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]

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.

Thank you! I think I have some of those packets somewhere where.

 

[A bottle of Red]

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.

View attachment 5978988


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 Bags and bags, sacks and sacks of clothes, shoes, actual bags, CDs (we don't even have a CD-player) some out-of-date legal/law books from uni.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.

I was thinking about how your husband is doing, I wish him success with the treatment and a complete recovery!

 

[dcooney4]

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.

View attachment 5978988


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.

I hope your hubby finds a good treatment that works. I will be thinking good thoughts for him.
You are doing a lot of organizing. Good for you! I am trying but am not doing as well as you.

 

[papertiger]

I was thinking about how your husband is doing, I wish him success with the treatment and a complete recovery!

Thank you

I hope your hubby finds a good treatment that works. I will be thinking good thoughts for him.
You are doing a lot of organizing. Good for you! I am trying but am not doing as well as you.

Thank you too

Ha ha, if you looked at my house, you wouldn't know I'm organising. It looks like a bomb's hit my living room, kitchen, main bedroom and office The main thing (strategy!) is to get stuff that is just 'stuff' OUT, so I can know and get to where things are. I don't know if you have the same issue but I'm allergic to dust so wear a mask. I think DH may need a sofa bed at some point so he doesn't have to go up and down stairs if he just wants a nap or lie-down, so I need to make some extra room too.

 

[papertiger]

I need event advice

I'm going to a wedding late May, hopefully DH can go too. DH will be wearing a lightweight Aquascutum grey wool/cashmere suit with Gucci shoes in green and grey.

The dress-code is cocktail dress/lounge suit, most guests apart from large families either side will be in finance, education, beauty or fashion industry. I'm wondering how creative I can go, I certainly don't want to take anything away from the bride, the good thing is the bride (friend/colleague) is dramatically stylish, even her mother is a fashion designer so I don't think there's any chance of upstaging.

My bag will be a Balmain Jolie Madame bag. It's a very annoying bag to get anything in and out of but I'm determined to wear it for something. The bag fits much less than it looks. I've worn it to an Italian restaurant, basically it's fine with just keys, card and phone, and that's all that fits.



I intend to dance given any opportunity at all.

So far my choices would be:

Look 1. High-camp, 'Roxy Music neon glamour' in a bright fuchsia/black polka-dot strapless (hidden corset) knee-length silk dress. Maybe with silver/black glam platforms. Drawback, I don't know what to wear as a jacket coz I couldn't get hold of the Saint Laurent cropped jacket from last season. I have a vintage 1980s cropped Torrente Couture jacket but it's sliver and black velvet, a bit 'holiday' and could be too warm. I know there's a bit of ghw on the bag so I'd have to turn it round. Maybe the whole thing's a bit kitsch and/or a bit Wintry? Maybe a bit 'bitty'. I need tights too because the skirt faux-wraps, but can open out.

Look 2. 'Dancing with the Stars': Swirly pattern, salmon-pink/bronze/light olive 'changeant' silk chiffon fit/flare dress with pleated bodice and shoestring straps. Separate matching scarf. Not sure shoes, but I do have a pair of bright red Gucci (T-bar heel) Bettys. The bag doesn't really go with this, so I'd wear a gold Gucci Romy evening clutch. This is the most conventional choice, I may die of boredom and my feet could hurt.

Look 3. Marlene X Madonna. Dolce & Gabbana black corset suit, with either a nude Dolce & Gabbana corset body under that looks like underwear OR vintage Lacroix cream silk satin blouse. HUGE vintage Lacroix earrings, some sort of platform/wedge shoes. I could buy a red roses and polkadot silk scarf from Balmain for my hair to 'femme' it up a bit. There are no drawbacks except I'll have to get sweaty dancing in my beautiful shirt and/or jacket. Not sure my body is up to hanging out in a corset in front of a room full of strangers!

Any other looks or suggestions for the looks above?

 

[DME]

Ha ha, if you looked at my house, you wouldn't know I'm organising. It looks like a bomb's hit my living room, kitchen, main bedroom and office The main thing (strategy!) is to get stuff that is just 'stuff' OUT, so I can know and get to where things are. I don't know if you have the same issue but I'm allergic to dust so wear a mask. I think DH may need a sofa bed at some point so he doesn't have to go up and down stairs if he just wants a nap or lie-down, so I need to make some extra room too.

