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.

 

[lill_canele]

I have to change up my skincare routine when fall/winter comes. It gets terribly dry in California and I feel that as I get older, my skin gets drier. And I too have a small tray on my nightstand with my Dior cuticle cream.
I'll go home to snap some photos of my favorite skincare products for dry weather/dry skin.

Here’s the Dior cuticle cream

It’s normally on my nightstand but husband is napping so I took it out for a photo.
This is very rich but very sticky. I personally cannot stand sticky products but I compromised and use this at night before I go to bed because it works pretty well.

Another alternative for a nail/cuticle cream is this Loccitane hand cream.

I know it’s for hands but I feel it does a great job for the cuticles as well. Not sticky just needs a bit of time to sink it but it doesn’t take forever like the Dior one.

Here are my 2 go to eye creams:

Honestly they both feel the same to me and don’t seem to be that different lol.

I love this sunscreen.

So hydrating but light weight. It does not feel greasy or give that oily shine that some very runny sunscreens have.

My dry skin and fall/winter face moisturizer. (Can be found on Amazon)

I usually go for Khiel’s ultra facial cream but when I need more hydration and TLC, this is wonderful! It can be a little sticky, especially if one uses a generous amount. But it’s best when given a bit of time to absorb prior to putting on sunscreen or other cosmetic products.
(It also helped me recover from a rash I got from testing a face mask.)

 

[880]

Here’s the Dior cuticle cream
View attachment 5901822
It’s normally on my nightstand but husband is napping so I took it out for a photo.
This is very rich but very sticky. I personally cannot stand sticky products but I compromised and use this at night before I go to bed because it works pretty well.

Another alternative for a nail/cuticle cream is this Loccitane hand cream.
View attachment 5901823
I know it’s for hands but I feel it does a great job for the cuticles as well. Not sticky just needs a bit of time to sink it but it doesn’t take forever like the Dior one.

Here are my 2 go to eye creams:
View attachment 5901824View attachment 5901825
Honestly they both feel the same to me and don’t seem to be that different lol.

I love this sunscreen.
View attachment 5901826
So hydrating but light weight. It does not feel greasy or give that oily shine that some very runny sunscreens have.

My dry skin and fall/winter face moisturizer. (Can be found on Amazon)
View attachment 5901827
I usually go for Khiel’s ultra facial cream but when I need more hydration and TLC, this is wonderful! It can be a little sticky, especially if one uses a generous amount. But it’s best when given a bit of time to absorb prior to putting on sunscreen or other cosmetic products.
(It also helped me recover from a rash I got from testing a face mask.)

Am taking notes thank you Do you happen to have a recommendation for a liquid bath soap that is moisturizing? I googled and found a well rated brand called exzema honey foaming soap, but I don’t think it works very well

 

[stacy_natalie]

Wow, have I missed that many weeks? I still have to catch up with Prada, YSL, Valentino, Tory Burch and I did finally just purchase my first Bvlgari bag last week! I will try to refrain from inundating you with photos and just do a group shot of each brand. Can snap some photos today as I need to swing by my house anyway to unload my car from holiday shopping over the weekend LOL

I cannot believe it has now been 3.5 months we've been displaced and I am FINALLY meeting with the insurance appointed contractor for the first time Thursday morning to discuss repairs due to water heater leak. I can only imagine how long this is going to take, especially around the holidays, as I decided to just go forward with replacing the bamboo throughout the entire house. Really don't want to but I think better to ensure all floors match up as they do now and figure I may as well if the insurance is going to cover it. I found very similar planks to what I have now in a lighter color I think I can live with and hoping not to be in house much longer anyway as once my daughter graduates high school in 1.5 years and figures out what she's doing, I am planning to leave.

No real black Friday deals for me as I was in Europe for the past 2 weeks and did a bunch of shopping there to take advantage of the "discounted" prices and VAT refund. I went a bit overboard (ok a lot overboard) and have decided one of my main 2024 resolutions will be seeing if I can make it the entire year without any major handbag/shoe purchases and trying to save some money instead. Another is going to be ensuring I actually start using all of my bags instead of just staring at the treasure trove in my closet.

