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]

Once again, I feel like an underperformer. I have 2 black bags, both Coach, both from 2nd hand market. The Swagger was used in good condition and the Willis was new with tags. Prior to last year, I don't think I'd ever had a black bag. I tend to not like black, and don't wear a lot of black either, though my appreciation is growing for it as a color. In fact, the only other color that I have even 2 of is brown (eta: correction, I guess I have two reds, though one is so bright orange-red and the other is so dark wine, I sometimes forget those are the "same" color)

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I bought the Willis last year and kept it in my closet forever. Though I had bought it, for the longest time I thought I wasn't going to keep it. Maybe gift it, since it had tags, or re-sell it. It was cute, but so small. I tend to not like small bags as I'm with my kids a lot and just like having my stuff with me. But when I went to a conference last week, I was in need of a bag that was small enough to comfortably carry for hours going to and from talks and walking around the city but also not so casual that it looked out of place with other attendees and their business casual look (though I just wore a sweater and jeans). Anyway, I didn't have any other bags that could fit that need, so I pulled this out from the back of the closet, and it was just perfect. I really enjoyed carrying it, and am now super fond of that little turn lock. It was a tight squeeze for even the bare essentials for me, but it worked, and I walked, conferenced, and even bussed to a botanic garden with it.

Now, does it count as a new bag for March, if I first wore it in March, even though I bought it last summer?

Both are beautiful. So glad you enjoyed wearing it to the conferences.

 

[dcooney4]

Attached straps are stored inside bags. Straps that are interchangeable or aren't used every time I use a bag are kept on a hanger thing in my closet. I think it was originally designed for belts. Something like this but not this particular one: https://www.onlyhangers.com/products/wooden-specialty-belt-hanger-walnut-brass

That's a great idea. The ones that come with a bag I store in the bag. I had a bag that had multiple straps and I thought I would only use the crossbody one, so I stored the others. I never used it so when I decided to sell, I couldn't find where I stored the other straps for a while. Now I only store them with the bag. I like your idea for the extra straps I bought to make other bags more comfortable or just to add a bit of color to them. Right now, those spare straps are stored folded in an empty brown LV box.

 

[dcooney4]

My black bags. The group pictures I took last year aren't very good. I haven't gotten any new black bags. Black is not my happy color. I only get a black bag if that is the only thing available or if there is something special about the bag.
1. Coach mini studded Preston from 2014 - I fell in love with this at first sight, even though I thought I might be too old for it. It reminds me of a cute little dog that thinks it is fierce.
2. Henri Bendel No. 7 camera bag from 2014 - I love this bag. It is my going out to dinner bag. The lambskin is so soft and the quilting pattern is unique.
3. Coach large slim shoulder bag from 2001 - I got this at Goodwill. A few years ago I had the flowers added to the strap to match the charm I put on there. I was hoping that would make me love the bag more but I still don't use it much.
4. Coach curb chain whiplash Dakotah from 2014 - this is one of my favorite bags. It is the first bag designed by Stuart Vevers for Coach.
5. Coach buckle bag from the 1970s - very rare vintage style that I love having in my collection
6. Coach Gramercy small satchel from 1998 - from a line of Coach made in Italy, absolutely amazing quality.
7. Coach Sheridan Marietta drawstring from the 1990s, also made in Italy - it's adorable
8. Michael Kors Manhattan from 2019 - another favorite.

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You have beautiful black bags.

 

[dcooney4]

My black bags,
2017

• Louis Vuitton Noir Epi Passy GM
• Celine Black Small Cabas Phantom with Belt
• Chanel Black Reissue 226 Aged Calf Ruthenium Hardware
• Louis Vuitton Noir Denim Neo Cabby MM
• Celine Black Medium Classic Box
• Chanel 15P Black Patent Coco Shine Small Flap
• Chanel Black Caviar O Case Double Pouch
• Vintage Coret Black Snakeskin Clutch (handed down from my MIL)
• Tory Burch Black Dena Foldover Messenger Bag

View attachment 5744462

2023

• Celine Black Small Cabas Phantom with Belt
• Chanel Black Reissue 226 Aged Calf Ruthenium Hardware
• Vintage Black Coret Snakeskin Clutch
• Chanel 15P Black Patent Coco Shine Small Flap
• Chanel Black Caviar Wallet on Chain Gold Hardware
• Gucci Black Soho Disco

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I love both your groupings! Great taste from the beginning!

 

[BowieFan1971]

I don't trust myself with white canvas sneakers. They would drive me crazy trying to keep them clean. Whenever I get a white tee, I spill something on it that stains so I avoid wearing white. I have a white leather pair of sneakers I got a few years ago that are still in good condition. I have canvas sneakers in other colors.

I don't anticipate adding much to my wardrobe this spring.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Shout spot treatment with an old toothbrush. And many brands of sneakers can be machine washed on gentle cycle after being spot treated, including Keds and Tretorns. I have done it and then air dried them.

