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.

 

[FizzyWater]

Carried my Gucci half-moon black canvas and tan leather bag yesterday. More a Summer bag, not great over a thicker tweed, but OK. So busy in town!!!

I'd washed my makeup brushes in the week, and yesterday I decided to go shopping yesterday for a brush holder.

I have a set in a brush roll (we had to buy them for school) a Laura Mercer mini bag set (good for travel) and some of my better fude come in their own cases, but it's all very inconvenient. I am forever forgetting what's in where and what and brush hunting as I'm trying to get out the door in 5 mins.

I want a cylinder receptacle, like the things you may put your toothbrushes. Online seems to offer nothing. I went to TK Maxx, Boots, M&S and Superdrug and couldn't find anything (at least without buying more brushes).

1. They have mostly bags (which I find a bit unhygienic and messy unless you never put away a used brush - which is where I'm at).
2. Hard cases have more brushes inside. I don't want more brushes.
3. All of the bags and everything look so infantile. Like women who use makeup are all age 6-12 y o.

My toothbrush holder (originally from Next) is perfect and washable, but then I'll need a toothbrush/toothpaste holder.

Any advice or ideas? Needs to be washable and grown-up looking.

I thought maybe even a tall cup? Anyone know any tall enough without handles? (like a a sake/ espresso cup but tall).

I use orphaned glassware, or extra vases, all over the house to corral such things. Also ornamental plant pots and empty expensive candle containers.

Break out the fancy crystal and smile every time you open the medicine cabinet!

 

[880]

I'm sorry you're not well. Please look after yourself

Preparing for and buying seasonally is the couture/tailor-made way, but sometimes things show-up unexpectedly and we have to be ready to pounce too.

I found two other almost unused statement Dior lipsticks and a Chanel radiance finishing powder, so I'm really pleased I didn't spend more on needless makeup. At least these days I'm actually wearing lipstick occasionally so there's hope I'll get through them.

Spoiler: DH update

I am happy to report DH is eating better after some difficult times last week. This will be his 'round 3' of chemo

I’m happy about your DH. Thinking of you and trying to send positive vibes across…. When my family members have been in this situation, they unfortunately find processed food easier to digest (even if not as healthy). Hugs

ETA: agree with @FizzyWater re using things of beauty for storage. Just be careful not to break them on your bathroom stone or tile.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Well done!

Yes, I spotted the pink version!

You’ve had a more productive weekend than I have-Knightsbridge was packed with early Christmas shoppers (my gf shopped in Harrods Christmas dept), so yesterday I soaked in a spa bath, and today will do the same, and admired my shopping, and today will catch up with my parents and try to deal with the British time change, which I Hate..

Tomorrow will be back to normal!

Self care is probably the most “productive” time you can spend. But, I’m so sorry about your FIL. Wishing you and your family peace and harmony during this difficult time.

I won't be able to post much. I hurt my right wrist and I am a righty. Sparkletastic you are on a roll. Good luck with the sales.

Oh no! I hope you recover quickly and easily.

Love the organization

- and whatever that yellow bag is, it's


I'm not at the same stage yet, shredding old papers and shaking out and washing my folded scarves from the Summer before I put them away.

Yay for sisters in creeping with deliberation thru our organization.

The yellow bag is my biggest “score.” A like new yellow lamb Miss Dior sliding chain that I purchased pre loved 6 years ago for only $600 from a seller who was aggressively downsizing. I have 4 of these now in yellow, watermelon pink, cobalt blue, and dark metallic marine blue. I am trying desperately to shriek at myself that I don’t also need green, red, beige-y pink or black when they come up for sale (two of these colors are listed now .) I love these bags: they’re super functional and look good on my frame. But, I’m a bit “off” of chain strap quilted bags right now.

 

[FizzyWater]

I use orphaned glassware, or extra vases, all over the house to corral such things. Also ornamental plant pots and empty expensive candle containers.

Break out the fancy crystal and smile every time you open the medicine cabinet!

Oh, and as I’m now home in bed (yay autumn cold) I have one of these on my nightstand: https://taet-tat.ch/collections/wohnen/products/sacco that the bf bought me on a trip.

Fabric so not breakable, weighted on the bottom to reduce tipping over, website says hand washable. Comes in lots of different colors.

Very practical. Not as fun as a champagne flute.

 

[FizzyWater]

Self care is probably the most “productive” time you can spend. But, I’m so sorry about your FIL. Wishing you and your family peace and harmony during this difficult time.

Oh no! I hope you recover quickly and easily.

Yay for sisters in creeping with deliberation thru our organization.

The yellow bag is my biggest “score.” A like new yellow lamb Miss Dior sliding chain that I purchased pre loved 6 years ago for only $600 from a seller who was aggressively downsizing. I have 4 of these now in yellow, watermelon pink, cobalt blue, and dark metallic marine blue. I am trying desperately to shriek at myself that I don’t also need green, red, beige-y pink or black when they come up for sale (two of these colors are listed now .) I love these bags: they’re super functional and look good on my frame. But, I’m a bit “off” of chain strap quilted bags right now. View attachment 6080886

That is a beautiful bag. I’m all in favor of just finding your favorite bag and getting it in all your favorite colors. But I do get your point that you’re “off” on the style right now.

