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]

End of month Jan stats:

Bags out 2
Bags in 0 (but I found another vintage python brown top-handle)
RTW out = sack of stuff
RTW in one unitard for dance
Scarves out 0
Scarves in 0
Jewellery out, sold by weight approx £800 towards something (you get less for cash)
Jewellery in 0 but had a 2 stones reset on 2 rings and some repairs.
SLG out 2
SLG in Goerg Jenson keyring (preloved)

Have been wearing:
Gucci red Aphrodite
Gucci d.red Punch (dome bag)
Hermes black Evie 29
Hermes black/Etain Double Sens Maxi
Dell'Aqua grey croc/polished calf mini bag

I'm on a course related to work for a few weeks (see below) so I've been able to wear some nice bags that I probably wouldn't wear to work-proper. Next week, maybe I'll switch more to more green or blue.

I also have a CHY dinner coming up and I want to wear one of my Flash Dragon ties from H, so maybe an evening suit or something along those lines. I didn't secure the Saint Laurent cropped jacket I wanted (arms too tight in the 36) - and I'm thinking I need to plan for 3 big events in advance (April & May). It's a shame about the jacket because it would have been great with any length of long skirt. I think I have an old Miu Miu cropped jacket but it's not very evening. I'm not feeling I want to wear formal gowns for even white-tie events lately, maybe that will change come Spring. Not sure which bag for CNY yet, I'll be out all day first so it will need to be day > night.

Spoiler: Work training

For work, I completed another course on diamonds. Previously I did a very broad, long course on geology/gemology/mining/grading, etc with GIA. This one was more aimed at jewellery industry professionals already working in the industry and really helped me understand more about the differences between lab-created (2 types) and natural (types of mines) small mine traceability and gem/melee/industrial grades and the whole price/regulation strategy for the industry as a whole. They really went into the many differences of simulated 'diamonds' and feel a lot more well informed, especially scientifically. It's also made me more resolutely 'team natural' diamonds. FYI, there are natural/lab-grown testers on the market which should reassure both 'teams'. I've never been happy with the sustainability argument of lab-grown, for me nature is a very big part of why I love and invest in luxury.

Someone posted they spend more on neutrals and go for contemporary when choosing a colour. For me, I'll invest more money for a variation of a bag I know well and have loved for a long time. Sometimes that means a special version of one I own already, sometimes, one I always, always, always wanted. What has made you invest more (or less) in a bag?

The diamond courses sound great!
I’m a qualified FGA although I did it many years ago, and became unwell before I could study for the DGA..
At that time lab diamonds were still in their infancy..unheard of, I was working in Bond Street, specialising in coloured diamonds..
I’ve never worn lab grown and am very worried about the effect on the market of them, and can see FJ companies using them one day tbh..
Breitling are already setting them in watches.its only a matter of time, tragically ..

 

[papertiger]

The diamond courses sound great!
I’m a qualified FGA although I did it many years ago, and became unwell before I could study for the DGA..
At that time lab diamonds were still in their infancy..unheard of, I was working in Bond Street, specialising in coloured diamonds..
I’ve never worn lab grown and am very worried about the effect on the market of them, and can see FJ companies using them one day tbh..
Breitling are already setting them in watches.its only a matter of time, tragically ..

That's ridiculous of Breightling when there's a mountain of small natural diamonds

Spoiler: More diamond chat

. I was speaking to a Chinese colleague, there are so many labs churning our lab-grown it's gone into full boom-town mode. Lab diamonds have been around since the 1950s, it's more the technology to grow bigger stones that's more recent (and we're not talking huge). The real change is people's acceptance and the green-washing 'sustainability' narrative pushing the marketing. Luckily, stones still have to be cut and polished which is very labour-intensive so the stones will never be for nothing, but the marketing is very misleading, there is very little sustainable about lab-grown.
Coloured diamonds are fascinating! I think you may have known my mother, she'd a shop in Bond St.

Decided to sell my newly-found vintage python handbag bag. It will fetch next to nothing sadly since it's not a signed-piece, so maybe I'll just give it to charity. I have a small shopper that's unused too. That would be 4 bags this year, more out than in all previous years I've been doing these threads.

You may all use "Unused stuff is just ballast!" but you should know I say it every year e.g. 2018 https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...on-any-one-else.977065/page-580#post-32362031 & 2019 https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...ing-if-theyre-not-used.1007917/#post-33002576 Permission granted forever more.

