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]

One of my aims this year is to release jewellery pieces I don't love so I'm left with only my fine jewellery pieces in the end (plus a few sentimental ones). As we're discussing watches (somewhat), I decided to pair some of my fave watches and jewels to remind me of my end goal.
When I said at the start of the thread that my jewellery looks like kiddie pieces, I wasn't kidding. I know most people prefer statement pieces (and I own a few butterfly and copper pieces that are larger) but I love dainty stuff as you're about to see.


Love it! Here's my only ceramic- with my white jade horse and gold pendant. I'd love to add another ceramic to my collection one day.

View attachment 5713983

I'm like this with Skagen watches. Nobody likes the brand but me, it seems.

My green dial with my tiny emerald and diamond pendant. The pendant was a birthday gift from my mum years ago now.
View attachment 5713984

My blue MOP dial with my only diamond ring, a tiny eternity band. These were both gifted by 2 loved ones, so they are extra special to me.
View attachment 5713994
View attachment 5713985
This blue MOP is not nearly as wonderfully colourful as @whateve 's beauty, but it reminds me of the ocean and it calms me as a result. The colour play is mostly blues and purples.
Also, I should apologise for my hands in the pic! I think I've shared this before but, I've been told I have very masculine hands and would be better off wearing gloves at all times!

ETA: I'm very fortunate with my watches. The brand isn't expensive at all (most are $120-150) but, I've gotten the majority of my watches at 50% off or more. My most expensive (not pictured) was gifted to me by someone who has now passed, making it priceless in my eyes. It's quite humbling when I look at my good fortune. I've never had lots of money, yet I want for nothing. I'm a lucky duck, indeed!

Hoping others will share more of their watches, since we don't seem to be doing a bag challenge yet.

Your hands look great, and beautiful pairings!

 

[SakuraSakura]

I was thinking about where to post this topic but I'll give it a go here!

Is anybody else feeling kind of done with primary fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior? Perhaps it's a stylistic shift but I'm not really interested anymore ( unless it's a cooler vintage piece - I'm more so referencing purchasing new) I've gravitated towards understated yet fashion conscious brands such as Mansur Gavriel and Issey Miyake.

I pray this doesn't come across as rude but I'm sick of the status conscious conversations that come with owning things like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. It is no longer about the artistry but the ability to flex upon people who don't have the same means. It's noticeable when people purchase items for the name versus liking the piece. I never really viewed owning luxury items as "making it". I view them more as an investment into my own happiness and an extension of my personal aesthetic ; the way I showcase who I am as a fashion lover. I don't feel as if I align with LVs current trajectory : put out more, sell more, make more. Consume until you combust.

Now let's hear what you guys think! I look forward to reading your responses.

 

[880]

I was thinking about where to post this topic but I'll give it a go here!

Is anybody else feeling kind of done with primary fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior? Perhaps it's a stylistic shift but I'm not really interested anymore ( unless it's a cooler vintage piece - I'm more so referencing purchasing new) I've gravitated towards understated yet fashion conscious brands such as Mansur Gavriel and Issey Miyake.

I pray this doesn't come across as rude but I'm sick of the status conscious conversations that come with owning things like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. It is no longer about the artistry but the ability to flex upon people who don't have the same means. It's noticeable when people purchase items for the name versus liking the piece. I never really viewed owning luxury items as "making it". I view them more as an investment into my own happiness and an extension of my personal aesthetic ; the way I showcase who I am as a fashion lover. I don't feel as if I align with LVs current trajectory : put out more, sell more, make more. Consume until you combust.

Now let's hear what you guys think! I look forward to reading your responses.

