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.

 

[cecchetti]

This made me think of the vintage bags by Bonnie cashin and the movie love story I’m also on the look out for a Roberto Di Camarino velvet bag and the perfect (for me) vintage Gucci top handle, but they haven’t crossed my path yet. Not sure if they are my style, but I love them.

Forgot my one bespoke bag by duret. It was his first bag in buffalo dalmation. I love it and wear it when the mood strikes. I wasn’t fond of the special order process though, and I doubt I will go through that again for any brand. (I second guess myself and I hate to wai

I hadn’t forgotten it, and was going to ask why you hadn’t included it in your line up.

I myself Don’t mind waiting lol, and am waiting for a price for a bespoke crocodile bag(not Duret), I don’t know whether or not I’ll proceed, I’ll see what the costing comes out at, and what other projects I have for next year(rtw, jewellery etc).

Your bag is beautiful !

 

[880]

I hadn’t forgotten it, and was going to ask why you hadn’t included it in your line up.

I myself Don’t mind waiting lol, and am waiting for a price for a bespoke crocodile bag(not Duret), I don’t know whether or not I’ll proceed, I’ll see what the costing comes out at, and what other projects I have for next year(rtw, jewellery etc).

Your bag is beautiful !

Thank you. Bespoke or H exotic croc/alligator is likely not to be in the cards for me. The price is exorbitant, and since I’m 57, I doubt very much that I’d get back anything close to cost per wear. But, I hope you will tag me when you go down that path

 

[FizzyWater]

My files are out of date, but I think:

12 Longchamp, all Le Pliage - 5 S Cuir, 1 S fabric, 6 L Shoppers (Neo or whatever the new variant is called)

10 Hobo International - 8 Lolas, a laptop bag, and a wristlet

9 no- or unknown-name

5 BV

5 Hermès

Plus quite a few 1s and 2s of known brands.

Probably the LC totes get the most use, as I use them for both work and travel. As purses, I carry the BV/H hobos to feel put-together and the LC crossbodies when I need to run around forever.

Note to self: The Lolas are only semi on-trend right now, wear them!

 

[cecchetti]

Thank you. Bespoke or H exotic croc/alligator is likely not to be in the cards for me. The price is exorbitant, and since I’m 57, I doubt very much that I’d get back anything close to cost per wear. But, I hope you will tag me when you go down that path

Of course I will-It’s not H, it’s in Japan..
I’m sorry I must have missed your birthday-you’re only a few months older than me-I’m just secretly very ambitious in my life expectancy!

 

[DME]

LV is the most represented in my collection. I also have several H, Chanel and Goyard. Onesies and twosies of other brands like Prada, Valentino and Gucci. I like LV canvas because it’s lightweight. I’m quite happy with what I have, b7t I never say never to another bag purchase! My life changes every so many years and I can k Agnes retirement, which is maybe a handful of years away, might may me rethink.

 

[More bags]

It’s 4.31 am , Ispent yesterday in Knightsbridge , including Harrods , with my much younger girlfriend.

I had a list of about 25 different things to look at from Crockett and Jones boots(too big), to bedding(wrong colour in stock, to makeup,clothes, Christmas presents, endless departments, plus my friend’s lists.

The Joseph jackets I tried on to match my Joseph gabardine leggings and trousers drowned me even in the smallest size, I felt like Cinderella tbh.

I could have spent 10 years in the designer room(where I used to shop in my 20’s when my life was more glamorous )- now I need these things less frequently, I could have bought clothes for the next 15 years.

Instead I bought.

Lunch in the pizzeria (where I’ve been a regular since it opened).
A cold drink for the journey home.

Underwear
Face stuff
Graff pear shape pendant

My girlfriend is about 32 years younger and loves pink and sparkly things, and loved the evening wear!
She bought things in the Christmas room and some chocolate , and liked things in Zara and Guess to buy online.

I hadn’t slept the previous night, so made notes of pieces I liked for future reference, but overall was pleased with my shopping, especially as on Wednesday evening I’d already ordered a snowtip merino shearling coat.
Plenty more to buy next time!

Congratulations on your gorgeous Graff pear pendant necklace- it’s stunning. I have admired Graff for awhile. Enjoy your new sparkle.

 

[cecchetti]

Congratulations on your gorgeous Graff pear pendant necklace- it’s stunning. I have admired Graff for awhile. Enjoy your new sparkle.

Thank you so much ❤️❤️-I’m one of their longest standing clients(nearly 40 years).

 

[cecchetti]

October Stats

It’s been a mixed month

Family first-as that’s the most important thing❤️

I’ve hardly seen my Mum, as she tested positive for Covid for a fortnight (thankfully no symptoms), and I had a heavy cold.
I Did manage to celebrate her 79th birthday with her and give her a present and card.

