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.

 

[dcooney4]

Glad the cast is off! I know it’s not over yet but sending you well wishes and positive vibes as you continue to recover!

Thank you so much.

 

[dcooney4]

So the Black Friday purchases finally came in, in the past week.
Came out as I kind of expected with half of the items not working out.
I am terrible at online shopping lol.
One item didn’t fit so returned it.
One item fit but I felt it would look better oversized, so planning to do an exchange.

Remember when I said I’ve decided to invest in designer pumps and heeled sandals just don’t work for me? Well. I take that back. I was wrong. Maybe I just never took the effort to try lol.
About a week ago I was at YSL and I saw these strapping heeled sandals. And they intrigued me. What attracted me was the color, it was like a satin beige nude. In my head, they would be versatile and not look like they’re cutting off my legs. Bring heeled and nude it would help elongate my shorter legs.
But I wasn’t sure. YSL heeled sandals are known for having very small sole bases. I’ve tried on many before and even being a person with narrow feet, my toes would always hang off.
So I tried them on and wow. They were stunning. They felt surprisingly very secure. And all my toes fit on the sole!
However I was wearing tights at the time (look amazing with tights) and needed to know what it looked like with bare legs.
And I wanted time to think so I asked my SA to hold them.
Then yesterday I went in to try them on with bare legs. (Not fun on a chilly day, I wore a pretty short dress)
And they still felt just as secure and my toes fit all on the shoe.
Even my husband really liked them. And while he has good fashion sense and has his opinions, he rarely vocalizes his opinions in public (usually we talk about it before or after)
So they came home with me.
These would be my very first pair of luxury heeled sandals. (I have a hair of sandal wedges but that’s it.)

View attachment 6102477

They look really pretty on you.

 

[dcooney4]

Best on your opening!

Thanks! It was fun.

 

[papertiger]

So the Black Friday purchases finally came in, in the past week.
Came out as I kind of expected with half of the items not working out.
I am terrible at online shopping lol.
One item didn’t fit so returned it.
One item fit but I felt it would look better oversized, so planning to do an exchange.

Remember when I said I’ve decided to invest in designer pumps and heeled sandals just don’t work for me? Well. I take that back. I was wrong. Maybe I just never took the effort to try lol.
About a week ago I was at YSL and I saw these strapping heeled sandals. And they intrigued me. What attracted me was the color, it was like a satin beige nude. In my head, they would be versatile and not look like they’re cutting off my legs. Bring heeled and nude it would help elongate my shorter legs.
But I wasn’t sure. YSL heeled sandals are known for having very small sole bases. I’ve tried on many before and even being a person with narrow feet, my toes would always hang off.
So I tried them on and wow. They were stunning. They felt surprisingly very secure. And all my toes fit on the sole!
However I was wearing tights at the time (look amazing with tights) and needed to know what it looked like with bare legs.
And I wanted time to think so I asked my SA to hold them.
Then yesterday I went in to try them on with bare legs. (Not fun on a chilly day, I wore a pretty short dress)
And they still felt just as secure and my toes fit all on the shoe.
Even my husband really liked them. And while he has good fashion sense and has his opinions, he rarely vocalizes his opinions in public (usually we talk about it before or after)
So they came home with me.
These would be my very first pair of luxury heeled sandals. (I have a hair of sandal wedges but that’s it.)

View attachment 6102477

These are super-sexy and sophisticated. You never can tell until you try. Sometimes it's not the the generic style, sometimes it really is the fit.

I'd also say no overall to scrappy sandals, but I would still try on. I have a pair of vintage TF for Gucci Corset sandals (bought many years after they came out) and they not only fit me they are comfortable to wear, so you never know.

 

[Sparkletastic]

These are super-sexy and sophisticated. You never can tell until you try. Sometimes it's not the the generic style, sometimes it really is the fit.

I'd also say no overall to scrappy sandals, but I would still try on. I have a pair of vintage TF for Gucci Corset sandals (bought many years after they came out) and they not only fit me they are comfortable to wear, so you never know.

Sometimes I wonder if the comfort of the type of style is based more on the individual foot than the style. I prefer strappy sandaled heels (most of my shoes) to closed in because closed in high heeled shoes almost always pinch my toes and I refuse to wear shoes that hurt. Yet somehow I can wear the pointiest toes of heeled boots because my foot is kept from sliding forward by the leg of the boot.