I’m an equal opportunity fashion consumer But, I will say that I prefer less logo intensive items and feel that RTW, when cared for, can last for decades and generations. When I get tired of current premier branded RTW, there is always vintage from my own or my moms closet; or vintage mid century deadstock (I like Norman Norell and Donald brooks); and, recently I fell back into comme des garçons ( mainly bc I was introduced to Dover Street Market in Singapore, and I just realized it has been in NYC for the past ten years lol. It’s nice to have a mix. Re issey miyake, I am tired of pleats and prefer his older designs. In 1991, he had several spin offs in Hong Kong (DH and I were there for part of our honeymoon) and years later we would shop in the smaller flagship on Madison Ave. I still have a jacket that looks like fabric bubble wrap, that I purchased in the early aughts ? when my step brother was in second grade. I think he’s now about thirty lol.

 

[Bag peace]

Loved seeing everyone's coin purses and SLGs! They're all so special and it reminded me that SLGs are as much an extension of our personality as our bags.
@baghabitz34 I also have the LC case with the orange dog. Mine's on its last legs and looks battered, though.

Your watch is beautiful.
Decades ago, cartier was less careful about its brand image and you could get discounts of new watches for over 50%. If a new watch was sold without its original box or papers, a discount of 50-75% was not unusual. Back then, only patek and Rolex held value. There was also a time, maybe in 2010, before Tourneau was purchased, when sample sales were held at Soiffer Haskins. DH and I were able to get an IWC portugueser; a med sized automatic tank francais with date; and a JLC mens reverso; all for about 12K USD. These were new watches that were probably returned; the IWC had a scratch on the back. No boxes or papers. At the time I was also debating whether to buy MIL a gold Tank francais for 6K USD, but she decided she did not want it. She regretted that.

That's amazing! You're the queen of sample sales and deadstock.

The skirt can also be pulled up as a dress. . .

My favoroutire of the looks! CdG can be challenging but you make the pieces look effortless.
While I'm here, I must be cheeky and ask you for a mod shot.
I cannot for the life of me remember which thread this was on, or indeed which piece I recall seeing, but when I was skimming a few days ago I think you posted a grey? Dior? dress that you just bought. It was this wonderful textured material.
I need to see a mod shot of it whenever you next wear it. Pretty please!
(this is assuming you know which piece I'm talking about because it may just be pink trousers, the way my memory works!)

 

[Bag peace]

I pray this doesn't come across as rude but I'm sick of the status conscious conversations that come with owning things like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. It's noticeable when people purchase items for the name versus liking the piece.

I think the logo-mania trend of recent years has been overwhelming for a lot of us. It's like living in a city with tons of billboards and being bombarded with ads- it causes a sensory fatigue.
I saw someone the other day wearing 10 stacked love bracelets (5 on each arm). I had to count them while I stood in line behind her because I've never seen that many on one person. It felt like an assault on my eyes. I have to check myself when that happens. I can't judge other people on their style choices. Maybe seeing all that gold makes her smile as she goes through her day. My cheap silver pieces may be an assault on her eyes.

It's not to my taste at all and I much prefer understated luxury when I see it. It allows people to showcase their personal style without the clout a brand name brings. However, the current market and the consumers are all geared towards logo-heavy pieces. The trend will die out soon but, while it's here, it's serving people for whom that aesthetic works.
I don't necessarily think people are buying pieces just because of the name plastered on them. I think it's that they like the look of bold logos and the big brands are catering to that. Or the brands pushed that (for the free advertising? lol) and now the consumers want it, perhaps. Chicken and egg, which came first?

This is a safe space to say something I haven't been able to irl: when I see the Bal sweatshirts with the logo all over, I'm reminded of crime scene tape. Am I the only one? (this is pre-controversy. I always looked at them like that)

It is no longer about the artistry but the ability to flex upon people who don't have the same means.

I am someone who doesn't come close to having the same means (and really never will). I don't see that kind of display as a statement that they are making against me or my kind. I see it as them enjoying what they can afford and expressing themselves via their fashion choices, which is exactly what I'm doing at my socio-economic level. It never occurs to me that they're making a statement to establish status over me. Merely that they're making fashion choices that happen to reflect their good fortune and wealth.

As to artistry, my take will certainly be controversial. I don't think fashion houses have been about artistry for a looooong time. I see artistry and attention to detail in vintage, not in modern day. I think the only modern brand really paying attention to the finer details is The Row- so not the likes of LV at all.

