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.

 

[lill_canele]

I wish I had better news today guys but... I don't. I pray that everyone else is enjoying their shiny red bags!!

I was fired today.

While I'm going to be okay, this wound is very fresh. They gave me a letter when I was leaving nearly two hours ago. The store has undergone management shift. I knew the new owner wasn't too keen on me so while I'm surprised, I'm not too surprised. What's really disgusting is that one of my coworkers has worked for the company for many years. She's created deep connections, along with dealing with heavy personal matters. I can't imagine how she's feeling right now as I noticed she received the same letter as I did. I'm sick to my stomach right now. I won't be going in for those last two weeks as I owe the new owner nothing.

These are the moments where it is important to reflect upon what we've already accomplished, how far we've come and realize that the world is bigger than a crappy, toxic job. I have the ability to move with change, not against it. I won't let this injure my self confidence. I walked out with my head held high knowing that I don't need them. While this definitely impacts my financial planning I'll figure it out. In the meanwhile.... time to relax.

You're all really incredible. If you're unable to read such a negative post then I understand as well. I'm so happy I have this space to vent and share my new things with you all. Thank YOU!!

So sorry that this happened to you .

There has been a lot of restructuring where I work as well and it is shocking to see some long-time and very good employees be let go or their positions dissolved.
And I am all for growth and change but people should be seen as people and how valuable they are for their skills, experience, and overall contribution, not just as a number and how much money their position(s) make for the company.

That's right, don't go in for those last 2 weeks, go do something for yourself! Feel better soon!

 

[Katinahat]

Hello friends. Just popping in again to see how everyone is. Back this afternoon from my 3 days away which were hugely restorative. Things are so much better and hopefully in another month I’ll have my various medications tapered off / fully working as needed. Taking it all very slowly to avoid any setbacks.

Thanks to all who shared their beautiful red bags.
@morebags, always love your reds.
@papertiger, your new red additions compliment the rest of your collection perfectly.
@dcooney4, these bags are perfect.
There are many many more of you who have shared beautifull bags and I’m very sorry not to mention you all.
I don’t have any red bags myself except my Oxblood Tessie. I’ll post that at somepoint.

@SakuraSakura, I’m sorry to hear what’s just happened to you. That’s rotten. Please treat yourself gently until the situation improves again.

My thoughts are still with others who are struggling.

 

[papertiger]

I wish I had better news today guys but... I don't. I pray that everyone else is enjoying their shiny red bags!!

I was fired today.

While I'm going to be okay, this wound is very fresh. They gave me a letter when I was leaving nearly two hours ago. The store has undergone management shift. I knew the new owner wasn't too keen on me so while I'm surprised, I'm not too surprised. What's really disgusting is that one of my coworkers has worked for the company for many years. She's created deep connections, along with dealing with heavy personal matters. I can't imagine how she's feeling right now as I noticed she received the same letter as I did. I'm sick to my stomach right now. I won't be going in for those last two weeks as I owe the new owner nothing.

These are the moments where it is important to reflect upon what we've already accomplished, how far we've come and realize that the world is bigger than a crappy, toxic job. I have the ability to move with change, not against it. I won't let this injure my self confidence. I walked out with my head held high knowing that I don't need them. While this definitely impacts my financial planning I'll figure it out. In the meanwhile.... time to relax.

You're all really incredible. If you're unable to read such a negative post then I understand as well. I'm so happy I have this space to vent and share my new things with you all. Thank YOU!!

I am so sorry.

Keep you head held high, learn from the past but move on. Don't look back with sadness, what's gone is gone. Side-note: I can't believe they just give you a letter though.

New and exciting things will happen.

So sorry for your co-worker too

 

[papertiger]

@SakuraSakura, I’m so sorry and sending positive vibes your way. I truly believe you will land on your feet with something far better. Hugs

The only reddish bag I have is a 32K, Bordeaux, phw, brushed by @docride. It was a Covid special from a Japanese reseller for 4K USD, bc it had minor cosmetic suntanning discoloration that was easily fixed (redyed with weatherizing, no change in texture) by @docride. Here with dior leopard jacket, courreges knit top, and chanel wool pants from last seasons sale. I don’t normally wear size 32. Even when larger bags were in style ten years ago, I always wore a 28. But with the higher volume pant, it seemed right.