 

[cecchetti]

That's ridiculous of Breightling when there's a mountain of small natural diamonds

Spoiler: More diamond chat

. I was speaking to a Chinese colleague, there are so many labs churning our lab-grown it's gone into full boom-town mode. Lab diamonds have been around since the 1950s, it's more the technology to grow bigger stones that's more recent (and we're not talking huge). The real change is people's acceptance and the green-washing 'sustainability' narrative pushing the marketing. Luckily, stones still have to be cut and polished which is very labour-intensive so the stones will never be for nothing, but the marketing is very misleading, there is very little sustainable about lab-grown.
Coloured diamonds are fascinating! I think you may have known my mother, she'd a shop in Bond St.

Decided to sell my newly-found vintage python handbag bag. It will fetch next to nothing sadly since it's not a signed-piece, so maybe I'll just give it to charity. I have a small shopper that's unused too. That would be 4 bags this year, more out than in all previous years I've been doing these threads.

You may all use "Unused stuff is just ballast!" but you should know I say it every year e.g. 2018 https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...on-any-one-else.977065/page-580#post-32362031 & 2019 https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...ing-if-theyre-not-used.1007917/#post-33002576 Permission granted forever more.

I think I’m guessing which shop..I’ve had a bad night but ill write to you later ❤️

 

[dcooney4]

Bags In:
Bags Out: 5
Accessories In:
Jewelry and Accessories Out: 4
Household:
Donations Out: 67
Pounds of shredding: 17
Total out: 90

I decided to count a pound of shredding as an item. I went through everything in my closet and china cabinet. (But not table linens, because I love them and I haven’t had the courage). My aunt took several of my suitcases (why do I have plural?!) and I let go some stemware and crystal. I’m getting close to my 50th birthday, so I decided to set a rule for myself - anything I haven’t used by my 50th, I’m letting go. Do I need two tea sets? Only if I invite people over for tea. Do I need champagne flutes AND coupes? Again, ten years ago, I used them. But in the last 6, I haven’t been social. So, use it or lose it.

I did buy a bag and some accessories, but they will be for Valentines and Easter. I keep debating if I should include VintageMama’s stats in with mine, because I’m afraid they will be my burden in the next year or so, but it might also be insanely frustrating to have things swelling my stats when I can’t control the flow. So, I think I hold off, but it’s something to keep in mind.

I finished a puzzle, which doesn’t sound like much, but it has been on the table since last July and it’s a relief to have it done. The shawl I’ve been knitting since ‘18 should finish in February.

I didn’t study Italian last month. Next month.

Just do your stats! You are doing well. We have no control over others.

 

[Sibelle]

If I’m buying something new, the questions I ask are the 3/2/1 rule:

- Do I have three things I can wear with the new thing,
- do I have two occasions where I can wear the thing, and
- Can I get it down to $1 per wear.

If all those are true, then the next question is, “is this better/different than what I already own?” I bought my most expensive bags when I was in my early 20s. I avoided the most insane of the price hikes, and have had a few years to get that ol CPW down. So, when I’m looking at a bag, and it is more than a thousand dollars, I’ll ask myself “is this worth more than a medium Chanel flap?” And often, the lining won’t be leather, or the hardware won’t be 24k plated solid brass, or the material will feel thinner. So, I’ll put it back.

Your rules for buying new bags make so much sense ! Mine are similar except the $1 per wear rule. I think I will never get down to this with any of my bags. I don't have an excessive collection but there are a few bags I paid quite a high amout of money for and I don't see that I will ever use them more than 1000+ times (they probably fall apart much earlier in the process). So even buying bags that cost more than 100€ would not make any sense for me. I might have 1 or 2 bags that I have worn 100 times.
But this makes me realize how much money I actually throw out of the window when it comes down to cost per wear. It is crazy. But then I am a crazy handbag person . But of course I can also consider selling the bag for an amount x so the cost per wear just applies to the loss I will make (if any). That said I don't own any Chanel bags from years back when they still had a reasonable price. So I don't have a #1 reference to compare other bags with.

For me the most important aspects for buying a bag are (now):
- will I be able to wear it regularly on most of my real life occasions?
- do I really love it and will it bring me joy to wear it?
- is it comfortable to wear and use & do I feel comfortable wearing it out in public?
- does it hold my everyday essential items?
- does it match my wardrobe and style?
- does it add to my collection --> is it a style I don't have yet that fills a gap? Does it have a special color that I want?
- is the price reasonable for what I get? (at this point most bags fail)
- and last but not least: can I afford the bag without cutting back on anything else I want / need? (prioritization is key)

I think I need as many filters as possible because otherwise I would constantly buy new bags, just because I like the look of them .