I view them more as an investment into my own happiness and an extension of my personal aesthetic ; the way I showcase who I am as a fashion lover.

Which is the only way to live. You do you and fill your life with joy in any way you can!

I don't feel as if I align with LVs current trajectory ut out more, sell more, make more. Consume until you combust.

This isn't specific to LV, though. It's just capitalism. Premier brands and contemporary brands across all categories have been churning out like crazy. There's so much waste and so little care put into things. Clothes, bags, shoes, perfumes, FOOD (oh my word the food waste)! It's all more, more, more. It's on us to be more mindful about what we add in our lives and how much. That isn't easy because we're all driven towards over-consumption and many of us will fall into that trap at one point or another, but I'm happy that, overall, we're collectively becoming more aware and having conversations like this one.

But, I will say that I prefer less logo intensive items and feel that RTW, when cared for, can last for decades and generations.

100%. I have clothes decades old that still look new. I think more people are realizing that if you buy good quality at the start and care for it properly, these things will serve you for years upon years. I have to acknowledge the privilege of being able to access better stuff to begin with but, hopefully more people are realizing you can get great quality at affordable prices, and that by making those things last, you're saving money and reducing the rubbish in landfill.

 

[Bag peace]

I wore that Rebecca Minkoff watch yesterday (sans battery) so that I could get a battery put in it while I was out. I found that I don't love it on my wrist. The leather strap is very soft and comfortable, and I like the little iridescent touches on it- the person who gave it to me chose elements they knew I'd like, yet it doesn't feel like "me".

Will try it again and if it still doesn't feel right, I'll re-gift it, though I have no idea to whom. I hate letting go of presents but I'd rather it gets used than just sit with me.

Spoiler: Personal take on the Turkey-Syria earthquake

On another note, mum and I are still monitoring the tragedy unfold in Turkey and Syria. Mum was stationed in Turkey when the pandemic hit and only left because she needed emergency surgery. She most likely would have been in the area had she not been forced into retirement at that time.
Even if she had been stationed elsewhere this year, she would have been amongst the first responders flown in to give medical aid to survivors.
It's difficult because we're viewing the same situation from different perspectives. She is struggling, wishing she was there to help people. She so loved her job and misses it.
Meanwhile, I'm looking on and thinking how lucky she was to retire because I was under enormous stress at the time, thinking of my septuagenarian caring for covid cases when we still knew so little about it. Or now, thinking of how she might've been in the earthquake zone, or even treating survivors, whilst covid and influenza cases are spiking, conditions are rough and her age (and her health issues) make her the most vulnerable.
I feel very selfish for my relief at the fact that my mum is by my side right now.
My focus over the next few days will be to try to find ways to offer aid. Unfortunately, we're not financially in a situation to donate cash, so perhaps care packages? I'll be contacting the Red Cross to figure out what's needed.
If anyone has suggestions, please share them. I'm drawing a blank and could use outside perspectives on how to help. It would also ease my mum's feeling of futility if we did... something.

 

[Vintage Leather]

I feel very selfish for my relief at the fact that my mum is by my side right now.
My focus over the next few days will be to try to find ways to offer aid. Unfortunately, we're not financially in a situation to donate cash, so perhaps care packages? I'll be contacting the Red Cross to figure out what's needed.
If anyone has suggestions, please share them. I'm drawing a blank and could use outside perspectives on how to help. It would also ease my mum's feeling of futility if we did... something.

I don’t know if I’ve said this recently, but it really does deserve to be said. You (and your mom!) have the kindest and most giving hearts and I always feel so honored to number you amongst my pocket friends!
I too am limited in ideas, but thank you for starting the conversation.

 

[whateve]

I think the logo-mania trend of recent years has been overwhelming for a lot of us. It's like living in a city with tons of billboards and being bombarded with ads- it causes a sensory fatigue.
I saw someone the other day wearing 10 stacked love bracelets (5 on each arm). I had to count them while I stood in line behind her because I've never seen that many on one person. It felt like an assault on my eyes. I have to check myself when that happens. I can't judge other people on their style choices. Maybe seeing all that gold makes her smile as she goes through her day. My cheap silver pieces may be an assault on her eyes.

