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.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I’ve been following Fashion Weeks internationally-as we all move into boots and sweaters etc.

New York-I really didn’t like anything, even Alaia, whose AW 2024 show I loved…

London-again most of it I didn’t like, Burberry I found the powder blue outfits very pretty , but overall I’m not keen on the house style, I used to own a very cute cropped navy trench with no check, but it’s not really my style..

Milan-I didn’t like Versace(what has happened to Gigi Hadid’s face?), but there Were 2 collections I really loved-

Ferragamo, whose shoes I always wore for work, produced a beautiful ballerina collection(although the models were too tall and skeletal to be ballerinas)- I’d love to wear those clothes..

Bottega Veneta-beautiful relaxed tailoring.They use lovely fabrics, and I adored the silhouettes , I would have worn a lot of that collection.

Now it’s Paris Fashion Week, with dozens of catwalk shows and exhibitions.
I used to always go to Paris in September (when I wasn’t living there)- it was an exciting time to be there, I’d stay a fortnight and buy my winter wardrobe at the same time.

I’ll be watching the Paris shows and hoping I don’t love too many of them!
I’ve started a shopping list for next year already and am not replacing all of the clothes I’m wearing out, to make room for next summers collections, although I do have a day out shopping booked in October, my last this year…(apart from weekly shops to local malls).

I would love to be like you. I have expensive jewelry (my true love), semi-expensive bags and shoes (Chanel, Dior, etc) and… clothes . I’m 4th gen graduate school educated on both sides but no one pursued wealth. So I’m the first gen to do well financially. That means I have had no one to teach me how/when/why/where to buy top quality clothing. It took no time to learn jewelry. Clothes? I’m clueless.

It’s so much fun when people like you and others on tPF share your adventures in couture and RTW clothing buys!

One day...hopefully soon! I can't imagine anything I'd be more proud of than having my friends' creations in my daily life.

I love this idea. How much more would we all cherish out things if they were created from our friends and other loved ones. I’m going to shamelessly copy your idea with people in my circle.

Spoiler: DH update

DH had an operation today, called me when he woke-up. He's in pain, but at least he's out. See how it goes. Another round of chemo Monday.

i have thought of your DH often in my absence from tPF. I continue to send positive, healing energy to you both.

It is from my Mom’s attic. I will donate and hope they don’t toss it. The other bags are worn but still have life left without repairs. I will donate those as well. I just can’t toss out a leather bag.

Ack! I love that color. Don’t you dare pitch the bag. Someone will love it well!

What are other's rainy days bags?

I don’t live in a particularly rainy area. It’s quite dry except for Feb - Apr. That being said, I wear all my bags except the lambskin and velvet ones in any and all weather.

I am in a very emotionally unstable situation right now so I really want to go shopping… but I know I don’t need it and I need to save up.

You can do it! Spend time journaling and / or researching the thing(s) and benefits you will have from your saving. Start actively pining for to the point of craving what your savings will get you. You need to associate your savings (consciously and subconsciously) with emotionally buoyant feelings!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Hey all! There is no way for me to catch up so I picked a few things to comment on but I send each of you my hugs.

I had to step away from a lot of things inc tPF. I realized I was suppressing a lot of sadness and grief under my eternally A+ “can do” attitude when my DH said - Mom, you’ve been through a lot the past few years and you act like it’s nothing. Even just the 7 surgeries you’ve had in the past 5 years with one being brain surgery would make most people buckle. You have to rest.



How dare he peek behind the mask and see I’m a frail human!!!! LOL! But, he was right. So I completely stopped EVERYTHING for 6 months - no career, no home projects, no charity work, no entertaining, no nothing.

It was very hard to admit I needed to rest/heal/grieve/cry/putter/play… just be. But I did. And Mr. Sparkle down shifted a bit which allowed us to travel, do some spa days, spend time with our (adult) kids, and… just be.

Best decisions EVER!

So I’m peeking my head out to say hi and start enjoying my loved of handbags and my friends here on tPF. I’m grateful my son didn’t let me blow off his concern and love for me. I still plan to take the next 6 months “off” as I write a book that I hope will have a positive impact on my industry (which is going down a dark path.) But, that will be fun vs the grind I have put myself through for years.