I usually get shopping for my kids done early but I did hit the mall upon my return home on Sunday to pick up a few gifts for my daughter's best friend and her parents, since she has practically been living with them throughout this fiasco. Most of the stores these teen girls like (Kendra Scott, Aerie, Hollister) seemed to be having sales so feel like I lucked out there! Luckily I don't really have many others to purchase for (one upside of having practically no family) but we always select a few kids from the Salvation Army "Angel Tree" to purchase for as well so that's usually a fun and feel-good activity. Now I just want to start wrapping!

Did order some stuff online too while prices seem to be rock bottom - $50 bras from Victoria's Secret for nearly half off, snagged a pair of $100 Ugg slippers for $70 from Nordstrom, and one of those hair dryer brush things (so I can stop stealing the one I bought my daughter for holidays last year) at a big discount but as far as I'm concerned those things are all basically necessities and not frivolous lol

In addition, my daughter's birthday is next week and even though I thought I said I was done with big celebrations last year, she decided she wants to have a Mama-Mia/Abba dance party type theme at a Greek restaurant, based on the Dancing Queen lyric "young and sweet, only 17". Yes, that's apparently a thing.

Anyway, hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Ours was extremely non-traditional as we were traveling but we did attend a "dining in the dark" experience served by waitstaff who is blind/visually impaired. Ended up being a 5 course meal, you had to guess what you were eating, everything was delicious and so interesting with different textures and surprises. Sorry for the long post, happy to be back here amongst my fellow bag lovers.

 

[880]

Wow, have I missed that many weeks? I still have to catch up with Prada, YSL, Valentino, Tory Burch and I did finally just purchase my first Bvlgari bag last week! I will try to refrain from inundating you with photos and just do a group shot of each brand. Can snap some photos today as I need to swing by my house anyway to unload my car from holiday shopping over the weekend LOL

I cannot believe it has now been 3.5 months we've been displaced and I am FINALLY meeting with the insurance appointed contractor for the first time Thursday morning to discuss repairs due to water heater leak. I can only imagine how long this is going to take, especially around the holidays, as I decided to just go forward with replacing the bamboo throughout the entire house. Really don't want to but I think better to ensure all floors match up as they do now and figure I may as well if the insurance is going to cover it. I found very similar planks to what I have now in a lighter color I think I can live with and hoping not to be in house much longer anyway as once my daughter graduates high school in 1.5 years and figures out what she's doing, I am planning to leave.

No real black Friday deals for me as I was in Europe for the past 2 weeks and did a bunch of shopping there to take advantage of the "discounted" prices and VAT refund. I went a bit overboard (ok a lot overboard) and have decided one of my main 2024 resolutions will be seeing if I can make it the entire year without any major handbag/shoe purchases and trying to save some money instead. Another is going to be ensuring I actually start using all of my bags instead of just staring at the treasure trove in my closet.

I usually get shopping for my kids done early but I did hit the mall upon my return home on Sunday to pick up a few gifts for my daughter's best friend and her parents, since she has practically been living with them throughout this fiasco. Most of the stores these teen girls like (Kendra Scott, Aerie, Hollister) seemed to be having sales so feel like I lucked out there! Luckily I don't really have many others to purchase for (one upside of having practically no family) but we always select a few kids from the Salvation Army "Angel Tree" to purchase for as well so that's usually a fun and feel-good activity. Now I just want to start wrapping!

Did order some stuff online too while prices seem to be rock bottom - $50 bras from Victoria's Secret for nearly half off, snagged a pair of $100 Ugg slippers for $70 from Nordstrom, and one of those hair dryer brush things (so I can stop stealing the one I bought my daughter for holidays last year) at a big discount but as far as I'm concerned those things are all basically necessities and not frivolous lol

In addition, my daughter's birthday is next week and even though I thought I said I was done with big celebrations last year, she decided she wants to have a Mama-Mia/Abba dance party type theme at a Greek restaurant, based on the Dancing Queen lyric "young and sweet, only 17". Yes, that's apparently a thing.

