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.

 

[papertiger]

On a wildly different note, has anyone gotten cute summer sandals? I would like to get some but haven’t seen anything I like. Many of what I’ve seen have HUGE logos which really don’t appeal to me. So, I’d love to see any new suggestions!

Describe your perfect cute sandals? High or low, or mid?

For lots of height choices, Have you looked at JC? The Azie 85 is sexy, I love the red and pink, and still a substantial heel, the problem is even though the back is adjustable, the front straps are not. I also wonder if they're comfortable.

MB's also does styles in different heights. I know that Manolos are test driven to make sure they're comfortable. I love these Ossies

Sandals I would look at if I was looking for a high sexy pair: Ferragamo; Gucci; Valentino; Gianvito Rossi; and Rene Caovilla

The most beautiful sandals I own are Gucci, both high party shoes. I have a pair of red peep-toe T-bars (no not strictly sandals) and TF for Gucci satin and croc corset shoes that sooooooooooooo beautiful - and are feet of engineering.

I bought a new pair of (high-street) everyday sandals last year and they cut my feet. They are like a pair Prada did for this season, but they weren't Prada price. I will try to wear them around and try to soften the leather but I may have to go back to clogs. I think it's a worthwhile idea to buy good sandals but I hate to spend a lot of money on something I may only wear a couple of times a year so I will make do with my Gucci for occasions and muddle-through for day.

I also have some black Prada sandals and a pair of amazing 'lucite' Sonia Rykiel sandals, I don't think these brands will be very Sparkle though. Bit more 1940s/'70s platform/wedge looking. If you want to try that look, Louboutin and Loewe also do good examples

 

[Bag peace]

Also, it’s good to cherish and keep items just as it is good to give things to others. Giving to yourself is a worthy way to honor self.

True, and my mum would certainly concur. I have admittedly struggled with this recently. I believe it's a result of my new appearance. As more and more people (especially old friends) reacted negatively to my face after the accident, I started feeling like I'm not good enough for the pretty things I own and, indeed, have since given away the fanciest bits and bobs because I don't feel worthy of them.
I've never been pretty, but now there's a really jarring contrast between my appearance and the beauty of some of the pieces I had and even some of the things I covet. If I buy anything particularly special now, it would feel like I was compensating for my ugliness, if that makes sense. I'm working on this but it's not easy.

@papertiger I love that Bal and can picture you rocking it easily. Iirc, you recently added the very cool multi-finger cartier rings (I forget what they're called) and I don't know if a Trinity necklace is as special as that ring set (though perhaps it is... I haven't seen one irl in a while). I can see you styling that ring with this bag, actually!
It's good that you asked them to hold one for you. Once you carry the bag, you'll know if it's for you or not, which will make the decision easier. Please update us on what you pick!

 

[dcooney4]

It's not the end of the month but it's the end of the week.

OUT
As you know, at least 10 bags went last week at the archive sale I did for charity in the area of London where my mother had a lot of friends. The opening night raised just under £2K in 3 hours. The charity even invited the local press and their marketing person (girl with phone LOL)

3 more bags went to goodwill today plus lots of RTW. + A vintage snakeskin is out in no mans land (the hallway). My LV and Burberry luggage are possibly going and maybe a suede Westwood but I'd rather sell or give away to people I know.

None of it is leaving a hole, TBH, you can still hardly tell. I just found two vintage Loewe bags I forgot about.


In

BV Knot

plus

I'm looking at this as a birthday present to myself https://www.balenciaga.com/en-gb/le-city-small-bag-metallized-silver-7977892AA9R8122.html

It's sold out online but I've asked for one to be put away for next week. I never expected to find myself liking a Bal bag so much (I only have one more) but something is calling me - I think it's the silver - blame metallic week .

What do others think? If not a bag, I'll be buying jewellery (for the third year in a row).

I love the silver bag.

 

[papertiger]

True, and my mum would certainly concur. I have admittedly struggled with this recently. I believe it's a result of my new appearance. As more and more people (especially old friends) reacted negatively to my face after the accident, I started feeling like I'm not good enough for the pretty things I own and, indeed, have since given away the fanciest bits and bobs because I don't feel worthy of them.
I've never been pretty, but now there's a really jarring contrast between my appearance and the beauty of some of the pieces I had and even some of the things I covet. If I buy anything particularly special now, it would feel like I was compensating for my ugliness, if that makes sense. I'm working on this but it's not easy.