 

[whateve]

Hey all! There is no way for me to catch up so I picked a few things to comment on but I send each of you my hugs.

I had to step away from a lot of things inc tPF. I realized I was suppressing a lot of sadness and grief under my eternally A+ “can do” attitude when my DH said - Mom, you’ve been through a lot the past few years and you act like it’s nothing. Even just the 7 surgeries you’ve had in the past 5 years with one being brain surgery would make most people buckle. You have to rest.



How dare he peek behind the mask and see I’m a frail human!!!! LOL! But, he was right. So I completely stopped EVERYTHING for 6 months - no career, no home projects, no charity work, no entertaining, no nothing.

It was very hard to admit I needed to rest/heal/grieve/cry/putter/play… just be. But I did. And Mr. Sparkle down shifted a bit which allowed us to travel, do some spa days, spend time with our (adult) kids, and… just be.

Best decisions EVER!

So I’m peeking my head out to say hi and start enjoying my loved of handbags and my friends here on tPF. I’m grateful my son didn’t let me blow off his concern and love for me. I still plan to take the next 6 months “off” as I write a book that I hope will have a positive impact on my industry (which is going down a dark path.) But, that will be fun vs the grind I have put myself through for years.

Welcome back!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Sparkletastic’s September Stats

This will be a catch up of the 4-6ish months I’ve been AWOL. I don’t even remember my goals for 2024 and, candidly, want to thoughtfully increase my collection to 35 bags. So here goes!

Bags: 2 in / 0 out

I’ll post the new bags later.

The important note here is it’s almost holiday shopping season and I have 7 bags to sell to happy little buyers. I’m going to list them all this weekend come heck or high water!!!

Other than these, I have 30 bags in my main collection, 5 “other” (minaudière, novelty, etc.) and 4-6 utility bags (like laptop bags). So I have 5 potential slots for future acquisitions to my collection to tap out at 30. But, I’m running out of physical space on my handbag wall. Theoretically, I could fit 20 more bags. But, I have them artfully arranged and grouped to have that wall be pleasing to my eye. LOL! I don’t want to just have them lined up like little soldiers. So I need to think this through.

SLG: 1 in / 0 out

I adore my Dior wallet snd saw one that was like new in a different colorway go on sale so I snapped it up. I only have 4 SLG’s (2 wallets and 2 card cases) with this addition so I feel good about the add.

Other: I’m a quasi minimalist neat freak so culling unneeded items gives me major happy points. Therefore, I’m doing “fall cleaning” going through every nook and cranny in our homes to ensure NOTHING extra is lurking. I’m having a blast and posting tons of great things on various “buy nothing” sites. It’s win win for me and the recipients! Everyone is happy!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Side note: am i the only one not overwhelmed with new bag designs the past 18-24 ish months?

 

[cecchetti]

Hey all! There is no way for me to catch up so I picked a few things to comment on but I send each of you my hugs.

I had to step away from a lot of things inc tPF. I realized I was suppressing a lot of sadness and grief under my eternally A+ “can do” attitude when my DH said - Mom, you’ve been through a lot the past few years and you act like it’s nothing. Even just the 7 surgeries you’ve had in the past 5 years with one being brain surgery would make most people buckle. You have to rest.



How dare he peek behind the mask and see I’m a frail human!!!! LOL! But, he was right. So I completely stopped EVERYTHING for 6 months - no career, no home projects, no charity work, no entertaining, no nothing.

It was very hard to admit I needed to rest/heal/grieve/cry/putter/play… just be. But I did. And Mr. Sparkle down shifted a bit which allowed us to travel, do some spa days, spend time with our (adult) kids, and… just be.

Best decisions EVER!

So I’m peeking my head out to say hi and start enjoying my loved of handbags and my friends here on tPF. I’m grateful my son didn’t let me blow off his concern and love for me. I still plan to take the next 6 months “off” as I write a book that I hope will have a positive impact on my industry (which is going down a dark path.) But, that will be fun vs the grind I have put myself through for years.

Welcome back ❤️❤️❤️

I hope you are feeling better after your 6 month step back xxxxx

 

[papertiger]

Hey all! There is no way for me to catch up so I picked a few things to comment on but I send each of you my hugs.

