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]

For @cecchetti

View attachment 6105519

Do I get double points for wearing Bal Le City 6 times a row in Dec, or do I lose all the points I got for the first 3?

Love your look! I say extra points.

 

[papertiger]

My newest bag is in a box under the Christmas tree (yes it's a gift from myself to myself ). I will post pics later this month.

Oh wow, I am so excited for you - and us. I for one cannot wait to see.

 

[papertiger]

Love your look! I say extra points.

and thank you

Beautiful!❤️❤️

Thank you

I wore a little non-designer tan pouch yesterday to a neighours' impromptu get-together in our local pub. I took Patent Alexander McQueen card case, George Jensen keyring and my phone. The pub is child friendly, we had all ages come together from 4 months old (such an adorable baby) to septuagenarians. So nice to see everyone getting along.

 

[cecchetti]

My newest bag is in a box under the Christmas tree (yes it's a gift from myself to myself ). I will post pics later this month.

How funny-my father did that one year(not a bag)- he put hundreds of presents under the tree, all addressed to himself , which turned out were from himself.
He was quite young and decided that it was the only way to get what he wanted.
My Mum, sister and I thought he was hilarious !

 

[cowgirlsboots]

How funny-my father did that one year(not a bag)- he put hundreds of presents under the tree, all addressed to himself , which turned out were from himself.
He was quite young and decided that it was the only way to get what he wanted.
My Mum, sister and I thought he was hilarious !

No bag for me from myself for Christmas this year. There wasn't any I really wanted, but I found something I really wanted : true vintage shoes.

Still can't believe that I was able to buy them off German eBay at the most reasonable price. So far I only ever saw Springolators for sale in the USA and at very high prices. So I guess these were meant for me. ( And nobody but I myself would have ever known to get them for me.)

 

[papertiger]

No bag for me from myself for Christmas this year. There wasn't any I really wanted, but I found something I really wanted : true vintage shoes.
View attachment 6106181View attachment 6106182
Still can't believe that I was able to buy them off German eBay at the most reasonable price. So far I only ever saw Springolators for sale in the USA and at very high prices. So I guess these were meant for me. ( And nobody but I myself would have ever known to get them for me.)

Iconic!

ITA, meant to be

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Iconic!

ITA, meant to be

Thank you! ❤️ Did I mention they are my size?


There were two more absolutely gorgeous pairs of shoes in that job lot. Perfect condition, correct size, they even came with their original boxes. I really wonder where all the vintage bargain hunters were when I won the auction at the starting bid.

 

[cecchetti]

Having bought myself the Graff pendant so recently, there’s nothing I want desperately to buy myself this side of the New Year, except the impossible-good health for my poor Mum.

I don’t want to tempt fate, but she really is very ill, and this is most likely her last Christmas.
My Dad has asked me to visit on Friday -I’ve bought a cute Chanukah card with snowmen to surprise him (he’ll think it’s a Christmas card)- a large box of Belgian chocolates, and a Peter Rabbit for Mum.
I’ll buy Dad whatever he wants, but he hadn’t finished the Davidoff Cool Water I bought him last year..

I’ve got a day out booked with my girlfriend early January, so I’m not planning to shop the sales..

Merry Christmas /Chanukah everyone, I know it’s not the easiest time for everyone and send love to you all.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

 

[dcooney4]

Happy Holidays my friends!

 

[Sparkletastic]

How funny-my father did that one year(not a bag)- he put hundreds of presents under the tree, all addressed to himself , which turned out were from himself.
He was quite young and decided that it was the only way to get what he wanted.
My Mum, sister and I thought he was hilarious !

I buy myself b-day and Christmas presents every year. LOL! I get things I want year round and leave them in the box unopened. Then months later, I wrap them in that box. The day of, I end up surprising myself. Anything expensive I buy within 30 days of opening so if there is a problem I can return it. But if it’s a fun little item or something I’m 99% sure will be ok, I’ll buy it and squirrel it away for later.

Life is short. IMO we should find every way to make it fun!!!

…because some of it’s icky! Pocket Friends, I’m really struggling. Trying to work out and get fit with various body parts weak and / or recovering is NOT easy in the slightest. It was so much easier to work out when I was fit than it is to get fit after two years of intermittent surgeries and injuries. I literally sat in my car and cried after going to the gym today and I feel so silly about it. I know intellectually the only way for this to get easier is to just keep going. But it’s early days on my “re-fitness” journey and emotionally it’s just… hard.

So my “bag” of the week is this waist belt. It holds my phone, id, credit card, cash, keys and these two water bottles. That keeps me from setting anything on the germy gym floor.

I may check in with you guys from time to time for encouragement. This is tough. Mr. Sparkle and I used to easily go to the gym for two hours and do vigorous workouts. But now I swear every part of me hurts after a beginner level one hour workout. I left him there to finish hauling weight as I escaped. I’m going home to shower and then go back out for a mani / pedi treat.

 

[whateve]

I buy myself b-day and Christmas presents every year. LOL! I get things I want year round and leave them in the box unopened. Then months later, I wrap them in that box. The day of, I end up surprising myself. Anything expensive I buy within 30 days of opening so if there is a problem I can return it. But if it’s a fun little item or something I’m 99% sure will be ok, I’ll buy it and squirrel it away for later.

Life is short. IMO we should find every way to make it fun!!!

