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]

Children are so rewarding and frustrating! I can feel your pride in yours the same way I feel about mine. It's such a wonderful feeling when you worried about them so much and they surprise you with their success. My son also played video games and we worried he would be living with us up through his 30s but he actually turned the video games into a career and is now a success story. It still amazes me at how domestic he has become since he bought his first house. It seems so grown-up!

Your holiday sounds wonderful. We had a low key meal, just DH and me. Everything was delicious and we have tons of leftovers. The kids rarely come home anymore. They are spread out across the country. My older daughter has plans to visit us in May. I'm really looking forward to it.

It’s nice to commiserate about how tough parenting can be at times once we’ve made it out the other side. I wish current me could have gone back in time to encourage me during the tough times when I would sit confused and cry. There needs to be a kid manual!

I get it on the kids visiting. That’s why we travel to them a lot of the time. Young lives are so busy and with new careers, young families, school, social lives etc, young adults are just keeping their heads above water…

… but then how does DD still manage to pilfer my bags at will?? She literally had her dad mail her two of my bags a few months ago. I was too busy laughing at her crafty bag theft and recruitment of Mr. Sparkle as her henchman to even get upset.

 

[whateve]

It’s nice to commiserate about how tough parenting can be at times once we’ve made it out the other side. I wish current me could have gone back in time to encourage me during the tough times when I would sit confused and cry. There needs to be a kid manual!

I get it on the kids visiting. That’s why we travel to them a lot of the time. Young lives are so busy and with new careers, young families, school, social lives etc, young adults are just keeping their heads above water…

… but then how does DD still manage to pilfer my bags at will?? She literally had her dad mail her two of my bags a few months ago. I was too busy laughing at her crafty bag theft and recruitment of Mr. Sparkle as her henchman to even get upset.

That's amazing your DD got your DH complicit in her larceny! Kudos to her for her ingenuity. You raised her right!

When the kids were growing up, I learned that with every challenge and problem eventually worked out. There was always a solution even if you couldn't see it right away.

I remember begging my parents to visit us as it seemed harder for us to come to them since we had 3 kids and had to work around school, activities and work schedules. It wasn't until we got old ourselves that we understood how hard it is for old people to uproot themselves even for a short time. It isn't impossible yet but we have to bring a lot more stuff with us for every possible emergency, then still have to worry about having an issue with our health on the road. Both DH's heart attack and my broken hip happened while we were traveling. We were lucky we were in cities large enough to have decent medical care when they happened, and not out on the road.

 

[Sparkletastic]

That's amazing your DD got your DH complicit in her larceny! Kudos to her for her ingenuity. You raised her right!

When the kids were growing up, I learned that with every challenge and problem eventually worked out. There was always a solution even if you couldn't see it right away.

I remember begging my parents to visit us as it seemed harder for us to come to them since we had 3 kids and had to work around school, activities and work schedules. It wasn't until we got old ourselves that we understood how hard it is for old people to uproot themselves even for a short time. It isn't impossible yet but we have to bring a lot more stuff with us for every possible emergency, then still have to worry about having an issue with our health on the road. Both DH's heart attack and my broken hip happened while we were traveling. We were lucky we were in cities large enough to have decent medical care when they happened, and not out on the road.

Yes, DD is a grand mistress of purse pilfering! LOL!

But, you’re so right. Health issues greatly complicate travel and no one who hasn’t had the issue fully understands. I still struggle to put my luggage in the overhead compartment after dislocating my shoulder during a seizure. My shoulder is supposed to be healed per my doc and physical therapist but it didn’t get the memo.

A lot of times, my family and I celebrate holidays off the actual day. Who cares if we celebrate Easter or Christmas or <insert holiday> a few weeks early or late? Being flexible allows for the kids to more easily get time off work because they aren’t leaving at a peak time and airports are less crowded for whoever is traveling.

The point is to be happy together with the least stress possible. I refuse to let the calendar or tradition cause chaos. My mom was ridiculously rigid on everything. She would even get bent out of shape if we didn’t do a big to-do for grandparents day though she also commanded all the attention on mother’s day. She’s a textbook narcissist and it made holidays a pain til I put my foot down and said “no more insanity”. I promised myself I wouldn’t guilt trip, bully or harass my kids the same way.

