2024 Resolution: Shopping my own Bag and SLG Collection

[Sparkletastic]

December Activities and Challenges - pick and choose as you please.

I. 2024 Year In Review Reflection
(Thanks @Vintage Leather)

Utilize these thought starters to evaluate your collection, your usage patterns and your lessons learned in 2024.
• What is your most useful purse?
• What is your best purchase of the year?
• We’ve all had a lot of lifestyle changes this year - how has it affected your style?
• What is the one thing we’ve learned this year that you want to take into the next?

II. Setting 2025 Goals
Take this month to consider what you want to do with your handbag collection, wardrobe or even your beautiful life in 2025. Share these thoughts in January when we start the 2026 Shopping Your Closet thread.

III. End of year optional challenges

• Holiday colors: December has many holidays celebrated across the world - red & green, brown & gold, blue & white and more! Pick the holiday that you want to honor and wear / show off your bags in those traditional colors.

• End with a bang: As we come to the last part of the year, wear the last bag you’ve purchased at least 3 times this month.

@Vlad please pin this to the top of our thread.

 

[papertiger]

I am kind of tired of all the hearts too. I got rid of a Tiffany necklace last month. I will keep the more unique ones .

 

[Hazzelnut]

I use a German brand called Carat. My pot is so old, the packaging has changed 4 times since I've started - and you know how many bags and boots and shoes I have.

CARAT Homepage

CARAT

www.carat24.de

Thank you!! ❤️

 

[Maedi]

I've been wearing bright and dark red bags during January - can I choose another colour for Feb ?

Green 😀

 

[papertiger]

Green 😀

That's an easy one for me!

 

[whateve]

I love this thread even if I don't post too much. Very inspiring!

In 2023 I purchased only one bag -- Celine Triumph teen in the logo print. I'm getting so much use out of it, so a very good purchase for my current lifestyle. Of course I'm now tempted to get a second one in another color but not planning to go down that road anytime soon.

2024 goals:

• Buy only 1 bag (may be zero!)
• Consider selling bags I do not use

2024 is a year of home renovation for me. I've packed away most of my bags just to keep my life simple and have been happily getting by with only three every day bags. I may need to pull out a 4th for days when I need an evening bag. But this has been a huge reminder that I can streamline quite a bit of what I own to what I really use.

We just got done with our home renovation and just pulled my bags out of storage. It's almost like having new bags after having them packed away. Thinking about decorating has made me think less about purses.

 

[whateve]

I wonder if anyone has a recommendation for a good leather condition (I’m based in the UK)? My vintages bags are needing a little TLC!

Saphir is a good brand. I think they sell that in the UK. Also Elephant brand.

 

[WillWordForBags]

Congratulations! I love that you chose black on black! It’s so chic and one of my most favorite color ways!

I too fulfilled a wishlist item. The Celine Boston bag that I’ve been thinking about for at least half a year or so, I got it.

View attachment 5937920

That should sum up my bag purchases for this year.

I have been looking at a contemporary coach bag but I’m not sure because I haven’t seen it in person yet.
In terms of my goals for 2024, I did say one bag purchase this year and more going to fine jewelry and RTW.
However the fine jewelry piece I was looking at, I tried it on and am not sure about it now. I feel like I will probably pass on it. If I do, then I’m okay with getting a contemporary bag for this year.
(Also my general rules are: at most 2 bags per year and a 1 in 1 out policy when I can.)

We shall see!

This is stunning. Been obsessing about this one for a bit.
Trying to decide between this one and an LV Speedy 20.
How are you liking it so far?

 

[lill_canele]

This is stunning. Been obsessing about this one for a bit.
Trying to decide between this one and an LV Speedy 20.
How are you liking it so far?

I love it! It’s so easy and casual. Light weight but so spacious!
I’m a very “minimalist” in what I put in my bags on a daily basis. I carry a cardholder, 6 ring key holder, and cellphone. Since I don’t have much I sometimes get lost in this bag haha. I’ll reach in and actually have to look for something in it because it’s so spacious (to me).

I think the small Celine Boston and LV Speedy 20 are pretty comparable in terms of size and they’re both coated canvas so both lightweight. I think it’s just a matter of which brand/logo pattern you prefer and the price.

The one thing I noticed the first day wearing it, is that I had to put the crossbody strap closures in a certain direction.

I have to put in this direction. If I put it in the opposite direction the hole in the zipper pull will actually hook onto the latch of the closure and get stuck.

 

[Bag peace]

Spoiler: Hugs and prayers to your mother and you

Many of us have been through similar on this thread. Everyone has just one mother and yes, it's the worst. It took me 2 years to not cry when I thought of her after my mother died, I know I did a lot, but I also feel I let her down. For 3 years hospitals and doctors did tests and found nothing, we had to fight to get her help and treatment and of course by that time it was too late. Well done to get your mother to surgery and through the other side.

The reality it's one of the hardest times. I am so pleased your mother has you. I'm glad the doctors and surgeons have been good, stay strong and make sure the other health professionals do their job properly. Do not give-up, stay positive, don't be intimidated by anyone but also consider getting some help even if it's just someone to talk to.