Oh, but that’s the storm before the calm! Any time I’m on a big organizing spree, it always looks way worse before it looks better because I pull everything out, weed through, group like things together then put what I’m keeping back. You have to see what you have to do that, so it looks like a disaster zone. And then there’s those piles for donate/sell, but they eventually disappear, too. You’ll get there!

And I wish your DH success with his treatment. Glad to hear he’s in good hands.

 

[papertiger]

Oh, but that’s the storm before the calm! Any time I’m on a big organizing spree, it always looks way worse before it looks better because I pull everything out, weed through, group like things together then put what I’m keeping back. You have to see what you have to do that, so it looks like a disaster zone. And then there’s those piles for donate/sell, but they eventually disappear, too. You’ll get there!

And I wish your DH success with his treatment. Glad to hear he’s in good hands.

Thank you on both counts

Age Concern was supposed to pick-up this morning, but now that's postponed till Tues. I think I may pause for the day as I really need some more space for the next level (books to be passed-on and paper shredding).

 

[Bag peace]

It is new with tags so it is still returnable if airing it out doesn’t work.

Oh of course! Sorry!

In my clearing-up, I've been clearing out.

Congrats on the great progress made! Hopefully as more stuff goes out, it gets easier and easier to create a more functional space for your current situation.

I think DH may need a sofa bed at some point so he doesn't have to go up and down stairs if he just wants a nap or lie-down, so I need to make some extra room too.

I sincerely hope his treatment is going well and he's powering through. May you hear good news on that front soon.

If you don't mind a couple of unsolicited suggestions...I went through this twice: a couple of years ago after my own treatment where I couldn't reach the bedroom, and now with my mum where she can't manage stairs. In both events a sofa bed didn't work because they tend to be quite low when flat and the centre crease (where it folds out) hurt our backs. A regular sofa (on the firmer side) proved more comfortable for napping and easier to get in and out of (because of the added support of the armrests).
Also, a reading pillow proved extremely practical. I have even gifted them to friends who got chemo and they used them until they fell apart. I recommend them all the time!

My bag will be a Balmain Jolie Madame bag.

I've never seen this one. It looks like it's on ice skates! Love it!(shame the pretty ones are always the least functional)
No advice on the look but, have a fabulous time!

 

[papertiger]

Oh of course! Sorry!


Congrats on the great progress made! Hopefully as more stuff goes out, it gets easier and easier to create a more functional space for your current situation.


I sincerely hope his treatment is going well and he's powering through. May you hear good news on that front soon.

If you don't mind a couple of unsolicited suggestions...I went through this twice: a couple of years ago after my own treatment where I couldn't reach the bedroom, and now with my mum where she can't manage stairs. In both events a sofa bed didn't work because they tend to be quite low when flat and the centre crease (where it folds out) hurt our backs. A regular sofa (on the firmer side) proved more comfortable for napping and easier to get in and out of (because of the added support of the armrests).
Also, a reading pillow proved extremely practical. I have even gifted them to friends who got chemo and they used them until they fell apart. I recommend them all the time!





I've never seen this one. It looks like it's on ice skates! Love it!(shame the pretty ones are always the least functional)
No advice on the look but, have a fabulous time!

Thank you That's very helpful advice. I didn't think about how a sofa bed may not be comfortable, obviously, they are supposed to be more for occasional use only. DH is quite tall so I don't know how he'd fit on a normal sofa. I wonder if a day bed may be the answer (we have one in the office). Maybe, I'll leave it to DH to decide, he's quite fussy too...I just wanted to get things ready like magic wand has been waved. Love the reading pillow idea, I'll definitely look into that.

Ha ha, the Jolie Madame does look like it's on skates, and it's bl**dy heavy too. Sci-fi meets ice-hockey meets gym-weights! I don't even think it's eco-friendly, I think that part is made of rubber. I have to think of it as 'wearable art' and just use it. There are very few evening bags that are both user-friendly and fit my style-wheel, I think it looks quite 'me'.

