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]

Dear all,

After a transformational 12 months I’m popping in to say Hi as I was suddenly thinking of you all. I hope you are all well and happy as the festive session approaches. I won’t go into details other than to say I was hugely unwell at the end of last year. A product of some awful past experiences that left me struggling with life. 12 months later so much has happened both with my parents and immediate family plus with my recovery and personal experiences. Im doing ok but now work part time to stay healthy and am in the process of reporting a lot of what happened a long time ago to various authorities.

Anyway, on bags, being unwell reduced my carrying. It probably also reduced my joy in my collection for a while. I haven’t bought anything for nearly a year. I love certain pieces but others sit doing nothing. My shopping has been more limited but centred around jewellery for my new multi lobe piercings - midlife crisis or making a statement about me. Diamonds are good for the soul right?

I’m now considering selling some of my collection. Things I’m less likely to carry because I have similar others I love more. Items my DDs won’t want as I’ll keep some for them. But it’s hard to part with things that were once so loved and tell a story. I will not sell any way than taking them to a specialist second hand shop (I have way too much going on to deal with anything else) so I’ll get very little back that I paid but perhaps enough to buy something I love more now.

I hope you are all well and any advice gratefully received. Should I part with my Bayswater that started my mulberry love for example or is it part of my history. Should I focus on rehoming the Coach bags I don’t carry now. Or do I just keep them all - so hard to decide.

Kat

@Katinahat , I cannot say it better than @jblended and others have. Concentrate on your health and wellbeing, and you will know when it’s the right time to let go of things That you once loved. Glad to see you here again! Hugs

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Dear all,

After a transformational 12 months I’m popping in to say Hi as I was suddenly thinking of you all. I hope you are all well and happy as the festive session approaches. I won’t go into details other than to say I was hugely unwell at the end of last year. A product of some awful past experiences that left me struggling with life. 12 months later so much has happened both with my parents and immediate family plus with my recovery and personal experiences. Im doing ok but now work part time to stay healthy and am in the process of reporting a lot of what happened a long time ago to various authorities.

Anyway, on bags, being unwell reduced my carrying. It probably also reduced my joy in my collection for a while. I haven’t bought anything for nearly a year. I love certain pieces but others sit doing nothing. My shopping has been more limited but centred around jewellery for my new multi lobe piercings - midlife crisis or making a statement about me. Diamonds are good for the soul right?

I’m now considering selling some of my collection. Things I’m less likely to carry because I have similar others I love more. Items my DDs won’t want as I’ll keep some for them. But it’s hard to part with things that were once so loved and tell a story. I will not sell any way than taking them to a specialist second hand shop (I have way too much going on to deal with anything else) so I’ll get very little back that I paid but perhaps enough to buy something I love more now.

I hope you are all well and any advice gratefully received. Should I part with my Bayswater that started my mulberry love for example or is it part of my history. Should I focus on rehoming the Coach bags I don’t carry now. Or do I just keep them all - so hard to decide.

Kat

So good to hear from you, and glad that you are doing well. You have been missed.
Regarding the bags, I agree with others to set aside the ones you are unsure about for a little bit, and see how you feel in a month or two. When it comes to letting go of bags, you may want to ask yourself how easy it will be to replace it if you miss it down the road. There are ebbs and flows in our lives and although you have not used them for a while, that may change in the future. Ultimately, trust your inner voice and do whatever feels right to you. Hugs!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Dear all,

After a transformational 12 months I’m popping in to say Hi as I was suddenly thinking of you all. I hope you are all well and happy as the festive session approaches. I won’t go into details other than to say I was hugely unwell at the end of last year. A product of some awful past experiences that left me struggling with life. 12 months later so much has happened both with my parents and immediate family plus with my recovery and personal experiences. Im doing ok but now work part time to stay healthy and am in the process of reporting a lot of what happened a long time ago to various authorities.

Anyway, on bags, being unwell reduced my carrying. It probably also reduced my joy in my collection for a while. I haven’t bought anything for nearly a year. I love certain pieces but others sit doing nothing. My shopping has been more limited but centred around jewellery for my new multi lobe piercings - midlife crisis or making a statement about me. Diamonds are good for the soul right?

