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.

 

[jbags07]

I'm still refining my goals, but here they are for now. I participated in this thread for several years, but often ended up buying more pretty things because of all the pictures. I am weak, LOL. This year I want to stick to the thread's title and SHOP MY OWN COLLECTION!

Shop mindfully: be aware of food sources and manufacturing conditions

Watch out for impulse buying (it’s on sale!) and aspirational shopping

Avoid thinking "If it doesn't work out I can sell it," because that has become too difficult

Admire pictures of everyone’s scarves and bags without wanting one for myself !!!

Avoid buying something in every color just because one color works

Rotate and use all my lovely bags (track), change Calvis monthly

Continue to curate my scarf collection and enjoy each precious piece

Sell two bags (already listed)

Set limits on tPF, be aware of mindless scrolling and don’t overdo the “socializing”

All of your goals resonate with me too

And, being on tpf is wonderful, but i also find it makes me want to add more bags/scarves then if i stayed off. Hoping to find balance in 2024!

Love your goal about mindful food purchases, so important

 

[poleneinblack]

Last year I went 6 months without buying bags and being low buy in general, so I want to keep the good habits going for this year and beyond. But I am looking at the Polene Numero Un Nano in Burgundy and Sandalwood.

 

[jbags07]

I am a bit proud of myself. I sold the first bag for this year 🥳. It was "only" a Coach bag, but still, it's one bag less that I do not use 🙂.
I am also about to sell a LV wallet that I do not use anymore.

Also I started to clean out my cellar. This is huge for me as this has been on my todo-list for over a year. I feel so good that I finally started. Still a long way to go, but I will do this step by step 🙂.

On the other hand I received a new bag that I technically bought in 2023 and does not count for 2024 . I am still contemplating if I should keep the bag. It is a Bottega Veneta and it was a good deal and it is gorgeous - just maybe a bit on the small side. I feel a bit anxiety to send it back as I heard some horror stories about this vendor (people returned bags and vendor received empty boxes...).

Thats fantastic your first sale 🥳 congrats! It feels good to let go and to also get some of the investment back. Best of luck selling your LV wallet too!

Please share which BV bag you added! Would love to see. In terms of vendor issues, are u referring to Rebag?

It is similar for me. There are some bags in my collection that I considered forever bags some years ago, but now I feel differently and also already let some of these bags go. Nowadays I don't have a lot of bags that I would say stay with me forever. Probably 4 or 5. My tastes and preferences seem to change a lot.

Its such an interesting topic, ‘forever bags’.

Everyone is different. But i wonder also if it can be age related. Almost all the contemporary and vintage bags i purchased in my 30s and 40s i am selling or have sold, and a lot of the premier bags in my early stages of purchase.

I feel that all of the bags i am adding now (at 53) or have added the last couple of years (except for styles i cannot carry, like shoulder bags)…..can easily be forever bags. Timeless Classics that work for me, are forever….like my kellys, bolides, almas, speedys, venetas, knots, cabats, etc…… 4 or 5 years ago i would not have had this mindset.

 

[jbags07]

Bag and wardrobe goals 2024

1) I do not need any new bags.
I have far more than enough and many of them cater to a fantasy life I will never ever have. Still they have a place, because they make me happy as a dreamer and a collector.
All I have to do is remember what I have and pull it out when the bag "need" starts nagging.

2) Most likely I do not need any new clothes (except for homewear basics.)
I have far more than enough (...) is remember what I have and pull it out (and alter) when the outfit "need" starts nagging.

I´ve been watching lots of the usual youtube videos lately: "what I got for Christmas", "2024 wishlist" etc. To my amazement none of them triggered any "need".
Well, nice for these people to have got all theses wonderful items, nice for them to have lists and most likely will turn them into purchases, but honestly there wasn´t a single item I would like to own.
That puzzled me and I dutifully went onto ebay, vestiaire and all the other sources looking for things I might "need" or even want and there was nothing! What spoke to me all were bags I already own and still love, only at unbelievably inflated prices.

Ok, I spotted a few real bargains, but so far I haven´t bought anything. I mean yes, they are bargains and I might not get them that "cheap" ever again, but the biggest part of their appeal is the price and I most likely will never really want to own them anyway...

That's wonderful you are starting the new year without wish lists or any desire for adding new items. Thats the best part about this thread, truly shopping our own closets, enjoying what we have (for our real lives!), and limiting acquisitions…being careful and thoughtful about any additions.
I’ve been watching the YouTubes also…the only thing i am itching gor is tyat denim nany speedy! But i already have a vintage piece and don’t need the nano.

