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]

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?

I’m American but live in Germany. I’ve lived in ballerina flats and loafers since high school (including that unfortunate moccasin fad in the mid eighties).

First, sneakers are actually everywhere in Europe. I remember when Americans were told to avoid white sneakers… nah, they’re everywhere, at all price points. I’m still holding out against them, partly because I don’t have the patience to scrub them back to pristine white after every wear. And my feet are huge. And I think sneakers are ugly.

My most comfortable shoes right now are ballerina flats with a cross strap by Tamaris, a mainstream Spanish brand. I picked up a basic pair of loafers from them at the same time which are also comfortable but of course a bit stiffer. The quality used to be really good but isn’t as good now. But still perfectly respectable.

I used to love Geox which is Italian - they have a special sole that is waterproof from below but lets water vapor escape. Then I bought a couple of pairs online in the pandemic which were unwearably uncomfortable, and in 2022 they refused to divest from Russia, so no more Geox for me.

Of course there are all the standard luxury lines, but I don’t live in a part of town where I see them much. I have a pair of super pointy Pradas that are surprisingly comfortable, and of course Tod’s driving shoe style is wonderful.

 

[FizzyWater]

I’m American but live in Germany. I’ve lived in ballerina flats and loafers since high school (including that unfortunate moccasin fad in the mid eighties).

First, sneakers are actually everywhere in Europe. I remember when Americans were told to avoid white sneakers… nah, they’re everywhere, at all price points. I’m still holding out against them, partly because I don’t have the patience to scrub them back to pristine white after every wear. And my feet are huge. And I think sneakers are ugly.

My most comfortable shoes right now are ballerina flats with a cross strap by Tamaris, a mainstream Spanish brand. I picked up a basic pair of loafers from them at the same time which are also comfortable but of course a bit stiffer. The quality used to be really good but isn’t as good now. But still perfectly respectable.

I used to love Geox which is Italian - they have a special sole that is waterproof from below but lets water vapor escape. Then I bought a couple of pairs online in the pandemic which were unwearably uncomfortable, and in 2022 they refused to divest from Russia, so no more Geox for me.

Of course there are all the standard luxury lines, but I don’t live in a part of town where I see them much. I have a pair of super pointy Pradas that are surprisingly comfortable, and of course Tod’s driving shoe style is wonderful.

And I see ads for Vivaia shoes everywhere, touting their comfort and walkability. I actually first ran across them at a music festival when I asked someone about her cute shoes and she gushed about how great they were for walking and standing all day. Someday I’ll break down and try them.

 

[whateve]

I’m American but live in Germany. I’ve lived in ballerina flats and loafers since high school (including that unfortunate moccasin fad in the mid eighties).

First, sneakers are actually everywhere in Europe. I remember when Americans were told to avoid white sneakers… nah, they’re everywhere, at all price points. I’m still holding out against them, partly because I don’t have the patience to scrub them back to pristine white after every wear. And my feet are huge. And I think sneakers are ugly.

My most comfortable shoes right now are ballerina flats with a cross strap by Tamaris, a mainstream Spanish brand. I picked up a basic pair of loafers from them at the same time which are also comfortable but of course a bit stiffer. The quality used to be really good but isn’t as good now. But still perfectly respectable.

I used to love Geox which is Italian - they have a special sole that is waterproof from below but lets water vapor escape. Then I bought a couple of pairs online in the pandemic which were unwearably uncomfortable, and in 2022 they refused to divest from Russia, so no more Geox for me.

Of course there are all the standard luxury lines, but I don’t live in a part of town where I see them much. I have a pair of super pointy Pradas that are surprisingly comfortable, and of course Tod’s driving shoe style is wonderful.

I'm told that it is fashionable to let your white sneakers look lived in. I didn't get any for years but now I have a pair I love made by Sam Edelman. Mine are a few years old but are kind of like these: https://www.samedelman.com/product/womens-poppy-lace-up-sneaker-3019147/white-leather-ec0208865 I like that they are simple and the leather looks like leather - soft and not overprocessed. The best way to clean rubber soles is with alcohol.

 

[lill_canele]

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.

I do feel the shape and arch of the foot play a big role in shoe comfort and also in the way I walk. I know platform heels are said to be easier to walk in for most people but they just don't work out for me. My husband says it's the way I walk and I think so too.

I also feel that pointed toe heel boots are more comfortable than pointed pumps. I'm not sure why either but I assume due to the greater surface area of material the boot provides more support and handles more points of stress.

I had a traumatizing experience with a new pair of flats. I was a student shadowing a doctor many years ago and I wore new flats. Big mistake. They felt like someone was stepping on my feet the entire day. Since then, I have never worn flats.

I can't wear a lot of sneakers if the back part is high. I found that out very quickly with the popular Adidas sambas. Cut up the back of my ankles as if I had shaved my skin off with a razor. I managed to break them in. But I will not be going for another pair.

 

[papertiger]

I’m American but live in Germany. I’ve lived in ballerina flats and loafers since high school (including that unfortunate moccasin fad in the mid eighties).

