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.

 

[Bag peace]

My life is about to change completely. I´m looking forward to it and ever since I broke up I´ve been feeling so much more myself than I´ve been for a very long time.
Wish me luck, please.

You are wise and brave. It takes an unshakable strength to face such a hard truth and admit to yourself that a situation is toxic. Many people would just endure it because a change would be too scary. I'm beyond proud of you! You will be fine and your kids will make sure of that, I'm certain. This is an adventure, a fresh start, and a chance to be true to yourself.

 

[880]

Hi my dear purse friends,
I´m really sorry for not being here for such a long time. I really do miss the experience! But unfortunately it might be another while until I can enjoy it again.

Spoiler: please let me explain

My life is totally upside down right now.
I split up from my partner and my son 3 weeks ago and I will be going "back home" to where I came from 16 years ago into this crazy boheme dream of living in a train station in the East, back to where my grown up children are.

We had some traumatic events here and I suddenly knew with absolute clarity that I do not belong here and do not want to get older here, stay until I die. And that my relationship has been pointless, possibly even toxic, for far too long.

My boy immediately noticed something was wrong with me and when I told him- before I told anyone else, all he said was." I´ve been wanting to leave for a long time, too. When do we go?" "Asap," I replied.

So ever since I´ve been purging my belongings, mentally and physically letting go of more than I can imagine and packing boxes...

Fortunately back home I still have an apartment and even a job to go back to eventually. I´m a civil servant and have been on unpaid leave since 1997... the time window for unpaid leave will close eventually and I certainly won´t quit. (Even though the idea of going back to work scares me very much.)

My life is about to change completely. I´m looking forward to it and ever since I broke up I´ve been feeling so much more myself than I´ve been for a very long time.
Wish me luck, please.

Congratulations on having the courage to change! I truly admire you, and I am so glad your boy is so supportive. I hope you keep all of us updated. Hugs and sending you positive energy!

 

[dcooney4]

Thank you my friend! As soon as everything is organized and packed up here (I´ll be getting there!) I hope to have more time to spend online.
And later, once back home and settled in (how to fit all my and my boy´s things into a tiny apartment? How to get wifi in there when I don´t even know where in the house the phone line comes in? How to help my boy to settle into a new school in the middle of the term? How to get my car repaired and pass the Tüv? ....) my time will be much more mine!

I am proud of you getting out of a toxic situation.

 

[stacy_natalie]

Thank you! I´m scared s...s for sure, but the knot in my stomach that actually got so bad recently that I developed stomach muscles has receded and I feel so much more like myself.
No tip-toe-ing anymore!
I have nothing to lose here! Being alone, not lovable, ugly, not sufficient or silly has stopped threatening me. I can speak up!
No is a full sentence!
Every box I pack brings me closer to the departure date and what I leave behind, I leave with a light heart. Items might be lovely, but not important enough to tie me down. What stays here is stuff I won´t cry about in case I never see it again.
My children- especially my two boys are very supportive- to an extent I feel pure love.

Glad to hear you have such a positive attitude, even knowing the road ahead will be challenging. Sometimes its easier to stay bc even though we know its toxic, it is also familiar and comfortable. Proud you are taking the steps to create a new familiar and comfortable for yourself. You will become stronger and love yourself more in the end. You and your children will be proud and self worth is worth more than any tangible asset/ item!

ETA: not sure this will be possible for you but I've found it's easier to truly move on with a clean break and no contact whatsoever. It's hard to break old habits and I find every time I engage in so much as a simple text, I'm right back to feeling yucky in a way I don't when I maintain zero contact.

 

[DME]

@dcooney, I’ve been adding to my Jellycat collection; I especially love their bag charms. Got a pig charm on Friday to add to my pig collection (DH and DD each have a set of the bigger and smaller pigs, too, so we could start a farm here!). Thought you might enjoy this “in action” shot .

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Hi my dear purse friends,
I´m really sorry for not being here for such a long time. I really do miss the experience! But unfortunately it might be another while until I can enjoy it again.

Spoiler: please let me explain

My life is totally upside down right now.
I split up from my partner and my son 3 weeks ago and I will be going "back home" to where I came from 16 years ago into this crazy boheme dream of living in a train station in the East, back to where my grown up children are.

We had some traumatic events here and I suddenly knew with absolute clarity that I do not belong here and do not want to get older here, stay until I die. And that my relationship has been pointless, possibly even toxic, for far too long.

My boy immediately noticed something was wrong with me and when I told him- before I told anyone else, all he said was." I´ve been wanting to leave for a long time, too. When do we go?" "Asap," I replied.

So ever since I´ve been purging my belongings, mentally and physically letting go of more than I can imagine and packing boxes...

Fortunately back home I still have an apartment and even a job to go back to eventually. I´m a civil servant and have been on unpaid leave since 1997... the time window for unpaid leave will close eventually and I certainly won´t quit. (Even though the idea of going back to work scares me very much.)

My life is about to change completely. I´m looking forward to it and ever since I broke up I´ve been feeling so much more myself than I´ve been for a very long time.
Wish me luck, please.

Dear @cowgirlsboots, I wanted to wish you the very best as you embark on this new chapter in your life. Kudos to you for having the courage to make changes, and I am so glad you have the support of your children. Big hugs to you and keep in touch when possible.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

@dcooney, I’ve been adding to my Jellycat collection; I especially love their bag charms. Got a pig charm on Friday to add to my pig collection (DH and DD each have a set of the bigger and smaller pigs, too, so we could start a farm here!). Thought you might enjoy this “in action” shot .

View attachment 5955957

How sweet is this!