Anyway, hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Ours was extremely non-traditional as we were traveling but we did attend a "dining in the dark" experience served by waitstaff who is blind/visually impaired. Ended up being a 5 course meal, you had to guess what you were eating, everything was delicious and so interesting with different textures and surprises. Sorry for the long post, happy to be back here amongst my fellow bag lovers.

Everything but your floor replacement sounds delightful. I’m very sorry about your floors. But, please do inundate us to the gills with your bag pics! I’m sure they are stunning! And would love to see all the outfirs for a mamma Mia themed party too !

 

[lill_canele]

Am taking notes thank you Do you happen to have a recommendation for a liquid bath soap that is moisturizing? I googled and found a well rated brand called exzema honey foaming soap, but I don’t think it works very well

Hmm, I'm not super into hydrating/moisturizing bath soaps, mostly because they make the shower/tub floor quite slippery (but I just may be using too much of it).

Of the ones I have used I do enjoy Loccitane's Almond Shower Oil. It's not very rich but I enjoy that's it's a relatively lighter formula that makes my skin feel smooth and soft. But because it's not very rich it may not have as much moisturization you may be looking for.
I also like Nivea's moisturizing body wash range. They have a huge variety, but they have a scale that varies how rich one wants the soap to be. I do like the: In-Shower Body Lotion and Nourishing Care Body Wash.

I have noticed that body soaps or washes infused with oil, like coconut oil, are very moisturizing. So maybe that's a factor to look for?

 

[880]

also like Nivea's moisturizing body wash range. They have a huge variety, but they have a scale that varies how rich one wants the soap to be. I do like the: In-Shower Body Lotion and Nourishing Care Body Wash.

I have noticed that body soaps or washes infused with oil, like coconut oil, are very moisturizing. So maybe that's a factor to look for?

Thank you! I’m going to look for something in the Nivea range, and I’ll specifically look for the in shower lotion and nourishing body care wash. We‘re almost done with our gut renovation (our new place was bought at the end of 2020 to give you a sense of how long lol) and our stone mason gave us a lecture on how all natural oils in shampoos and cleansers can stain stone (even when it’s sealed). He basically said anything that is kind of mainstream and has sulfates is fine, (i couldnt help but think he is also probably anti - all natural peanut butter lol) so Nivea should be perfect Plus, I’m happy with non boutique (read cheaper ) cleansers

re the shop your closet theme, I was thinking why we spent so much designing the right closet for our new place. Part of it was bc we really love clothes and accessories, and part was this idea that if we could see everything, it would be easier to minimize buying unnecessary things. . . Kind of a more sustainable way to think about wardrobes, albeit a pricy one. of course the curved glass for the bag and accessory closet doors broke post installation and have to be refabricated. So another delay. . . But I’m thrilled with it.

 

[Bag peace]

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.

You're absolutely right, thank you for the suggestion. There's a lot of chaos in my life right now so I need to get serious about creating mental peace and calming my mind.

Please meet "curb couch".

I knew this was going to be a masterpiece but, I'm truly blown away by how magnificent it is, especially considering how quickly you made it!

You're beyond talented. I don't know how you could ever doubt yourself when you are such a gifted artist. Your sewing is incredible and your clothing has regularly shown this but, that doesn't translate neatly to leatherwork for most people, yet here you are...effortlessly perfect bags, one after another. You are amazing! On another level!


What kind of interfacing are you using? I used leather interfacing with a couple of my bags but, since I'm hand-stitching them, the interfacing makes the work look very untidy. It's so difficult getting the needle through the layers by hand!

Do you happen to have a recommendation for a liquid bath soap that is moisturizing?

This is not at all what you're asking for but if you drink coffee and aren't averse to DIY-ing, you can try this.
I didn't use that exact recipe because I didn't have sugar or cinnamon handy. I took my used coffee grounds and put them in a jar until I had about 2 cups worth, then added 1/2 cup coconut oil and mixed them up. Didn't bother adding anything more.
I use it as a scrub in the shower once a week and it leaves my skin soooo smooth. It's basically free to make, which is always a bonus!

And would love to see all the outfirs for a mamma Mia themed party too !

