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]

January stats:
Bags in: 1
Bags out: 2
Scarves in: 1 (though it hasn't yet arrived, sigh)
Scarves out: 10
SLGs in/out: 0
Bag charm in: 1 (I don't really do bag charms, so this is an experiment)

Physical books read: 4
N or M? - Agatha Christie - charming as always, though not anything like her best
Into the Wild - Krakauer - fascinating look into people living (and dying) lives very alien to me
The Last Hero - Pratchett - not his best, either, but amusingly illustrated
Through a Glass, Darkly - Leon - I mentioned to my bf before reading: From reading previous novels in the series, it will describe a beautiful Venice, and the detective will solve the mystery but nothing will happen because: corruption. And so it was!

10 scarves out!?! Wow!

It's great to experiment. You change the whole feel of a bag with a charm, or bring out a detail/colour of an outfit, even just cheer yourself up. I have very few bag charms. Some of them came with a bag, but I have around 4 that I bought just for themselves. So long as you actually love the charm for itself and it goes with at least one bag, all good.

 

[papertiger]

Too late for end of month stats, I'll just park this here today and try to remember come end of Feb.

1 more bag, 4 pairs of wedge sandals and 1 pair of boots out to charity (goodwill).

Vintage frame bag was never going to be used and just sitting there like a forlorn animal, so hopefully it'll go to a good home. I've worn the boots and had good use (although they still look great) so feel OK about letting them go, a couple of the sandals were too high for daily wear, just feel a bit sad over the never worn ones with ankle straps, maybe I didn't give them a chance. Thinking about re-buying them tomorrow.

The reason I went was primarily to take more jewellery to sell, but the buyer wasn't there so I have to go back. My collection's looking more orderly now. Those bits, those too long/short chains, single earrings that were once a pair, things that kept needing to be repaired... things I can't even remember buying, I want them gone. Never mind the bag's. Only having jewellery that really speaks to me and I wear has been a revelation.

Spoiler

DH is with his mother and family abraod for a while, so it's a chance to clean and clear. Awaiting results of the chemo, so fingers crossed

 

[dcooney4]

Too late for end of month stats, I'll just park this here today and try to remember come end of Feb.

1 more bag, 4 pairs of wedge sandals and 1 pair of boots out to charity (goodwill).

Vintage frame bag was never going to be used and just sitting there like a forlorn animal, so hopefully it'll go to a good home. I've worn the boots and had good use (although they still look great) so feel OK about letting them go, a couple of the sandals were too high for daily wear, just feel a bit sad over the never worn ones with ankle straps, maybe I didn't give them a chance. Thinking about re-buying them tomorrow.

The reason I went was primarily to take more jewellery to sell, but the buyer wasn't there so I have to go back. My collection's looking more orderly now. Those bits, those too long/short chains, single earrings that were once a pair, things that kept needing to be repaired... things I can't even remember buying, I want them gone. Never mind the bag's. Only having jewellery that really speaks to me and I wear has been a revelation.

Spoiler

DH is with his mother and family abraod for a while, so it's a chance to clean and clear. Awaiting results of the chemo, so fingers crossed

Fingers crossed! Great job on getting on organizing.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Too late for end of month stats, I'll just park this here today and try to remember come end of Feb.

1 more bag, 4 pairs of wedge sandals and 1 pair of boots out to charity (goodwill).

Vintage frame bag was never going to be used and just sitting there like a forlorn animal, so hopefully it'll go to a good home. I've worn the boots and had good use (although they still look great) so feel OK about letting them go, a couple of the sandals were too high for daily wear, just feel a bit sad over the never worn ones with ankle straps, maybe I didn't give them a chance. Thinking about re-buying them tomorrow.

The reason I went was primarily to take more jewellery to sell, but the buyer wasn't there so I have to go back. My collection's looking more orderly now. Those bits, those too long/short chains, single earrings that were once a pair, things that kept needing to be repaired... things I can't even remember buying, I want them gone. Never mind the bag's. Only having jewellery that really speaks to me and I wear has been a revelation.

Spoiler

DH is with his mother and family abraod for a while, so it's a chance to clean and clear. Awaiting results of the chemo, so fingers crossed

Fingers crossed he gets a clean bill of health!

 

[More bags]

January Update: Intentions, Challenges, and Stats

• Bag Rotation: carried 17
• Most frequently carried: Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag, red; Chanel red Reissue 226, Chanel black Caviar Wallet on Chain
• Books Read: 1, The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, an epic family story of three generations, from 1900-1977, set in India. The author is a talented and engaging storyteller. Recommend. Be forewarned it’s a large book. How do you read a book over 700 pages, 1 page at a time.
• Exited items: 32 - clothing and household items

January 2024 Stats
Bags - 0 in, 0 out
SLGs - 0 in, 0 out

 

[More bags]

@cecchetti my condolences for the loss of Tammy.

@jblended best wishes for you and your mom.