This made me cry. Thank you, PT.

And thank you to everyone who has kindly posted words of support and encouragement. This is the darkest period of my life, and that's saying something considering how bad things have been in the last few years. Your kindness at this time is deeply appreciated. I can't express how comforting it is to have virtual support.

Spoiler: Update

She had a very close call yesterday. It is unfortunate that I was by her side as it happened, since I now can't shake the mental image of what I saw. This experience is deeply traumatizing.
She is stable now but, my heart breaks for her. She has endured so much in such a short space of time. She was actually starting to improve before everything just fell apart yesterday. I was so happy to see her open her eyes in the morning, only to leave the hospital sobbing after she crashed in the afternoon.
I am waiting for news about the next step, which may be another procedure. Another surgery puts her back a few steps and comes with its own risks, yet we have to do what we have to do.
My anxiety levels are sky high and my nerves are shot. I don't know how to do what I have to do. I look at other people around me in the hospital and they're so composed as they visit their loved ones. I walk in feeling like I may be sick at any moment.
I wish I had that kind of strength. Still, I'm not giving up and I'll do all I can for her.
I can't wait to be allowed to hug her again.

In lighter news, I'm baffled by the amount of designer looks I see at the hospital. Hermes, Dior, Chanel, Fendi. I think I counted 5 different H bags yesterday- B, K and Pico, I believe. Lots of Dior saddle bags, too. It seems so out of place.
One woman was dressed in a very cosy looking white knit top and joggers, with a Chanel backpack and Chanel sneakers. The whole outfit looked very comfy, very cute, very expensive...just not hospital-appropriate. Another woman was wearing a Fendi dress with Stuart Weitzman boots and an H belt. She looked fab for a day out on the town, but I did a double take seeing her go into the ward.
Am I the only one who finds it odd to see people dressed to the nines in that setting?
Also, the number of people filming dancing videos for their social media while visiting relatives in the hospital has made me lose faith in humanity. I am deeply offended each time I see someone do it.

 

[Bag peace]

While I'm here and since I may not be able to log in later, I'll do an update of stats for Jan. Remarkably, I am down 2 bags, just not ones I ever thought I'd be decluttering this year.
My trusty gym bag fell apart in the first week I was using it for the hospital. Now, the backpack I normally use for my laptop (but has become my makeshift hospital bag) is also starting to fall apart.
The most practical bags in my closet have abandoned me!
They're both quite old but I hadn't anticipated how little life they had left in them. I already dumped the gym bag in the nylon recycling bin, and the laptop bag will follow in the coming days.
Totals Jan:
Bags in: 0
Bags out: 2

 

[papertiger]

This made me cry. Thank you, PT.

And thank you to everyone who has kindly posted words of support and encouragement. This is the darkest period of my life, and that's saying something considering how bad things have been in the last few years. Your kindness at this time is deeply appreciated. I can't express how comforting it is to have virtual support.

Spoiler: Update

She had a very close call yesterday. It is unfortunate that I was by her side as it happened, since I now can't shake the mental image of what I saw. This experience is deeply traumatizing.
She is stable now but, my heart breaks for her. She has endured so much in such a short space of time. She was actually starting to improve before everything just fell apart yesterday. I was so happy to see her open her eyes in the morning, only to leave the hospital sobbing after she crashed in the afternoon.
I am waiting for news about the next step, which may be another procedure. Another surgery puts her back a few steps and comes with its own risks, yet we have to do what we have to do.
My anxiety levels are sky high and my nerves are shot. I don't know how to do what I have to do. I look at other people around me in the hospital and they're so composed as they visit their loved ones. I walk in feeling like I may be sick at any moment.
I wish I had that kind of strength. Still, I'm not giving up and I'll do all I can for her.
I can't wait to be allowed to hug her again.

In lighter news, I'm baffled by the amount of designer looks I see at the hospital. Hermes, Dior, Chanel, Fendi. I think I counted 5 different H bags yesterday- B, K and Pico, I believe. Lots of Dior saddle bags, too. It seems so out of place.
One woman was dressed in a very cosy looking white knit top and joggers, with a Chanel backpack and Chanel sneakers. The whole outfit looked very comfy, very cute, very expensive...just not hospital-appropriate. Another woman was wearing a Fendi dress with Stuart Weitzman boots and an H belt. She looked fab for a day out on the town, but I did a double take seeing her go into the ward.
Am I the only one who finds it odd to see people dressed to the nines in that setting?
Also, the number of people filming dancing videos for their social media while visiting relatives in the hospital has made me lose faith in humanity. I am deeply offended each time I see someone do it.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother, it must be deeply traumatising, I hope that the next step brings some long-lasting relief and better and news.