Seconded! What a fun theme!

of course the curved glass for the bag and accessory closet doors broke post installation and have to be refabricated. So another delay. . . But I’m thrilled with it.

Sorry the doors broke but I'll never get over just how chic your place looks. You've had such a great vision of the whole space from the start and it's really something seeing it now. So refined! I wanna stay over!

 

[_Moravia_]

Thank you! I’m going to look for something in the Nivea range, and I’ll specifically look for the in shower lotion and nourishing body care wash. We‘re almost done with our gut renovation (our new place was bought at the end of 2020 to give you a sense of how long lol) and our stone mason gave us a lecture on how all natural oils in shampoos and cleansers can stain stone (even when it’s sealed). He basically said anything that is kind of mainstream and has sulfates is fine, (i couldnt help but think he is also probably anti - all natural peanut butter lol) so Nivea should be perfect Plus, I’m happy with non boutique (read cheaper ) cleansers

re the shop your closet theme, I was thinking why we spent so much designing the right closet for our new place. Part of it was bc we really love clothes and accessories, and part was this idea that if we could see everything, it would be easier to minimize buying unnecessary things. . . Kind of a more sustainable way to think about wardrobes, albeit a pricy one. of course the curved glass for the bag and accessory closet doors broke post installation and have to be refabricated. So another delay. . . But I’m thrilled with it.
View attachment 5902042

Looks fab @880! And your rounded sofa-bench is 🔥. Is it Pierre Augustin Rose? I recall you mentioned in another thread that you purchased some pieces from them.

 

[880]

Looks fab @880! And your rounded sofa-bench is 🔥. Is it Pierre Augustin Rose? I recall you mentioned in another thread that you purchased some pieces from them.

Thanks! It’s the confident couch by PAR. We purchased three couches and an end table, and are thinking about an armchair. . it’s significantly less expensive to purchase from Paris. Since shipping can be a shock, it’s good to combine.

@jblended, love your DIY recipe, thank you And thank you so much for your sweet compliment too. It’s our dream place so it was important to get it right. ( we refer to our current place as our hobbit hole, which we will gut renovate for an artists studio for me and an in law guest apt)

 

[Cookiefiend]

Yesterday I spent some time reorganizing my bedside table, which had gotten messy. 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. The skin really takes a beating in winter, and I am preparing a little care tray with items to use before bedtime. The tray holds a jar of rich cream for the hands that get so dry in winter as well as a jar of coconut oil and a small bottle of almond oil, both used as moisturizers. I also repurposed an old handbag that I wasn't using to hold samples and travel sizes of moisturizers that I intend to use up. This year, I added a foot cream and some socks to the tray, to be used at nighttime.
What are some of your winter care strategies to combat dry skin? Also, please share if you have repurposed a handbag and put it to some use around the house.

old school here - I use Vaseline on my finger tips, cuticles, and heels.
I’ll put on my heels and then put on some awful frumpy slipper socks, and let it soak in while reading and ‘watching’ tv. For my fingers (really anywhere on my hands), I just rub it in, and I’ll do it several times over the evening. It’s so painful to have cracked skin on your hands. I’ve even patted it around my eyes.
I’ve started using Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Facial Oil after washing my face, and I love it.

Here’s the Dior cuticle cream
View attachment 5901822
It’s normally on my nightstand but husband is napping so I took it out for a photo.
This is very rich but very sticky. I personally cannot stand sticky products but I compromised and use this at night before I go to bed because it works pretty well.

Another alternative for a nail/cuticle cream is this Loccitane hand cream.
View attachment 5901823
I know it’s for hands but I feel it does a great job for the cuticles as well. Not sticky just needs a bit of time to sink it but it doesn’t take forever like the Dior one.

Here are my 2 go to eye creams:
View attachment 5901824View attachment 5901825
Honestly they both feel the same to me and don’t seem to be that different lol.

I love this sunscreen.
View attachment 5901826
So hydrating but light weight. It does not feel greasy or give that oily shine that some very runny sunscreens have.

