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.

 

[Vintage Leather]

in the last 72 hours, I’ve taken Vintage Mama and Lily to the emergency room and emergency vet respectively. And I’ve bought a beach bag, a clutch and a Calvi. It’s a distraction from stress, and focusing on the possibilities of better days. But I do need better coping strategies

 

[A bottle of Red]

in the last 72 hours, I’ve taken Vintage Mama and Lily to the emergency room and emergency vet respectively. And I’ve bought a beach bag, a clutch and a Calvi. It’s a distraction from stress, and focusing on the possibilities of better days. But I do need better coping strategies

I'm so sorry that is really stressful

 

[essiedub]

Hopping back in after a long hiatus (I’ve been lurking but too swamped to participate in this or the scarf threads). Happy new year to you all.

I have a dilemma. We are heading on a 3-week guided tour of Italy and I cannot figure out what day bag to carry. I am obsessed with the pickpocketing problem there so have been reading up on what NOT to carry (anything without a zipper, backpacks on the back, etc). I really don’t like crossbody and I really don’t want to carry those anti-theft RFID type bags..after all I am going to Italy and would like to have some “Bella figura” style. What to do? So for daily excursions, I would carry small wallet, sunglasses, lip balm, water bottle, tissues, hand cream, maybe a small tour book.

I have this Coach bag that checks all the boxes and have been practicing and carrying it crossbody…but something isn’t quite right. I seem to be landing on a bucket type of bag that has hand carry with a cross body option. I really considered my small Picotin cuz it’s just so darn cute but it has no shoulder option. I really like this Chloe bucket and it might work and then I thought, hey I should go Italian and what about this Prada bucket. Then I went down the bucket rabbit hole and found some whimsical pieces..and now I am back to square one. Any thoughts? (I know, I know..bucket bag? what happened to my pickpocket fear?). Talk some sense…I should not have to buy a new bag, right?




And to bring it all back to yellow/orange theme week, here are the gold (yellow) Coach and my lil’ Orange Pico

 

[Sibelle]

Hopping back in after a long hiatus (I’ve been lurking but too swamped to participate in this or the scarf threads). Happy new year to you all.

I have a dilemma. We are heading on a 3-week guided tour of Italy and I cannot figure out what day bag to carry. I am obsessed with the pickpocketing problem there so have been reading up on what NOT to carry (anything without a zipper, backpacks on the back, etc). I really don’t like crossbody and I really don’t want to carry those anti-theft RFID type bags..after all I am going to Italy and would like to have some “Bella figura” style. What to do? So for daily excursions, I would carry small wallet, sunglasses, lip balm, water bottle, tissues, hand cream, maybe a small tour book.

I have this Coach bag that checks all the boxes and have been practicing and carrying it crossbody…but something isn’t quite right. I seem to be landing on a bucket type of bag that has hand carry with a cross body option. I really considered my small Picotin cuz it’s just so darn cute but it has no shoulder option. I really like this Chloe bucket and it might work and then I thought, hey I should go Italian and what about this Prada bucket. Then I went down the bucket rabbit hole and found some whimsical pieces..and now I am back to square one. Any thoughts? (I know, I know..bucket bag? what happened to my pickpocket fear?). Talk some sense…I should not have to buy a new bag, right?

View attachment 5954813View attachment 5954814View attachment 5954815View attachment 5954816


And to bring it all back to yellow/orange theme week, here are the gold (yellow) Coach and my lil’ Orange Pico

View attachment 5954817

Honestly I would not worry too much about pickpocketing. No matter which bag you are wearing - I would just keep my bag close to me in crowded areas / in the cities, but if you are touring Italy you will also be in a lot of places that are not too crowded. I would also go for a bag that is lightweight and comfortable to carry for many hours. A small bucket bag would be a good choice IMO, also the Prada bucket would be great. Not sure if you have this one already or are considering to get it?
I usually use lightweight non luxury nylon bags with a zipper closure when I am touring Italy, Spain etc. Just because I am a practical person .
Love your gold Coach bag. This one would also be great for your Italy trip as a crossbody bag.

 

[Sibelle]

Here are my two happy orange and yellow bags: Coach Cassie orange and the Coccinelle bucket bag in mustard yellow. I have posted both before here . Have a great weekend with hopefully some sunshine!

 

[dcooney4]

Here are my two happy orange and yellow bags: Coach Cassie orange and the Coccinelle bucket bag in mustard yellow. I have posted both before here . Have a great weekend with hopefully some sunshine!

View attachment 5955023

Simply beautiful!

