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.

 

[dcooney4]

Happy New Year all!

I actually have no goals for 2023 in terms of buying or selling. I'm just going to follow my heart. I've had a tough year last year(witnessed my mom's passing at hospice after an extended stay) so I'm going to keep it easy this year.
In terms of wearing bags, I'm still just going to follow my heart.
So I guess following my heart is my goal.

That said, I've been really enjoying featherweight bags lately.
This Moynat Yoyo bag is the lightest bag I own and for that reason, I really use this bag a lot. (There's a tiny amount of cream on the bag from the waffle in the 2nd picture) View attachment 5682161View attachment 5682164

Sounds like a good plan. Sorry for your loss. I got to go in the Moynat store in December and I really liked their bags.

 

[Sunshine mama]

Sounds like a good plan. Sorry for your loss. I got to go in the Moynat store in December and I really liked their bags.

Thank you! I think it's an achievable plan.

 

[Bag peace]

Question for the group: do you have a bag in your collection that you didn't fully love until you started using it?

I was just saying to someone that one of the bags I was gifted years ago has become my grab-and-go everyday bag. It's been such a surprise for me!

It's this tiny crossbody in oxblood from Vince Camuto. Don't have a pic of the bag when I first got it so this pic is from the web (just to show original colour).

It was this really bumpy leather (a rough grain and really weird texture- not sure if it was a faulty bag or all of them have that texture) and the colour was oxblood but read very brown, which never works for me.
I put it aside to donate several times but didn't want to let it go because it was a gift and I adore the person who gave it to me.

Eventually I decided to re-dye it, and now, it's literally my everyday bag and has been the one I've used most in the past couple of years! I love the new colour! Plus the process of stripping the original colour and re-dying it made the leather super soft and supple to the touch, smoothing out all the bumpy grains that were in the original bag.

New colour is this sage metallic green (on both front of bootie and bag) after I played around with dyes and mica:


Plus bonus picture with bag in the background. This random Tuxedo cat decided to join me while I was drinking coffee and almost followed me home!



Anyone have a bag they did a 180-turn on? Which bag was it, why wasn't it working and what changed your mind?

 

[Sunshine mama]

I'm so sorry, SSM!
Sending you strength and love as you navigate this loss.


It's a beautiful goal and something I need to remember. Life's too difficult and too short to live by set rules. Following our hearts is where it's at!

Your Moynat is a stunner. I have a soft spot for round bags but, your photos always make me want jump through the screen! You have a way of making each bag picture look like a gateway to a magical fairytale land!

Thank you for your kind words.
And thank you for the validation regarding my photos. That means a lot to me! I love sharing photos and seeing everyone else's beautiful photos here on tPF.

 

[Sunshine mama]

Question for the group: do you have a bag in your collection that you didn't fully love until you started using it?

I was just saying to someone that one of the bags I was gifted years ago has become my grab-and-go everyday bag. It's been such a surprise for me!

It's this tiny crossbody in oxblood from Vince Camuto. Don't have a pic of the bag when I first got it so this pic is from the web (just to show original colour).
View attachment 5682508
It was this really bumpy leather (a rough grain and really weird texture- not sure if it was a faulty bag or all of them have that texture) and the colour was oxblood but read very brown, which never works for me.
I put it aside to donate several times but didn't want to let it go because it was a gift and I adore the person who gave it to me.

Eventually I decided to re-dye it, and now, it's literally my everyday bag and has been the one I've used most in the past couple of years! I love the new colour! Plus the process of stripping the original colour and re-dying it made the leather super soft and supple to the touch, smoothing out all the bumpy grains that were in the original bag.

New colour is this sage metallic green (on both front of bootie and bag) after I played around with dyes and mica:

View attachment 5682509
Plus bonus picture with bag in the background. This random Tuxedo cat decided to join me while I was drinking coffee and almost followed me home!

View attachment 5682510

Anyone have a bag they did a 180-turn on? Which bag was it, why wasn't it working and what changed your mind?

