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.

 

[Bag peace]

You’ve been through far too much undeserved struggle. So I’m glad your bags can give you a window of joy.

As have you and so many of our friends on this thread. You guys are all so remarkably strong.
I remember you posting right after your surgery and how positive you remained throughout.
I tend to just share whatever is going on in my world but I know that others take everything in silence, which just blows me away when I think of it. I very much admire the strength and resilience of my pockets friends.

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.

Great place to be! I went through a very similar cycle and ended up in a similar spot, and whilst I'm still dealing with feeling like I have too much (and in my case I feel like I don't deserve any of it), I am finding peace with slowing down both buying and purging. Like, it's okay to just be in this space until it feels right to let go or add in. At least I know I'm mindful about both ends of it and that, in itself, is a big accomplishment.

Exactly this sentiment @cecchetti voiced so well!

Hugs to you @jblended

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

Hadn't even crossed my mind! It's a good idea!

I've earmarked my 'Ink' (blue) Natasha to be gifted to a friend who is about to start a new job. It'll be great for her. I love the leather on this bag but the shape really doesn't work for me. It's in perfect condition without a single scratch on the hardware, so I'm very excited to let it start its new adventure in another's hands. Feeling really at peace with that decision.
It was the bag the consignment store valued most highly, given the condition and how popular that model is, but I would still rather gift it than sell it. My mind's genuinely wired funny. I didn't realise I'd be so uncomfortable with selling until I tried.

 

[880]

As have you and so many of our friends on this thread. You guys are all so remarkably strong.
I remember you posting right after your surgery and how positive you remained throughout.
I tend to just share whatever is going on in my world but I know that others take everything in silence, which just blows me away when I think of it. I very much admire the strength and resilience of my pockets friends.


Great place to be! I went through a very similar cycle and ended up in a similar spot, and whilst I'm still dealing with feeling like I have too much (and in my case I feel like I don't deserve any of it), I am finding peace with slowing down both buying and purging. Like, it's okay to just be in this space until it feels right to let go or add in. At least I know I'm mindful about both ends of it and that, in itself, is a big accomplishment.




Hadn't even crossed my mind! It's a good idea!

I've earmarked my 'Ink' (blue) Natasha to be gifted to a friend who is about to start a new job. It'll be great for her. I love the leather on this bag but the shape really doesn't work for me. It's in perfect condition without a single scratch on the hardware, so I'm very excited to let it start its new adventure in another's hands. Feeling really at peace with that decision.
It was the bag the consignment store valued most highly, given the condition and how popular that model is, but I would still rather gift it than sell it. My mind's genuinely wired funny. I didn't realise I'd be so uncomfortable with selling until I tried.

Don’t feel weird if you prefer to gift rather than sell. Take care of yourself and your mom first. And, be as kind and generous and forgiving of yourself as you are to everyone else around you, including all of us here. It’s normal to not know where you want to go career wise or otherwise, especially when someone has been through stress or trauma. So make sure to be patient with yourself. You deserve grace too. Hugs

ETA: in the course of shopping one’s closet, what we are really talking about is to be conscious and mindful of our things, and it’s not easy to get into that mindset without being conscious and mindful of life around you. Being mindful takes time. So, try to take a breather for yourself, and care for yourself, just as much, if not more than you care for your mom and your family.

 

[Sparkletastic]

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~

I only own two fabric bags. Both cost me next to nothing because, like you, I wonder if they’re worth it.

Then lately, I started thinking - who decided leather is the preferable material? There are silks, muslins, etc. that are more expensive than calf leather. Some fabrics are much more environmentally sustainable…

Then I kept thinking - why do I even have to justify what I want? Enough with the mental gymnastics! If I think I will wear a fabric bag, I’ll buy it.

As have you and so many of our friends on this thread. You guys are all so remarkably strong.
I remember you posting right after your surgery and how positive you remained throughout.
I tend to just share whatever is going on in my world but I know that others take everything in silence, which just blows me away when I think of it. I very much admire the strength and resilience of my pockets friends.

We all cope in different ways. I use humor and positivity in great part because I wasn’t allowed to be sad, hurt or in need as a child - I had to perform and be “perfect”. With years of therapy gifting me that insight, I choose to retain the humor and positivity where it serves me (as it is a skill) but first allow myself to be vulnerable, sick, broken, tired, etc. as I need. One doesn’t have to replace the other. When you’re kind and positive as a patient you get better care. But only if you also advocate for self and are clear on getting your needs met. Same in relationships. It doesn’t hurt to be loving and caring but we also need to be unswerving in getting our own needs met as well.