@papertiger I love that Bal and can picture you rocking it easily. Iirc, you recently added the very cool multi-finger cartier rings (I forget what they're called) and I don't know if a Trinity necklace is as special as that ring set (though perhaps it is... I haven't seen one irl in a while). I can see you styling that ring with this bag, actually!
It's good that you asked them to hold one for you. Once you carry the bag, you'll know if it's for you or not, which will make the decision easier. Please update us on what you pick!

Glad to be getting such a positive response so far.

The Bal Forum is not so keen. I think the issue is the members there are more aficionados and collectors and I'm more wanting to use the bag. With Gucci, BV and Hermes, I am inspecting every mm, those a leather goods purveyors, but Bal is high-fashion, and this really would be more of an everyday, fashion statement for me, rather than a prize-position to display and fondle.

I am worried they (Bal forum members) think the metallic would peel. Bal bags are made at Gucci factories, and I have both metallic mirror-leather Gucci Romy (2007) and Bal Bowling (2009) so far no problems. I'm hoping that the reluctance to love the revival LC bag is just because they already have the precious originals. There's also a preference for the older smooth silver version (see Rose's thread) Personally, I prefer the cracked metallic finish because not only do I have other kinds of metallics (as before, croc-print Tanner Krolle Latch, BV gunmetal cervo, iridescent blue Sergio Rossi and others) but trying on the mirror leather Ferragamo showed me that a small silver bag can disappear. People buy silver shoes all the time, they get a lot more wear than a bag, so I am hoping.

If I do get it, no more dreaming about a yellow bag (like that eel SDJ last year) and no new Gucci bag (I was thinking about a patent Jackie but would be another £1K for the same-ish size).

 

[papertiger]

I love the silver bag.

Excellent!

Updates next week.

 

[dcooney4]

Excellent!

Updates next week.

I think most companies are getting better with their metallics. You will know when you hold it. I think the silver is so easy to wear as a daily bag.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Thank you! I hope the money goes to the people that it professes to help, and not into just advertising and promotion.

Not a milestone. I'd prob get a not too expensive Cartier Trinity necklace or an Asprey sunflowers bracelet Price-wise that's relatively speaking as I'd still have to dip into savings. Another thing is, even though I have given away lots of bags recently, this would be my third bag of the year, I'd have to really love it. I certainly have nothing like it because my only other Bal bag is very atypical. Moto but fairly structured. My litmus test would be if I can see myself wearing

I hadn’t heard of the Cartier Trinity Necklace so I had to look it up. I have a tri tone necklace that is very similar to the that with diamonds on one of the rings. I’ll try to share a picture tomorrow.

For what it’s worth, despite it’s beauty and me having owned it for at least 15 years, it’s one of my least worn pieces. I actually just bought RG Tiffany T sunnies and may have a coordinating tri colored bracelet made to kind of “shore it up” with support to increase my ability to wear it. Last weekend, Mr. Sparkle gifted me the Tiffany Lock necklace & earrings in RG w/diamond pave. I have an apt with my SA for this weekend to decide if I want to get the matching bracelet which I’d leverage to wear with the tri color necklace (and nix getting a tri color bracelet made.)

I’m offering all this to say that I find the overlapping rings of tri colored metal a little hard to coordinate. The diamonds and white gold chain make it lean a little cool toned but if I switch the pendant to a gold chain it can be more warm toned. And the circular rings look a little off with angular earrings.

When you look at the necklace (which, despite my caution, I actually think could be a great option for you as you have far more fashion expertise than I do) bring/wear some of the items you may want to coordinate it with to ensure you’ll be happy.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Describe your perfect cute sandals? High or low, or mid?

For lots of height choices, Have you looked at JC? The Azie 85 is sexy, I love the red and pink, and still a substantial heel, the problem is even though the back is adjustable, the front straps are not. I also wonder if they're comfortable.

MB's also does styles in different heights. I know that Manolos are test driven to make sure they're comfortable. I love these Ossies

Sandals I would look at if I was looking for a high sexy pair: Ferragamo; Gucci; Valentino; Gianvito Rossi; and Rene Caovilla

The most beautiful sandals I own are Gucci, both high party shoes. I have a pair of red peep-toe T-bars (no not strictly sandals) and TF for Gucci satin and croc corset shoes that sooooooooooooo beautiful - and are feet of engineering.

I bought a new pair of (high-street) everyday sandals last year and they cut my feet. They are like a pair Prada did for this season, but they weren't Prada price. I will try to wear them around and try to soften the leather but I may have to go back to clogs. I think it's a worthwhile idea to buy good sandals but I hate to spend a lot of money on something I may only wear a couple of times a year so I will make do with my Gucci for occasions and muddle-through for day.