I had to step away from a lot of things inc tPF. I realized I was suppressing a lot of sadness and grief under my eternally A+ “can do” attitude when my DH said - Mom, you’ve been through a lot the past few years and you act like it’s nothing. Even just the 7 surgeries you’ve had in the past 5 years with one being brain surgery would make most people buckle. You have to rest.



How dare he peek behind the mask and see I’m a frail human!!!! LOL! But, he was right. So I completely stopped EVERYTHING for 6 months - no career, no home projects, no charity work, no entertaining, no nothing.

It was very hard to admit I needed to rest/heal/grieve/cry/putter/play… just be. But I did. And Mr. Sparkle down shifted a bit which allowed us to travel, do some spa days, spend time with our (adult) kids, and… just be.

Best decisions EVER!

So I’m peeking my head out to say hi and start enjoying my loved of handbags and my friends here on tPF. I’m grateful my son didn’t let me blow off his concern and love for me. I still plan to take the next 6 months “off” as I write a book that I hope will have a positive impact on my industry (which is going down a dark path.) But, that will be fun vs the grind I have put myself through for years.

Welcome back! You have a lovely, wise son.

The best of luck with your book, it sounds absolutely fascinating.

Thank you too for your good wishes. DH slept well last night, as you will appreciate because of your recent health battles, it's literally a day by day thing.

 

[papertiger]

Side note: am i the only one not overwhelmed with new bag designs the past 18-24 ish months?

You're not alone. I'm just so happy with what I have right now v what's out there to buy.

I think if I was actively looking, I'd buy everything preloved. I feel like there is very little 'personality' with any of the brands' offerings. It's disappointing to see so many designers?teams literally chasing the same trends.

 

[dcooney4]

Hey all! There is no way for me to catch up so I picked a few things to comment on but I send each of you my hugs.

I had to step away from a lot of things inc tPF. I realized I was suppressing a lot of sadness and grief under my eternally A+ “can do” attitude when my DH said - Mom, you’ve been through a lot the past few years and you act like it’s nothing. Even just the 7 surgeries you’ve had in the past 5 years with one being brain surgery would make most people buckle. You have to rest.



How dare he peek behind the mask and see I’m a frail human!!!! LOL! But, he was right. So I completely stopped EVERYTHING for 6 months - no career, no home projects, no charity work, no entertaining, no nothing.

It was very hard to admit I needed to rest/heal/grieve/cry/putter/play… just be. But I did. And Mr. Sparkle down shifted a bit which allowed us to travel, do some spa days, spend time with our (adult) kids, and… just be.

Best decisions EVER!

So I’m peeking my head out to say hi and start enjoying my loved of handbags and my friends here on tPF. I’m grateful my son didn’t let me blow off his concern and love for me. I still plan to take the next 6 months “off” as I write a book that I hope will have a positive impact on my industry (which is going down a dark path.) But, that will be fun vs the grind I have put myself through for years.

Welcome back! What a smart son. How exciting about the book.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Welcome back ❤️❤️❤️

I hope you are feeling better after your 6 month step back xxxxx

I am much better, thank you! I’d really run myself ragged in the race to tell myself I was “ok”.

You're not alone. I'm just so happy with what I have right now v what's out there to buy.

I think if I was actively looking, I'd buy everything preloved. I feel like there is very little 'personality' with any of the brands' offerings. It's disappointing to see so many designers?teams literally chasing the same trends.

It seems that all the bags look fairly similar or rather basic in shape & design. It seems the logos are the point of differentiation. And I’m not a fan of big logos. I just bought a pristine older Gucci bag with zero logos. But it’s beautiful because of the exotic leather and simple but classic styling.

Design should have… design. Slapping a logo on the same squares, rectangles and trapezoids we’ve seen since handbags were invented is not worth thousands or even hundreds of dollars.

Welcome back! What a smart son. How exciting about the book.

It’s nice to be at the stage of parenting where I can just sit back and proud of the choices he makes. It’s so remarkable to have my little baby boy grow into a caring and perceptive young man. Parenting is a privilege.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Hey all! There is no way for me to catch up so I picked a few things to comment on but I send each of you my hugs.

I had to step away from a lot of things inc tPF. I realized I was suppressing a lot of sadness and grief under my eternally A+ “can do” attitude when my DH said - Mom, you’ve been through a lot the past few years and you act like it’s nothing. Even just the 7 surgeries you’ve had in the past 5 years with one being brain surgery would make most people buckle. You have to rest.