My dry skin and fall/winter face moisturizer. (Can be found on Amazon)
View attachment 5901827
I usually go for Khiel’s ultra facial cream but when I need more hydration and TLC, this is wonderful! It can be a little sticky, especially if one uses a generous amount. But it’s best when given a bit of time to absorb prior to putting on sunscreen or other cosmetic products.
(It also helped me recover from a rash I got from testing a face mask.)

<madly scribbling notes>
I love that L’occitane creme - a little goes a long way. ❤️

Thank you! I’m going to look for something in the Nivea range, and I’ll specifically look for the in shower lotion and nourishing body care wash. We‘re almost done with our gut renovation (our new place was bought at the end of 2020 to give you a sense of how long lol) and our stone mason gave us a lecture on how all natural oils in shampoos and cleansers can stain stone (even when it’s sealed). He basically said anything that is kind of mainstream and has sulfates is fine, (i couldnt help but think he is also probably anti - all natural peanut butter lol) so Nivea should be perfect Plus, I’m happy with non boutique (read cheaper ) cleansers

re the shop your closet theme, I was thinking why we spent so much designing the right closet for our new place. Part of it was bc we really love clothes and accessories, and part was this idea that if we could see everything, it would be easier to minimize buying unnecessary things. . . Kind of a more sustainable way to think about wardrobes, albeit a pricy one. of course the curved glass for the bag and accessory closet doors broke post installation and have to be refabricated. So another delay. . . But I’m thrilled with it.
View attachment 5902042

How beautiful!

 

[whateve]

old school here - I use Vaseline on my finger tips, cuticles, and heels.
I’ll put on my heels and then put on some awful frumpy slipper socks, and let it soak in while reading and ‘watching’ tv. For my fingers (really anywhere on my hands), I just rub it in, and I’ll do it several times over the evening. It’s so painful to have cracked skin on your hands. I’ve even patted it around my eyes.
I’ve started using Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Facial Oil after washing my face, and I love it.

<madly scribbling notes>
I love that L’occitane creme - a little goes a long way. ❤️

How beautiful!

Vaseline is the only thing I use on my lips.

I've used several products on my hands. Right now I'm using CeraVe.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Here’s the Dior cuticle cream

It’s normally on my nightstand but husband is napping so I took it out for a photo.
This is very rich but very sticky. I personally cannot stand sticky products but I compromised and use this at night before I go to bed because it works pretty well.

I don't like sticky products for daytime either but it's okay for bedtime. Thanks for sharing these.

old school here - I use Vaseline on my finger tips, cuticles, and heels.
I’ll put on my heels and then put on some awful frumpy slipper socks, and let it soak in while reading and ‘watching’ tv. For my fingers (really anywhere on my hands), I just rub it in, and I’ll do it several times over the evening. It’s so painful to have cracked skin on your hands. I’ve even patted it around my eyes.
I’ve started using Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Facial Oil after washing my face, and I love it.

I've been liking oils this season, so I am going to check out the one by Caudalie.

 

[stacy_natalie]

re the shop your closet theme, I was thinking why we spent so much designing the right closet for our new place. Part of it was bc we really love clothes and accessories, and part was this idea that if we could see everything, it would be easier to minimize buying unnecessary things. . . Kind of a more sustainable way to think about wardrobes, albeit a pricy one. of course the curved glass for the bag and accessory closet doors broke post installation and have to be refabricated. So another delay. . . But I’m thrilled with it.
View attachment 5902042

Closet and sofa are stunning! I recently did a custom closet but sadly, I don't have nearly as much space as you. That would be a dream.... so happy for you!

 

[880]

Thank you @Cookiefiend and @stacy_natalie
I’ll actually have a bit less storage space in our new place bc DH and I will share
were thinking we will keep off season stuff in our old place. lol

 

[Cookiefiend]

November stats - a little early!

Purses in or out - 0
Scarves in or out - 2 in, 0 out - One changeant moussie , and 1 90

Purses carried - 7 different bags; most often carried was the LV Pallas... and I got a couple of compliments on it!

I didn't finish a single book and didn't make a single donation ... but I have finished almost all of my Christmas shopping, and decorating.