 

[Sibelle]

View attachment 5941502Today’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

That is such a cute little backpack! And great for rainy weather. I love Harris Tweed bags. I got a small one too when I was in Scotland last time .

 

[cecchetti]

Your rules for buying new bags make so much sense ! Mine are similar except the $1 per wear rule. I think I will never get down to this with any of my bags. I don't have an excessive collection but there are a few bags I paid quite a high amout of money for and I don't see that I will ever use them more than 1000+ times (they probably fall apart much earlier in the process). So even buying bags that cost more than 100€ would not make any sense for me. I might have 1 or 2 bags that I have worn 100 times.
But this makes me realize how much money I actually throw out of the window when it comes down to cost per wear. It is crazy. But then I am a crazy handbag person . But of course I can also consider selling the bag for an amount x so the cost per wear just applies to the loss I will make (if any). That said I don't own any Chanel bags from years back when they still had a reasonable price. So I don't have a #1 reference to compare other bags with.

For me the most important aspects for buying a bag are (now):
- will I be able to wear it regularly on most of my real life occasions?
- do I really love it and will it bring me joy to wear it?
- is it comfortable to wear and use & do I feel comfortable wearing it out in public?
- does it hold my everyday essential items?
- does it match my wardrobe and style?
- does it add to my collection --> is it a style I don't have yet that fills a gap? Does it have a special color that I want?
- is the price reasonable for what I get? (at this point most bags fail)
- and last but not least: can I afford the bag without cutting back on anything else I want / need? (prioritization is key)

I think I need as many filters as possible because otherwise I would constantly buy new bags, just because I like the look of them .

Just quoting the line does it add to my collection and fill a gap that I don’t already have?

I have 2 navy crocodile handbags -and am gradually selling the others , and at this rate will replace them and Only have a collection of navy crocodile handbags omg!

Except for my Prussia blue ostrich bag-which I’m Also considering selling to go towards another croc bag!

 

[papertiger]

Bags In:
Bags Out: 5
Accessories In:
Jewelry and Accessories Out: 4
Household:
Donations Out: 67
Pounds of shredding: 17
Total out: 90

I decided to count a pound of shredding as an item. I went through everything in my closet and china cabinet. (But not table linens, because I love them and I haven’t had the courage). My aunt took several of my suitcases (why do I have plural?!) and I let go some stemware and crystal. I’m getting close to my 50th birthday, so I decided to set a rule for myself - anything I haven’t used by my 50th, I’m letting go. Do I need two tea sets? Only if I invite people over for tea. Do I need champagne flutes AND coupes? Again, ten years ago, I used them. But in the last 6, I haven’t been social. So, use it or lose it.

I did buy a bag and some accessories, but they will be for Valentines and Easter. I keep debating if I should include VintageMama’s stats in with mine, because I’m afraid they will be my burden in the next year or so, but it might also be insanely frustrating to have things swelling my stats when I can’t control the flow. So, I think I hold off, but it’s something to keep in mind.

I finished a puzzle, which doesn’t sound like much, but it has been on the table since last July and it’s a relief to have it done. The shawl I’ve been knitting since ‘18 should finish in February.

I didn’t study Italian last month. Next month.

Whenever I think about the last 5 years, I try to remind myself of 2 years tedious lockdown, 2 bereavements, ongoing difficult communications and uncertainties with extended family in war-zones, huge job change, other weird stuff. I've always hated hospitals (it was a surprise to me to be told that some people don't!) but for the last 8 years I've been going to them at least 3 times per week, trying to support loved ones. Not the easiest of times to socialise or make logical decisions and certainly not much time to attend to mundane chores. So I try to give myself, not excuses, but as much sympathy for myself as I would afford others in similar situations.

That was something I leaned recently through mentor coaching (through work). I've high expectations for myself as well as others, but I'm (perhaps patronisingly) more sympathetic to others if they're in a bind, don't delegate enough, sometimes do what should be colleagues' work for them if I think they'll forget or won't be up to standard, but I never allow myself any slack. Doesn't do me, or others any favours.

In terms of organising things, they're just things, not good nor evil, none have no power over me. It's only now I've felt more ready to let lots of things go because I can see and feel more clearly what's what. I think I could have made lots of mistakes with my 'good intentions' had I done this (clearing-out) in some vein effort to give myself an appearance of control in the past. Although, I also feel I should take advantage of this impetus, it doesn't strike often . I'm gonna keep going ridding myself of "ballast" and see where that gets me, but I'm not going to pretend it's going to change my life or give me control over uncontrollable forces.

Don't let anyone slow you down, speed you up, or stop you from what you feel is right for you.