In the UK it would depend on the area and the hospital. Not the hospital but similar my fashion adventures at the dentist are a good barometer. Last time I went to my specialist dentist (oak panelled) the waiting room looked like the Loro Piana/Brunello Cucinelli shop windows I just walked passed. My other dentist (30 mins down the road) still more than a 'Gucci handbag' every time I visit but a third of the price of the other, looks like a Japanese sushi bar in space (minimalist white-on-white and fluro-green) the clientele is much more mixed. I never wear makeup and since I have to hang everything on one hook, try to remember to take a bag with a strap and no coat/jacket that I need a hanger. In the South of France, there were people who dressed in designer/luxury everyday, all day, that's all they had. May be some people also dress-up to put on a 'brave face' (?). Personally, the amount of germs around a UK hospital, I don't know if I'd want to wear/carry anything that can't be washed at 60º.

 

[papertiger]

While I'm here and since I may not be able to log in later, I'll do an update of stats for Jan. Remarkably, I am down 2 bags, just not ones I ever thought I'd be decluttering this year.
My trusty gym bag fell apart in the first week I was using it for the hospital. Now, the backpack I normally use for my laptop (but has become my makeshift hospital bag) is also starting to fall apart.
The most practical bags in my closet have abandoned me!
They're both quite old but I hadn't anticipated how little life they had left in them. I already dumped the gym bag in the nylon recycling bin, and the laptop bag will follow in the coming days.
Totals Jan:
Bags in: 0
Bags out: 2

That's really annoying - and these are the types we really rely on.

 

[papertiger]

I love it! It’s so easy and casual. Light weight but so spacious!
I’m a very “minimalist” in what I put in my bags on a daily basis. I carry a cardholder, 6 ring key holder, and cellphone. Since I don’t have much I sometimes get lost in this bag haha. I’ll reach in and actually have to look for something in it because it’s so spacious (to me).

I think the small Celine Boston and LV Speedy 20 are pretty comparable in terms of size and they’re both coated canvas so both lightweight. I think it’s just a matter of which brand/logo pattern you prefer and the price.

The one thing I noticed the first day wearing it, is that I had to put the crossbody strap closures in a certain direction.
View attachment 5938967
I have to put in this direction. If I put it in the opposite direction the hole in the zipper pull will actually hook onto the latch of the closure and get stuck.

I think there was someone asking for advice between the 2 bags.

I like the Celine better - or would rather have a very vintage LV with patina to match.

 

[msd_bags]

This made me cry. Thank you, PT.

And thank you to everyone who has kindly posted words of support and encouragement. This is the darkest period of my life, and that's saying something considering how bad things have been in the last few years. Your kindness at this time is deeply appreciated. I can't express how comforting it is to have virtual support.

Spoiler: Update

She had a very close call yesterday. It is unfortunate that I was by her side as it happened, since I now can't shake the mental image of what I saw. This experience is deeply traumatizing.
She is stable now but, my heart breaks for her. She has endured so much in such a short space of time. She was actually starting to improve before everything just fell apart yesterday. I was so happy to see her open her eyes in the morning, only to leave the hospital sobbing after she crashed in the afternoon.
I am waiting for news about the next step, which may be another procedure. Another surgery puts her back a few steps and comes with its own risks, yet we have to do what we have to do.
My anxiety levels are sky high and my nerves are shot. I don't know how to do what I have to do. I look at other people around me in the hospital and they're so composed as they visit their loved ones. I walk in feeling like I may be sick at any moment.
I wish I had that kind of strength. Still, I'm not giving up and I'll do all I can for her.
I can't wait to be allowed to hug her again.

In lighter news, I'm baffled by the amount of designer looks I see at the hospital. Hermes, Dior, Chanel, Fendi. I think I counted 5 different H bags yesterday- B, K and Pico, I believe. Lots of Dior saddle bags, too. It seems so out of place.
One woman was dressed in a very cosy looking white knit top and joggers, with a Chanel backpack and Chanel sneakers. The whole outfit looked very comfy, very cute, very expensive...just not hospital-appropriate. Another woman was wearing a Fendi dress with Stuart Weitzman boots and an H belt. She looked fab for a day out on the town, but I did a double take seeing her go into the ward.
Am I the only one who finds it odd to see people dressed to the nines in that setting?
Also, the number of people filming dancing videos for their social media while visiting relatives in the hospital has made me lose faith in humanity. I am deeply offended each time I see someone do it.

Hugs to you!

 

[msd_bags]

I don’t know where I am in terms of bag love/use/buying. In October 2023, I was in several countries in Europe for a vacation. Of course I would not miss the opportunity to buy bag(s) there because of the great prices compared to what are accessible to me from my home country in Southeast Asia. Since then, I have been using these new purchases, plus only a small number of 2020-2024 purchases. The older ones, not so much! I’m lazy now for daily bag rotation.

My bag storage is overflowing, but I don’t know how I will “dispose” of those I don’t use (but still hesitant to part with). I don’t want to sell by myself since I don’t see a market within my circle. I could go the consignment route, but I see lots of unsold nice pieces from my trusted resellers.

Earlier on this thread I mentioned that I no longer believe in a forever bag for me (unless maybe a classic flap black Chanel). Even if I still love my older bags, I’m realizing that I want my bags to be more current. Anyone feeling this way to?