Wow that bag is impressive! What kind of stripper did you use?
Re loving bags by using: this happens to me ALL the time. I sometimes grab a bag I've been neglecting, and by using it, fall in love all over again.

 

[Bag peace]

What kind of stripper did you use?

It must've been Angelus Prep solution I used. It was a couple of years ago now, so my memory is foggy but that is the one I use most often, along with straight surgical spirit which does the same job but is cheaper, lol.

The dye was a pearly white base (leather dye), then I added various mica powders until I got 2 shades of metallic green (the bag is sage metallic all over and the ankle boots have both the sage green and the other brighter green).

Not as good as your usual dye-jobs, SSM! Your work is flawless!

I sometimes grab a bag I've been neglecting, and by using it, fall in love all over again.

I love when that happens!

 

[Sunshine mama]

It must've been Angelus Prep solution I used. It was a couple of years ago now, so my memory is foggy but that is the one I use most often, along with straight surgical spirit which does the same job but is cheaper, lol.

The dye was a pearly white base (leather dye), then I added various mica powders until I got 2 shades of metallic green (the bag is sage metallic all over and the ankle boots have both the sage green and the other brighter green).

Not as good as your usual dye-jobs, SSM! Your work is flawless!

I love when that happens!

There's a bag I've been wanting to dye, but it's a very dark bag. I will seriously consider stripping it to see what happens!

 

[SakuraSakura]

Hello darlings! How I've missed you all. I fell off the wagon last year as I am officially done with university, yaaaay! Technically convocation takes place in June ; however, I felt like celebrating early. My collection is brimming with handbags right now, something I'm definitely okay with as fashion is my thing. This year I'd like to continue exploring other brands. I'd like to learn more about clothing and jewelry as well. I don't think I shared this but I now work for a consignment store (( amazing but also ouch on the paycheque)) I'm going to have to practice some self restraint as my top priority is my overall well-being whether it be financial, emotional and physical.

I'm not necessarily looking to downgrade my collection but expand it in directions I never thought I could take it in. I'm still in love with the Acne Studios Misubi.

To summarize, this is a massive year of big changes. I'll try to keep in touch, everyone! I hope you guys had a wonderful holiday season.

 

[More bags]

Happy New Year all!

I actually have no goals for 2023 in terms of buying or selling. I'm just going to follow my heart. I've had a tough year last year(witnessed my mom's passing at hospice after an extended stay) so I'm going to keep it easy this year.
In terms of wearing bags, I'm still just going to follow my heart.
So I guess following my heart is my goal.

That said, I've been really enjoying featherweight bags lately.
This Moynat Yoyo bag is the lightest bag I own and for that reason, I really use this bag a lot. (There's a tiny amount of cream on the bag from the waffle in the 2nd picture) View attachment 5682161View attachment 5682164

Sending my deepest condolences for the loss of your mom.

 

[880]

do you have a bag in your collection that you didn't fully love until you started using it

Every new bag that I buy. I get this paralyzing moment of indecision. But, the thought process/ turmoil is extremely quick, and I come to a decision within maybe 15 minutes.

But especially, K25 sellier epsom with GHW Bleu orage from FSH

I’m not an epsom person and I’m not a GHW person. I. Also not a green gray person. Blue gray yes; green, not so much. And I thought I wanted a B25 first. But, DH was so freaked out that I would refuse this bag at FSH that he called my home SA who told me that the bag in question was perfect for me, and I would love it. And the second I walked out with it, I did. I fell in love. Go figure. It’s both a neutral and a pop color against my neutral wardrobe, and I love LOVE it. But, this is also why I don’t have a wishlist and I ask for a three way vote (DH, SA, and I). because I second guess all the time.

Also gold B25 sellier phw.

I have a B30 in gold swift. I worried this would be duplicative. My SA was positive I was wrong. And, I loved it as soon as I tried it on. But, if he had said I have X bag for you, I might have refused. LOL.

