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.

 

[More bags]

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.

+1 for love of Blue Gray and Gray Blue

 

[880]

@More bags , @jblended, thank you for your kind words. You made my day

@Sunshine mama , I am so sorry for your loss. I hope this year brings your family peace and hope.

 

[papertiger]

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.

I am not an Epsom person either (in fact I have no epsom apart from a very old CDC which was a gift. I have to say that as a K Sellier it just works, it is the definition of smart-casual, go anywhere, anytime.

Your BO Epsom (nearly all Selliers are in Epsom atm) GHW looks amazing on you

 

[880]

I am not an Epsom person either (in fact I have no epsom apart from a very old CDC which was a gift. I have to say that as a K Sellier it just works, it is the definition of smart-casual, go anywhere, anytime.

Your BO Epsom (nearly all Selliers are in Epsom atm) GHW looks amazing on you

Thank you so much @papertiger

 

[papertiger]

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?

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

Funny you should say that, the H Evelyne and because everyone (as far as I am concerned) used to wear it back to front. I used to think "Oh there it is again, that big UGLY bag with holes in it, that big UGLY H logo on the front".

Once I saw a black Evie being carried the correct way round by a chic urbanite (all in 'Swedish' black) I was like OKAAAAYYYY, not so so ugly. I want one!!!

And the rest is history and a bag I hardly ever take off.

 

[Amazona]

My last couple of years have been intended to be no buy years.
2021, not as successful but added a few bags that have become favorites and sold a bunch of bags and SLG.
2022 I think I added 5 bags? A Coach Field tote 30, Furla Metropolis Mini, Lumi Supermarket Nano, Day Et Gweneth Work and Kipling Art Mini. All of them have gotten use, Lumi less than others but it's a love thing with that bag. Gweneth and Field tote have become work horses for travel and office days. Metropolis is a favorite for running errands and also for carrying my essentials when I'm lugging a backpack or luggage. Kipling is new to me, got it less than 2 weeks ago, but I've already carried it and it's amazing.
I added a Furla card wallet that has been a favorite.
I gave up a few bags so the amount of bags hasn't gone up by more than 1.

For this year, I'm really decluttering my life as I've set long time goals that don't really allow for any extra stuff or spending. I'm actually going to touch my bag collection budget and I'm going to cut it for the first time. But the possible reward is worth it.

 

[Amazona]

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

Funny you should say that, the H Evelyne and because everyone (as far as I am concerned) used to wear it back to front. I used to think "Oh there it is again, that big UGLY bag with holes in it, that big UGLY H logo on the front".

Once I saw a black Evie being carried the correct way round by a chic urbanite (all in 'Swedish' black) I was like OKAAAAYYYY, not so so ugly. I want one!!!

And the rest is history and a bag I hardly ever take off.

Oh, one of my pet peeves as well, along with letting the closure strap hang down on the outside of the bag.

 

[JenJBS]

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

I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences.

 

[JenJBS]

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?

Fantastic dye job. I'd never have known, and the new color is gorgeous!

Pretty kitty!

 

[nyeredzi]

I'll join in, sounds like fun! And especially intrigued by "take the time editing, curating, refining, redefining or updating our bag wardrobes." I'm not on a ban and despite my husband's side eyes, I'm okay buying more. But I do want to do so with more thought. I don't have a lot compared to many people here, but I do have a lot compared to what I had pre-bag craze, when I typically just had 1-3 at a time; just 1 or 2 everyday bags, and a cheap little one in case I had to go to a special event. Prior to bag-craze (started late 2021), the everyday bags were always shoulder bags. I want to figure out really want I want to use and what I'm missing. So this might involve me trying things I don't have and/or have never used, like a tote or a small evening handheld or clutch. I'm okay if this means buying one of these, trying it for a few months, and deciding that it doesn't work and getting rid of it. I'm okay even having a couple that I rarely use, like something a little fancier for going out, but those should be limited in number. I want a variety of colors, too. All bags that I currently have, and most (all?) that I'd get, are 'contemporary', so if I have to get rid of them at a loss, it won't kill me. I'm okay getting rid of bags at a loss, as keeping my total number reasonable is more important to me than trying to get most of my money back. Within reason