I also find flats extremely uncomfortable as they always rub the back of my heel raw. I’ve only found one model of super cheap Amazon flats (of all things) to not hurt / damage my foot. They’re discontinued so I guess I’m OOL future.

There should be some way of measuring or categorizing our feet beyond size so we can predict / get a better fit. But I think most shoe designers - as Christian Louboutin said - don’t care about our comfort. They only care about the male gaze. Honestly, learning about his POV is why I refuse to buy anymore of his shoes. I’m a full grown autonomous woman. I’m not suffering for any designer’s narcissism or any man’s / woman’s voyeuristic delight.

 

[Claudia Herzog]

Here's how I did with my goals for 2024:

1. Continue the ban I started a few years ago on buying bags at thrift stores.

SUCCESS. I think I have broken the habit of buying thrift store cheapies. I am still tempted, however, with arguments with myself like, "But this is a really durable, well-constructed bag for such a low price..."


2. Get more selective with the clothes I buy at thrift stores.

PARTIAL SUCCESS. I bought fewer dresses in hideous prints in 2024, and got rid of several items I was not proud to be wearing.


3. I have started a rudimentary bag usage record. I will keep this record current, and use it to remind myself to carry bags I don't habitually reach for.

SUCCESS. I faithfully kept my bag use inventory for the entire year of 2024. A few of the surprises in the results were how often I reach for my tan and beige bags, and how many more opportunities to carry different bags I've had this year over last.

Overall, I feel satisfied with the goals I set for this year and how well they were met.

 

[whateve]

Sometimes I wonder if the comfort of the type of style is based more on the individual foot than the style. I prefer strappy sandaled heels (most of my shoes) to closed in because closed in high heeled shoes almost always pinch my toes and I refuse to wear shoes that hurt. Yet somehow I can wear the pointiest toes of heeled boots because my foot is kept from sliding forward by the leg of the boot.

I also find flats extremely uncomfortable as they always rub the back of my heel raw. I’ve only found one model of super cheap Amazon flats (of all things) to not hurt / damage my foot. They’re discontinued so I guess I’m OOL future.

There should be some way of measuring or categorizing our feet beyond size so we can predict / get a better fit. But I think most shoe designers - as Christian Louboutin said - don’t care about our comfort. They only care about the male gaze. Honestly, learning about his POV is why I refuse to buy anymore of his shoes. I’m a full grown autonomous woman. I’m not suffering for any designer’s narcissism or any man’s / woman’s voyeuristic delight.

It is always surprising to me how uncomfortable most flats are. They look like they should be comfortable. The only model that I ever found to be comfortable were made by Ugg many years ago.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Here's how I did with my goals for 2024:

1. Continue the ban I started a few years ago on buying bags at thrift stores.

SUCCESS. I think I have broken the habit of buying thrift store cheapies. I am still tempted, however, with arguments with myself like, "But this is a really durable, well-constructed bag for such a low price..."


2. Get more selective with the clothes I buy at thrift stores.

PARTIAL SUCCESS. I bought fewer dresses in hideous prints in 2024, and got rid of several items I was not proud to be wearing.


3. I have started a rudimentary bag usage record. I will keep this record current, and use it to remind myself to carry bags I don't habitually reach for.

SUCCESS. I faithfully kept my bag use inventory for the entire year of 2024. A few of the surprises in the results were how often I reach for my tan and beige bags, and how many more opportunities to carry different bags I've had this year over last.

Overall, I feel satisfied with the goals I set for this year and how well they were met.

CONGRATULATIONS! great goals and good job on delivering on them.

It is always surprising to me how uncomfortable most flats are. They look like they should be comfortable. The only model that I ever found to be comfortable were made by Ugg many years ago.

I’d love recommendations from anyone who has a go to brand for flats. They either slip off my heel, rub my heel, pinch my toes (pointed toe) or have no arch support.

But, there are times they’d be a real asset to own. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to switch from sleek heels into chunky sneakers because I had to go from a conference room to walking a production floor or walking a country mile between a corporation’s HQ buildings. I’ve ignored the looks, heavy sighs and snide comments because I’m not scuttling along like a crab with tendonitis just because business dress codes punish women.

Maybe our non-US friends on the thread can help. Wearing sneakers is a very US thing. What are stylish women in other countries wearing when a heel isn’t on the agenda?

 

[Vintage Leather]

CONGRATULATIONS! great goals and good job on delivering on them.

I’d love recommendations from anyone who has a go to brand for flats. They either slip off my heel, rub my heel, pinch my toes (pointed toe) or have no arch support.