First, sneakers are actually everywhere in Europe. I remember when Americans were told to avoid white sneakers… nah, they’re everywhere, at all price points. I’m still holding out against them, partly because I don’t have the patience to scrub them back to pristine white after every wear. And my feet are huge. And I think sneakers are ugly.

My most comfortable shoes right now are ballerina flats with a cross strap by Tamaris, a mainstream Spanish brand. I picked up a basic pair of loafers from them at the same time which are also comfortable but of course a bit stiffer. The quality used to be really good but isn’t as good now. But still perfectly respectable.

I used to love Geox which is Italian - they have a special sole that is waterproof from below but lets water vapor escape. Then I bought a couple of pairs online in the pandemic which were unwearably uncomfortable, and in 2022 they refused to divest from Russia, so no more Geox for me.

Of course there are all the standard luxury lines, but I don’t live in a part of town where I see them much. I have a pair of super pointy Pradas that are surprisingly comfortable, and of course Tod’s driving shoe style is wonderful.

I remember in the '90s and 00s, French Sole (ballet flats) being everywhere. Do you remember those? I think They are more comfortable if people have a flatter foot. I have a high instep and used to walk out of every ballet flat. That's why I need a much hight vamp. French Sole now do a range of different styles.

 

[lill_canele]

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?

Loafers for me! Nothing too heavy or chunky.

I enjoy Tory Burch loafers for work and travel and Hermes Paris loafers to dress my outfit down for more casual events.

 

[FizzyWater]

I remember in the '90s and 00s, French Sole (ballet flats) being everywhere. Do you remember those? I think They are more comfortable if people have a flatter foot. I have a high instep and used to walk out of every ballet flat. That's why I need a much hight vamp. French Sole now do a range of different styles.

I don’t recall those, but was still in the US then. I wore a lot of Papagei? but I think that was an east coast US brand.

My mother is convinced that I have flat feet, so I suffered through a bunch of obnoxious insoles. I think I have average arches and high-ish insteps, and just have to keep control over my ankles rolling (in all directions).

My mother is also convinced that I have sensitive skin, so all my skin care was affected for years. I do have rosacea and everything makes my face flush, but otherwise I could take an angle grinder to my skin and it would shrug it off.

(I am not you, mom, and aren’t we both grateful? Can you all tell I’m visiting right now?)

 

[papertiger]

I don’t recall those, but was still in the US then. I wore a lot of Papagei? but I think that was an east coast US brand.

My mother is convinced that I have flat feet, so I suffered through a bunch of obnoxious insoles. I think I have average arches and high-ish insteps, and just have to keep control over my ankles rolling (in all directions).

My mother is also convinced that I have sensitive skin, so all my skin care was affected for years. I do have rosacea and everything makes my face flush, but otherwise I could take an angle grinder to my skin and it would shrug it off.

(I am not you, mom, and aren’t we both grateful? Can you all tell I’m visiting right now?)

Oh no poor you. I think I was very lucky with my mother. She took me to Harrods to buy cleanse/toner/moisturiser when I was 16 and the advice was 'read the directions', 'don't mess' and 'less is more'.

French Sole were dupes for Repetto which were a French dance brand that started doing street ballet flats when they came fashionable. Repetto were more expensive. Chanel are obviously the high-fashion, ballet flat choice du jour.

Street ballet flats are nothing like ballet shoes apart from the shape, Ballet shoes have a completely flexible sole in leather or (even better suede) and are really tight to the foot, held on over the arch with elastic or ribbon. Street 'ballet' flats are impossible unless someone shuffles as they walk. Some of them are cut way too low in the front too, nothing like a ballet shoe. It's that fantasy of being a ballet dancer (or looking like Audrey Hepburn) that keeps the ballet-core fantasy alive. They obviously suit a lot of people though, Chanel can't keep their versions in stock and are considered a classic. My mother wore this style a lot, I just don't know how.

Trainers/sneakers are for running (if they were created for that purpose and not just fashion) but I don't mind them with shorts or a mini in the Summer. H Paris are comfortable and look nice, but I can't seal with the H, Gucci horse-bits are better made IMO, the originals are made in the same factory as the Gucci's men's shoes.

@lill_canele I couldn't get on with the Saint Laurent Le Loafer Penny, they seem a bit wide in the toe box but at the some time I could feel some pressure at the top. I'm glad they're so popular in eel, I hope this means the return of real exotics (even though eel is not strictly an exotic) and interesting leathers.

Car Shoe and Tods are also good alternatives but drivers offer less support and last less long than regular loafers.

Another option are Derbys or Oxfords or any low-heeled good quality lace-ups. Crocket & Jones, Churches and many traditional British companies make this 'proper' shoe. I have Hermes and Gucci which have a more elongated look, but traditional British are probably best.

 

[lill_canele]

Trainers/sneakers are for running (if they were created for that purpose and not just fashion) but I don't mind them with shorts or a mini in the Summer. H Paris are comfortable and look nice, but I can't seal with the H, Gucci horse-bits are better made IMO, the originals are made in the same factory as the Gucci's men's shoes.

@lill_canele I couldn't get on with the Saint Laurent Le Loafer Penny, they seem a bit wide in the toe box but at the some time I could feel some pressure at the top. I'm glad they're so popular in eel, I hope this means the return of real exotics (even though eel is not strictly an exotic) and interesting leathers.