 

[BowieFan1971]

I’ve been looking for new blouses lately. Last year I went on a spree and got lots of summer sundresses so fortunately I won’t need many more. But I do feel like I need some lightweight and comfortable blouses.



If you start hunting for straw or wicker bags do share your search!!! I love these kinds of bags way too much and did a lot of hunting last year.



Love LOVE that mini Coach Preston! And the leather looks really nice on it.

Saw this recently and thought “Wow!” Comes in 4 leather colors and a mini size. Reasonably priced and casual but not too casual.

 

[BowieFan1971]

My black bags. The group pictures I took last year aren't very good. I haven't gotten any new black bags. Black is not my happy color. I only get a black bag if that is the only thing available or if there is something special about the bag.
1. Coach mini studded Preston from 2014 - I fell in love with this at first sight, even though I thought I might be too old for it. It reminds me of a cute little dog that thinks it is fierce.
2. Henri Bendel No. 7 camera bag from 2014 - I love this bag. It is my going out to dinner bag. The lambskin is so soft and the quilting pattern is unique.
3. Coach large slim shoulder bag from 2001 - I got this at Goodwill. A few years ago I had the flowers added to the strap to match the charm I put on there. I was hoping that would make me love the bag more but I still don't use it much.
4. Coach curb chain whiplash Dakotah from 2014 - this is one of my favorite bags. It is the first bag designed by Stuart Vevers for Coach.
5. Coach buckle bag from the 1970s - very rare vintage style that I love having in my collection
6. Coach Gramercy small satchel from 1998 - from a line of Coach made in Italy, absolutely amazing quality.
7. Coach Sheridan Marietta drawstring from the 1990s, also made in Italy - it's adorable
8. Michael Kors Manhattan from 2019 - another favorite.

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Love the Coach Gramercy and Sheridan Marietta!

 

[BowieFan1971]

My black bags,
2017

• Louis Vuitton Noir Epi Passy GM
• Celine Black Small Cabas Phantom with Belt
• Chanel Black Reissue 226 Aged Calf Ruthenium Hardware
• Louis Vuitton Noir Denim Neo Cabby MM
• Celine Black Medium Classic Box
• Chanel 15P Black Patent Coco Shine Small Flap
• Chanel Black Caviar O Case Double Pouch
• Vintage Coret Black Snakeskin Clutch (handed down from my MIL)
• Tory Burch Black Dena Foldover Messenger Bag

View attachment 5744462

2023

• Celine Black Small Cabas Phantom with Belt
• Chanel Black Reissue 226 Aged Calf Ruthenium Hardware
• Vintage Black Coret Snakeskin Clutch
• Chanel 15P Black Patent Coco Shine Small Flap
• Chanel Black Caviar Wallet on Chain Gold Hardware
• Gucci Black Soho Disco

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Love the Celine bags! A Phantom may find its way into my collection at some point…been admiring them for years. The Belt bag too. Love the Box but saw it in person and the size/shape does not work for me.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I’ve been looking for new blouses lately. Last year I went on a spree and got lots of summer sundresses so fortunately I won’t need many more. But I do feel like I need some lightweight and comfortable blouses.

I love blouses for summer. The last year or so, I have been doing a capsule wardrobe. It began out of necessity since I had fewer clothes to choose from due to weight fluctuations, but I find myself really liking a capsule wardrobe, so I think I will keep it up even when there are no weight fluctuations. My formula has been fewer bottoms (pants and skirts), and more tops and blouses, in addition to dresses. It has worked well for me. Hope you find some blouses that you love!

If you start hunting for straw or wicker bags do share your search!!! I love these kinds of bags way too much and did a lot of hunting last year.

Will do! I am most likely going to get something from a contemporary brand, but still haven't explored the options out there yet. I am eyeing some Boxyz wicker bags online, especially one in a very pretty pink, but not sure if I will get them since I really want another Bozyz all leather bag and am hoping to visit an outlet sometime this year to pick one.
Sadly, summers are so brief here that I won't get as much use out of a wicker bag as I would like.

@whateve, pretty black bag collection, and your charms are adorable.
@More bags, thank you for the compliments. I haven't been able to keep up with the bag showcase this year, but will try to pick at least one bag in the showcase color and feature it.
I love your black bag collection, and especially the reissue bag! I wish I had got one before the Chanel prices escalated so much!

 

[Jereni]

My one black bag for the color week. Black is not a handbag color I’m drawn to. I have my eye on one more, and then I will definitely be done.

