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.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Grrrrrr! The bag I bought on eBay is going through their inspection / authentication and they found what I consider to be significant damage just inside the back outer pocket. The seller contacted me and said “Whoops. We didn’t look there.”

I don’t want handbag “projects” which is why I stopped buying anything resale that wasn’t pristine. I was making a bit of an exception because this is a vintage bag.

In any case, I sent the both the original listing and the comment / photos that ebay sent me to Leather Surgeons. If they say they can get it to almost pristine then I’ll go thru with the transaction. But if I have to make any concessions, I’m canceling.

I’m fully in my “let it be easy or let it go” phase of life.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Grrrrrr! The bag I bought on eBay is going through their inspection / authentication and they found what I consider to be significant damage just inside the back outer pocket. The seller contacted me and said “Whoops. We didn’t look there.”

I don’t want handbag “projects” which is why I stopped buying anything resale that wasn’t pristine. I was making a bit of an exception because this is a vintage bag.

In any case, I sent the both the original listing and the comment / photos that ebay sent me to Leather Surgeons. If they say they can get it to almost pristine then I’ll go thru with the transaction. But if I have to make any concessions, I’m canceling.

I’m fully in my “let it be easy or let it go” phase of life.

That's very annoying

 

[Bag peace]

I am glad to hear your Mom is home. I wish her a full recovery. As far as the bags go, if that particular style of MJ doesn't work for you take the money. Someone will buy them at a reasonable price and enjoy them and will be happy they found bags in great condition.

Thank you!

After thinking waaaay too much about this , I have decided to let them go but I'll be gifting them to people when the opportunity arises, not consigning them. I just can't change who I am, it seems.

It’s good to see you here again but I wish it was under better circumstances. I feel for both you and your mother and I’m glad you at least have each other as you navigate these challenges.

My thought is that if your budget and circumstances allow for you to be able to enjoy the bags, then you should get them also, sometimes the hunting of the vintage bags can be part of the fun as well, so enjoy the path you take to get your new babies

Thank you! Great to have you back, Sparks.

You're right, the whole journey of tracking down vintage bags can be fun and I often stumble upon something that proves really special, even if it's an obscure brand.
Since the specific bags I'm thinking of buying are all selling for tens of dollars right now, this would be a pretty harmless way for me to scratch this itch and curate my collection a bit.
There's one bag that I owned and wanted to re-buy, but I'm not sure that's a good idea. I might seek out a couple that I never got the chance to buy when they were originally released. Either way, whatever I add will be a good move because I'm being selective about the leathers and I know my style better now.

Wow that's a lot to have on your plate, can you hire someone to help with your mother's care so you can take care of yourself as well?
I wish you both healing and happy times together.

I'm sorry I keep forgetting to check this thread, it never pops up for me unless I actively go into the handbags section.
but now that it's spring and a time of renewal and hope, I wish you all health and happiness in the coming months!

Thank you!

I don't get notifications either, but I think that's because I'm not logging in often.

I'm glad your mother is back home but I'm sorry you're going through so much. For patients under long term care, like you said, stay positive, do what you can that is within your limits and take it one day at a time.
I remember taking care of comatose ICU patients when I was an intern and as the days turns into weeks, sometimes it was like a wild roller coaster, albeit a quiet one (the ICU is probably the most quiet department in a hospital), all with the highs and lows.
Don't forget to take care of yourself too! It's exactly as you said, if you're not well you can't take care of her. (Same mantra in healthcare, if you're not taking care of yourself, how can you take care of your patients?)

Thank you! I cannot imagine the pressure of working in the ICU. You're made of stern stuff!

The leather feels meh - I don’t know if that means it’s crap leather, I need to moisturize it, or I haven’t used a pebbled leather bag in forever.
ETA it’s also possible that it’s a fake, as I know nothing about Liebeskind except that it’s a nice local-ish midrange brand. I suspect Oxfam knows even less.

Congrats on the find! I don't think Liebeskin gets faked, so that shouldn't be a concern. It looks pretty authentic to my eyes, anyway. I haven't handled their bags in a long time but I remember them being pretty decent for the price point. I think you're right that it needs to be moisturized.

t’s never just a bag.

A handbag is how we present ourselves to the world. It’s how we prepare for inconvenience or bad times. It’s a weapon, and a plunder sack, and a shield.

The world sorts us by the bags we carry, and we select different bags to signify our place in the world.

We are all part of three different stories that happen at the same time - who we are, who we want to be, and who others see us as.

I've missed these types of posts! As always, VL, you've given me plenty of food for thought here.

 

[cecchetti]

Thank you!

After thinking waaaay too much about this , I have decided to let them go but I'll be gifting them to people when the opportunity arises, not consigning them. I just can't change who I am, it seems.


Thank you! Great to have you back, Sparks.