But, there are times they’d be a real asset to own. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to switch from sleek heels into chunky sneakers because I had to go from a conference room to walking a production floor or walking a country mile between a corporation’s HQ buildings. I’ve ignored the looks, heavy sighs and snide comments because I’m not scuttling along like a crab with tendonitis just because business dress codes punish women.

Maybe our non-US friends on the thread can help. Wearing sneakers is a very US thing. What are stylish women in other countries wearing when a heel isn’t on the agenda?

While I am US based, I practically live in Ferragamo Varina in nappa leather. It’s a real shoe, unlike most flats - it actually has a last with arch support. And the nappa is breathable (patent was not my friend)

One thing that I’ve done that I’m proud of - I’ve aggressively cut back my shoe collection this year, and only kept shoes that are comfy and stylish. For my real life, not my fantasy life.

At this point, I own fourteen pairs of shoes. Three pairs of work shoes - varina ballet flats, and a magical pair of Ferragamo heels that I can and have walked two miles while wearing without pain. Four pairs of weekend shoes - two pairs of sneakers (pink and turquoise), a pair of French-made leather espadrille flip flops, and a pair of Hoka hiking boots. Duck boots for snow (waterproof and fur lined). Four pairs of fun shoes: Gucci TF Corsets, a pair of silver Sergio Rossi d’Orsay pumps with ruffle detailing over the toes. Chanel ice cream heels. And Prada satin loafers. The remaining two pairs are my wedding and funeral shoes: Ferragamo black pumps and nude nappa peep toe 1” heels.

 

[whateve]

While I am US based, I practically live in Ferragamo Varina in nappa leather. It’s a real shoe, unlike most flats - it actually has a last with arch support. And the nappa is breathable (patent was not my friend)

One thing that I’ve done that I’m proud of - I’ve aggressively cut back my shoe collection this year, and only kept shoes that are comfy and stylish. For my real life, not my fantasy life.

At this point, I own fourteen pairs of shoes. Three pairs of work shoes - varina ballet flats, and a magical pair of Ferragamo heels that I can and have walked two miles while wearing without pain. Four pairs of weekend shoes - two pairs of sneakers (pink and turquoise), a pair of French-made leather espadrille flip flops, and a pair of Hoka hiking boots. Duck boots for snow (waterproof and fur lined). Four pairs of fun shoes: Gucci TF Corsets, a pair of silver Sergio Rossi d’Orsay pumps with ruffle detailing over the toes. Chanel ice cream heels. And Prada satin loafers. The remaining two pairs are my wedding and funeral shoes: Ferragamo black pumps and nude nappa peep toe 1” heels.

Wow, I'm impressed! I don't think I could get down to only 14 pairs, even though there are about 10 pairs I wear 90% of the time.

 

[dcooney4]

Here is the Go Forth Goods bag I had ordered last month. I had added an outside hemmed pocket for my phone and glasses. It is full grain leather. I know it is not everyone’s style, but I like it and it is perfect for the crazy weather where I live.

 

[dcooney4]

Not sure I am actually going anywhere as we have fresh snow, but had a bit of fun playing with the bag.

 

[dcooney4]

Will be wearing this bag so will do the wear the newest challenge.

 

[DME]

Not sure I am actually going anywhere as we have fresh snow, but had a bit of fun playing with the bag.View attachment 6103318

JellyCat! Love it!!!

 

[papertiger]

It is always surprising to me how uncomfortable most flats are. They look like they should be comfortable. The only model that I ever found to be comfortable were made by Ugg many years ago.

CONGRATULATIONS! great goals and good job on delivering on them.

I’d love recommendations from anyone who has a go to brand for flats. They either slip off my heel, rub my heel, pinch my toes (pointed toe) or have no arch support.

But, there are times they’d be a real asset to own. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to switch from sleek heels into chunky sneakers because I had to go from a conference room to walking a production floor or walking a country mile between a corporation’s HQ buildings. I’ve ignored the looks, heavy sighs and snide comments because I’m not scuttling along like a crab with tendonitis just because business dress codes punish women.

Maybe our non-US friends on the thread can help. Wearing sneakers is a very US thing. What are stylish women in other countries wearing when a heel isn’t on the agenda?

Sorry @Sparkletastic and @whateve, I don't know why quotes have lumped-in together.

Two words. Gucci loafers. I have 1953s (classic) and Jordaans (1070s last) they are like wearing slippers. In fact I often wear them inside the house.