I share this because it’s ok for everyone to do as they need to survive tough times. And many of us are impacted by a culture of toxic positivity. So if sharing your story helps, we’re here to listen. If you need to be silent and just read the positive posts, that’s good too. If you need to go into goblin mode and bed rot for a few days - let your self have that rest. Or maybe you find restoration in nature, religion, playing with kiddos…

We’re all doing the best we can.

 

[FizzyWater]

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

Absolutely - I think it will be fun for relaxed travel and lounging around semi disreputable places. I justified it, though, by saying it would be useful for work. Which it is, especially in the pouring rain we’ve had lately. It’s just really heavy.

 

[Bag peace]

@880 I feel like you're describing someone else entirely!
Thank you for your continued kindness and support. I'm so grateful! And I'll do my best to heed your advice.

@Sparkletastic It's amazing that you turned the hard "rules" you had as a kid into a tool that serves you in times of stress. Thank you for sharing and for the great advice.

I'm always, always humbled by the wisdom that is shared by each and every participant of this thread. Thank you all for the years of lessons and friendship.

 

[Bag peace]

@dcooney4 Do you own a Jerome Dreyfuss bag? I think you may have shared on in previous colour weeks? If so, how do you like it? The consignment store has a Bobi that I could trade one of my bags for, but I feel like it may be heavy and a little fussy with the internal compartments. Would love your thoughts because I tend to agree with your assessment on most bag styles. TIA!

 

[dcooney4]

@dcooney4 Do you own a Jerome Dreyfuss bag? I think you may have shared on in previous colour weeks? If so, how do you like it? The consignment store has a Bobi that I could trade one of my bags for, but I feel like it may be heavy and a little fussy with the internal compartments. Would love your thoughts because I tend to agree with your assessment on most bag styles. TIA!

I did have one for quite a while and really liked it. I sold it eventually because it was sometimes a bit difficult to get in and out of mine. Though I often regret having gotten rid of it. The leather was stunning and I like the compartments. Just make sure the one you get opens easily. I should have exchanged mine right away for a good one, but I didn't want to make the 2 hour trip each way.

 

[dcooney4]

I bought a cute neoprene woven bag off amazon and it came damaged and really chemical smelly. So I returned that one and bought it again from a different seller. The bag came yesterday and was pristine except it stinks too. Both times I bought the original brand not a knock off and they both smelled. I did try a similar bag from tj maxx and that one is fine , so I thought let me get the real one. Right now I have those charcoal bags near it that are supposed to remove odors and I removed it from my room as the smell was setting me off. Not sure what else to do. It would match all my casual summer clothes. Do you have any ideas?

 

[Bag peace]

I did have one for quite a while and really liked it. I sold it eventually because it was sometimes a bit difficult to get in and out of mine. Though I often regret having gotten rid of it. The leather was stunning and I like the compartments. Just make sure the one you get opens easily. I should have exchanged mine right away for a good one, but I didn't want to make the 2 hour trip each way.

Thanks so much for your thoughts. You've sold me on it! I'll see if it's still available the next time I'm in town and take a closer look at its overall condition and the ease of getting in and out of it. It would be an upgrade (in terms of brands) if I traded one of my contemporary bags for it.

I bought a cute neoprene woven bag off amazon and it came damaged and really chemical smelly. So I returned that one and bought it again from a different seller. The bag came yesterday and was pristine except it stinks too. Both times I bought the original brand not a knock off and they both smelled. I did try a similar bag from tj maxx and that one is fine , so I thought let me get the real one. Right now I have those charcoal bags near it that are supposed to remove odors and I removed it from my room as the smell was setting me off. Not sure what else to do. It would match all my casual summer clothes. Do you have any ideas?

If it's completely made out of neoprene, you could dunk it in a solution of vinegar and water (1:3 or 1:4). That's how I would clean my neoprene wetsuits. Just make sure it's fully dry afterwards. It should eliminate all funky odours.