I’m now considering selling some of my collection. Things I’m less likely to carry because I have similar others I love more. Items my DDs won’t want as I’ll keep some for them. But it’s hard to part with things that were once so loved and tell a story. I will not sell any way than taking them to a specialist second hand shop (I have way too much going on to deal with anything else) so I’ll get very little back that I paid but perhaps enough to buy something I love more now.

I hope you are all well and any advice gratefully received. Should I part with my Bayswater that started my mulberry love for example or is it part of my history. Should I focus on rehoming the Coach bags I don’t carry now. Or do I just keep them all - so hard to decide.

Kat

It´s so nice to see you back!

 

[Bag peace]

Topic for discussion:
I've just realized that I'm probably never going to own another exotic. As much as I admire them, I don't like owning/using them. The only exception is my mum's ostrich bag, which is aging so beautifully. I would consider adding another ostrich (in navy blue or grey) at some point, but I have no interest in lizard, snakeskin, stingray, etc.
I even hesitate with the ostrich because I know some people will squirm when they see it, so I feel guilty!

How do you feel about exotics? Am I alone in my fondness for ostrich? (I always feel like I am, lol.)

____
Edit:
@880 Tagging you because you buy H rtw...where are the H outfits posted on tpf? The 'H in Action' thread is mostly bags, but I've discovered I really like some of H's rtw and would like to see how people are styling their pieces. I'm sure I've seen a thread for clothing but can't seem to find it now. Thank you!

 

[lill_canele]

Topic for discussion:
I've just realized that I'm probably never going to own another exotic. As much as I admire them, I don't like owning/using them. The only exception is my mum's ostrich bag, which is aging so beautifully. I would consider adding another ostrich (in navy blue or grey) at some point, but I have no interest in lizard, snakeskin, stingray, etc.
I even hesitate with the ostrich because I know some people will squirm when they see it, so I feel guilty!

How do you feel about exotics? Am I alone in my fondness for ostrich? (I always feel like I am, lol.)

____
Edit:
@880 Tagging you because you buy H rtw...where are the H outfits posted on tpf? The 'H in Action' thread is mostly bags, but I've discovered I really like some of H's rtw and would like to see how people are styling their pieces. I'm sure I've seen a thread for clothing but can't seem to find it now. Thank you!

I'm in a similar boat. I love exotics but honestly I am not a careful person. I know some exotics are hardier than others (like ostrich), but at this point in time I know I can't handle taking care of one.

I was offered a kelly touch earlier this year, but I declined. It was stunning, but I don't trust myself, not yet at least haha.

If I were to get an exotic. I would love to have a full lizard top handle (flexible with brand), a birkin touch in crocodile, or a birkin in ostrich...or you know, maybe all of them one day.

 

[nyeredzi]

<snip>

On another note, I've noticed some wear on my Gucci Aphrodite, which I've only had for 6 months or so, and my Polene Numero Neuf, which I've had for a little less than a year. I've worn these bags 38 and 40 times (I have a spreadsheet ). The Gucci is faring worse, and I really haven't had it long at all. I admit to being a bit disappointed about this, since it's my most expensive bag but seems to show wear just as fast (perhaps faster?) than others I have. Oh well, so it is. I'll take it as a life lesson.

View attachment 5885354

I have an update on this bag. I took it in, and they accepted it for repair. They kept it for about 3 weeks and said it was completed. It looks a lot better. Maybe not all the way up to 'good as new', but pretty good. Looks like they basically painted over it, lol. I'm no repair expert, so I don't really know what they did and didn't ask. Customer service was very kind and responsive, I think 3 weeks is pretty timely, and the repair itself is decent, so I'm pretty satisfied.

 

[whateve]

Topic for discussion:
I've just realized that I'm probably never going to own another exotic. As much as I admire them, I don't like owning/using them. The only exception is my mum's ostrich bag, which is aging so beautifully. I would consider adding another ostrich (in navy blue or grey) at some point, but I have no interest in lizard, snakeskin, stingray, etc.
I even hesitate with the ostrich because I know some people will squirm when they see it, so I feel guilty!

How do you feel about exotics? Am I alone in my fondness for ostrich? (I always feel like I am, lol.)