 

[Kfka_btsea]

Lady’s Watches of the early 20th century are mechanical - they are much more intricate than their gentleman’s equivalent and the pieces are very small - a tribute to The horological arts.

I have two cocktail/dress watches, one from the 1920s and one from the late 50s and last time I had one serviced - just cleaning and checking the springs, mind you - it was over $1500. And that was ten years ago.

I have a theory that the reason Rolex watches have survived a century, while Hamiltons of the same era have become gear/art projects is because people are more likely to pay to maintain a Rolex.

Yeah the maintenance is probably a nightmare.

If mine spoils (I bought it for the overall design, it’s mid century, solid platinum sprinkled with ~4 to 4.5 tcw of nice quality diamonds), I might just convert it into a bracelet and plop a cheap custom cut coloured stone in the centre

 

[cecchetti]

Hi my dear purse friends,
I´m really sorry for not being here for such a long time. I really do miss the experience! But unfortunately it might be another while until I can enjoy it again.

Spoiler: please let me explain

My life is totally upside down right now.
I split up from my partner and my son 3 weeks ago and I will be going "back home" to where I came from 16 years ago into this crazy boheme dream of living in a train station in the East, back to where my grown up children are.

We had some traumatic events here and I suddenly knew with absolute clarity that I do not belong here and do not want to get older here, stay until I die. And that my relationship has been pointless, possibly even toxic, for far too long.

My boy immediately noticed something was wrong with me and when I told him- before I told anyone else, all he said was." I´ve been wanting to leave for a long time, too. When do we go?" "Asap," I replied.

So ever since I´ve been purging my belongings, mentally and physically letting go of more than I can imagine and packing boxes...

Fortunately back home I still have an apartment and even a job to go back to eventually. I´m a civil servant and have been on unpaid leave since 1997... the time window for unpaid leave will close eventually and I certainly won´t quit. (Even though the idea of going back to work scares me very much.)

My life is about to change completely. I´m looking forward to it and ever since I broke up I´ve been feeling so much more myself than I´ve been for a very long time.
Wish me luck, please.

Sending love and good luck and a happier future for both you and your sons❤️❤️

 

[cecchetti]

@dcooney, I’ve been adding to my Jellycat collection; I especially love their bag charms. Got a pig charm on Friday to add to my pig collection (DH and DD each have a set of the bigger and smaller pigs, too, so we could start a farm here!). Thought you might enjoy this “in action” shot .

View attachment 5955957

That’s Adorable !
My Mum has dementia, and has filled my parents’ home with toys pigs(much to my Dad’s complete horror!)- maybe I’ll buy her one..

 

[Cookiefiend]

Hi my dear purse friends,
I´m really sorry for not being here for such a long time. I really do miss the experience! But unfortunately it might be another while until I can enjoy it again.

Spoiler: please let me explain

My life is totally upside down right now.
I split up from my partner and my son 3 weeks ago and I will be going "back home" to where I came from 16 years ago into this crazy boheme dream of living in a train station in the East, back to where my grown up children are.

We had some traumatic events here and I suddenly knew with absolute clarity that I do not belong here and do not want to get older here, stay until I die. And that my relationship has been pointless, possibly even toxic, for far too long.

My boy immediately noticed something was wrong with me and when I told him- before I told anyone else, all he said was." I´ve been wanting to leave for a long time, too. When do we go?" "Asap," I replied.

So ever since I´ve been purging my belongings, mentally and physically letting go of more than I can imagine and packing boxes...

Fortunately back home I still have an apartment and even a job to go back to eventually. I´m a civil servant and have been on unpaid leave since 1997... the time window for unpaid leave will close eventually and I certainly won´t quit. (Even though the idea of going back to work scares me very much.)

My life is about to change completely. I´m looking forward to it and ever since I broke up I´ve been feeling so much more myself than I´ve been for a very long time.
Wish me luck, please.

Sending you love and luck.
Kudos to you for having the courage to make this change, and <cheers> to a better and happier life ahead.

 

[DME]

That’s Adorable !
My Mum has dementia, and has filled my parents’ home with toys pigs(much to my Dad’s complete horror!)- maybe I’ll buy her one..

These JellyCat pigs are the best! I have four, and DH and DD each have two. They have stories. One of them in the photo comes to work with me every day to stare down obnoxious coworkers. If only they knew!

I think JellyCat is a UK company? Selfridges had an amazing number last time we were in London.

 

[cecchetti]

These JellyCat pigs are the best! I have four, and DH and DD each have two. They have stories. One of them in the photo comes to work with me every day to stare down obnoxious coworkers. If only they knew!

I think JellyCat is a UK company? Selfridges had an amazing number last time we were in London.

I didn’t know they were British-I’ve only come across them once-a very young friend(21!), was buying them for her 19 year old best friend in Henley on Thames.
I loved the porridge with blueberries one!

I’ll have to go back and buy some for my Mum!!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

How are you all? I haven't disappeared from the surface of the earth even though it must look like it. Sorry! I am missing all of you and this save space very much!
High time to get my act together and catch up!
Live has been slow and fairly uneventful for me lately. My boy and I are just being, breathing, enjoying our new surroundings.
The place still isn't finished.. Things have stalled a bit. It's only little things to do, finishing touches like hanging a new bathroom lamp or mirrors or adding handles to the wardrobe.... Things I need a hero who knows how to use a drill for. Haha! Often enough I Wish I had learned a proper job- one that teaches you practical things.
My bags have all found proper storage places- the designer bags in the very first proper glass fronted cabinets of my life in my bedroom and the vintage bags in the living room cabinets and some open bedroom shelves. I was shocked to see how very few of my vintage bags I actually took with me. I had so many and obviously culled the collection with a vengeance... I guess I regret a bit that I limited myself so much.