 

[DME]

I bought a cute neoprene woven bag off amazon and it came damaged and really chemical smelly. So I returned that one and bought it again from a different seller. The bag came yesterday and was pristine except it stinks too. Both times I bought the original brand not a knock off and they both smelled. I did try a similar bag from tj maxx and that one is fine , so I thought let me get the real one. Right now I have those charcoal bags near it that are supposed to remove odors and I removed it from my room as the smell was setting me off. Not sure what else to do. It would match all my casual summer clothes. Do you have any ideas?

Try putting it in a plastic bag in the freezer for several days. That might neutralize the smell. Note only recommending this because it’s not leather. I would not recommend the freezer for leather!

ETA: While I have had some success with the freezer for clothing items, I find that chemical smell in bags is difficult to get rid of, unfortunately.

 

[papertiger]

Try putting it in a plastic bag in the freezer for several days. That might neutralize the smell. Note only recommending this because it’s not leather. I would not recommend the freezer for leather!

ETA: While I have had some success with the freezer for clothing items, I find that chemical smell in bags is difficult to get rid of, unfortunately.

Interesting. I have never put leather in the freezer, but I have put fur in the freezer for a few days, and the reverse of fur is suede. I just let rest for 24 hours after whilst the moisture content could still be high. Odour gone.

But, you're right, it's (long-term) damp that will toughen leather/suede, but even then, it's often possible recondition and soften again.

 

[papertiger]

I bought a cute neoprene woven bag off amazon and it came damaged and really chemical smelly. So I returned that one and bought it again from a different seller. The bag came yesterday and was pristine except it stinks too. Both times I bought the original brand not a knock off and they both smelled. I did try a similar bag from tj maxx and that one is fine , so I thought let me get the real one. Right now I have those charcoal bags near it that are supposed to remove odors and I removed it from my room as the smell was setting me off. Not sure what else to do. It would match all my casual summer clothes. Do you have any ideas?

Eventually the odour should go. If you have any of those little sachets that dehumidify (usually come in packets of seaweed, salt or rice) they tend to remove odours as well as any moisture. Activated charcoal is good though. You could also try baking powder (bicarbonate of soda) in a muslin cloth and let it soak up the smell.

 

[papertiger]

Sorry, I haven't been around. DH is abroad for treatment so I've just been working and clearing-up whilst he's away. He's in good hands (his brother is a doctor).

I've been using some great 'shopping in my closet' bags. Today, a black leather gucci shopper/travel bag, very light for its size and so strong. I bought it in 2009 and it still looks amazing. I have a feeling it may be a reissue of an old '50s bag, it's just too well thought out, purposeful and well designed to be Gucci-after-Gucci.




In my clearing-up, I've been clearing out. Bags and bags, sacks and sacks of clothes, shoes, actual bags, CDs (we don't even have a CD-player) some out-of-date legal/law books from uni. Anything boring goes to the recycle centre which I can leave outside for the Council to pick up, mildly exiting to the Red Cross which I've had to carry, choice designer/cult/cool to Age Concern in Central London (they're picking-up in the week). Breaks my heart somewhat to see so much vintage going, but I'm growing more fussy in the things I actually wear - I don't see myself wearing 'crimpoline' 1960s suits anymore, however nice the colour, strappy high-heels or crazy-pointed kitten heels have basically just been for looking at, even if they are designer and beautifully made. Hopefully, the charity shops won't just think they're 'old' and chuck. Some volunteers are not exactly fashionistas.

I'm not even counting bags and SLGs out, must be at least 10 out.

 

[dcooney4]

Thanks so much for your thoughts. You've sold me on it! I'll see if it's still available the next time I'm in town and take a closer look at its overall condition and the ease of getting in and out of it. It would be an upgrade (in terms of brands) if I traded one of my contemporary bags for it.


If it's completely made out of neoprene, you could dunk it in a solution of vinegar and water (1:3 or 1:4). That's how I would clean my neoprene wetsuits. Just make sure it's fully dry afterwards. It should eliminate all funky odours.

It is new with tags so it is still returnable if airing it out doesn’t work. I have a different neoprene that when that gets dirty I will try your trick, so thank you.

 

[dcooney4]

Try putting it in a plastic bag in the freezer for several days. That might neutralize the smell. Note only recommending this because it’s not leather. I would not recommend the freezer for leather!

ETA: While I have had some success with the freezer for clothing items, I find that chemical smell in bags is difficult to get rid of, unfortunately.

Thanks!