It's not to my taste at all and I much prefer understated luxury when I see it. It allows people to showcase their personal style without the clout a brand name brings. However, the current market and the consumers are all geared towards logo-heavy pieces. The trend will die out soon but, while it's here, it's serving people for whom that aesthetic works.
I don't necessarily think people are buying pieces just because of the name plastered on them. I think it's that they like the look of bold logos and the big brands are catering to that. Or the brands pushed that (for the free advertising? lol) and now the consumers want it, perhaps. Chicken and egg, which came first?

This is a safe space to say something I haven't been able to irl: when I see the Bal sweatshirts with the logo all over, I'm reminded of crime scene tape. Am I the only one? (this is pre-controversy. I always looked at them like that)


I am someone who doesn't come close to having the same means (and really never will). I don't see that kind of display as a statement that they are making against me or my kind. I see it as them enjoying what they can afford and expressing themselves via their fashion choices, which is exactly what I'm doing at my socio-economic level. It never occurs to me that they're making a statement to establish status over me. Merely that they're making fashion choices that happen to reflect their good fortune and wealth.

As to artistry, my take will certainly be controversial. I don't think fashion houses have been about artistry for a looooong time. I see artistry and attention to detail in vintage, not in modern day. I think the only modern brand really paying attention to the finer details is The Row- so not the likes of LV at all.


Which is the only way to live. You do you and fill your life with joy in any way you can!


This isn't specific to LV, though. It's just capitalism. Premier brands and contemporary brands across all categories have been churning out like crazy. There's so much waste and so little care put into things. Clothes, bags, shoes, perfumes, FOOD (oh my word the food waste)! It's all more, more, more. It's on us to be more mindful about what we add in our lives and how much. That isn't easy because we're all driven towards over-consumption and many of us will fall into that trap at one point or another, but I'm happy that, overall, we're collectively becoming more aware and having conversations like this one.


100%. I have clothes decades old that still look new. I think more people are realizing that if you buy good quality at the start and care for it properly, these things will serve you for years upon years. I have to acknowledge the privilege of being able to access better stuff to begin with but, hopefully more people are realizing you can get great quality at affordable prices, and that by making those things last, you're saving money and reducing the rubbish in landfill.

I'm glad @SakuraSakura brought up this topic. For awhile I've been not liking logos. There are bags I like but don't want because the logos are too prominent - like most YSL. DH has always been anti-logo - so much that it is extremely hard to find him shoes. Even those tiny logos some brands put above the heel he doesn't want. Years ago, I searched and searched to try to find a polo shirt for him that didn't have a logo.

I liked monogram bags for awhile because I thought the monogram designs made them more interesting. I wasn't interested in advertising for the company or knowing that other people would recognize the logos and admire me for it. Then I discovered how much I love leather and got rid of all my monogram bags. There are bags I own that have small logos. I wish they didn't have any visible logos but I'm still willing to put up with them if they aren't too obvious.

One of the reasons I'm no longer interested in being a consumer of premier brands, other than on the second hand market, is because I get a general sense of being made a fool of if I fall for marketing campaigns that convince me to spend thousands on something that costs a fraction of that to produce.

Interesting, about the woman with all those love bracelets. I couldn't stand having one. I can't understand why anyone would want to have a bracelet locked onto their arm. It would make me feel claustrophobic!

A different thing entirely, but when we lived in Saudi Arabia, women wore stacks of gold bracelets, which could be exchanged for money in the souk. The exchange was always based on the weight of the gold. They literally carried their wealth on their arms.

 

[Vintage Leather]

I was thinking about where to post this topic but I'll give it a go here!