I´m laughing at myself right now!
There will be an occasion for a nice dress next year and being me I already started the hunt- hours on ebay until I realised that all I´ll have to do is find the suitcase in which my 50ies brocade dresses with the matching jackets (idea 1) or the 70ies chiffon gowns with the batwing sleeves (idea 2) are hiding... I certainly own several of each kind plus a "project" 60ies dress with a jacket that could be easily altered into the shape I want. There is at least one slim silk 50ies dress with a matching coat too. Shop your own closet Anja!

Omg these sound amazing
And far more beautiful and fun then anything contemporary!
0nce you decide and alter it up, please share, would love to see!

 

[jbags07]

Last year I went 6 months without buying bags and being low buy in general, so I want to keep the good habits going for this year and beyond. But I am looking at the Polene Numero Un Nano in Burgundy and Sandalwood.

6 months is awesome with no bag purchases!
Both Polenes you are considering are wonderful bags and very neutral too. I find that burgundy goes with almost everything.

 

[jbags07]

Are they lambskin? If you're hesitant to use them, I would suggest just taking them to small outings like dinners or something like that, where there is less chance of them being scratched or getting dings. I was hesitant to use my lambskin flap in the beginning, but once I accepted the first scratch or scuff (it's really not that obvious), I found it easier to use and carry without worrying about it.

The 2 vintage flaps are both lambskin yes. The 90s lamb is much more scratch resistant than newer lamb. But its also—- quilts are still puffy, and the bags are mint. Whoever owned them previously almost never carried them (i like to purchase from Boutique Patina b/c she sources amazing vintage Chanels). To me they are more collector pieces b/c of this. I don’t want to put any wear on them. Thats the problem. And when we go to dinner i like to carry my Knots.

All 0f that said, i am going to listen to your advice. I will make myself carry them a few times each in the coming months and decide if i love them too much to let go or if i should just sell. The jumbo is gorgeous but a bit loud lol. Those huge 24 gold CC’s are bold

Thank you for your advice, i appreciate your thoughts

 

[poleneinblack]

6 months is awesome with no bag purchases!
Both Polenes you are considering are wonderful bags and very neutral too. I find that burgundy goes with almost everything.

Thank you! I also haven't done other shopping either, like for clothes or jewelry or watches, etc. I've gotten into new habits and mindsets where I focus on more important things in life, and spend more time reading and writing. I definitely just want to keep it going for 2024 and beyond, and not break the good thing I have going. I don't have to discipline myself or feel like I'm depriving myself when I don't have those desires.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

That's wonderful you are starting the new year without wish lists or any desire for adding new items. Thats the best part about this thread, truly shopping our own closets, enjoying what we have (for our real lives!), and limiting acquisitions…being careful and thoughtful about any additions.
I’ve been watching the YouTubes also…the only thing i am itching gor is tyat denim nany speedy! But i already have a vintage piece and don’t need the nano.

Omg these sound amazing
And far more beautiful and fun then anything contemporary!
0nce you decide and alter it up, please share, would love to see!

Thank you!
It´s about time I realize I have enough bags and clothes to run my own store... hoarder genes... and that buying random does not make me happy. In the end I exactly know what I like and what looks good.

Almost everything (except for homewear/ basics) I buy and own is preloved and preferrably vintage (40ies to 70ies clothes and German bags plus Dior Galliano era bags).
I´m not into contemporary. Vintage has spoiled me and I expect a certain level of quality. Contemporary pieces in the quality I want are far too expensive for me plus I usually have to alter my clothes for a perfect fit and wouldn´t want to spend a lot of money on anything that also requires a lot of work.
I will dig out the outfit contestants soon and have a closer look at them. Maybe I will start with the project dress/ jacket as this needs something done to it anyway. It´s totally hideous as it is right now.
I also just remembered that I might have a very suitable midi 70ies chiffon dress already... storage suitcases here I come!

 

[dcooney4]

I am a bit proud of myself. I sold the first bag for this year 🥳. It was "only" a Coach bag, but still, it's one bag less that I do not use 🙂.
I am also about to sell a LV wallet that I do not use anymore.

Also I started to clean out my cellar. This is huge for me as this has been on my todo-list for over a year. I feel so good that I finally started. Still a long way to go, but I will do this step by step 🙂.

On the other hand I received a new bag that I technically bought in 2023 and does not count for 2024 . I am still contemplating if I should keep the bag. It is a Bottega Veneta and it was a good deal and it is gorgeous - just maybe a bit on the small side. I feel a bit anxiety to send it back as I heard some horror stories about this vendor (people returned bags and vendor received empty boxes...).