 

[More bags]

@Vintage Leather I’m sorry to hear about the stress you’re going through. Sending good thoughts for positive outcomes.

@essiedub great to see you here! Your Italy trip sounds amazing. Of the bags you’ve shown I like your gold Coach the most. Is it large enough to carry what you want to bring?

Do you still have your Chanel Reissue Camera Bag? Would that one work?

@Sibelle love your Cassie and Coccinelle.

@whateve great orange and yellow bags, your Coach yellow bag is a wonderful shade of yellow.

 

[essiedub]

@Sibelle @More bags thank you ...I had a feeling you’d say the Coach would be a good choice.
Morebags, I did also think of your So Kelly as a possibility - always liked that bag.
SibElle, do you think that Coccinelle could work? It’s so cheerful!

Maybe I can get that Prada at the mothership in Milan! One of the sights I am most looking forward to is the Duomo rooftop. We are staying at a place that has a direct view of the cathedral! So I’m really excited to get the Duomo hot stamp at the Milan LV! This is from a post by @MooMooVT

 

[More bags]

@Sibelle @More bags thank you ...I had a feeling you’d say the Coach would be a good choice.
Morebags, I did also think of your So Kelly as a possibility - always liked that bag.
SibElle, do you think that Coccinelle could work? It’s so cheerful!

Maybe I can get that Prada at the mothership in Milan! One of the sights I am most looking forward to is the Duomo rooftop. We are staying at a place that has a direct view of the cathedral! So I’m really excited to get the Duomo hot stamp at the Milan LV! This is from a post by @MooMooVT
View attachment 5955572

Thanks for the So Kelly love!

 

[Bag peace]

Breathing a sigh of relief and so happy to hear this good news! I wish your mom the best as she continues her recovery. And I hope you are taking care of yourself, too. Don’t neglect you!

Thank you so much. I am actually really struggling to stay on top of my own treatment plan because her needs are far greater and are occupying my entire day. It's very hard not having any sort of support network where I am, since I'm unable to share the load and have someone sit with her while I go get my infusions. I feel like we just need to get past the current stage she's in and hopefully we'll be able to find a routine where both of us are medically stable enough to function in daily life. Right now, it's truly too much stress/work/trauma for me and I'm breaking down regularly.

I'm so pleased for you.

My news isn't so good.

Spoiler: Don't read if you're already feeling down

DH mother died and he's been away. He has to go for another scan because the last wasn't conclusive. He is determined to see the worst.

My deepest condolences for your loss. I'm so sorry to hear he's struggling so much. A lot has happened in a short space of time and I can understand why he feels defeated. I hope with all my heart that he finds the inner strength and hope he needs to carry him through this. I think the only thing that has gotten me through my medical issues has been the ability to find hope that things will work out somehow, in spite the odds being against me. There were many times, particularly with my mum, where I was flooded with every possible complication we were facing (all of which would have been fatal) and I simply couldn't be present in the moment and grateful she was still alive. The fear of losing her took over and I lost sight of the fact that she was still with me in that moment, and that was a gift.
It took a massive panic attack in the middle of the ICU for me to realise that I was too focused on the uncontrollable/negative outcomes, instead of just breathing and experiencing the moment I was in (because as the doctor who handled me when I was panicked said- truly, medical emergency or not, none of us know how long we have here, so remember to stay present in the moment). I hope your DH can get to that place and not focus on the worst possible outcomes because that will drain him.
I am sending you strength, hope and wishes for better days ahead. I hope you've got good news coming your way with the upcoming scans.

in the last 72 hours, I’ve taken Vintage Mama and Lily to the emergency room and emergency vet respectively. And I’ve bought a beach bag, a clutch and a Calvi. It’s a distraction from stress, and focusing on the possibilities of better days. But I do need better coping strategies

I'm so sorry! I had the same happen with my cat and my mum simultaneously being critically ill (the cat got pancreatitis and hepatitis and it was very much a touch-and-go situation). It's so stressful. You've always been on top of your mum's care and she's very lucky to have you alert and advocating for her care. I hope she's feeling better now and that you are okay, too.
Don't worry about the retail therapy. After a very close call with my mum yesterday evening, I ordered a 30ml bottle of the new Coach perfume that I've never smelled, just because I needed something, anything, to look forward to this morning, and this was what I could afford. I'll gift it to her nurse if it doesn't work out. We do whatever it takes to keep us going in the moment and that's okay.
Sending you virtual hugs and hoping with all my heart that Vintage Mama is in a better spot soon.