____
Edit:
@880 Tagging you because you buy H rtw...where are the H outfits posted on tpf? The 'H in Action' thread is mostly bags, but I've discovered I really like some of H's rtw and would like to see how people are styling their pieces. I'm sure I've seen a thread for clothing but can't seem to find it now. Thank you!

I don't really have anything against exotics. I own leather bags so I'm not a vegetarian. However, I'm fine with fake exotics, like leather that has been textured to look like an exotic. Sometimes I like them better than the real thing because they are easier to take care of and don't feel gross. I hate the feel of some exotics, like python, which is illegal where I live anyway. I love ostrich and stingray. I don't own any exotics currently, with the exception of small amounts of snakeskin on some of my keychains.

 

[DME]

Topic for discussion:
I've just realized that I'm probably never going to own another exotic. As much as I admire them, I don't like owning/using them. The only exception is my mum's ostrich bag, which is aging so beautifully. I would consider adding another ostrich (in navy blue or grey) at some point, but I have no interest in lizard, snakeskin, stingray, etc.
I even hesitate with the ostrich because I know some people will squirm when they see it, so I feel guilty!

How do you feel about exotics? Am I alone in my fondness for ostrich? (I always feel like I am, lol.)

I mostly admire from afar. Nothing against them; they’re just not for me. I prefer skins I don’t have to baby and that hold up better over time, and it’s my understanding that exotics are the exact opposite of what I’m looking for in a bag. In a perfect world, I would own a Himalaya Birkin, size 30, palladium hardware, but there are so many reasons why that will never happen, not the least of which is I’m not important enough for Hermes to offer me one. Hah!

 

[Bag peace]

Customer service was very kind and responsive, I think 3 weeks is pretty timely, and the repair itself is decent, so I'm pretty satisfied.

So happy for you! The repair looks really well done. I hope you can enjoy carrying it without any more issues.

I would love to have a full lizard top handle (flexible with brand)

Having seen some of your outfit posts, I think a top handle in lizard, in particular, would totally fit your vibe!

However, I'm fine with fake exotics, like leather that has been textured to look like an exotic.

That's the conclusion I've come to for myself. Initially my focus was on sourcing ethical exotics, like my python skin bag where the village would eat the meat so the skin was a by-product. However, now that I've owned and handled a few exotics, I'm realizing that they're not for me. I'm perfectly happy with a croc-print. I don't have any exotics left (originally had 2) and I'm happier for it.
I like when Coach has a touch of snakeskin (like on the handles and on keychains, as you mentioned) but I doubt I'd buy anything with it again.

there are so many reasons why that will never happen, not the least of which is I’m not important enough for Hermes to offer me one. Hah!

Ah, their loss!
ITA. I like them from afar. I have seen some gorgeous exotics but I now know that I don't want them for myself.

It's taken me a lot of time to figure out what works for me and what doesn't. Several of the bags I gave away this year were supposed to be 'forever' bags but turned out to be wrong in practice. That's why I started thinking about what I'd do differently and realized exotics is one thing I'm not dipping back into, as well as realizing I will always prefer a zippered bag to a flap bag. I don't know why, lol.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

How do you feel about exotics? Am I alone in my fondness for ostrich? (I always feel like I am, lol.)

I have mixed feelings about exotics. I don't know enough about them, but anything that's high maintenance is challenging and not for me. Also, it seems like it's not easy to travel with them (please correct me if I'm wrong). That said, some of the bags are beautiful, especially the croc ones. Bottega Veneta uses exotic leather quite creatively and artistically, especially in their older bags like the knot clutches. However, overall, I too prefer to admire exotics from afar. I have one bag from Ferragamo -- my dark orange Joanne shoulder bag -- which is an exotic (reptile) but it has been low maintenance so far.

 

[whateve]

So happy for you! The repair looks really well done. I hope you can enjoy carrying it without any more issues.


Having seen some of your outfit posts, I think a top handle in lizard, in particular, would totally fit your vibe!