You're right, the whole journey of tracking down vintage bags can be fun and I often stumble upon something that proves really special, even if it's an obscure brand.
Since the specific bags I'm thinking of buying are all selling for tens of dollars right now, this would be a pretty harmless way for me to scratch this itch and curate my collection a bit.
There's one bag that I owned and wanted to re-buy, but I'm not sure that's a good idea. I might seek out a couple that I never got the chance to buy when they were originally released. Either way, whatever I add will be a good move because I'm being selective about the leathers and I know my style better now.


Thank you!

I don't get notifications either, but I think that's because I'm not logging in often.


Thank you! I cannot imagine the pressure of working in the ICU. You're made of stern stuff!


Congrats on the find! I don't think Liebeskin gets faked, so that shouldn't be a concern. It looks pretty authentic to my eyes, anyway. I haven't handled their bags in a long time but I remember them being pretty decent for the price point. I think you're right that it needs to be moisturized.



I've missed these types of posts! As always, VL, you've given me plenty of food for thought here.

Please take care of you, and my very best wishes to your Mum❤️

 

[Bag peace]

Please take care of you, and my very best wishes to your Mum❤️

Thank you

 

[Sparkletastic]

Since the specific bags I'm thinking of buying are all selling for tens of dollars right now, this would be a pretty harmless way for me to scratch this itch and curate my collection a bit.
There's one bag that I owned and wanted to re-buy, but I'm not sure that's a good idea. I might seek out a couple that I never got the chance to buy when they were originally released. Either way, whatever I add will be a good move because I'm being selective about the leathers and I know my style better now.

Yes! Getting some bags that make you truly happy is great “therapy” for purse-ophiles! I’m excited to see what you’re considering and eventually buy. Please share your pics and observations along the way.

I’m probably eager to encourage this new phase of your journey in part because it resonates with me. I just put together a list of about 15 bags that I want to get - and will likely get 8-10 of them. The cost / value ranges from pricey to sofa cushion change because they’re older bags that I loved but missed or sold.

I’m done with my self inflicted rules of curation. If I want and will wear 10 pink bags - I’m getting them. If I feel giddy from buying a bag it’s irrelevant if it’s a well known brand, a “good investment”, on trend, etc.

Let’s be happy and do what we want!

 

[Sparkletastic]

Grrrrrr! The bag I bought on eBay is going through their inspection / authentication and they found what I consider to be significant damage just inside the back outer pocket. The seller contacted me and said “Whoops. We didn’t look there.”

I don’t want handbag “projects” which is why I stopped buying anything resale that wasn’t pristine. I was making a bit of an exception because this is a vintage bag.

In any case, I sent the both the original listing and the comment / photos that ebay sent me to Leather Surgeons. If they say they can get it to almost pristine then I’ll go thru with the transaction. But if I have to make any concessions, I’m canceling.

I’m fully in my “let it be easy or let it go” phase of life.

This is a picture of the undisclosed damage sent to me by Ebay’s authentication team. You cannot tell me that a business (this isn’t an individual) missed this.

 

[Bag peace]

I’m done with my self inflicted rules of curation.

Exactly this! I have been so desperate to downsize over the past couple of years and I had a lot of self-inflicted rules around the process. I've loosened up a lot now and am allowing myself to add whatever sparks joy and have removed the feelings of guilt around having a larger collection than I'd intended. I am gradually releasing bags whenever the chance arises and, I must say, that reducing the number more organically has made the process joyful. When I had set a hard rule that I cannot add until I get rid of x number of bags, I was quite stressed and it took the fun out of things.

Good for you for focusing on what serves you. Can't wait to see your curated collection.

Oh also, sorry about the damage on your bag. Hopefully the Leather Surgeons have a solution and you can proceed; or hopefully you find one in better condition.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Exactly this! I have been so desperate to downsize over the past couple of years and I had a lot of self-inflicted rules around the process. I've loosened up a lot now and am allowing myself to add whatever sparks joy and have removed the feelings of guilt around having a larger collection than I'd intended. I am gradually releasing bags whenever the chance arises and, I must say, that reducing the number more organically has made the process joyful. When I had set a hard rule that I cannot add until I get rid of x number of bags, I was quite stressed and it took the fun out of things.

Good for you for focusing on what serves you. Can't wait to see your curated collection.

Oh also, sorry about the damage on your bag. Hopefully the Leather Surgeons have a solution and you can proceed; or hopefully you find one in better condition.

You’ve been through far too much undeserved struggle. So I’m glad your bags can give you a window of joy. Have fun playing with this. Happily you have no requirements or deadlines. You can just please you!

Being on tPF has always been a boon to my mental (and sartorial) health but, unfortunately, we do also tend to reinforce not so helpful thoughts here and there. In reality, there is no optimal collection. Number, type, style, cost, whatever, is only optimized in a moment - not forever. Bags are “just” sacks to hold stuff. So we need to lean into the happy that the intangible, but very real, benefits of owning, using and collecting brings!