 

[papertiger]

My black bags,
2017

• Louis Vuitton Noir Epi Passy GM
• Celine Black Small Cabas Phantom with Belt
• Chanel Black Reissue 226 Aged Calf Ruthenium Hardware
• Louis Vuitton Noir Denim Neo Cabby MM
• Celine Black Medium Classic Box
• Chanel 15P Black Patent Coco Shine Small Flap
• Chanel Black Caviar O Case Double Pouch
• Vintage Coret Black Snakeskin Clutch (handed down from my MIL)
• Tory Burch Black Dena Foldover Messenger Bag

View attachment 5744462

2023

• Celine Black Small Cabas Phantom with Belt
• Chanel Black Reissue 226 Aged Calf Ruthenium Hardware
• Vintage Black Coret Snakeskin Clutch
• Chanel 15P Black Patent Coco Shine Small Flap
• Chanel Black Caviar Wallet on Chain Gold Hardware
• Gucci Black Soho Disco

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You have a black for every eventuality! Perfect.

 

[papertiger]

My one black bag for the color week. Black is not a handbag color I’m drawn to. I have my eye on one more, and then I will definitely be done.

View attachment 5744631

If you have only one black, it may as well be a classic

 

[papertiger]

Once again, I feel like an underperformer. I have 2 black bags, both Coach, both from 2nd hand market. The Swagger was used in good condition and the Willis was new with tags. Prior to last year, I don't think I'd ever had a black bag. I tend to not like black, and don't wear a lot of black either, though my appreciation is growing for it as a color. In fact, the only other color that I have even 2 of is brown (eta: correction, I guess I have two reds, though one is so bright orange-red and the other is so dark wine, I sometimes forget those are the "same" color)

View attachment 5744321

I bought the Willis last year and kept it in my closet forever. Though I had bought it, for the longest time I thought I wasn't going to keep it. Maybe gift it, since it had tags, or re-sell it. It was cute, but so small. I tend to not like small bags as I'm with my kids a lot and just like having my stuff with me. But when I went to a conference last week, I was in need of a bag that was small enough to comfortably carry for hours going to and from talks and walking around the city but also not so casual that it looked out of place with other attendees and their business casual look (though I just wore a sweater and jeans). Anyway, I didn't have any other bags that could fit that need, so I pulled this out from the back of the closet, and it was just perfect. I really enjoyed carrying it, and am now super fond of that little turn lock. It was a tight squeeze for even the bare essentials for me, but it worked, and I walked, conferenced, and even bussed to a botanic garden with it.

Now, does it count as a new bag for March, if I first wore it in March, even though I bought it last summer?

There you go, you shopped in your own closet and it was meant to be

 

[lill_canele]

Still thinking about the Gucci carry-on bag that I saw at the airport. It made me take another look at my own luggage and carry-on options. Generally, my airport style (if one can even call it that) is quite low-key. No logo or premier designer items and any purses I carry are usually tucked inside my carry-on luggage. Generally, I believe most airlines allow one carry-on (like a small wheeled suitcase), and one personal item like a purse. I noticed that some people had large totes or bags as their personal item. Which brings me to a question I have been pondering on. What purse or bag do you carry as your personal item? Do you favor a tote, a large duffle bag or a smaller handbag? Would love to hear your thoughts.

In my fantasy life, I'd love to have a rolly Rimowa hard-case carry on with a beautiful Dior or Fendi tote on top, and walking around leisurely to my gate while shopping at the airport.
But...yea, that's not gonna happen.

Medical mission or business trip would be a backpack for my personal item. Smaller handbag would be inside.

Going on holiday would be a duffle bag, has to have straps long enough to be on my shoulder or crossbody. (my smaller handbag would also be inside)

I did have to wear one of my suits at the airport on my business trip earlier this month, to conserve space, and I looked very posh (especially in California lol, where leggings or sweatpants and hoodies are the norm) I did get a lot of looks and a nice compliment from a young lady.

Thank you! I love everything about this backpack, including the color. Do you buy Mz Wallace directly from their website?


@Sunshine mama, thanks for the pretty pictures! The spring season begins officially in a couple days I believe, and your flower pics and pink bag, and @nyeredzi's Brahmin bag with its happy, spring colors is really putting me in the mood for spring (my favorite season).

Although it's still cold outside here, I am already starting to assemble my spring capsule wardrobe together. Is anyone else looking at their spring wardrobes, and maybe coming up with a shopping list? I realized that for starters, I need new white sneakers, and maybe even new white trousers or jeans.

I have been thinking about it for weeks! I would love to have a white suit set or a white blazer and another pair of white trousers.

But I am trying to be really good and not buy too much before taxes are done. (I try to do that every year). It's hard because March is also my birthday month and I want to go on a shopping spree haha.
Also, I've already bought 2 pieces of RTW, a pair of shoes, 2 luxury gifts and a contemporary bag lol.

Now trying really hard because last week I got an offer for a quota bag from my Hermes SA that I declined but it's a positive sign and I want to make sure my bank account is ready!

 

[Miss BB]

Here are my two red. One is red orange, one is burgundy, both are Coach

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Can I ask how you like the red / orange coach ???? Do you think it would go with a lot ? I normally gravitate towards neutrals, but this is such a pretty pop of color.