 

[Vintage Leather]

November
Bags In: 0
Bags Out: 2
Accessories In: 0
Jewelry and Accessories Out: 15
Household: 6
Donations Out: 150
Total out: 173



November year to date

Bags In: 2
Bags Out: 17
Accessories In: 7
Jewelry and Accessories Out: 107
Household: 73
Donations Out: 3869
Pounds of shredding: 49
Total out: 4115

As I’ve been unpacking, I’ve been loading things that no longer fit my lifestyle into laundry baskets and donating. The fact that I’m still unpacking and still can’t find stuff after almost two months really bothers me.

 

[dcooney4]

Nov. Stats
Bags in 1 It is not here yet. I am having another bag made by Go Forth Goods
Bags out 3 - Two bigger bags and one I bought last month. I kept one of the straps that came with it and sold the bag.
Slgs- in 1 It was a gift from a lovely shop I shop in frequently.
Slgs out O
Sport/utility bags in 0
sport/utility bags out 0
I was not able to participate the challenges because this fiberglass cast scratches everything but come spring I would like to try some of these challenges.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Hello everyone, it’s been a while….. The last few months have been busy with lots of family stuff including a wedding. I’ve also had my mother-in-law staying with us and she just left recently. Now I am slowly trying to get the house back in order especially my closet which looks like a blizzard has been through it, lol. I haven’t even done my seasonal wardrobe switchover and it’s gotten really cold lately so it’s definitely overdue.

As for handbags, I did buy a few contemporary bags as gifts for family and friends, but I haven’t purchased any luxury stuff this year. I’m not sure why but I haven’t been into adding and have been off luxury lately. Some of it has to do with having enough bags to meet the needs of my lifestyle at present. So for the next year or so, I don’t envision any additions to my collection. Of course, it’s easy to get enabled once I get back to discussing handbags on tPF but hopefully I will stay strong

 

[Sparkletastic]

Checking in on my commitment to not buy frivolously this weekend. 😬

Somehow during the flight, the wheels of my checked bag were cracked. I’d already decided last year I wanted to buy a full set of Briggs & Riley luggage at some point so I took advantage of the Costco sale going on this weekend to replace the broken bag with the same sized bag at 25% off. I never use a large check bag so I kind of feel I’m “done” with just the B&R carry on I already have and this matching medium bag.

Because the luggage are boring in black, I bought Hello Kitty bag straps on a great sale at Macy’s. These plus my existing HK luggage tags will make the bags much more joyful.

I also bought other inexpensive but needed items - 2 beach totes from Kate Spade Outlet that totaled under $150, a water purifier and heavily discounted Christmas stocking stuffers for Mr. S, DD & DS.

The last things I bought were Groupons for services I already use - Botox, massages and facials at my existing med spa. So that’s a cost saving.

I lingered over a pair of boots at Neimans but reminded myself of my shoe and boot wall in my main closet. I have zero reason to buy them. And I shamefully admit I went to Fashionphile to get a bag I’d favorited but, thank the purse deities, it already sold.

So, I’m feeling good! All purchases were thoughtful and needed. No handbags acquired.

 

[DME]

November Stats

No bags or SLGs in or out this month. I did purchase two Tory Burch silk scarves during their pre-Black Friday sale, getting both for less than the sale price of the more expensive one once the additional discount was taken. The print on both goes with a TB dress I purchased at 50% off back in August.