Is anybody else feeling kind of done with primary fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior? Perhaps it's a stylistic shift but I'm not really interested anymore ( unless it's a cooler vintage piece - I'm more so referencing purchasing new) I've gravitated towards understated yet fashion conscious brands such as Mansur Gavriel and Issey Miyake.

I pray this doesn't come across as rude but I'm sick of the status conscious conversations that come with owning things like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. It is no longer about the artistry but the ability to flex upon people who don't have the same means. It's noticeable when people purchase items for the name versus liking the piece. I never really viewed owning luxury items as "making it". I view them more as an investment into my own happiness and an extension of my personal aesthetic ; the way I showcase who I am as a fashion lover. I don't feel as if I align with LVs current trajectory : put out more, sell more, make more. Consume until you combust.

Now let's hear what you guys think! I look forward to reading your responses.

Am I feeling done with the major maison’s:

I think that every life has a series of seasons. That mindful consumption is a type of art and it follows the same artistic conventions.

Some seasons last longer than others, some seasons repeat.

1) acceptance - you make according to known patterns. In clothes shopping, it’s buying what is popular and also accepting gifts from family.

2) discovery - you look for wider sources of inspiration and you experiment. Clothes wise, you’re buying for yourself. Not everything comes together but it’s tried with great enthusiasm. You buy high end and low end and try thousands of iterations.

3) Style - you know what works for you, and you are known for what works. This is your signature look, knowing what colors flatter you.

4) Evolution - life changes and style changes. In an artistic life, this might be playing with a new medium like Picasso and his pottery and Calder and his jewelry. In a style life, this might be dressing to accomodate a disability, or changing hair color making some signature colors look strange, or even having a new friend group resulting in new activities. It looks like the previous three categories, but you cycle through them more quickly. And then the old you and the new you merge.

5) Distillation- you remove everything but the most essential, the best of the best. you become almost a caricature of yourself because you have rejected your distractions.

Which is a way of saying, I think high end designer is a phase we all go through, and then accept bits of after we’ve tried it.



Designer as Status:

I’ve noticed on the “Secondhand” thread, designer finds are more common in areas with a high neighborhood turnover.

I have a theory - if you’ve lived in an area forever, you don’t need to use designer labels as a status signaler, because “everyone knows.” You’ll see more custom-made items worn for decades. Other things, like the school you went to, and who your grandparents knew is more important.

But in places like LA and Scottsdale and Dallas, where neighborhoods are ever shifting and people move in and out and a second-generation native is rare - you are looking for a common language and so a constant wardrobe churn / “the right brands” is a symbol that “I’m one of you.” And since always having the newest thing is important, the last newest thing is sold/donated to make room and funds.


As for those stacks of Love bracelets- they say two things to me. “I don’t travel much.” Or “I don’t mind inconveniencing others.”

 

[papertiger]

May I get some opinions on this watch/bracelet combo? It's a Rebecca Minkoff I was gifted but have yet to use. It's got iridescent studs on the strap and the watch hands are also iridescent. Tried to get the colours to show but these pics aren't the best.
I thought about wearing it with this butterfly wing bracelet (not stacked, separate wrists). Too matchy-matchy?



View attachment 5714011

View attachment 5714012

I like that combo, not too matchy matchy

 

[papertiger]

I think the logo-mania trend of recent years has been overwhelming for a lot of us. It's like living in a city with tons of billboards and being bombarded with ads- it causes a sensory fatigue.
I saw someone the other day wearing 10 stacked love bracelets (5 on each arm). I had to count them while I stood in line behind her because I've never seen that many on one person. It felt like an assault on my eyes. I have to check myself when that happens. I can't judge other people on their style choices. Maybe seeing all that gold makes her smile as she goes through her day. My cheap silver pieces may be an assault on her eyes.

It's not to my taste at all and I much prefer understated luxury when I see it. It allows people to showcase their personal style without the clout a brand name brings. However, the current market and the consumers are all geared towards logo-heavy pieces. The trend will die out soon but, while it's here, it's serving people for whom that aesthetic works.
I don't necessarily think people are buying pieces just because of the name plastered on them. I think it's that they like the look of bold logos and the big brands are catering to that. Or the brands pushed that (for the free advertising? lol) and now the consumers want it, perhaps. Chicken and egg, which came first?