ETA: @limom, size 32 kelly. Pants are EU size 38. The Japanese reseller might have been either brandJFA or Brandoff. I like bargains and fixer uppers, so long as the bag is structurally sound, and I often wait for prices to hit rock bottom. I have not seen prices that low recently.

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Love that pattern-mix and with the K32, fierce styling!

 

[SakuraSakura]

I hate that for you. Even if you thought it might be coming, or even if it was toxic, rejection sucks. There’s lots of jobs out there, so maybe there is a better one waiting for you and your boss actually did you a favor.

You will be just fine.

I'm so sorry! You're taking this remarkably well and should be proud of yourself.
You'll be an invaluable asset wherever you work next, so it's their loss.
Hang in there. It'll all work out.

Gosh, sorry about the work loss, their loss.
‘Hang tight. It happens to the best of us.

Oh my goodness, I'm sorry to hear that! That is really tough. Definitely take a moment to relax and gather your thoughts. And you are right that it is no reason at all to let this affect your self confidence. We have all seen amazing people get let go and so we all know that it can happen for almost any reason, including the new boss just not liking you. I don't really know you, but you seem clever and accomplished and I'm sure you'll land on your feet.

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully you find another job soon that is both better in pay & environment.

So sorry that this happened to you .

There has been a lot of restructuring where I work as well and it is shocking to see some long-time and very good employees be let go or their positions dissolved.
And I am all for growth and change but people should be seen as people and how valuable they are for their skills, experience, and overall contribution, not just as a number and how much money their position(s) make for the company.

That's right, don't go in for those last 2 weeks, go do something for yourself! Feel better soon!

I am so sorry.

Keep you head held high, learn from the past but move on. Don't look back with sadness, what's gone is gone. Side-note: I can't believe they just give you a letter though.

New and exciting things will happen.

So sorry for your co-worker too

Thank you everyone for your comforting words and kindness. This has been really tough to process but I'm thankful for your continued guidance and support.

Just a minor update....

I barely slept last night. While I did go outside, I'm sitting in bed now. I'm very upset and burnt out and really angry. I decided to go take a look at potential volunteer opportunities. I think this may be my excuse to take an actual break versus working obscene amounts of hours. I'm tired, I'm unhappy and I feel like I'm falling apart. I will be spending time with loved ones on Saturday - I can't wait.

 

[AnnaLou]

First to the New Year's resolution: I have decided to get rid of all the bags/wallets/etc. that I am not actually using. I did this a few days ago and filled 2 bags. 2 bags of bags. Yes indeedy. Going to the local charity. None are expensive brands but the charity will be able to sell them in their thrift store.

Now that I've done that, I need to evaluate what I actually need. I do switch out my bags very frequently to match my outfits, so I feel justified in having a larger bag wardrobe. Also, I don't really spend a lot per bag (no Hermes or Chanel in my collection - haha), so again, I feel okay having a larger number of bags since I use them and I don't go into debt buying them.

Next to the red bags: I was shocked to have so few because I wear a lot of burgundy so I thought I would have more in this color family. However, the purge of a few days previous, did get rid of several red bags that I still like but honestly never wore, so I realize now that the accessories I wear frequently, accent my frequently worn colors rather than match them. Makes sense.

I do however, have a red wallet and two red handbags. None is crazy expensive. All are loved (and therefore survived the purge). All are old. One is very old. The red bag pictured with the wallet is Etienne Aigner. I've had it for quite a while but I don't remember exactly when I got it. From a thrift store I think. One of my favorites to wear with blue jeans and a t-shirt. Perfectly sized for the wallet, car keys, my phone, lipstick, earbuds, a "just in case" mask, and a small note pad with pen (my bare minimum essentials).

The red and black one pictured with the lamp was my mother's from the 1960s. She bought it when she was a teenager and gave it to me when I was a teenager. If my daughter is interested, I will give it to her when she is a teenager (although I will still insist upon being allowed to carry it - lol). It needs a little love to get it back to its former glory, which I will attend to soon.

Btw, anyone else have trouble accurately photographing reds? I found them to keep going too candy-red or too muddy. These bags are so much prettier in person.