And thanks for the support on the eBay bag. The good thing is it isn’t a holy grail bag for me. If it works out, so be it. If not, there are plenty of alternatives for that use case.

My current dilemma is I’m trying to talk myself out of buying a bag that screams Sparkletastic but is far, faaaaaar, FAAAAAR more than I want to spend on it - a crystal embellished Chanel. (As I mentioned, I like Chanel. I just rarely reach for my Chanels that are “classic” in color, size and shape. So one that is the physical manifestation of a shiny, girly doodad is right up my alley!) I could buy every other bag I’m interested in for the price of this one.

“Unfortunately”, however, if I buy it, I know I’ll use it - so that isn’t helping my waning restraint. I can’t discuss it with Mr. Sparkle bc he’ll just buy it when my back is turned. But I just spent a boatload of $ on jewelry a couple of weeks ago so I feel I should pace things. DD will enthusiastically encourage me as it’ll just add to her theft opportunities. If I ask DS’s opinion, he’ll just blink mutely like a confused naked mole rat dragged against his will into the day light. Lastly, I never discuss fashion with my mother as she feels any bag over $19.99 is morally reprehensible vanity. (I really need to hold her down and swab her for a DNA test. This woman simply cannot be related to me! )

So, this calls for an emergency convening of the Council of Elders (my BFF’s) Somehow, I’m sister bonded to women who aren’t moved by handbags so they’re my Greek chorus voice of reason.

I’ll report back on the verdict.

 

[DME]

Yes! Getting some bags that make you truly happy is great “therapy” for purse-ophiles! I’m excited to see what you’re considering and eventually buy. Please share your pics and observations along the way.

I’m probably eager to encourage this new phase of your journey in part because it resonates with me. I just put together a list of about 15 bags that I want to get - and will likely get 8-10 of them. The cost / value ranges from pricey to sofa cushion change because they’re older bags that I loved but missed or sold.

I’m done with my self inflicted rules of curation. If I want and will wear 10 pink bags - I’m getting them. If I feel giddy from buying a bag it’s irrelevant if it’s a well known brand, a “good investment”, on trend, etc.

Let’s be happy and do what we want!

This resonates a lot, as does your later post in reply @jblended about it. I am a natural curator (purger is probably more accurate; I like stuff, but I don’t like clutter). However, i realized I was trying to do too much at one time under way more strict rules than I normally would have. I blame COVID for this, since all that spare time gave me an opportunity to do some curating around the house, but then I took it too far because I didn’t have a lot of other activities to occupy that time. I keep looking at what I have and thinking there’s too much; however, when I try to figure out what to let go, I end up sad because I love what’s left. So I’m just going back to enjoying what I own, trying not to overbuy, making sure there’s adequate room for what I have and releasing items only when I’m ready.

Sorry about your bag. Trying to assume noble intent by the seller and given the area it’s in, perhaps they didn’t realize it was there? But good on the authentication process to find it and bring it to your attention. I say this as someone who ended up with two fake and one overly perfumed dust bags from resale sites recently. I contacted the two eBay sellers before posting negative reviews and they were not only responsive, but apologetic, and they issued refunds immediately, telling me to keep the items. The third was from Poshmark and they approved a return. The two eBay sellers were grateful that I tried to work this out with them first, as they were concerned about their ratings. Maybe they knew, maybe they didn’t, but at least they made it right, so I’m willing to cut them some slack. These were inexpensive items compared to your Chanel bag, but thought I would offer a different perspective on how to view this.

 

[lill_canele]

I feel this to my soul. I cannot stand owning anything I don’t regularly use. And I don’t need to spend a dollar on a psychiatrist to understand why. My mother isn’t a hoarder but definitely keeps way too many things. This is truly frustrating because she’s also a horrible housekeeper and continually buys aspirational items - clothes that are too small for weight that’s never lost, holiday themed items for parties never thrown…

So, my brain developed the opposite bias - own only what you need, use or love and keep everything aesthetically arranged and / or beautifully organized. And use everything often to bring joy.

That’s why beautiful interior design matters to me. It’s also why it’s irritating for me to keep “extra” bags. They feel like wasted opportunities to have something that’s actively making me happy. And it’s why I have a do it now / save nothing for a foggy future approach - take the vacation, entertain the new neighbors, take the leap into a new career field, use the “good” china for a grilled cheese sandwich, wear heels and a fur on Tuesday to Target.

Ironically, my BFF is similar to my mom in that she keeps almost everything. We see each other’s life approaches and are LOL!

In keeping with this, the moment that my black C jumbo gained an assigned happy purpose in my head yesterday (bag for DD to enjoy while I use it every blue moon) it stopped bothering me.