Unlike @Sparkletastic, I did not manage to restrain myself this Black Friday! So many deals on so many items I’ve been eying that it was hard to pass them up. Lilly Pulitzer had 30% off, which was just the incentive I needed to add a dress and silk top I had been resisting; I also got a white tank for layering and a pair of cream pants which will go with everything. The annual lululemon sale was extra good this year, so I ordered several items I had been thinking about that went on sale for a great price. The last item arrived today (how’s that for fast shipping?), so now I just have to try everything on to determine what I’m keeping and what needs to go back. I saw a pair of On Cloud sneakers at Nordstrom I liked, but they were mens. I decided to look at my Vans to see what size I might take, so ordered those Tory; fingers crossed they fit. And I caved on a fair isle scarf I saw at Nordstrom a few weeks back. It’s from Johnstons of Elgin, which is a brand @papertiger recommended for cashmere several pages back. I love fair isle, but had yet to find the perfect one. This scarf is light gray and slightly off white, which is perfect for my wardrobe; I’ll include a photo at the end of my post.

I took the week off from work, as I usually do. I spent Monday and Tuesday cleaning, then DD and I shopped on Wednesday. A niece who lives local joined us for a few days, arriving Thanksgiving morning. The holiday itself was low-key with lots of TV and online shopping. DH is the only one who enjoys turkey, so I made brisket instead. Friday was shopping, yesterday was decorating, and today was laundry, ironing and lots of odds and ends. I’m so tired, but it was worth it!

 

[lill_canele]

November 2024 stats

• 0 bags in; 0 bags out
• 7 / 14 bags used
• For most used bag: Gucci Jackie
• SLGs: 0 in / 0 out
• Accessories: 0 in / 0 out
• Shoes: 1 in / 0 out
• Jewelry: 0 in / 0 out
• Clothes: 6 in/ 0 out

Did more shopping around Black Friday than I thought lol. But I’m glad I waited patiently enough for the things I wanted to go on sale!

 

[lill_canele]

I. 2024 Year In Review Reflection

Utilize these thought starters to evaluate your collection, your usage patterns and your lessons learned in 2024.
• What is your most useful purse? - anything that is a shoulder bag + big enough to hold my card holder, keys, phone and sunglasses. (therefore: Gucci Jackie, Prada re-edition, celine mini boston bag, YSL envelope bag)
• What is your best purchase of the year? - Gucci Jackie, no surprise there!
• We’ve all had a lot of lifestyle changes this year - how has it affected your style? - not too much, started to try to dress more casually for casual events and things, but still love dressing up
• What is the one thing we’ve learned this year that you want to take into the next? - patience, always need more patience haha.

Echoing some discussion about this earlier on how people have become more casual each generation.
It's the main reason why I'm starting to become more and more hesitant on buying RTW. I am a big cost-per-wear sort of person and I don't like anything sitting around not being used for too long.
There are beautiful clothes that I love but I hesitate buying because, where on earth would I wear them? lol
My beautiful YSL blazer that I got this February I used a handful of times at the beginning of the year, and now with it finally being colder, I'm wearing it as much as I can. But I've probably only wore it 4-5 times this fall/winter.
Also, gotta rotate among my other pieces as well, share the love. With a total of 3 blazers, 2 bomber jackets, 2 cardigans, 2 hoodies, and 1 shawl, I feel like my RTW outerwear is well sufficient for my lifestyle.

Even though my heart may not be completely satisfied with my wardrobe. I feel my brain is starting to, if that makes any sense. 😅

 

[Sparkletastic]

I’m recovering from my last planned surgery which was at the crack ‘o dawn this morning. I had so much anxiety - not because of the risk it presented which was minor - but from just having to be put under yet again. I’ve developed a phobia of sorts. When I came out of anesthesia, I was in joyful tears to be done!

In two weeks, I can finally get back to exercising to regain my fitness level. I know my barrage of bag buying this year was in part self soothing but at least I can review my purchases knowing I got exactly what my collection needed vs a series of unfocused impulse buys.

This is my bday month (Sparkly Sagittarius here!) and Mr. Sparkle is giving me my mystery bday bag this week as a mood lifter following the surgery!!! DD (his usual purse plot accomplice) knows what he purchased and refuses to give me so much as a hint but said she’d be happy to borrow it! Curiosity is killing this kitty so I can’t wait to see!

 

[whateve]

I’m recovering from my last planned surgery which was at the crack ‘o dawn this morning. I had so much anxiety - not because of the risk it presented which was minor - but from just having to be put under yet again. I’ve developed a phobia of sorts. When I came out of anesthesia, I was in joyful tears to be done!