 

[limom]

For the Cartier Tank française lovers

 

[baghabitz34]

First to the New Year's resolution: I have decided to get rid of all the bags/wallets/etc. that I am not actually using. I did this a few days ago and filled 2 bags. 2 bags of bags. Yes indeedy. Going to the local charity. None are expensive brands but the charity will be able to sell them in their thrift store.

Now that I've done that, I need to evaluate what I actually need. I do switch out my bags very frequently to match my outfits, so I feel justified in having a larger bag wardrobe. Also, I don't really spend a lot per bag (no Hermes or Chanel in my collection - haha), so again, I feel okay having a larger number of bags since I use them and I don't go into debt buying them.

Next to the red bags: I was shocked to have so few because I wear a lot of burgundy so I thought I would have more in this color family. However, the purge of a few days previous, did get rid of several red bags that I still like but honestly never wore, so I realize now that the accessories I wear frequently, accent my frequently worn colors rather than match them. Makes sense.

I do however, have a red wallet and two red handbags. None is crazy expensive. All are loved (and therefore survived the purge). All are old. One is very old. The red bag pictured with the wallet is Etienne Aigner. I've had it for quite a while but I don't remember exactly when I got it. From a thrift store I think. One of my favorites to wear with blue jeans and a t-shirt. Perfectly sized for the wallet, car keys, my phone, lipstick, earbuds, a "just in case" mask, and a small note pad with pen (my bare minimum essentials).

The red and black one pictured with the lamp was my mother's from the 1960s. She bought it when she was a teenager and gave it to me when I was a teenager. If my daughter is interested, I will give it to her when she is a teenager (although I will still insist upon being allowed to carry it - lol). It needs a little love to get it back to its former glory, which I will attend to soon.

Btw, anyone else have trouble accurately photographing reds? I found them to keep going too candy-red or too muddy. These bags are so much prettier in person.


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Nice reds! Yes, I find them hard to photograph too. Especially oxblood.

That’s a nice idea - passing the bag your mom gave you to your daughter. If my future daughter-in-law (very far in the future, my kid is only 13) doesn’t want my stuff, my 4 nieces will be happy to take them.

 

[whateve]

I love the look of burgundy but I never reach for bags in this color. I don't know why.

I find them extremely hard to photograph. They are so much prettier IRL. Still I don't carry them often.

 

[BowieFan1971]

First to the New Year's resolution: I have decided to get rid of all the bags/wallets/etc. that I am not actually using. I did this a few days ago and filled 2 bags. 2 bags of bags. Yes indeedy. Going to the local charity. None are expensive brands but the charity will be able to sell them in their thrift store.

Now that I've done that, I need to evaluate what I actually need. I do switch out my bags very frequently to match my outfits, so I feel justified in having a larger bag wardrobe. Also, I don't really spend a lot per bag (no Hermes or Chanel in my collection - haha), so again, I feel okay having a larger number of bags since I use them and I don't go into debt buying them.

Next to the red bags: I was shocked to have so few because I wear a lot of burgundy so I thought I would have more in this color family. However, the purge of a few days previous, did get rid of several red bags that I still like but honestly never wore, so I realize now that the accessories I wear frequently, accent my frequently worn colors rather than match them. Makes sense.

I do however, have a red wallet and two red handbags. None is crazy expensive. All are loved (and therefore survived the purge). All are old. One is very old. The red bag pictured with the wallet is Etienne Aigner. I've had it for quite a while but I don't remember exactly when I got it. From a thrift store I think. One of my favorites to wear with blue jeans and a t-shirt. Perfectly sized for the wallet, car keys, my phone, lipstick, earbuds, a "just in case" mask, and a small note pad with pen (my bare minimum essentials).

The red and black one pictured with the lamp was my mother's from the 1960s. She bought it when she was a teenager and gave it to me when I was a teenager. If my daughter is interested, I will give it to her when she is a teenager (although I will still insist upon being allowed to carry it - lol). It needs a little love to get it back to its former glory, which I will attend to soon.

Btw, anyone else have trouble accurately photographing reds? I found them to keep going too candy-red or too muddy. These bags are so much prettier in person.


View attachment 5719590View attachment 5719592

Reds and greens are hard to accurately photograph, I have found.

Nice red shoulder bag!