Edit: I forgot to thank everyone else I didn't quote. I can't ever put into words how much I appreciate you all taking the time to write words of support. It's all I've got and it's just so wonderful to receive your kindness. Thank you!

 

[dcooney4]

Hopping back in after a long hiatus (I’ve been lurking but too swamped to participate in this or the scarf threads). Happy new year to you all.

I have a dilemma. We are heading on a 3-week guided tour of Italy and I cannot figure out what day bag to carry. I am obsessed with the pickpocketing problem there so have been reading up on what NOT to carry (anything without a zipper, backpacks on the back, etc). I really don’t like crossbody and I really don’t want to carry those anti-theft RFID type bags..after all I am going to Italy and would like to have some “Bella figura” style. What to do? So for daily excursions, I would carry small wallet, sunglasses, lip balm, water bottle, tissues, hand cream, maybe a small tour book.

I have this Coach bag that checks all the boxes and have been practicing and carrying it crossbody…but something isn’t quite right. I seem to be landing on a bucket type of bag that has hand carry with a cross body option. I really considered my small Picotin cuz it’s just so darn cute but it has no shoulder option. I really like this Chloe bucket and it might work and then I thought, hey I should go Italian and what about this Prada bucket. Then I went down the bucket rabbit hole and found some whimsical pieces..and now I am back to square one. Any thoughts? (I know, I know..bucket bag? what happened to my pickpocket fear?). Talk some sense…I should not have to buy a new bag, right?

View attachment 5954813View attachment 5954814View attachment 5954815View attachment 5954816


And to bring it all back to yellow/orange theme week, here are the gold (yellow) Coach and my lil’ Orange Pico

View attachment 5954817

I would say pick your outfits and see which bag looks the best with them and is comfortable to wear for hours.

 

[dcooney4]

 

[dcooney4]

Two Mz Wallace bags and a Tory Burch. I have not worn the tiny pale pink one yet. I think these a fun .

 

[dcooney4]

Pink and Purple week! This should be fun.

 

[DME]

Thank you so much. I am actually really struggling to stay on top of my own treatment plan because her needs are far greater and are occupying my entire day. It's very hard not having any sort of support network where I am, since I'm unable to share the load and have someone sit with her while I go get my infusions. I feel like we just need to get past the current stage she's in and hopefully we'll be able to find a routine where both of us are medically stable enough to function in daily life. Right now, it's truly too much stress/work/trauma for me and I'm breaking down regularly.



My deepest condolences for your loss. I'm so sorry to hear he's struggling so much. A lot has happened in a short space of time and I can understand why he feels defeated. I hope with all my heart that he finds the inner strength and hope he needs to carry him through this. I think the only thing that has gotten me through my medical issues has been the ability to find hope that things will work out somehow, in spite the odds being against me. There were many times, particularly with my mum, where I was flooded with every possible complication we were facing (all of which would have been fatal) and I simply couldn't be present in the moment and grateful she was still alive. The fear of losing her took over and I lost sight of the fact that she was still with me in that moment, and that was a gift.
It took a massive panic attack in the middle of the ICU for me to realise that I was too focused on the uncontrollable/negative outcomes, instead of just breathing and experiencing the moment I was in (because as the doctor who handled me when I was panicked said- truly, medical emergency or not, none of us know how long we have here, so remember to stay present in the moment). I hope your DH can get to that place and not focus on the worst possible outcomes because that will drain him.
I am sending you strength, hope and wishes for better days ahead. I hope you've got good news coming your way with the upcoming scans.


I'm so sorry! I had the same happen with my cat and my mum simultaneously being critically ill (the cat got pancreatitis and hepatitis and it was very much a touch-and-go situation). It's so stressful. You've always been on top of your mum's care and she's very lucky to have you alert and advocating for her care. I hope she's feeling better now and that you are okay, too.
Don't worry about the retail therapy. After a very close call with my mum yesterday evening, I ordered a 30ml bottle of the new Coach perfume that I've never smelled, just because I needed something, anything, to look forward to this morning, and this was what I could afford. I'll gift it to her nurse if it doesn't work out. We do whatever it takes to keep us going in the moment and that's okay.
Sending you virtual hugs and hoping with all my heart that Vintage Mama is in a better spot soon.

Edit: I forgot to thank everyone else I didn't quote. I can't ever put into words how much I appreciate you all taking the time to write words of support. It's all I've got and it's just so wonderful to receive your kindness. Thank you!

Hang in there! And please try to find a way to take care of you, too. I know your mom is ill and she needs your support, but remember it will be tough for you to give that if you let yourself go. The investment in your own health will ultimately benefit you both. Hugs!