I try to remember that I trust my SA when he refuses to sell me twillane RTW of any kind or shoes with a kelly tiret. Or chypres. He and DH say those things aren’t me. After I buy the things as per unanimous vote, I do feel very very fortunate that they don’t just know my taste. They are my taste, or at least 2/3 of it.

 

[Bag peace]

as I am officially done with university, yaaaay!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

K25 sellier epsom with GHW Bleu orage
It’s both a neutral and a pop color against my neutral wardrobe

The post feels incomplete without one of your mod shots! (hint hint)

But, this is also why I don’t have a wishlist and I ask for a three way vote (DH, SA, and I)

Love this approach! I have found that wish lists can act as blinders and prevent me from noticing something totally different that may be better for me. I'd much rather just stumble upon something unexpectedly and be surprised by the discovery.
I say this as a non-H person, of course, as I know that wish lists are quite important when playing that quota bag game, so different rules apply then.
(also I love that your DH and SA are in cahoots)!

Edit: @880 Thanks for the mod shots below! I never tire of your fabulous style, so old photos or new, I'll take the eye-candy every which way I can get it.

 

[880]

Congrats @SakuraSakura ! Happy graduation!

Thanks @jblended and here are some mod shots, though I’m positive you all have seen them before:


ETA: I believe in serendipity and, to a certain extent, that the right bag will find you if you are open to new things

 

[lill_canele]

@Vintage Leather Thank you for starting the new thread! And Happy New Year everyone!

It's been a great read on the thread!

I'm so sorry for your loss @Sunshine mama . I've had a few friends lose one of their parents in 2022; it's been a rough year. May she rest in peace and live forever in happy memories!

I'm with you on SLGs @DME haha. I don't think I have a very large collection but I do feel the need to downsize.
About that lululemon habit, I had a crazy time where I was buying a ridiculous amount of activewear. I must have had about 30 pairs of leggings and 30 sports bras. Granted, that was when I was working out basically every single day so it was worth for me at the time. But when I got more busy with work and cut workouts down to 2-3 times a week and now once a week, I downsized my leggings and sports bra collection a lot! Fortunately, activewear resells easily in California so I didn't have trouble cleaning them out. I think I've downsized to about half of what I had before.

Congratulations on your soon-to-be graduation @SakuraSakura !

Would you buy little girl (or boy) a nice bag if you knew they'd love one (price relative of course)?

Overall yes, but it will depend on the brand and the type of mentality or attitude the child has.
I would not buy Chanel or LV, but I'm definitely okay with Coach, mulberry, tory birch, kate spade etc.
While I absolute adore spoiling my friends and relative's children, I have to hold myself back because they are just so young. 2-8 years old. I'm trying to wait until they have a better idea of what they like because at this point they happily receive gifts, but I'm not sure how much they actually like it for a relatively longer period of time. (because we know that they are growing and their tastes will change.)

Anyone have a bag they did a 180-turn on? Which bag was it, why wasn't it working and what changed your mind?

Unfortunately yes. I tried really hard to use my YSL denim puffer. But it's either the material or the puffiness that just does not work for me. It's also been unusually rainy in Southern California, so that puts a damper on things. But I just think the denim and the puffy "bigger" size just does not work with my aesthetic and/or my wardrobe. A bit of a loss, but I will probably resell it this year.


I'm not a New Year's resolution sort of person but I have general goals for this year.

Luxury related:
- Continuing with my 2 bags a year quota and my 1-in 1-out rule (if I meet that 2 bags a year quota)
- I have a couple of bags in mind, but I've realized I'm pretty happy with the number of bags I have (12) and I rotate them relatively well. I think if I go past 15, I won't use them as often as I like, so my interest in bags have waned a bit. (But like @papertiger mentioned, I am looking forward to what Gucci and Burberry will bring with their new creative directors!)
- As previously mentioned, looking at my SLGs (organized them over the holidays) and hopefully planning to downsize a bit.
- Have really enjoyed wearing my RTW more often last year, will continue to do it this year.
- Trying to explore more fine jewelry options and fine jewelry brands/houses or locally made. Not sure if I will buy (because I'm the kind of person who is happy to wear the same things everyday). But when I was sick with Covid over the holidays, the one thing I could wear + made me happy was my fine jewelry.