Luckily she’s now negative , and I can visit at the weekend.
I will hug both parents tight, after the shock of the sudden loss of my sister’s father-in-law last Sunday.
The funeral will be held in November.
I cannot wait to see my parents!

The rest-

Bags-0 in ,0 out
SLG 0 in, 0 out

RTW-3 out, 2 in

Jewellery -1 in
I also received my triple row South Sea pearl bracelet and have been wearing that daily.

I would have traded all of the excitement of my day out and my shopping and a million things to have not had last Sunday, but unfortunately , that’s part of growing older.
My partner of 30 years, a Harley Street physician 25 years older than me, also passed away year and I’m missing him.
He was there to accompany me to weddings decades ago, now he’s not here for the funerals.

I will cherish both of my parents and every second I spend with them..

 

[Sparkletastic]

Thank you. Bespoke or H exotic croc/alligator is likely not to be in the cards for me. The price is exorbitant, and since I’m 57, I doubt very much that I’d get back anything close to cost per wear. But, I hope you will tag me when you go down that path

Of course I will-It’s not H, it’s in Japan..
I’m sorry I must have missed your birthday-you’re only a few months older than me-I’m just secretly very ambitious in my life expectancy!

Recently, I told my body that it’s now officially 30 yo. I’m not tolerating any more issues that speak to an older age. Mind over matter, right? Plus I have genetics on my side. No one on my lineage has died younger than age 90 except for my dad who was a smoker (I’ve never smoked.) So I invite you all to Jedi mind trick our bodies into sustained youth for health’s sake. 😉

October Stats

It’s been a mixed month

Family first-as that’s the most important thing❤️

I’ve hardly seen my Mum, as she tested positive for Covid for a fortnight (thankfully no symptoms), and I had a heavy cold.
I Did manage to celebrate her 79th birthday with her and give her a present and card.

Luckily she’s now negative , and I can visit at the weekend.
I will hug both parents tight, after the shock of the sudden loss of my sister’s father-in-law last Sunday.
The funeral will be held in November.
I cannot wait to see my parents!

The rest-

Bags-0 in ,0 out
SLG 0 in, 0 out

RTW-3 out, 2 in

Jewellery -1 in
I also received my triple row South Sea pearl bracelet and have been wearing that daily.

I would have traded all of the excitement of my day out and my shopping and a million things to have not had last Sunday, but unfortunately , that’s part of growing older.
My partner of 30 years, a Harley Street physician 25 years older than me, also passed away year and I’m missing him.
He was there to accompany me to weddings decades ago, now he’s not here for the funerals.

I will cherish both of my parents and every second I spend with them..

Yes! I love your renewed passion to love on those still with you. Sending your hugs during this challenging time.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Sparkletastic’s October Stats

• Bags: 6 in (oops!) / 0 out / 3 listed / 35 total
• SLG’s: 0 in / 0 out / 0 listed / 6 total

I still need to list 6 bags for sale, have one bag on the way, and am incredibly curious about the bag Mr. Sparkle has hidden for my bday. We hadn’t even talked about aspirational or wish list bags so what is he up to? LOL!

 

[Sparkletastic]

I have been thinking about fun for our November challenges! @Vlad please pin this to the top of our thread.

1) Seasonal Style Swap: pick a bag that you consider off-season for where you live and wear it twice this month by styling it in a new way. For example, if you live in the USA, pick a bag that’s very much spring and style it for fall. Share pics or descriptions on how you wore it well!

2) Trashing trends: Pick the bag in your collection that you feel is most out of style and challenge yourself to wear it in a way that speaks to current fashion trends.

3) Matchy matchy make up: Go retro to match your non neutral shoes and bag at least twice a week in November. You get extra points if you match the rest of your accessories as well. Red shoes, red bag, red belt, red jewelry? Find a way to make it happen this month and still keep it on trend. Tell us about your outfit or get bonus points for showing us a photo.

But no making it easy - you can’t do a full monochromatic outfit. Your main clothing pieces have to be a different color from all of your accessories.

4) Love ‘em and leave ‘em: Mix things up by NOT wearing your three most worn bags this month. This will be harder than you think but great for getting more rotation and improving your overall CPW.

 

[whateve]

October 2024 stats
bags in 0
bags out 0
SLGs in 0
SLGs out 0

YTD stats
bags in 6
bags out 5
SLGs in 4
SLGs out 11

Nothing happened this month concerning purses. Nothing I have listed for sale is moving.

I carried 7 purses in October.

I swam through October 9th, which is a record as the pool has never been warm enough this late in the year. I hate when swimming season is over because I don't enjoy any other kind of exercise. I'm getting pretty old and have a few fitness goals. I've been seeing these things that show various things you should be able to do if you want to live long, like get up off the floor without using your hands. I'm terrible at all these things so it got me worried. I mistakenly thought I was in good shape because of all the laps I swum this year. Apparently it didn't do anything for developing strength. DH, who never exercises, has finally decided he needs to walk every day. It isn't much (we don't go very far) but I've been going with him, hoping he'll stick with it. I've been doing weight bearing exercises (mostly squats and lunges with weights) about 15 minutes a day and yoga for about another half hour. My goals are to develop more flexibility, build muscle to combat osteoporosis, and work on better balance (being able to stand on one leg for over a minute.)