In two weeks, I can finally get back to exercising to regain my fitness level. I know my barrage of bag buying this year was in part self soothing but at least I can review my purchases knowing I got exactly what my collection needed vs a series of unfocused impulse buys.

This is my bday month (Sparkly Sagittarius here!) and Mr. Sparkle is giving me my mystery bday bag this week as a mood lifter following the surgery!!! DD (his usual purse plot accomplice) knows what he purchased and refuses to give me so much as a hint but said she’d be happy to borrow it! Curiosity is killing this kitty so I can’t wait to see!

I'm relieved and happy for you!

 

[whateve]

November 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 has changed as far as selling and buying. I did sell a Gucci scarf that I never used but I never counted it as an in so I'm not counting it as an out. Honestly I couldn't see the value in it; even though I sold it fairly cheap, I didn't feel it was worth as much as most people are charging. It wasn't a super nice one, just the brand name made it more valuable.

I think I'll easily make it to the end of the year without buying anything else related to purses. All the tons of sales and emails I get bombarded with this time of year make me less interested in shopping.

I realized as the year is coming to a close that there are purses in my collection that got completely neglected this year so I'm concentrating on carrying those, trying to get about a week's use out of each. I carried 6 purses in November.

Last month I mentioned I was starting a new exercise plan. DH has been pretty good about walking nearly every day and I go with him. Our minimum walk is about a mile (2000 steps) and on good days, we'll do double that. There have been a few days when the weather was too bad for walking. I've been doing about 15 minutes a day in strength training and up to 30 minutes of yoga videos. I'm enjoying the yoga a lot. I'm not enjoying the strength training and I'm not sure it is helping much. If I wasn't so worried about osteoporosis and breaking another bone, I'd quit.

 

[880]

Just enjoying reading about everyone’s experiences, and hope for a peaceful, healthful, and joyous end of the year for all of us We had 17 for thanksgiving. I make a big meal and this year, I packed tupperwares filled with leftovers prior to the start, so they would be fresher. I worry about food safety with stuff sitting out on a buffet. Didn’t shop this weekend (except for a few mini muffin tins. And, planned a couple of purchases today as gifts. So far so good in terms of mindful shopping and food consumption.

@DME, brisket for thanksgiving sounds tempting. I ordered a small smoked turkey and ham; my mom’s housekeeper made fish and lamb. My friends’ favorite dish are probably mini caramelized onion tartlets and crisp cheddar cheese baked biscuits. My favorite dish is Mac and cheese made by a friend. DHs favorite is my stuffing : three kinds of homemade bread (duck fat cornbread; sourdough focaccia; and American dinner rolls, dried out, in a bit of homemade brown, mixed poultry stock, sautéed vegetables and herbs, and egg and baked. Another friend brought pies which we served with homemade ice creams. And I made a corn pudding, recipe from a TPF friend. Second pic is a splurge: homemade duck fat sourdough waffle triangles with osetra.

im also wearing more of my older bags (28 and 32 Kelly sellier and a black barenia b30 — all covid era resale deals at about a third or a quarter of retail price, refurbished and restored by @docride — with cold weather coats and pants). And vintage from my own closet scarves and jackets ( 20 year old or so mixed with current). Plus uk doc martens. All good, and so long as I’m using what I already own, I’m happy. The boucle jacket in the last pic is from 2004

 

[Sparkletastic]

I've been doing about 15 minutes a day in strength training and up to 30 minutes of yoga videos. I'm enjoying the yoga a lot. I'm not enjoying the strength training and I'm not sure it is helping much. If I wasn't so worried about osteoporosis and breaking another bone, I'd quit.

Please don’t give up! Strength training is one of the most important things we can do as we age. It not only helps with strength and bone health but helps with balance. All three keep us less likely to fall and seriously injure ourselves. It’s also helpful for any time we have an injury. If we’re strong overall, we can better walk on one leg with crutches or pull / push ourselves out of a chair with one arm.