I also have some black Prada sandals and a pair of amazing 'lucite' Sonia Rykiel sandals, I don't think these brands will be very Sparkle though. Bit more 1940s/'70s platform/wedge looking. If you want to try that look, Louboutin and Loewe also do good examples

I literally have half a wall of high sandals from stilettos to wedges. But, my low / flat sandal collection is a hair above pathetic.

In terms of colors, of course I’d love metallics. I’d also like vibrant colors that would coordinate (not necessarily match) some of my bags. And, I’d definitely like something in a nude (I’m brown not beige) that would just fade away and allow my sundresses to take the stage.

Regarding style, I’m clueless. I could maybe? like a slide but I think something a teeny bit less casual without being fussy/dressy would be my preference.

True, and my mum would certainly concur. I have admittedly struggled with this recently. I believe it's a result of my new appearance. As more and more people (especially old friends) reacted negatively to my face after the accident, I started feeling like I'm not good enough for the pretty things I own and, indeed, have since given away the fanciest bits and bobs because I don't feel worthy of them.
I've never been pretty, but now there's a really jarring contrast between my appearance and the beauty of some of the pieces I had and even some of the things I covet. If I buy anything particularly special now, it would feel like I was compensating for my ugliness, if that makes sense. I'm working on this but it's not easy.

@papertiger I love that Bal and can picture you rocking it easily. Iirc, you recently added the very cool multi-finger cartier rings (I forget what they're called) and I don't know if a Trinity necklace is as special as that ring set (though perhaps it is... I haven't seen one irl in a while). I can see you styling that ring with this bag, actually!
It's good that you asked them to hold one for you. Once you carry the bag, you'll know if it's for you or not, which will make the decision easier. Please update us on what you pick!

I just want to give you a huge hug and throttle those old “friends”! The question is always if the things are good enough for you - not the other way around. You are a beautiful soul. The things are dead animal skins, thread, glue, doo dads, stones and such. So they must serve you to have any value at all.

And one other point on “beauty”. Let’s stay rooted in the fact that the concept is arbitrary and influenced by all kinds of things like era, culture and even resources. Plump Rubinesque women and scrawy ‘60’s Twiggys were both the epitome of beauty in their day. You are differently featured now and I’d never minimize the trauma and pain you’ve been through. But I gently want to encourage you to let your items celebrate the new warrior, survivor, beautifully spirited you as you are.

Glad to be getting such a positive response so far.

The Bal Forum is not so keen. I think the issue is the members there are more aficionados and collectors and I'm more wanting to use the bag. With Gucci, BV and Hermes, I am inspecting every mm, those a leather goods purveyors, but Bal is high-fashion, and this really would be more of an everyday, fashion statement for me, rather than a prize-position to display and fondle.

I am worried they (Bal forum members) think the metallic would peel. Bal bags are made at Gucci factories, and I have both metallic mirror-leather Gucci Romy (2007) and Bal Bowling (2009) so far no problems. I'm hoping that the reluctance to love the revival LC bag is just because they already have the precious originals. There's also a preference for the older smooth silver version (see Rose's thread) Personally, I prefer the cracked metallic finish because not only do I have other kinds of metallics (as before, croc-print Tanner Krolle Latch, BV gunmetal cervo, iridescent blue Sergio Rossi and others) but trying on the mirror leather Ferragamo showed me that a small silver bag can disappear. People buy silver shoes all the time, they get a lot more wear than a bag, so I am hoping.

If I do get it, no more dreaming about a yellow bag (like that eel SDJ last year) and no new Gucci bag (I was thinking about a patent Jackie but would be another £1K for the same-ish size).

Great insight into the reaction you’re getting in the Bal forum. Serious collectors do tend to lean into being purists which can stray into a love for the traditional.

I agree with @dcooney4. When you hold the bag, you’ll be able to tell if it will peel. I haven’t had a metallic bag peel since I was buying super cheapy bags in my 20’s. I actually think maintaining reptile skins and keeping scales from lifting is harder than maintaining metallics. And you do beautifully with exotic bags.

 

[cecchetti]

Come over!

I would LOVE to-I’d never go home-my friend the Austrian Countess lived behind Harrods, and we’d stock up with exotic food from Partridge’s in Sloane Street, dress up, then sit in bed drinking champagne and eating wild food and chatting all night..

If I played in your closet I’d never go home!❤️❤️

 

[cecchetti]

True, and my mum would certainly concur. I have admittedly struggled with this recently. I believe it's a result of my new appearance. As more and more people (especially old friends) reacted negatively to my face after the accident, I started feeling like I'm not good enough for the pretty things I own and, indeed, have since given away the fanciest bits and bobs because I don't feel worthy of them.
I've never been pretty, but now there's a really jarring contrast between my appearance and the beauty of some of the pieces I had and even some of the things I covet. If I buy anything particularly special now, it would feel like I was compensating for my ugliness, if that makes sense. I'm working on this but it's not easy.

