chanel blouse and Valentino power shoulder suit), but my keyring since I was 17 has been a Tiffany Elsa Perretti sterling silver heart shape-I’m onto the second one as the first one wore out eventually…

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

You're so good. I am just getting up in the morning, floating around in space and try to remember to wash occasionally.

I tried my colleague's Encre Noir (Lalique, men's) and I am in love. They just released Encre Indigo, but I need to find a sample. DH doesn't like scent for himself but I could buy it for me.

I like red but not too shiny, Dior used to do some amazing ones but they were ltd eds. You could try La Bouche Rouge for your red, they have so many reds https://www.laboucherougeparis.com/uk/ (sorry it defaults to UK). Also, Lisa Eldridge True Velvets are good, I mean phenomenal - but more on the darker side unless you like the one I have 'Velvet Ribbon'. I will buy 'Velvet Jazz' at some point. If you buy one, go gently on the bullet. The other lipstick brand I like is more known for fragrance, Bond No9. They have a whole range of reds https://www.bondno9.com/shop/lipsticks/ and the cases are Art Deco chic. If you really like a colour, I would recommend you buy the lipstick, refill and case together because I notice they discontinued the last 'Nude' I purchased.

Ha ha, I keep trying to be good, but not always successful. I'm floating around in the mornings too, drinking several cups of coffee to get going. Thank you for the great recommendations. Will look into them. I am not sure how easily these brands are available to sample where I am, but Bond No. 9 should definitely be available, and I am a sucker for a pretty lipstick or powder compact case.

I have never tried Encre Noir. Lalique perfume bottles are so pretty but I am not familiar with most of them. The only one I have is a mini of Lalique Le Parfum which I should fish out and sample as it's a vanilla-centric fragrance and I prefer those kinds of perfumes in the cooler months.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

ETA: @Purses & Perfumes , I more than doubled the blueberries and used fresh ones, not frozen. I knew this would increase the baking time so I lowered the heat and made sure to cover the top with foil when it got to the desired color. The bottom once inverted will be the top, so I spoon in a layer of batter first. Then fold the floured berries into the remainder of the batter that goes in. This cake produces a thick brown crust. Maida HeAtters Toni’s pound cake is more of a golden soft crusted cake. . .

Thank you for the additional details -- very helpful!

@DME, yes, I believe they were called train cases, designed for a time when travel was a leisurely affair via train or road.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

+ @Purses & Perfumes I have 3.

My working case was/is (I still have it) a Delsey my mother bought me at 10 or 11. It contains my stage and screen makeup - including greying stick for making hair look older, nose putty and prosthetic glue

The other 2 are vintage, 1960s black leather Pierre Cardin and a black early-'70s crocodile, our Hermes artisan actually asked to work on.

If you want a great make-up/everything case that keeps everything organised, get a vintage one. They are the practical and chic, absolutely the best!

Your cases sound wonderful! I am now tempted to go looking for a vintage one. I actually think my mom's case (which was orange, but can't remember if it was leather) might still be in my brother's house. Will have to look for it the next time I visit.

ETA: I love the Guirlande de Cartier bags! They had them in red and a lovely deep green too. Sadly, I think they might be discontinued.