@papertiger fingers crossed for good news coming your way

 

[dcooney4]

January Update: Intentions, Challenges, and Stats

• Bag Rotation: carried 17
• Most frequently carried: Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag, red; Chanel red Reissue 226, Chanel black Caviar Wallet on Chain
• Books Read: 1, The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, an epic family story of three generations, from 1900-1977, set in India. The author is a talented and engaging storyteller. Recommend. Be forewarned it’s a large book. How do you read a book over 700 pages, 1 page at a time.
• Exited items: 32 - clothing and household items

January 2024 Stats
Bags - 0 in, 0 out
SLGs - 0 in, 0 out

Wow great stats!

 

[880]

Too late for end of month stats, I'll just park this here today and try to remember come end of Feb.

1 more bag, 4 pairs of wedge sandals and 1 pair of boots out to charity (goodwill).

Vintage frame bag was never going to be used and just sitting there like a forlorn animal, so hopefully it'll go to a good home. I've worn the boots and had good use (although they still look great) so feel OK about letting them go, a couple of the sandals were too high for daily wear, just feel a bit sad over the never worn ones with ankle straps, maybe I didn't give them a chance. Thinking about re-buying them tomorrow.

The reason I went was primarily to take more jewellery to sell, but the buyer wasn't there so I have to go back. My collection's looking more orderly now. Those bits, those too long/short chains, single earrings that were once a pair, things that kept needing to be repaired... things I can't even remember buying, I want them gone. Never mind the bag's. Only having jewellery that really speaks to me and I wear has been a revelation.

Spoiler

DH is with his mother and family abraod for a while, so it's a chance to clean and clear. Awaiting results of the chemo, so fingers crossed

Fingers crossed for DH right now. I’m glad he is with his mom and family too.

What has made you invest more (or less) in a bag?

re spending less

i hadn’t spent on bags in about 10 years before covid (fell into other things like Georg Jensen silver; watches; and focused on RTW). During Covid, I decided to buy structurally sound bags I always wanted bc the deals were simply too fabulous to resist. I only bought if I knew they could be completely refurbished by @docride, and I love everything I got. Nero barenia Birkin 30, brushed phw; 28 box kelly bleu indigo, sellier, brushed phw; and 28 black box kelly retourne, brushed phw, each for 7K; gold swift 30 B for 5K; 32 Bordeaux box kelly sellier, brushed phw for 4K; 29 ardoise box clutch, phw, for 2K; 35 trim II in Fauve barenia and forest green pebbled leather, phw, for under 1K each; etc. All prices in USD. I don’t think prices will fall that low again, at least not for a while.

IMO the important thing with buying authentic preloved is to only buy what you love and then, once you buy don’t second guess yourself or keep looking.

re spending more
the only time I’ve spent more than retail was a 30 craie Birkin 30, ghw, for my moms milestone birthday. I got it for 16K USD . She loves it, and I didn‘t regret the extra expense. I do prefer to buy H bags at FSH, as bag prices are 30% less than the US, but I also have a regular local SA. If I ever spent more than retail on a bag for me, it would have to be a dream bag. Last year, I bought a 1923 rainbow bolide 30 for about 8.5K EU from FSH. It’s one of my favorite things. I also bought a toile biovac Birkin 30 which I love for about the same price. I don’t mind spending more bc I’m buying fewer items. And, as my collection grows, I become more discerning. I also engage in the girl math of averaging out the cost of my deals with my other bags lol. It keeps my head from exploding. Simply buy what you love and is completely you; what you will use; and what you can comfortably afford. No regrets

 

[cecchetti]

@More bags Thank you so much-this has been a horrible week…😭😭

 

[DME]

The reason I went was primarily to take more jewellery to sell, but the buyer wasn't there so I have to go back. My collection's looking more orderly now. Those bits, those too long/short chains, single earrings that were once a pair, things that kept needing to be repaired... things I can't even remember buying, I want them gone. Never mind the bag's. Only having jewellery that really speaks to me and I wear has been a revelation.

Spoiler

DH is with his mother and family abraod for a while, so it's a chance to clean and clear. Awaiting results of the chemo, so fingers crossed

This was a game-changer for me, too. I sold off a bunch of pieces over a decade ago, but still held on to a lot of pieces just because. They were mostly ones my mom had given me after she and my dad divorced. They weren’t my style and I wasn’t wearing them, so I finally decided to purge. I took in another two rings in last month. I am keeping track of the money from that and other items I’ve sold in various forums (e.g., consignment, site at work) and am putting money toward new purchases, mostly those I have been wanting to add to my fine jewelry collection. It’s a bit of a way to justify the new things coming in.

Keeping your DH in my thoughts and hoping for good news about his treatment!

 

[DME]

View attachment 5941108Mz Wallace Small Sutton In Quartz Pearl. I really needed a cheerful pick me up . The weather has been grey here for weeks. I need some sunshine and blue skies even if it’s cold.

Great bag!