I was thinking about how much we fuss over occasion outfits, the pressure to fit in, obey all the rules and not lose our own identity is like a complex algebraic equation.

 

[Bag peace]

Thank you That's very helpful advice.

Thank you for being so open to receiving it. It's difficult for me. On the one hand, the second I recognize a shared experience, I want to offer up all my tips so as to help others skip over the unexpected little hurdles that I got caught up on during my journey. On the other hand, it is rather presumptuous and intrusive to offer up advice when it isn't specifically requested.
I always cross my fingers that my intent to help comes across and the recipient isn't offended. Thank you for being so gracious.

I just wanted to get things ready like magic wand has been waved.

I completely understand. I did the same when I heard my mum would be discharged. I had a little over 24 hours to prepare and there was a lot that I couldn't get quite right in time.
I'm sure you'll have the place set up wonderfully for him upon his return and I have no doubt he'll be eternally grateful for how cosy and smooth you'll be making the experience for him.

I think it looks quite 'me'.

 

[papertiger]

Thank you for being so open to receiving it. It's difficult for me. On the one hand, the second I recognize a shared experience, I want to offer up all my tips so as to help others skip over the unexpected little hurdles that I got caught up on during my journey. On the other hand, it is rather presumptuous and intrusive to offer up advice when it isn't specifically requested.
I always cross my fingers that my intent to help comes across and the recipient isn't offended. Thank you for being so gracious.

I completely understand. I did the same when I heard my mum would be discharged. I had a little over 24 hours to prepare and there was a lot that I couldn't get quite right in time.
I'm sure you'll have the place set up wonderfully for him upon his return and I have no doubt he'll be eternally grateful for how cosy and smooth you'll be making the experience for him.

I need all the help and advice I can, especially from those writing from experience, always warmly received.

 

[Cookiefiend]

Thank you


Thank you too

Ha ha, if you looked at my house, you wouldn't know I'm organising. It looks like a bomb's hit my living room, kitchen, main bedroom and office The main thing (strategy!) is to get stuff that is just 'stuff' OUT, so I can know and get to where things are. I don't know if you have the same issue but I'm allergic to dust so wear a mask. I think DH may need a sofa bed at some point so he doesn't have to go up and down stairs if he just wants a nap or lie-down, so I need to make some extra room too.

Organizing/de-cluttering/sorting through stuff is hard to do … and it’s always a disaster until you start clearing it out. Like out out… then you start to see the progress and it’s a good feeling. You can do it PT!

I’m glad to hear your DH is doing better - or at least well enough to come home. I did read up-thread @jblended’s sofa bed comment - and it’s a great one to consider!
Another - if you don’t mind - is actually renting a hospital bed. Someone suggested this to me for my sister - who just had back surgery from the nape of her neck to her sacrum - so a major surgery. A hospital bed can be raised and lowered height wise - so a tall person doesn’t have to go down so far to sit. Because my sister right now can’t twist at all - a higher bed is much easier for her to get into and out of. As a plus the hed of the bed raises and lowers too.

I need event advice

I'm going to a wedding late May, hopefully DH can go too. DH will be wearing a lightweight Aquascutum grey wool/cashmere suit with Gucci shoes in green and grey.

The dress-code is cocktail dress/lounge suit, most guests apart from large families either side will be in finance, education, beauty or fashion industry. I'm wondering how creative I can go, I certainly don't want to take anything away from the bride, the good thing is the bride (friend/colleague) is dramatically stylish, even her mother is a fashion designer so I don't think there's any chance of upstaging.

My bag will be a Balmain Jolie Madame bag. It's a very annoying bag to get anything in and out of but I'm determined to wear it for something. The bag fits much less than it looks. I've worn it to an Italian restaurant, basically it's fine with just keys, card and phone, and that's all that fits.

View attachment 5979194

I intend to dance given any opportunity at all.

So far my choices would be:

Look 1. High-camp, 'Roxy Music neon glamour' in a bright fuchsia/black polka-dot strapless (hidden corset) knee-length silk dress. Maybe with silver/black glam platforms. Drawback, I don't know what to wear as a jacket coz I couldn't get hold of the Saint Laurent cropped jacket from last season. I have a vintage 1980s cropped Torrente Couture jacket but it's sliver and black velvet, a bit 'holiday' and could be too warm. I know there's a bit of ghw on the bag so I'd have to turn it round. Maybe the whole thing's a bit kitsch and/or a bit Wintry? Maybe a bit 'bitty'. I need tights too because the skirt faux-wraps, but can open out.