…because some of it’s icky! Pocket Friends, I’m really struggling. Trying to work out and get fit with various body parts weak and / or recovering is NOT easy in the slightest. It was so much easier to work out when I was fit than it is to get fit after two years of intermittent surgeries and injuries. I literally sat in my car and cried after going to the gym today and I feel so silly about it. I know intellectually the only way for this to get easier is to just keep going. But it’s early days on my “re-fitness” journey and emotionally it’s just… hard.

So my “bag” of the week is this waist belt. It holds my phone, id, credit card, cash, keys and these two water bottles. That keeps me from setting anything on the germy gym floor.

I may check in with you guys from time to time for encouragement. This is tough. Mr. Sparkle and I used to easily go to the gym for two hours and do vigorous workouts. But now I swear every part of me hurts after a beginner level one hour workout. I left him there to finish hauling weight as I escaped. I’m going home to shower and then go back out for a mani / pedi treat.
View attachment 6106800

I'm sorry. I feel for you. I'm going to PT a couple times a week. Some of it is hard and I hurt. I have plans to workout in between sessions but have been too sore to do so, which makes me feel bad. It seems like every few days I wake up with a new pain.

You should go slower. It takes time to build back up to where you were.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I buy myself b-day and Christmas presents every year. LOL! I get things I want year round and leave them in the box unopened. Then months later, I wrap them in that box. The day of, I end up surprising myself. Anything expensive I buy within 30 days of opening so if there is a problem I can return it. But if it’s a fun little item or something I’m 99% sure will be ok, I’ll buy it and squirrel it away for later.

Life is short. IMO we should find every way to make it fun!!!

…because some of it’s icky! Pocket Friends, I’m really struggling. Trying to work out and get fit with various body parts weak and / or recovering is NOT easy in the slightest. It was so much easier to work out when I was fit than it is to get fit after two years of intermittent surgeries and injuries. I literally sat in my car and cried after going to the gym today and I feel so silly about it. I know intellectually the only way for this to get easier is to just keep going. But it’s early days on my “re-fitness” journey and emotionally it’s just… hard.

So my “bag” of the week is this waist belt. It holds my phone, id, credit card, cash, keys and these two water bottles. That keeps me from setting anything on the germy gym floor.

I may check in with you guys from time to time for encouragement. This is tough. Mr. Sparkle and I used to easily go to the gym for two hours and do vigorous workouts. But now I swear every part of me hurts after a beginner level one hour workout. I left him there to finish hauling weight as I escaped. I’m going home to shower and then go back out for a mani / pedi treat.
View attachment 6106800

Sorry to hear about the health issues and resulting difficulties. The one thing I would suggest is baby steps. It’s going to take time to heal and recover back to former fitness levels but don’t get discouraged but go slow and steady and build back up gradually. Hugs!

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, my friends.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I'm sorry. I feel for you. I'm going to PT a couple times a week. Some of it is hard and I hurt. I have plans to workout in between sessions but have been too sore to do so, which makes me feel bad. It seems like every few days I wake up with a new pain.

You should go slower. It takes time to build back up to where you were.

I feel for you as well. PT is the worst. I know it’s necessary but I hate it. We’ll keep each other going.

Sorry to hear about the health issues and resulting difficulties. The one thing I would suggest is baby steps. It’s going to take time to heal and recover back to former fitness levels but don’t get discouraged but go slow and steady and build back up gradually. Hugs!

I agree with you and @whateve - slow and steady is the way. I’ve had to accept I have to do an hour of walking vs an hour of elliptical. Or that I need the support of using weight machines vs free weights.

I really think I’ll improve once I can do things I actually like to do like dance / hike / indoor rock climbing, etc. But, I’m at least 3 months away from my knee surgeon allowing that. No cutting, pivoting, running or jumping for right now. Just straight line movement on even terrain. ☹️

 

[SakuraSakura]

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.

I'm finding that as I continue to develop myself, I engage with clothing and fashion differently. I took a look at many of my handbag purchases within the past five years. My personal style has evolved so much that I've out-grown the majority of those purchases. With that in mind, I do have a certain handbag style that I've reached for since 2021... the Coach Soho collection. At this point in time, I own three Soho handbags : two Soho hobos ( 2003 9541 , 2004 6351) and a Soho Pocket Flap ( 2004 1446). I love how simple and timeless they are. I feel like no matter how much time passes, they will always look fresh. They are my most used and useful purses. I'd like to add a red Soho Hobo into my collection next year. I purchased all three of my Soho bags this year.

At this stage in my life, I've simplified dressing. I like to look casual yet put together so I wear lots of wide legged pants and oversized tops. I love looking like a shape that has nothing to do with my body shape. I've tried so hard to remove my body from the equation which is difficult and necessary. Our bodies are the least interesting thing about us and that neutrality is essential to my mental health. I lost my dog this year and I'm in the process of losing someone I love. In this phase of my life, dressing needs to be easy yet fulfilling as I still love fashion. I'm tired of being a consumer instead of a creator.

Going into 2025, I'd like to continue supporting secondhand stores. My favourite purchases are secondhand and supporting local business is important to me. As I keep trying to piece together a life for myself, my lifestyle will reflect those changes. Truthfully I don't know what I'll be doing at this time next year but whatever I do, I hope it'll be magic. One thing I've learnt this year is that it is okay to walk away from something knowing that it's a personal loss but also a personal win as you've chosen someone - yourself. I've had many friendships end on my terms. I'm proud that I've learned how to walk away from what doesn't serve my higher purpose.

Thank you to everyone who chose to read this. Happy Holidays, my dearest friends.