Car Shoe and Tods are also good alternatives but drivers offer less support and last less long than regular loafers.

Another option are Derbys or Oxfords or any low-heeled good quality lace-ups. Crocket & Jones, Churches and many traditional British companies make this 'proper' shoe. I have Hermes and Gucci which have a more elongated look, but traditional British are probably best.

Haha I was looking at the Gucci horse-bits. I would like to add another nice pair of loafers but want something different (even though I want another H Paris later down the line). I like variety.

I also didn't end up going with the YSL Le Loafer Penny. I tried the eel ones on and they were super comfortable and easy to walk in. Agree that the toe box is on the wider side, which is okay as long as it's not too big. However, the way they stitched the leather in the toe box was so that I could feel all the leather folds and bits. Not uncomfortable. Just kind of...weird? lol
I did get the eel card holder though. Very happy with it. I love exotic or non-cowhide/goatskin leathers, just trying to ease myself into them so I can adjust to being a little more careful haha.

Thoughts on the Loro Piana loafers anyone? I know they're been the hot thing to go for, for the last couple of years or so. I'm not into jumping on the bandwagon even if it very good and generally take my time and buy later down the line.
I'm also not sure if they go with my aesthetic since I've never tried them on.

 

[880]

Oh no poor you. I think I was very lucky with my mother. She took me to Harrods to buy cleanse/toner/moisturiser when I was 16 and the advice was 'read the directions', 'don't mess' and 'less is more'.

French Sole were dupes for Repetto which were a French dance brand that started doing street ballet flats when they came fashionable. Repetto were more expensive. Chanel are obviously the high-fashion, ballet flat choice du jour.

Street ballet flats are nothing like ballet shoes apart from the shape, Ballet shoes have a completely flexible sole in leather or (even better suede) and are really tight to the foot, held on over the arch with elastic or ribbon. Street 'ballet' flats are impossible unless someone shuffles as they walk. Some of them are cut way too low in the front too, nothing like a ballet shoe. It's that fantasy of being a ballet dancer (or looking like Audrey Hepburn) that keeps the ballet-core fantasy alive. They obviously suit a lot of people though, Chanel can't keep their versions in stock and are considered a classic. My mother wore this style a lot, I just don't know how.

Trainers/sneakers are for running (if they were created for that purpose and not just fashion) but I don't mind them with shorts or a mini in the Summer. H Paris are comfortable and look nice, but I can't seal with the H, Gucci horse-bits are better made IMO, the originals are made in the same factory as the Gucci's men's shoes.

@lill_canele I couldn't get on with the Saint Laurent Le Loafer Penny, they seem a bit wide in the toe box but at the some time I could feel some pressure at the top. I'm glad they're so popular in eel, I hope this means the return of real exotics (even though eel is not strictly an exotic) and interesting leathers.

Car Shoe and Tods are also good alternatives but drivers offer less support and last less long than regular loafers.

Another option are Derbys or Oxfords or any low-heeled good quality lace-ups. Crocket & Jones, Churches and many traditional British companies make this 'proper' shoe. I have Hermes and Gucci which have a more elongated look, but traditional British are probably best.

Agree. As I get older, I prefer a derby, higher vamp loafer, or Mary Jane. I have a high arch, broader ball of the foot; and narrower heel, and these types of shoes keep me from walking out of them. I do love the look of the chanel
Ballet flat, but it doesn’t really love me

 

[cecchetti]

This afternoon I had a Christmas party -to keep the shoe theme, on my feet I wore new Tod’s black patent shoes (not pictured).
Also black sequinned outfit, and my black sequin Dune bag.

We all had a good time!

 

[whateve]

Agree. As I get older, I prefer a derby, higher vamp loafer, or Mary Jane. I have a high arch, broader ball of the foot; and narrower heel, and these types of shoes keep me from walking out of them. I do love the look of the chanel
Ballet flat, but it doesn’t really love me

I don't have problems finding comfortable loafers. It's the ballet flats that are always uncomfortable. I have narrow heels too. When I was younger I had shoes that were AA in the front and AAAA in the heel. It's much harder these days to find narrow shoes. Luckily I don't need them much anymore. My feet broadened out from my pregnancies.

 

[papertiger]

This afternoon I had a Christmas party -to keep the shoe theme, on my feet I wore new Tod’s black patent shoes (not pictured).
Also black sequinned outfit, and my black sequin Dune bag.

We all had a good time!

Go grrrl!

 

[Sparkletastic]

I'm told that it is fashionable to let your white sneakers look lived in. I didn't get any for years but now I have a pair I love made by Sam Edelman. Mine are a few years old but are kind of like these: https://www.samedelman.com/product/womens-poppy-lace-up-sneaker-3019147/white-leather-ec0208865 I like that they are simple and the leather looks like leather - soft and not overprocessed. The best way to clean rubber soles is with alcohol.

I really like these. And - be still my heart - they come in silver and gold too.

 

[dcooney4]

I don't wear loafers or flats at all. I wear boots. Flats just don't stay on my feet.