This is a safe space to say something I haven't been able to irl: when I see the Bal sweatshirts with the logo all over, I'm reminded of crime scene tape. Am I the only one? (this is pre-controversy. I always looked at them like that)


I am someone who doesn't come close to having the same means (and really never will). I don't see that kind of display as a statement that they are making against me or my kind. I see it as them enjoying what they can afford and expressing themselves via their fashion choices, which is exactly what I'm doing at my socio-economic level. It never occurs to me that they're making a statement to establish status over me. Merely that they're making fashion choices that happen to reflect their good fortune and wealth.

As to artistry, my take will certainly be controversial. I don't think fashion houses have been about artistry for a looooong time. I see artistry and attention to detail in vintage, not in modern day. I think the only modern brand really paying attention to the finer details is The Row- so not the likes of LV at all.


Which is the only way to live. You do you and fill your life with joy in any way you can!


This isn't specific to LV, though. It's just capitalism. Premier brands and contemporary brands across all categories have been churning out like crazy. There's so much waste and so little care put into things. Clothes, bags, shoes, perfumes, FOOD (oh my word the food waste)! It's all more, more, more. It's on us to be more mindful about what we add in our lives and how much. That isn't easy because we're all driven towards over-consumption and many of us will fall into that trap at one point or another, but I'm happy that, overall, we're collectively becoming more aware and having conversations like this one.


100%. I have clothes decades old that still look new. I think more people are realizing that if you buy good quality at the start and care for it properly, these things will serve you for years upon years. I have to acknowledge the privilege of being able to access better stuff to begin with but, hopefully more people are realizing you can get great quality at affordable prices, and that by making those things last, you're saving money and reducing the rubbish in landfill.

I don't like logos, especially the monos, they make me feel self-conscious, but you can add even the little letters of Saint Laurent Paris or Hermes written on a SdJ or B or any of the other companies following that trend. It's all too 'try hard'.

I actually feel less conscious carrying a Gucci Aphrodite around even with the bold Running-GG on the front. At least I turn it around (like anH Evie). I think it's more traditional (1960s) and honest.

I feel fine carrying a clever working of the logo like on a G Blondie even though it's huge, better still just icons of the various houses.

I wouldn't say the love bracelets are logos, but the have become for too recognisable. That person but have clangged and banged walking along - I guess it's a sound (as well as a 'look')

 

[Bag peace]

I don’t know if I’ve said this recently, but it really does deserve to be said. You (and your mom!) have the kindest and most giving hearts and I always feel so honored to number you amongst my pocket friends!
I too am limited in ideas, but thank you for starting the conversation.

When I say I gasped reading this, it is no understatement. I stared at it for several minutes, not quite believing it's addressed to me. I mentioned when the pandemic was at its worst that some people in my circle had wondered why I survived covid when others (better than me) didn't, and I've been battling a lot of survivor's guilt since. So this is the kind of comment I don't get irl, which makes it the sweetest gift I could receive from a pocket friend.
I cannot express how moved I am to receive such high praise, thought it is most certainly praise I have yet to earn from one I respect so, so much.
Saying thank you feels woefully insufficient however, it is all I've got right now. So, from the bottom of my heart, Thank you, VL.

I'm extremely lucky to have my mum. My dad died when I was a toddler so she raised us alone. Somehow she made it look easy. I appreciate her more as an adult because I can see more clearly now how much she must have struggled.
Sadly, I do not take after her. She's both intelligent and easy-going. She's always finding a reason to laugh or break into dance. How I became this anxiety-ridden, I'm not sure, because it certainly wasn't what I saw in our home.
I'm trying now to be more like her, and more like my dear TPF friends on this thread. I have said before that you guys are my role models. Perhaps I don't express the sentiment sufficiently but, I sincerely mean it. The patience, kindness, wisdom and generosity here is unlike any other.
I believe in evolution. I've done a lot wrong and hit some very low moments in my life but, I figure it'll even out if I keep striving to learn from those around me (be it my mum or my pocket friends) and continue to work towards being a better person. We'll see if I can manage it! For now, I console myself with the facts that my cats think I'm the best thing since cat nip. That must count for something!