It’s miserable here, too. I finally had enough, so dug out a pair of light gray cropped joggers, matching sports bra and pink hoodie for work yesterday (super casual work environment), pairing the outfit with white platform sneakers. It felt like a bit of spring, albeit while still being appropriately dressed for the season.

At least the groundhog predicted an early spring. Here’s to hoping he’s right!

 

[DME]

January stats:

Bags in: 0
Bags out: 1 (given to a friend)
SLGs in: 2
SLGs out: 3, including 1 bag charm (given to the same friend)
Scarves in: 1 (couldn’t pass up the Hermes ice cream Twilly!)
Scarves out: 0
Jewelry in: 2 (both fine jewelry pieces I’ve wanted)
Jewelry out: 2
Shoes in: 4 (3 pairs of sneakers, 1 pair of rain boots)
Shoes out: 12 (heels, sneakers, boots and flip flops)

I also did a scrub of my closets and drawers, identifying a number of items (costume jewelry, clothes and household goods) for donation, consignment (including resale sites) and to sell on our site at work. I also have a few items set aside for my best friend’s daughter. I bought some new clothing, mostly athletic wear, to help with the winter/spring transition. Now I just need to motivate myself to move into a different tote bag for work. I set out my heart bag charm and, while it will look just fine on my Damier Ebene Louis Vuitton Neverfull, which is the bag I’ve been carrying, I love it on my Celine navy Cabas tote, so need to get that done before Valentine’s Day comes and goes!

 

[dcooney4]

Today’s bag is a backpack my son surprised me with at Christmas. Took it out while he was in the room, so he knows I appreciate his gift. The weather is still grey here. Though it seems to be good for taking pictures. Lol

 

[lill_canele]

January stats:

Bags in: 0
Bags out: 1 (given to a friend)
SLGs in: 2
SLGs out: 3, including 1 bag charm (given to the same friend)
Scarves in: 1 (couldn’t pass up the Hermes ice cream Twilly!)
Scarves out: 0
Jewelry in: 2 (both fine jewelry pieces I’ve wanted)
Jewelry out: 2
Shoes in: 4 (3 pairs of sneakers, 1 pair of rain boots)
Shoes out: 12 (heels, sneakers, boots and flip flops)

I also did a scrub of my closets and drawers, identifying a number of items (costume jewelry, clothes and household goods) for donation, consignment (including resale sites) and to sell on our site at work. I also have a few items set aside for my best friend’s daughter. I bought some new clothing, mostly athletic wear, to help with the winter/spring transition. Now I just need to motivate myself to move into a different tote bag for work. I set out my heart bag charm and, while it will look just fine on my Damier Ebene Louis Vuitton Neverfull, which is the bag I’ve been carrying, I love it on my Celine navy Cabas tote, so need to get that done before Valentine’s Day comes and goes!

Ooo, very nice!

May I see what fine jewelry pieces you got?

 

[papertiger]

Fingers crossed for DH right now. I’m glad he is with his mom and family too.

re spending less

i hadn’t spent on bags in about 10 years before covid (fell into other things like Georg Jensen silver; watches; and focused on RTW). During Covid, I decided to buy structurally sound bags I always wanted bc the deals were simply too fabulous to resist. I only bought if I knew they could be completely refurbished by @docride, and I love everything I got. Nero barenia Birkin 30, brushed phw; 28 box kelly bleu indigo, sellier, brushed phw; and 28 black box kelly retourne, brushed phw, each for 7K; gold swift 30 B for 5K; 32 Bordeaux box kelly sellier, brushed phw for 4K; 29 ardoise box clutch, phw, for 2K; 35 trim II in Fauve barenia and forest green pebbled leather, phw, for under 1K each; etc. All prices in USD. I don’t think prices will fall that low again, at least not for a while.

IMO the important thing with buying authentic preloved is to only buy what you love and then, once you buy don’t second guess yourself or keep looking.

re spending more
the only time I’ve spent more than retail was a 30 craie Birkin 30, ghw, for my moms milestone birthday. I got it for 16K USD . She loves it, and I didn‘t regret the extra expense. I do prefer to buy H bags at FSH, as bag prices are 30% less than the US, but I also have a regular local SA. If I ever spent more than retail on a bag for me, it would have to be a dream bag. Last year, I bought a 1923 rainbow bolide 30 for about 8.5K EU from FSH. It’s one of my favorite things. I also bought a toile biovac Birkin 30 which I love for about the same price. I don’t mind spending more bc I’m buying fewer items. And, as my collection grows, I become more discerning. I also engage in the girl math of averaging out the cost of my deals with my other bags lol. It keeps my head from exploding. Simply buy what you love and is completely you; what you will use; and what you can comfortably afford. No regrets
View attachment 5941418

You always strike me as someone who knows and understands their needs/wants very well, and UTA, for the perfect gift it's always worth spending more (if possible).

Your Rainbow Bolide is stunning, it works on every level as a modern and bold accessory and object of art too.