A little about me. I had previously been at a university research center as a research scientist. A couple of years ago, I switched to the gov't with new title 'data scientist'. I'm married with 2 kids, 9 and almost 5. I feel like I'm in a golden period of life, where things are going really well *knocks on wood*, so I'm really grateful for the life I have. I am now classified as a 'remote' employee, so I only go to the office on rare occasion now. I tend to prefer medium to largish bags for everyday because I frequently carry stuff for my kids in my bags, for example, a Nintendo switch, or juice boxes. But I'm interested in a limited number of "just for me" bags, maybe. So, my goal is to identify what kinds of bags I can actually use, what's missing (that I can use), and begin rounding out my collection or culling where appropriate. I want to keep my total number 13 or fewer, and I'm already at 10, so not a lot of wriggle room. But that's okay, because one of them I'll almost certainly get rid of, and another 1 or 2 I'm not crazy about so open to finding better replacements of them.

All that said, here's my bag of the day, a Dooney and Bourke hobo.My best estimate for how many times I've worn this D&B is >500. My most comfortable bag, though she is showing her wear. Here's a pic of her from late last summer

 

[papertiger]

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.

A huge preemptive congratulations to you, celebrations are due.

May I suggest a commemorative piece of jewellery.

When I finished (what seemed like 100 years) at uni, I bought a vintage 18K ID bracelet and upon final graduation had it engraved. It still brings me a sense of achievement whenever I wear it.

 

[Sunshine mama]

I am sorry about your mother the year of a loved one's passing is always the toughest. It does take time. No hurry.

I love round bags, I always have and that one is just a darling, glad it's light too.

Thank you Papertiger!

I am officially done with university.

Congratulations!!

Sending my deepest condolences for the loss of your mom.

Thank you! 

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!

Thank you!

 

[papertiger]

I'll join in, sounds like fun! And especially intrigued by "take the time editing, curating, refining, redefining or updating our bag wardrobes." I'm not on a ban and despite my husband's side eyes, I'm okay buying more. But I do want to do so with more thought. I don't have a lot compared to many people here, but I do have a lot compared to what I had pre-bag craze, when I typically just had 1-3 at a time; just 1 or 2 everyday bags, and a cheap little one in case I had to go to a special event. Prior to bag-craze (started late 2021), the everyday bags were always shoulder bags. I want to figure out really want I want to use and what I'm missing. So this might involve me trying things I don't have and/or have never used, like a tote or a small evening handheld or clutch. I'm okay if this means buying one of these, trying it for a few months, and deciding that it doesn't work and getting rid of it. I'm okay even having a couple that I rarely use, like something a little fancier for going out, but those should be limited in number. I want a variety of colors, too. All bags that I currently have, and most (all?) that I'd get, are 'contemporary', so if I have to get rid of them at a loss, it won't kill me. I'm okay getting rid of bags at a loss, as keeping my total number reasonable is more important to me than trying to get most of my money back. Within reason

A little about me. I had previously been at a university research center as a research scientist. A couple of years ago, I switched to the gov't with new title 'data scientist'. I'm married with 2 kids, 9 and almost 5. I feel like I'm in a golden period of life, where things are going really well *knocks on wood*, so I'm really grateful for the life I have. I am now classified as a 'remote' employee, so I only go to the office on rare occasion now. I tend to prefer medium to largish bags for everyday because I frequently carry stuff for my kids in my bags, for example, a Nintendo switch, or juice boxes. But I'm interested in a limited number of "just for me" bags, maybe. So, my goal is to identify what kinds of bags I can actually use, what's missing (that I can use), and begin rounding out my collection or culling where appropriate. I want to keep my total number 13 or fewer, and I'm already at 10, so not a lot of wriggle room. But that's okay, because one of them I'll almost certainly get rid of, and another 1 or 2 I'm not crazy about so open to finding better replacements of them.

All that said, here's my bag of the day, a Dooney and Bourke hobo.My best estimate for how many times I've worn this D&B is >500. My most comfortable bag, though she is showing her wear. Here's a pic of her from late last summer

View attachment 5682807

Welcome!

You sound like you are ahead of the game and already very aware. I think I'm the worst practitioner in this thread, but others here have pie charts on usage, CPW analyses and other amazing tools.

That looks like such a lovely bag to the eye and to carry.

 

[Sunshine mama]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences.

Thank you Jen!

 

[papertiger]

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!

No pressure, but some of us also hang out in this thread occasionally: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/daily-check-in-support-group.1050052/page-12#post-35464357