That's the conclusion I've come to for myself. Initially my focus was on sourcing ethical exotics, like my python skin bag where the village would eat the meat so the skin was a by-product. However, now that I've owned and handled a few exotics, I'm realizing that they're not for me. I'm perfectly happy with a croc-print. I don't have any exotics left (originally had 2) and I'm happier for it.
I like when Coach has a touch of snakeskin (like on the handles and on keychains, as you mentioned) but I doubt I'd buy anything with it again.


Ah, their loss!
ITA. I like them from afar. I have seen some gorgeous exotics but I now know that I don't want them for myself.

It's taken me a lot of time to figure out what works for me and what doesn't. Several of the bags I gave away this year were supposed to be 'forever' bags but turned out to be wrong in practice. That's why I started thinking about what I'd do differently and realized exotics is one thing I'm not dipping back into, as well as realizing I will always prefer a zippered bag to a flap bag. I don't know why, lol.

I think for me there is no such thing as a forever bag. What I loved 10 years ago isn't what I love (in bags) now. I'm sure 10 years from now, I'll probably like different things than I do now. Sometimes what attracts me to a new bag is that it is different from what I already own. I'm comfortable not investing a large amount of money into any one bag so there is not as much guilt when I fall out of love with it.

 

[Bag peace]

Also, it seems like it's not easy to travel with them (please correct me if I'm wrong).

In my experience, this is not an issue. If the bag is for personal use (as your carry on or even packed in luggage), nobody has a problem. It's when you move to another country that the paperwork has to be in order. Even then, it depends on where you're going and how many you have (one or two don't raise flags, but 20 might because it looks like you'll resell them which may be illegal, depending on the country). That's just been my limited experience, though. Others are free to correct me if I'm mistaken.

I think for me there is no such thing as a forever bag. What I loved 10 years ago isn't what I love (in bags) now.

That's exactly it! I wish I'd figured it out sooner but, that's where I'm at now. I'm realizing that my collection will probably keep evolving to suit my changing taste. I guess it's just like everything else in life, where we may outgrow something or tire of it eventually. Well, aside from one's spouse, I would hope!

 

[jbags07]

Dear all,

After a transformational 12 months I’m popping in to say Hi as I was suddenly thinking of you all. I hope you are all well and happy as the festive session approaches. I won’t go into details other than to say I was hugely unwell at the end of last year. A product of some awful past experiences that left me struggling with life. 12 months later so much has happened both with my parents and immediate family plus with my recovery and personal experiences. Im doing ok but now work part time to stay healthy and am in the process of reporting a lot of what happened a long time ago to various authorities.

Anyway, on bags, being unwell reduced my carrying. It probably also reduced my joy in my collection for a while. I haven’t bought anything for nearly a year. I love certain pieces but others sit doing nothing. My shopping has been more limited but centred around jewellery for my new multi lobe piercings - midlife crisis or making a statement about me. Diamonds are good for the soul right?

I’m now considering selling some of my collection. Things I’m less likely to carry because I have similar others I love more. Items my DDs won’t want as I’ll keep some for them. But it’s hard to part with things that were once so loved and tell a story. I will not sell any way than taking them to a specialist second hand shop (I have way too much going on to deal with anything else) so I’ll get very little back that I paid but perhaps enough to buy something I love more now.

I hope you are all well and any advice gratefully received. Should I part with my Bayswater that started my mulberry love for example or is it part of my history. Should I focus on rehoming the Coach bags I don’t carry now. Or do I just keep them all - so hard to decide.

Kat

Hi Kat i hope the new year brings healing and love into your life. You sound incredibly brave and strong

I echo what the others said about waiting to be sure about which bags to let go of. Try carrying them all to see if any spark that joy, and if not, as others suggested, sometimes as we change and grow, we outgrow our bags. And it can be fun to let go of old ones and replace with new and different bags.

Dearest Kat! So good to see you back.
I'm so incredibly proud of you for reporting. It's incredibly difficult but absolutely the right thing to do. It may be the one thing that brings you peace, once and for all.
You've been so brave in sharing your experience on here and with your family. You deserve to be free of this burden and I hope with all my heart that this is one step closer to that freedom.
I'm so proud of you. You're a superwoman.
Be well and hopefully we'll see more of you around here in the new year.