Non-luxury related:
- I did have a decent skincare routine in the middle of 2022 and then got lazy and stopped. haha. I will try to get back onto a good skincare routine again for this year.
- Fur babies: Getting our newly adopted dog acclimated to our family and home. It's been going great so far. But our first dog unfortunately got sick and threw up for 4 days consecutively from 30Dec2022-02Jan2023. The focus will be on his health (and his health bills). He has a sensitive tummy and after doing a bit of investigating we realized that his current food is too rich in proteins and fats. This was confirmed by the vet and he'll need to be put on a low-fat diet with more limited and simple ingredients. It's interesting, he's not overweight at all and loves to exercise and play, but his gastrointestinal system cannot handle rich foods.

 

[Cookiefiend]

Hello! <as I skid wildly into the new year>

The end of 2022 was - too much. I had too much on my plate to deal with (business, tax messes, holidays and holidays, my MIL, and just general family brouhaha) and kinda ghosted this whole thread and even the SOTD thread. I'm hoping things will settle down now - they usually do and I have a few travel plans coming up (please be sunny!) to look forward to.

@vintageleather - thank you for starting the thread! Count me among those who wish you and your family a much better year, and I'm very sorry to hear of your losses. Also - not purse related, but scarf related - you posted several years ago about a moussie that you wished H would re-issue - a Les Levriers. Thank you for posting that - I loved reading about your reasons for wanting the scarf (it's one I have searched for too) and... I found one. It is beautiful - and I think of you and your grandfather when I wear it.

@jblended - you are the sweetest person and Coco sends you very happy smooches!

@papertiger - "Would you buy little girl (or boy) a nice bag if you knew they'd love one (price relative of course)?". Yes - I would. I bought my granddaughter a darling Coach bag for her birthday and she loves it. She stayed for a few days after Christmas, and wore it every time we went somewhere. I have purchased a few bags for my DIL, and my son's fiancé - but I knew they were bags they wanted and so felt confident that they would be successful.
Mr Cookie has purchased bags for me in the past and - they were not successful... last year he purchased a bag I picked out (!) and when I received it - it was too small; it's replacement was too big - and now he feels like nothing he buys for me ever works and doesn't want to buy anything for me unless I'm with him. which makes me sad.

I'd love to send you all hugs for making this such a wonderful thread

I have no real resolutions - I am feeling mostly happy with my purses. I am still looking for a cognac tote with a shoulder strap, but I'm looking in a sort of 'eh - if I find it, I find it, and if I don't - whatever'. I did find a gorgeous cognac tote at Gucci - but I couldn't bring myself to actually buy it. I didn't feel like I loved it *that* much.

I would like to downsize - I am considering selling a few bags. Considering because I'm not certain yet, but November and December showed me that a few of my bags are living a Celebrity Life... and I do not.

So my goals are to maybe sell a purse or two, find the elusive perfect cognac tote, sell a few scarves, definitely buy fewer (tho the spring season is vERY tempting), eat less, exercise more, continue decluttering the house, spend less time staring at my iPad and my computer, and try to relax.
Wish me luck!

 

[More bags]

Congrats @SakuraSakura ! Happy graduation!

Thanks @jblended and here are some mod shots, though I’m positive you all have seen them before:
View attachment 5682658View attachment 5682659View attachment 5682660View attachment 5682662

ETA: I believe in serendipity and, to a certain extent, that the right bag will find you if you are open to new things

Your Bleu Orage Kelly is a stunning addition to your collection! I love it when you share pics of this bag, and any and all mod shots. I adore your style!