Interesting, about the woman with all those love bracelets. I couldn't stand having one. I can't understand why anyone would want to have a bracelet locked onto their arm. It would make me feel claustrophobic!

I'm the same way! I can't picture how people tolerate them. Then again, I remove any jewellery and watch I may be wearing when I'm home. I need bare, clean hands to do basic household stuff (cooking, cleaning, etc).

A different thing entirely, but when we lived in Saudi Arabia, women wore stacks of gold bracelets, which could be exchanged for money in the souk. The exchange was always based on the weight of the gold. They literally carried their wealth on their arms.

Oh yes! It's quite common in the Middle East, and Pakistan and India as well. It's amazing how the significance of these things varies depending on the culture.

That person but have clangged and banged walking along - I guess it's a sound (as well as a 'look')

True! Lots of clinking as she moved.

 

[limom]

I was thinking about where to post this topic but I'll give it a go here!

Is anybody else feeling kind of done with primary fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior? Perhaps it's a stylistic shift but I'm not really interested anymore ( unless it's a cooler vintage piece - I'm more so referencing purchasing new) I've gravitated towards understated yet fashion conscious brands such as Mansur Gavriel and Issey Miyake.

I pray this doesn't come across as rude but I'm sick of the status conscious conversations that come with owning things like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. It is no longer about the artistry but the ability to flex upon people who don't have the same means. It's noticeable when people purchase items for the name versus liking the piece. I never really viewed owning luxury items as "making it". I view them more as an investment into my own happiness and an extension of my personal aesthetic ; the way I showcase who I am as a fashion lover. I don't feel as if I align with LVs current trajectory : put out more, sell more, make more. Consume until you combust.

Now let's hear what you guys think! I look forward to reading your responses.

The reason why I buy and wear designers bags is pure nostalgia and habit.
My mother wore YSL at one of her weddings. This was also the safari collection for YSL. She wore a Khaki colored suit to the horror of everyone
My cousins wore maritime silver Hermes bracelets as soon as I remember as all bougie french girls.
I don’t think it had anything to do with artistry at all.
They were the daughters of so and so and they represented.
Nothing has changed imo.
Good on you for putting the brakes on overshopping and consumption.
‘Was it in part because of Covid?

 

[880]

Loved seeing everyone's coin purses and SLGs! They're all so special and it reminded me that SLGs are as much an extension of our personality as our bags.
@baghabitz34 I also have the LC case with the orange dog. Mine's on its last legs and looks battered, though.


That's amazing! You're the queen of sample sales and deadstock.


My favoroutire of the looks! CdG can be challenging but you make the pieces look effortless.
While I'm here, I must be cheeky and ask you for a mod shot.
I cannot for the life of me remember which thread this was on, or indeed which piece I recall seeing, but when I was skimming a few days ago I think you posted a grey? Dior? dress that you just bought. It was this wonderful textured material.
I need to see a mod shot of it whenever you next wear it. Pretty please!
(this is assuming you know which piece I'm talking about because it may just be pink trousers, the way my memory works!)

Hey, thank you so much! It was probably on H in action ( where I post most RTW action shots bc I generally pair with some form of H. Plus a newer one with the CDG skirt as dress, H lizard suede sample sale 2022 mules and 28K quadrille. The Dior dress alone gives me Velasquez las meninas vibes, and with the CDG, I get the picssso rendition lol

 

[nyeredzi]

Good for you! Happy Valentine's Day! I did do something nice for myself. A little retail therapy.

View attachment 5714768

Anyone else have coin purses they'd be willing to share pics of?

So pretty. I don’t use coin purses, but this is super cute and just right for the season. I’ve been crushing on the bag size version of this piece since late last year