I believe you should. We often outgrow things that we thought would be forever. Life happens, circumstances change. If there are things you're not using and genuinely won't miss, let them go.
Your story isn't tied to the physical object. You'll always remember your first Mulbs, even if it's not sitting on the shelf. There are others that bring you joy now and you can focus on those. Life should be filled with the things that make you instantly smile.

I've had to let go of some of my bespoke creations- some wore out entirely, one I sold recently. I reminded myself that the memory of acquiring the bag from those artisans will always be with me. I had them, loved them, and released them. It's okay to do that and decluttering can give you room to breathe.

Put them away for a bit and, if you don't miss them, let them go and bring joy to others. If you do miss them, then you know you're not ready yet and can bring them back into your rotation and fall in love with them all over again. Win-win.

Love what u said about how we often outgrow things we thought would be forever……it’s so true. Letting go of things that no longer work for us can bring such peace and satisfaction too. Especually if they move on to folks who will enjoy them.

Topic for discussion:
I've just realized that I'm probably never going to own another exotic. As much as I admire them, I don't like owning/using them. The only exception is my mum's ostrich bag, which is aging so beautifully. I would consider adding another ostrich (in navy blue or grey) at some point, but I have no interest in lizard, snakeskin, stingray, etc.
I even hesitate with the ostrich because I know some people will squirm when they see it, so I feel guilty!

How do you feel about exotics? Am I alone in my fondness for ostrich? (I always feel like I am, lol.)

____
Edit:
@880 Tagging you because you buy H rtw...where are the H outfits posted on tpf? The 'H in Action' thread is mostly bags, but I've discovered I really like some of H's rtw and would like to see how people are styling their pieces. I'm sure I've seen a thread for clothing but can't seem to find it now. Thank you!

I might be the odd one out here but i adore exotics and own many different kinds, all are older Bottega…Old Bottega exotics are incredible quality and i have not really had issues, aside from slight peeling of snakeskin scales….i’ve never gotten strange looks using my ostrich, maybe its where i live? A friend refers to them as my chicken pox bags tho

I have an update on this bag. I took it in, and they accepted it for repair. They kept it for about 3 weeks and said it was completed. It looks a lot better. Maybe not all the way up to 'good as new', but pretty good. Looks like they basically painted over it, lol. I'm no repair expert, so I don't really know what they did and didn't ask. Customer service was very kind and responsive, I think 3 weeks is pretty timely, and the repair itself is decent, so I'm pretty satisfied.

View attachment 5913861

Wow this looks really good! Will they honor the repair if future issues arise in that same area?

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

What I loved 10 years ago isn't what I love (in bags) now.

This is interesting to read because when I think back on what I loved 10 years ago, I realize that the style of bags I've owned has been fairly consistent. Satchels with two top handles and a longer detachable shoulder strap have always been my preference. When using a longer shoulder strap, I prefer shoulder carry to crossbody. There was a short period of time during covid lockdowns when I preferred to be hands free, and was drawn to crossbody bags for that reason, but crossbody is not my preferred method of carrying a bag. If I have to use a long strap, I would rather carry it as a shoulder bag.

 

[Bag peace]

Especually if they move on to folks who will enjoy them.

This is the secret for me when I'm releasing stuff. I figure I had it, it made me smile, now it can make someone else just as happy. I'm very lucky never to have regretted letting go of anything and I think it's because I approach the process in this manner.

I might be the odd one out here but i adore exotics and own many different kinds, all are older Bottega…Old Bottega exotics are incredible quality and i have not really had issues, aside from slight peeling of snakeskin scales….i’ve never gotten strange looks using my ostrich, maybe its where i live? A friend refers to them as my chicken pox bags tho

Ah, the second BV mention. I desperately wanted a BV in grey ostrich I saw once. It was stunning. I never did figure out what the model was. I remember it was a small shoulder bag with a flap. Not the flap nodini because it was just ostrich with no knots, but it may have had whiplash/lacing on the side? I can't recall exactly. But the fact that I still remember that bag so long after seeing it tells me that it was that special.
Ostrich is often seen as pimply leather or chicken poxy-ish. I've seen people visibly squirm at the sight of ostrich bags, and one friend recoiles at any snakeskin. I get really self-conscious because people can have sensitivities or phobias. Then again, I'm probably overthinking it!