 

[Vintage Leather]

Half my bag collection looks like it would be carried by Miss Frizzle, the other half looks like I raided Carrie Bradshaw’a closet.

The Miss Frizzle half is dominated by Harvey’s Seatbelt Bags, with one or two bags from Wicker Darling, Enid Collins and Timmy Woods.

The Carrie Bradshaw half of the closet is 10% Hermes, 10% vintage Chanel (only one flap, the rest are unique styles and don’t have visible CCs), 8% Gucci, and then a whole lot of 1-2 bags from various brands, that were made between 15 to 80 years ago.



In other news…
My life has changed so much since August, I don’t even know where to start with statistics or updates or anything… I’ll try to make a longer post later so I can try the accountability thing.

 

[dcooney4]

Oct. Stats
3 Bags in -Cuyana I love, Mz Ilike but not sure I need. Crocodile gift
3 Bags out- Bags I liked but wasn't wearing
0 slgs in
1 slg out
1 sport bag in
1 sport bag out
I counted the Crocodile bag in , because it takes up space. The leather guy repaired it beautifully, but doesn't look sturdy enough to wear. I bought rivets to put through the strap, but now I can't make any repairs one handed. Trying to think of another use for the bag, so it can be out and not in my limited space bag closet.

 

[Sparkletastic]

October 2024 stats
bags in 0
bags out 0
SLGs in 0
SLGs out 0

YTD stats
bags in 6
bags out 5
SLGs in 4
SLGs out 11

Nothing happened this month concerning purses. Nothing I have listed for sale is moving.

I carried 7 purses in October.

I swam through October 9th, which is a record as the pool has never been warm enough this late in the year. I hate when swimming season is over because I don't enjoy any other kind of exercise. I'm getting pretty old and have a few fitness goals. I've been seeing these things that show various things you should be able to do if you want to live long, like get up off the floor without using your hands. I'm terrible at all these things so it got me worried. I mistakenly thought I was in good shape because of all the laps I swum this year. Apparently it didn't do anything for developing strength. DH, who never exercises, has finally decided he needs to walk every day. It isn't much (we don't go very far) but I've been going with him, hoping he'll stick with it. I've been doing weight bearing exercises (mostly squats and lunges with weights) about 15 minutes a day and yoga for about another half hour. My goals are to develop more flexibility, build muscle to combat osteoporosis, and work on better balance (being able to stand on one leg for over a minute.)

It’s amazing how quickly we can lose fitness. I have always been very active: weight training, dance classes, cardiovascular activity… it was all part of my daily life.

Then in 2020 I had the brain tumor. Ugh! Since then, I’ve battled health issues both related and unrelated. In fact, I have two more surgeries coming up - one on Monday and one in December. (Being brutally honest, this is why I’ve been on such a purse buying binge It’s been self soothing.) In ANY case I’ve really struggled to keep my fitness level up and have gained weight. So, I’ve had to make health & vitality my number one priority and it will stay that the rest of my life. Age plus health conditions plus lack of vigorous exercise equals disease, decay & signs of aging. I just refuse to go down the path of not feeling good. What I can fight is getting kicked in its head.

So know that I 100% support you and am sending you all kinds of good vibes and cheerleading. You can do this!

Half my bag collection looks like it would be carried by Miss Frizzle, the other half looks like I raided Carrie Bradshaw’a closet.

The Miss Frizzle half is dominated by Harvey’s Seatbelt Bags, with one or two bags from Wicker Darling, Enid Collins and Timmy Woods.

The Carrie Bradshaw half of the closet is 10% Hermes, 10% vintage Chanel (only one flap, the rest are unique styles and don’t have visible CCs), 8% Gucci, and then a whole lot of 1-2 bags from various brands, that were made between 15 to 80 years ago.



In other news…
My life has changed so much since August, I don’t even know where to start with statistics or updates or anything… I’ll try to make a longer post later so I can try the accountability thing.

We’re here to help if you need ideas.

Oct. Stats
3 Bags in -Cuyana I love, Mz Ilike but not sure I need. Crocodile gift
3 Bags out- Bags I liked but wasn't wearing
0 slgs in
1 slg out
1 sport bag in
1 sport bag out
I counted the Crocodile bag in , because it takes up space. The leather guy repaired it beautifully, but doesn't look sturdy enough to wear. I bought rivets to put through the strap, but now I can't make any repairs one handed. Trying to think of another use for the bag, so it can be out and not in my limited space bag closet.

I feel for you typing this with your left hand.