 

[JenJBS]

I wish I had better news today guys but... I don't. I pray that everyone else is enjoying their shiny red bags!!

I was fired today.

While I'm going to be okay, this wound is very fresh. They gave me a letter when I was leaving nearly two hours ago. The store has undergone management shift. I knew the new owner wasn't too keen on me so while I'm surprised, I'm not too surprised. What's really disgusting is that one of my coworkers has worked for the company for many years. She's created deep connections, along with dealing with heavy personal matters. I can't imagine how she's feeling right now as I noticed she received the same letter as I did. I'm sick to my stomach right now. I won't be going in for those last two weeks as I owe the new owner nothing.

These are the moments where it is important to reflect upon what we've already accomplished, how far we've come and realize that the world is bigger than a crappy, toxic job. I have the ability to move with change, not against it. I won't let this injure my self confidence. I walked out with my head held high knowing that I don't need them. While this definitely impacts my financial planning I'll figure it out. In the meanwhile.... time to relax.

You're all really incredible. If you're unable to read such a negative post then I understand as well. I'm so happy I have this space to vent and share my new things with you all. Thank YOU!!

I'm so sorry about this. Rotten way for them to treat you. I'm really sorry that leaving didn't happen on your own terms, when you had a new job already lined up. In the long run being out of a toxic situation is a good thing; in the short term is is horribly difficult. You're strong and will make it through this. I'm sure you'll end up with a much better job, wish leaving this one could have been on your terms rather than theirs.

 

[Bag peace]

The red and black one pictured with the lamp was my mother's from the 1960s. She bought it when she was a teenager and gave it to me when I was a teenager. If my daughter is interested, I will give it to her when she is a teenager (although I will still insist upon being allowed to carry it - lol). It needs a little love to get it back to its former glory, which I will attend to soon.

I love this bag. It's so unique! What's the material of the body? My screen is fuzzy but it appears like velvet with leather trims.
I especially love the sentiment behind it behind passed down the generations. What an absolute treasure!

 

[Bag peace]

Wanted to pop in with an update regarding my post earlier, looking for ways to provide aid for the Turkey-Syria earthquakes. It took forever to get in touch with the right people (vs. the Ukraine war when I received an answer almost immediately). It seems they're still dealing with aftershocks, so they're swamped and it's very hard for them to handle incoming enquiries.

The response was that they're currently taking only monetary donations as they need funds to tend to the displaced on the ground. This is globally- they're asking people to donate any amount they can afford (starting from $10, iirc) via any of the official appeal sites or recognized disaster relief organizations.

They're also looking for volunteers in the immediate vicinity who can foster pets they are rescuing from the earthquake sites, until the pet owners can be found or they can be re-homed.
Just thought I'd mention that since we have a global community at tpf and there may be someone who is close by who is able to foster fur balls.

 

[papertiger]

Reds and greens are hard to accurately photograph, I have found.

Nice red shoulder bag!

and the worst are the tertiary ones. Try to photograph the teal (blue-greens or green-blues) or violet (red-purple or purple-red) and you'll see what I mean.

 

[papertiger]

Wanted to pop in with an update regarding my post earlier, looking for ways to provide aid for the Turkey-Syria earthquakes. It took forever to get in touch with the right people (vs. the Ukraine war when I received an answer almost immediately). It seems they're still dealing with aftershocks, so they're swamped and it's very hard for them to handle incoming enquiries.

The response was that they're currently taking only monetary donations as they need funds to tend to the displaced on the ground. This is globally- they're asking people to donate any amount they can afford (starting from $10, iirc) via any of the official appeal sites or recognized disaster relief organizations.

They're also looking for volunteers in the immediate vicinity who can foster pets they are rescuing from the earthquake sites, until the pet owners can be found or they can be re-homed.
Just thought I'd mention that since we have a global community at tpf and there may be someone who is close by who is able to foster fur balls.

Thank you for doing this.

My sister is someone who is trying to help out with the pet issue because they often get forgotten about. What she's fighting atm is not only that humans come first (naturally, no can argue with that) but there is a mentality that many people throw up their hands, leaving animals to (religious) fate as though pets can just start fending for themselves with no water/food/shelter. Please contact IFAW if you think you can help https://www.ifaw.org/uk/news/turkey-syria-earthquake