Look 2. 'Dancing with the Stars': Swirly pattern, salmon-pink/bronze/light olive 'changeant' silk chiffon fit/flare dress with pleated bodice and shoestring straps. Separate matching scarf. Not sure shoes, but I do have a pair of bright red Gucci (T-bar heel) Bettys. The bag doesn't really go with this, so I'd wear a gold Gucci Romy evening clutch. This is the most conventional choice, I may die of boredom and my feet could hurt.

Look 3. Marlene X Madonna. Dolce & Gabbana black corset suit, with either a nude Dolce & Gabbana corset body under that looks like underwear OR vintage Lacroix cream silk satin blouse. HUGE vintage Lacroix earrings, some sort of platform/wedge shoes. I could buy a red roses and polkadot silk scarf from Balmain for my hair to 'femme' it up a bit. There are no drawbacks except I'll have to get sweaty dancing in my beautiful shirt and/or jacket. Not sure my body is up to hanging out in a corset in front of a room full of strangers!

Any other looks or suggestions for the looks above?

Hrmmmmm - I am liking the thought of Look #3 - Marlene and Madonna. You could take the jacket off for dancing, and while the shirt might get a little sweaty - it’s vintage so it’s not like it would be the first time right?

 

[papertiger]

Organizing/de-cluttering/sorting through stuff is hard to do … and it’s always a disaster until you start clearing it out. Like out out… then you start to see the progress and it’s a good feeling. You can do it PT!

I’m glad to hear your DH is doing better - or at least well enough to come home. I did read up-thread @jblended’s sofa bed comment - and it’s a great one to consider!
Another - if you don’t mind - is actually renting a hospital bed. Someone suggested this to me for my sister - who just had back surgery from the nape of her neck to her sacrum - so a major surgery. A hospital bed can be raised and lowered height wise - so a tall person doesn’t have to go down so far to sit. Because my sister right now can’t twist at all - a higher bed is much easier for her to get into and out of. As a plus the hed of the bed raises and lowers too.

Hrmmmmm - I am liking the thought of Look #3 - Marlene and Madonna. You could take the jacket off for dancing, and while the shirt might get a little sweaty - it’s vintage so it’s not like it would be the first time right?

I'll look into the rented hospital bed I remember the hospital beds my mother was in and they moved in all kinds of ways at a flick of a switch. I wonder if there are any arm-chair recliners that go fully flat to up-right...

Thanks for the vote on outfit #3, that's the way I'm leaning after having everything out. Definitely the more practical choice. Everything else seems too girly and high-voltage to the way I'm feeling. If it wasn't a wedding I'd wear an LBD. Everything was bought new but never worn, so everything is pristine save the blouse. I bought the Lacroix from a high-fashion concession so I don't know its history, but I'm sure it's had some good use in its day.

 

[Vintage Leather]

I also think that outfit #3 sounds fabulous and you.

Have you thought about using dress shields and/or vodka to protect against sweating?

 

[A bottle of Red]

I'll look into the rented hospital bed I remember the hospital beds my mother was in and they moved in all kinds of ways at a flick of a switch. I wonder if there are any arm-chair recliners that go fully flat to up-right...

Thanks for the vote on outfit #3, that's the way I'm leaning after having everything out. Definitely the more practical choice. Everything else seems too girly and high-voltage to the way I'm feeling. If it wasn't a wedding I'd wear an LBD. Everything was bought new but never worn, so everything is pristine save the blouse. I bought the Lacroix from a high-fashion concession so I don't know its history, but I'm sure it's had some good use in its day.

My husband is on the tall side and he recently got a lazy-boy recliner with an extra tall back so his head is supported; it also lies back quite far but not totally flat
It's very supportive and comfortable
When it's not open it glides and swivels as well.
I hope you find a good comfortable solution for him!
Also what's wrong with an lbd for a wedding?
Growing up my mom would always say a woman needs a good quality lbd for any occasion.