Congrats on the sale! In regard to the new bag that sounds very suspicious. Could you just sell that one yourself too?

 

[dcooney4]

That is very tricky. The special releases that sell out fast do sell well on the resale market though, especially if you’ve not used them. There is an MZ Wallace BST FB group ……i love multiples if i like a bag so i am not one to give advice on limiting purchases lol. Maybe do a picture folder with your current MZ bags — colors and styles. That way when they drop new bags, you can easily see if you already have ones that are too similar? To help decide what to add.

Thank you! I am in the FB group and have gotten some I missed. I do have photos of all my bags, but I do need to remember to check them before I purchase. Do you have Mz bags too?

 

[Sibelle]

Thats fantastic your first sale 🥳 congrats! It feels good to let go and to also get some of the investment back. Best of luck selling your LV wallet too!

Please share which BV bag you added! Would love to see. In terms of vendor issues, are u referring to Rebag?

Its such an interesting topic, ‘forever bags’.

Everyone is different. But i wonder also if it can be age related. Almost all the contemporary and vintage bags i purchased in my 30s and 40s i am selling or have sold, and a lot of the premier bags in my early stages of purchase.

I feel that all of the bags i am adding now (at 53) or have added the last couple of years (except for styles i cannot carry, like shoulder bags)…..can easily be forever bags. Timeless Classics that work for me, are forever….like my kellys, bolides, almas, speedys, venetas, knots, cabats, etc…… 4 or 5 years ago i would not have had this mindset.

Thanks dear jbags07 ! It does feel good, although selling that LV wallet is a real pain. I am selling to an FB group and some people there are really exhausting .

Oh sure, the BV bag I bought is called the small drop bag. It is so pretty looking . But the zipper is really difficult to open, or I just have to find out the best technique. I think I will keep it and give it a chance. The vendor is Vitkac - a luxury department store in Poland. Unfortunately they have really mixed reviews and some returns seem to have gone awry. I think my nerves cannot take this at the moment 😅



And yes, I think which bags we love and use and keep is also age related. I guess over time we get a lot of experience which bag styles work for us and which don't. When I started collecting bags I was very much influenced by social media, because I had no clue about designer and luxury bags . So I bought quite a few bags (Speedy 30 first) that were very popular but did not really match my lifestyle and preferences. It really often is trial and error. Sometimes the bags are just so pretty and I imagine myself looking great with them, while in reality I might look great with them, but they are not suitable for any of my real life occasions and are also not easy to wear / use.

 

[Sibelle]

Congrats on the sale! In regard to the new bag that sounds very suspicious. Could you just sell that one yourself too?

Thank you! I know, I will keep the bag for now and might sell it at some point. Or maybe I will love it forever, who knows 🙂.

 

[dcooney4]

Thank you! I know, I will keep the bag for now and might sell it at some point. Or maybe I will love it forever, who knows 🙂.

I hope you end up falling in love with it. It is quite beautiful.

 

[Cookiefiend]

I'm still refining my goals, but here they are for now. I participated in this thread for several years, but often ended up buying more pretty things because of all the pictures. I am weak, LOL. This year I want to stick to the thread's title and SHOP MY OWN COLLECTION!

Shop mindfully: be aware of food sources and manufacturing conditions

Watch out for impulse buying (it’s on sale!) and aspirational shopping

Avoid thinking "If it doesn't work out I can sell it," because that has become too difficult

Admire pictures of everyone’s scarves and bags without wanting one for myself !!!

Avoid buying something in every color just because one color works

Rotate and use all my lovely bags (track), change Calvis monthly

Continue to curate my scarf collection and enjoy each precious piece

Sell two bags (already listed)

Set limits on tPF, be aware of mindless scrolling and don’t overdo the “socializing”

Great goals!
’Sales Goggles’ are my downfall…
I also need to set limits for tPF and for Instagram… I get caught in the reels all the time. It’s not good for me!

 

[Struck by Designer-Cupid]

Hi all, thanks so much to all of the replies about how to not be tempted so much by new bags (and shoes and everything else), they’re all great tips and I’m definitely going to try implementing as many as I can.

I can also totally relate to those who have said that actually being on TPF is sometimes an issue in itself, I too often find that seeing info on here about new releases etc and purchases others have made makes me want to go shopping too, so I will also add the goal of trying to set limits for TPF. I may find this difficult as I love just seeing new releases and chatting etc, but even if I average it out so that sometimes I’m on here quite a lot but at other times I’m absent for a while, I’ll be happy with that