(Did you mention why? I know you said you felt your Jumbos are just too big and too much, but the Miss Diors seem a bit more reserved. Ok, maybe not in this color. )

 

[papertiger]

I use orphaned glassware, or extra vases, all over the house to corral such things. Also ornamental plant pots and empty expensive candle containers.

Break out the fancy crystal and smile every time you open the medicine cabinet!

I love the used candle holders idea. I may have to buy one though, I gave my last posh candle to a friend.

 

[papertiger]

Self care is probably the most “productive” time you can spend. But, I’m so sorry about your FIL. Wishing you and your family peace and harmony during this difficult time.

Oh no! I hope you recover quickly and easily.

Yay for sisters in creeping with deliberation thru our organization.

The yellow bag is my biggest “score.” A like new yellow lamb Miss Dior sliding chain that I purchased pre loved 6 years ago for only $600 from a seller who was aggressively downsizing. I have 4 of these now in yellow, watermelon pink, cobalt blue, and dark metallic marine blue. I am trying desperately to shriek at myself that I don’t also need green, red, beige-y pink or black when they come up for sale (two of these colors are listed now .) I love these bags: they’re super functional and look good on my frame. But, I’m a bit “off” of chain strap quilted bags right now. View attachment 6080886

I absolutely love it!

I want a yellow bag sometime but I'm not going to hunt, just going to let one come to me.

 

[SakuraSakura]

I feel for you!
Retail therapy is so uplifting wasn't it for the guilt afterwards.... I don't need it....I shouldn't have spent the money....
Have you tried doing a big closet purge? As soon as everything I own is out in the open I usually find pieces which I had totally forgotten about and which feel like having something new.

Last time I was obsessing about all the new shoes I wanted ( to feel like a valuable person instead of like an ugly looser) and couldn't source, because the pictures in my mind were so specific I finally opened my moving boxes of shoes. I didn't really remember which I brought and which I left. Seeing them all was so nice and surprise: I really don't need more.

We lost our dog two weeks ago. While I haven't done too much shopping, I have been numbing myself with social media. I don't have the energy to even envision my future right now. I relate to you both - I hope things are better now. I miss him so much it hurts.

In the meanwhile, I decided to swap out my Coach 2007 signature soho flap for a 2005 soho pocket flap as I needed a change. It was an excellent purchase. I've thought about the Soho Pocket Flap for quite sometime. I'd love to find one in red.

 

[Sparkletastic]

That is a beautiful bag. I’m all in favor of just finding your favorite bag and getting it in all your favorite colors. But I do get your point that you’re “off” on the style right now.

(Did you mention why? I know you said you felt your Jumbos are just too big and too much, but the Miss Diors seem a bit more reserved. Ok, maybe not in this color. )

Thanks for the compliment. And, I definitely tend to buy in multiples so I agree with your POV.

I think a few factors are causing me to be a bit “off” of the chain bag / quilt look: 1) that used to be my favorite bag style and I have needed to let it rest, 2) I dress a teeny bit more casually since Covid 3) I’m enjoying mixing up my look with very different styles to feel a bit more artistic and unique in my styling

I absolutely love it!

I want a yellow bag sometime but I'm not going to hunt, just going to let one come to me.

That’s how I got this one! I also want an orange and a green bag but those will have to find me as well.

 

[FizzyWater]

I love the used candle holders idea. I may have to buy one though, I gave my last posh candle to a friend.

An excellent excuse to buy lovely candles!

 

[FizzyWater]

Thanks for the compliment. And, I definitely tend to buy in multiples so I agree with your POV.

I think a few factors are causing me to be a bit “off” of the chain bag / quilt look: 1) that used to be my favorite bag style and I have needed to let it rest, 2) I dress a teeny bit more casually since Covid 3) I’m enjoying mixing up my look with very different styles to feel a bit more artistic and unique in my styling

That’s how I got this one! I also want an orange and a green bag but those will have to find me as well.

Ah, those reasons make sense. Let them rest while you go explore something different for some time!

 

[DME]

Carried my Gucci half-moon black canvas and tan leather bag yesterday. More a Summer bag, not great over a thicker tweed, but OK. So busy in town!!!

I'd washed my makeup brushes in the week, and yesterday I decided to go shopping yesterday for a brush holder.

I have a set in a brush roll (we had to buy them for school) a Laura Mercer mini bag set (good for travel) and some of my better fude come in their own cases, but it's all very inconvenient. I am forever forgetting what's in where and what and brush hunting as I'm trying to get out the door in 5 mins.

I want a cylinder receptacle, like the things you may put your toothbrushes. Online seems to offer nothing. I went to TK Maxx, Boots, M&S and Superdrug and couldn't find anything (at least without buying more brushes).