How dare he peek behind the mask and see I’m a frail human!!!! LOL! But, he was right. So I completely stopped EVERYTHING for 6 months - no career, no home projects, no charity work, no entertaining, no nothing.

It was very hard to admit I needed to rest/heal/grieve/cry/putter/play… just be. But I did. And Mr. Sparkle down shifted a bit which allowed us to travel, do some spa days, spend time with our (adult) kids, and… just be.

Best decisions EVER!

So I’m peeking my head out to say hi and start enjoying my loved of handbags and my friends here on tPF. I’m grateful my son didn’t let me blow off his concern and love for me. I still plan to take the next 6 months “off” as I write a book that I hope will have a positive impact on my industry (which is going down a dark path.) But, that will be fun vs the grind I have put myself through for years.

It's so nice to hear from you! Sending positive energy your way. Take care xx

Side note: am i the only one not overwhelmed with new bag designs the past 18-24 ish months?

Nothing at all speaks to me enough to put it on my menta l" buy this in 10 years when it'll be affordable preloved" list.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

For the first time since I' ve been here I treated myself to an afternoon shopping in a nearby town all by myself. I stuck to the two second hand shops.



The trenchcoat ( the label reads "the King 's Raincoat") technically is for my son, but he wasn't too impressed. He said he' d rather wait for the Burberry's I recently bought to fit him. So I guess even though I definetely don't need it, for now it's mine. It's a medium weight quality for cooler temperatures.
I also found a nice charcoal wool/ cashmere mens coat that will be perfectly oversized for my younger DD.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Nothing at all speaks to me enough to put it on my menta l" buy this in 10 years when it'll be affordable preloved" list.

I didn’t know other people do this. I have a list of bags I like that I absolutely feel are NOT worth the asking price. So I wait until the season or hype passes and then I buy.

There is a freedom in not caring a scintilla about trends or what others like. I just bought a Fendi first from Fashionphile today during their 10% off sale. It’s like new and a third of the retail price. I don’t think it ever became overly popular but I think the style is adorbs - especially as a clutch - and can’t wait to receive it.

For the first time since I' ve been here I treated myself to an afternoon shopping in a nearby town all by myself. I stuck to the two second hand shops.

View attachment 6077448View attachment 6077449

The trenchcoat ( the label reads "the King 's Raincoat") technically is for my son, but he wasn't too impressed. He said he' d rather wait for the Burberry's I recently bought to fit him. So I guess even though I definetely don't need it, for now it's mine. It's a medium weight quality for cooler temperatures.
I also found a nice charcoal wool/ cashmere mens coat that will be perfectly oversized for my younger DD.

Great buys! I just spied an upscale resale shop across the street from my dentist. I haven’t gone resale clothes shopping since before Covid hit. So, I’m going to drop in next week to see what kind of stock they carry.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I didn’t know other people do this. I have a list of bags I like that I absolutely feel are NOT worth the asking price. So I wait until the season or hype passes and then I buy.

There is a freedom in not caring a scintilla about trends or what others like. I just bought a Fendi first from Fashionphile today during their 10% off sale. It’s like new and a third of the retail price. I don’t think it ever became overly popular but I think the style is adorbs - especially as a clutch - and can’t wait to receive it.

Great buys! I just spied an upscale resale shop across the street from my dentist. I haven’t gone resale clothes shopping since before Covid hit. So, I’m going to drop in next week to see what kind of stock they carry.

A Fendi First sounds great! I love the design- the biggest size they have worn as a clutch. ( I am not good with small bags) Congratulations on finding one at at great prices!
The Fendi First definetely is in my buy much later list. One day one will Turn Up within my price range.
Have fun checking out the resale shop!
Again upscale isn't in my range, but resale is always a wonderful treasure hunt No matter in which price bracket.
( Actually I was already shocked about the prices in the two very humble second hand/ charity shops I went to, but had a look anyway and was really pleased it was 50% off day. Thinking everything would be " pricy" made me chose well, getting it for half made me extra happy.)

 

[Sparkletastic]

Question: does anyone have or know of a good purse light? I’d like something for my larger bags / totes. It would be great if it attached some way and came on automatically but I’m open to any suggestions that have worked for you.