 

[cecchetti]

Whenever I think about the last 5 years, I try to remind myself of 2 years tedious lockdown, 2 bereavements, ongoing difficult communications and uncertainties with extended family in war-zones, huge job change, other weird stuff. I've always hated hospitals (it was a surprise to me to be told that some people don't!) but for the last 8 years I've been going to them at least 3 times per week, trying to support loved ones. Not the easiest of times to socialise or make logical decisions and certainly not much time to attend to mundane chores. So I try to give myself, not excuses, but as much sympathy for myself as I would afford others in similar situations.

That was something I leaned recently through mentor coaching (through work). I've high expectations for myself as well as others, but I'm (perhaps patronisingly) more sympathetic to others if they're in a bind, don't delegate enough, sometimes do what should be colleagues' work for them if I think they'll forget or won't be up to standard, but I never allow myself any slack. Doesn't do me, or others any favours.

In terms of organising things, they're just things, not good nor evil, none have no power over me. It's only now I've felt more ready to let lots of things go because I can see and feel more clearly what's what. I think I could have made lots of mistakes with my 'good intentions' had I done this (clearing-out) in some vein effort to give myself an appearance of control in the past. Although, I also feel I should take advantage of this impetus, it doesn't strike often . I'm gonna keep going ridding myself of "ballast" and see where that gets me, but I'm not going to pretend it's going to change my life or give me control over uncontrollable forces.

Don't let anyone slow you down, speed you up, or stop you from what you feel is right for you.

I’m also very hard on myself..I’m giving myself just today..to reflect on the past week, which has been so sudden, then off to my parents tomorrow , where my Father is the carer for my Mother who suffers from dementia .
I should have gone today, but in the end didn’t feel I could give the support they need, and my 2 cats also need me here as they are feeling Tammy’s sudden loss as well.
I don’t think anybody else is as hard on me as I am on myself-setting oneself impossible goals isn’t always the best thing..

 

[Sibelle]

Just quoting the line does it add to my collection and fill a gap that I don’t already have?

I have 2 navy crocodile handbags -and am gradually selling the others , and at this rate will replace them and Only have a collection of navy crocodile handbags omg!

Except for my Prussia blue ostrich bag-which I’m Also considering selling to go towards another croc bag!

Well if you have a passion for (navy) crocodile bags then it is totally valid to have multiples of them if they make you happy .
I am more of a person who loves variety, but that is just a personal preference. That said I also (still) have multiples of the LV Speedy and Alma as I just love these bag styles .

 

[papertiger]

I’m also very hard on myself..I’m giving myself just today..to reflect on the past week, which has been so sudden, then off to my parents tomorrow , where my Father is the carer for my Mother who suffers from dementia .
I should have gone today, but in the end didn’t feel I could give the support they need, and my 2 cats also need me here as they are feeling Tammy’s sudden loss as well.
I don’t think anybody else is as hard on me as I am on myself-setting oneself impossible goals isn’t always the best thing..

I don't think some people realise (or want to) that the grief from losing a pet is painfully real. Those that have been there will understand

 

[cecchetti]

I don't think some people realise (or want to) that the grief from losing a pet is painfully real. Those that have been there will understand

I’m hard on myself on all aspects of life as well-from the post of yours I quoted it sounds like you also set yourself very high standards..perfection doesn’t always exist ❤️❤️

I can’t have children so humanise my cats-so it feels like losing a child..

The others are missing her too-Baryshnikov threw himself away in the dustbin this morning!

 

[papertiger]

Just quoting the line does it add to my collection and fill a gap that I don’t already have?

I have 2 navy crocodile handbags -and am gradually selling the others , and at this rate will replace them and Only have a collection of navy crocodile handbags omg!

Except for my Prussia blue ostrich bag-which I’m Also considering selling to go towards another croc bag!

For me, different skins are better or worse depending on the design and planned for use. You could have a row of navy croc bags and still have very different bags, but you better have something for when it rains too

I love navy, Prussian blue, aviation blue, bleu marine, and have regular leather (and python in 3). These are perhaps the only blues I like for bags. In terms of croc though, you make me realise I have a h u g e gap, no navy croc at all .

 

[papertiger]

I’m hard on myself on all aspects of life as well-from the post of yours I quoted it sounds like you also set yourself very high standards..perfection doesn’t always exist ❤️❤️

As influencers say "Progress, not perfection" - If nothing else, influencers are good at monitizing truisms

 

[DME]

Ooo, very nice!

May I see what fine jewelry pieces you got?

Sure thing! I’ll work on photos this weekend.