1. They have mostly bags (which I find a bit unhygienic and messy unless you never put away a used brush - which is where I'm at).
2. Hard cases have more brushes inside. I don't want more brushes.
3. All of the bags and everything look so infantile. Like women who use makeup are all age 6-12 y o.

My toothbrush holder (originally from Next) is perfect and washable, but then I'll need a toothbrush/toothpaste holder.

Any advice or ideas? Needs to be washable and grown-up looking.

I thought maybe even a tall cup? Anyone know any tall enough without handles? (like a a sake/ espresso cup but tall).

I use a brushed stainless steel tumbler for mine. Funny enough, I bought it at Harrods on a trip to London about 20 years ago! It has a decent weight, but isn’t heavy, and it’s the perfect height for makeup brushes, plus it’s washable since it’s a tumbler. The company is Zack (German). I no longer have many makeup brushes since I don’t wear a lot of makeup anymore and most of what I kept is travel-sized, but I do have a kabuki brush, so I took a photo with my brushes to show you. Also including a photo of the bottom in case you’re interested in checking it out. Did a quick Google search and the below link might be to the current model (dimensions are about right!).

Zack Cupa Brushed Stainless Steel Tumbler 40129

Discover the Zack Cupa Brushed Stainless Steel Tumbler—elegant, durable, and perfect for any beverage. Elevate your drinkware collection today!

proleno.com

 

[DME]

Sooooo… being “out of it” for so long with health issues has meant I’m behind in some of the little but important-to-me things I like to do. One of those is keeping my bags cleaned, conditioned, organized and displayed so that I’m happy when I see them all together.

I spent the day reloading my entire closet to edit out what isn’t working. With that I had to reset and adjust every single shelf in my bag tower. I’m happy with what I could fit -
but now with my purchases, I can’t fit 3 bags that can / should “sit” on the shelves (you can see them languishing on the top shelf second pic). My 2 new Prada monochrome top handle bags take up a lot of vertical space.

I’m also not happy with my hanging bag section as I can barely differentiate what is what. Even the new Gucci multi colored python is getting lost.

Suggestions? I’d love to see how everyone else displays / stores their bags. @dcooney4 - you are really good about holding your collection to a certain amount of space so feel free to tutor me! View attachment 6080618View attachment 6080619

And yes. Those of you with keen perception can see I’m photographing everything BUT the 9 bags I need to sell.

Procrastination thy name is Sparkletastic.

Wow, I love how you display your bags! While it’s probably not so helpful to you since I keep mine in their dust bags (with the exception of whatever work tote I’m currently using and two grab-and-go bags that I rotate a couple of times per season to encourage more wear), I’ll include some closet photos in case they’re helpful. Earlier this year I swapped out three jewelry trays just under the shelf where my work bag sits with two more drawers to accommodate my growing SLG collection. I’ve been consolidating/downsizing/curating my jewelry collection, giving away or selling a lot of my fashion jewelry and putting what’s left in one place so I can better see what I have. I finally got around to selling many of the items from my mom that I wasn’t keeping and I was pleased with the place I used (so much better than the last place). Of course I took the proceeds right to VCA and bought myself a pendant, but… At least I don’t have things I know I don’t want still sitting around.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I’d love to see your painted pieces!

Here's the printed Burberry's suit. Really not spectacular... I simply needed a way to cover Up all the places I darned. There was a lot of moth damage. DS calls this suit "grandma got run over by a mobility scooter when leaving the bingo parlour."

Nothing beats the thrill I get from finding something great randomly at a thrift store or coming across a poorly listed, cheaply priced item on ebay.

You took the words right out of my mouth!

 

[880]

Sooooo… being “out of it” for so long with health issues has meant I’m behind in some of the little but important-to-me things I like to do. One of those is keeping my bags cleaned, conditioned, organized and displayed so that I’m happy when I see them all together.

I spent the day reloading my entire closet to edit out what isn’t working. With that I had to reset and adjust every single shelf in my bag tower. I’m happy with what I could fit -
but now with my purchases, I can’t fit 3 bags that can / should “sit” on the shelves (you can see them languishing on the top shelf second pic). My 2 new Prada monochrome top handle bags take up a lot of vertical space.

I’m also not happy with my hanging bag section as I can barely differentiate what is what. Even the new Gucci multi colored python is getting lost.

Suggestions? I’d love to see how everyone else displays / stores their bags. @dcooney4 - you are really good about holding your collection to a certain amount of space so feel free to tutor me! View attachment 6080618View attachment 6080619

And yes. Those of you with keen perception can see I’m photographing everything BUT the 9 bags I need to sell.

Procrastination thy name is Sparkletastic.

This looks great! If you want to minimize the height taken up by the Prada top handles, perhaps store them on the same shelf?

@cowgirlsboots , love the latest suit. IMO it looks very comme des garçons meets dior