Oh my parents are borderline hoarders. I don't blame them of course. They are immigrants and the mentality to save for a rainy day is very deeply rooted. (I just quietly sneak things out to donate or toss when they're not looking and tbh, they never notice.)
But growing up in a similar situation like yours, I feel for you. With my bag collection being at 13, I feel like I'm pushing it just a little bit. 15 feels like my max. And I won't give away or sell bags that were gifts, just something I can't bring myself to do lol.

I'm glad you black C jumbo found a purpose! I hope to find more of a purpose in my CF. Hopefully soon!

 

[lill_canele]

You’ve been through far too much undeserved struggle. So I’m glad your bags can give you a window of joy. Have fun playing with this. Happily you have no requirements or deadlines. You can just please you!

Being on tPF has always been a boon to my mental (and sartorial) health but, unfortunately, we do also tend to reinforce not so helpful thoughts here and there. In reality, there is no optimal collection. Number, type, style, cost, whatever, is only optimized in a moment - not forever. Bags are “just” sacks to hold stuff. So we need to lean into the happy that the intangible, but very real, benefits of owning, using and collecting brings!

And thanks for the support on the eBay bag. The good thing is it isn’t a holy grail bag for me. If it works out, so be it. If not, there are plenty of alternatives for that use case.

My current dilemma is I’m trying to talk myself out of buying a bag that screams Sparkletastic but is far, faaaaaar, FAAAAAR more than I want to spend on it - a crystal embellished Chanel. (As I mentioned, I like Chanel. I just rarely reach for my Chanels that are “classic” in color, size and shape. So one that is the physical manifestation of a shiny, girly doodad is right up my alley!) I could buy every other bag I’m interested in for the price of this one.

“Unfortunately”, however, if I buy it, I know I’ll use it - so that isn’t helping my waning restraint. I can’t discuss it with Mr. Sparkle bc he’ll just buy it when my back is turned. But I just spent a boatload of $ on jewelry a couple of weeks ago so I feel I should pace things. DD will enthusiastically encourage me as it’ll just add to her theft opportunities. If I ask DS’s opinion, he’ll just blink mutely like a confused naked mole rat dragged against his will into the day light. Lastly, I never discuss fashion with my mother as she feels any bag over $19.99 is morally reprehensible vanity. (I really need to hold her down and swab her for a DNA test. This woman simply cannot be related to me! )

So, this calls for an emergency convening of the Council of Elders (my BFF’s) Somehow, I’m sister bonded to women who aren’t moved by handbags so they’re my Greek chorus voice of reason.

I’ll report back on the verdict.

Ooooo, a crystal embellished bag!!!
I wonder about getting a crystal bag from time to time. Sometimes it just pops in my head as a good, fun bag to have. Other times I see it in a store, and just marvel at the sparkles! I've had a couple of close calls but didn't pull the trigger.
Gosh, I get unsure when something is not leather.
Maybe one day~

 

[880]

I wandered into the local Oxfam thinking, “I don’t need anything; my life is complete.” I have known for decades now that that saying means doom. So I found a Liebeskind Berlin bag and discovered that I am a sucker for a sparkly pink interior? (This is deeply weird. But so pretty!)

I’ve been carrying it as my laptop bag for the last couple of weeks. It’s nice that it has top handles and a shoulder strap, and a ridiculous number of pockets. It’s also really heavy.

View attachment 5977534View attachment 5977535

On its own it’s very floopy - I have a Tom Bihn laptop sleeve inside in the picture above. I think I like the floopy, though that may be from seeing too many Balenciaga pics. Love the mostly black hardware, am confused that the zippers don’t follow the pattern. The leather feels meh - I don’t know if that means it’s crap leather, I need to moisturize it, or I haven’t used a pebbled leather bag in forever.

ETA it’s also possible that it’s a fake, as I know nothing about Liebeskind except that it’s a nice local-ish midrange brand. I suspect Oxfam knows even less.

Anyway: Ambivalence! With pictures!

One of my favorite bags was liebeskind. Strong, chewy leather, heavy, well made, with fun details. Yup, very floppy

I didn’t wear it much bc the vibe (agree with you like older model, well preserved balenciaga) was, for me, rocker chic dive bar in brooklyn or brunch at Chez Ma tante the am afterwards. And, those scenarios dont come around much any more lol

My dear friend loved it, so it is with her when she tires of it, her daughter can use it.

ETA: imo, if not used for work with a laptop sleeve. liebskind can easily be casual with light wash distressed looser denim or flowy dresses. Western cowboy boots…. Vintage rock t shirts, Eileen fisher separates that are great for travel

 

[880]

Please take care of you, and my very best wishes to your Mum❤️

Exactly this sentiment @cecchetti voiced so well!

Hugs to you @jblended

 

[Jktgal]

Happy to hear your thoughts on what I should do!

Barter? Is there an MJ BST forum somewhere on Facebook?