@papertiger I love that Bal and can picture you rocking it easily. Iirc, you recently added the very cool multi-finger cartier rings (I forget what they're called) and I don't know if a Trinity necklace is as special as that ring set (though perhaps it is... I haven't seen one irl in a while). I can see you styling that ring with this bag, actually!
It's good that you asked them to hold one for you. Once you carry the bag, you'll know if it's for you or not, which will make the decision easier. Please update us on what you pick!

You are Absolutely beautiful inside-it really hurts to read that you have “given things away” because you don’t feel beautiful enough to have them..or worthy or them..
Reading this thread you are strong, special, generous, intelligent, the list is very long-the scars from the accident are far from physical …as well as the trauma …tragically..we are here for you..

@papertiger I can Also totally see you with the silver Bal, you would totally rock it!
Can I play with it when I come and play in your closet if you buy it lol?

 

[papertiger]

@papertiger I can Also totally see you with the silver Bal, you would totally rock it!
Can I play with it when I come and play in your closet if you buy it lol?

Of course!

 

[papertiger]

I hadn’t heard of the Cartier Trinity Necklace so I had to look it up. I have a tri tone necklace that is very similar to the that with diamonds on one of the rings. I’ll try to share a picture tomorrow.

For what it’s worth, despite it’s beauty and me having owned it for at least 15 years, it’s one of my least worn pieces. I actually just bought RG Tiffany T sunnies and may have a coordinating tri colored bracelet made to kind of “shore it up” with support to increase my ability to wear it. Last weekend, Mr. Sparkle gifted me the Tiffany Lock necklace & earrings in RG w/diamond pave. I have an apt with my SA for this weekend to decide if I want to get the matching bracelet which I’d leverage to wear with the tri color necklace (and nix getting a tri color bracelet made.)

I’m offering all this to say that I find the overlapping rings of tri colored metal a little hard to coordinate. The diamonds and white gold chain make it lean a little cool toned but if I switch the pendant to a gold chain it can be more warm toned. And the circular rings look a little off with angular earrings.

When you look at the necklace (which, despite my caution, I actually think could be a great option for you as you have far more fashion expertise than I do) bring/wear some of the items you may want to coordinate it with to ensure you’ll be happy.

I tried the non-diamond version (slightly longer chain). I have I'd like to try this one


I have 7 Trinity rings of various variations and sizes, I wear 5 or 6 most days, earrings, plus lots of trim-colour vintage pieces.

I have Asprey Sunflowers broach, necklace/pendent and earrings, they'd have to make the bracelet and it would be over £5K. That's top of what I'd feel comfortable on one piece. I could perhaps find one pre-loved. This is the size but with wg diamonds. This is the larger version.

 

[papertiger]

as promised, evening clutch by daylight

 

[Sparkletastic]

I tried the non-diamond version (slightly longer chain). I have I'd like to try this one


I have 7 Trinity rings of various variations and sizes, I wear 5 or 6 most days, earrings, plus lots of trim-colour vintage pieces.

I have Asprey Sunflowers broach, necklace/pendent and earrings, they'd have to make the bracelet and it would be over £5K. That's top of what I'd feel comfortable on one piece. I could perhaps find one pre-loved. This is the size but with wg diamonds. This is the larger version.

Oh Dear! I fear I won’t be the good friend I need to be to you on this one because I want you to get them all. You’ve picked 3 pieces that are adorable! The Cartier necklace is beautiful. I love the fact that it has 2 each of the rg & yg circlets to the 1 wg. And the beaded chain is beautiful.

I hadn’t heard of the Asprey Sunflowers line either. But, I love it’s whimsical but still sophisticated look. It actually reminds me of a yg floral necklace I have. I’ll also share a picture of that later.

And then, as your third choice, you pick a metallic (yay!) bag in a model I’ve always wanted in my collection but never have found the right model to add. These are all accessories thirst traps!

My thoughts are to get the Bal since it is likely to not be available soon. When possible I prefer to get metallic bags new because the previous owner of a metallic bag may have not been careful with it thereby setting up future issues with the bag.

A strong second choice is the Cartier necklace. You know this works for you and it would add to your existing set.

I’d be most comfortable waiting on the sunflower bracelet for the reasons that you mentioned. You would have to get it made. It’s a little cost prohibitive and you could possibly get the exact same thing at a great discount resale plus there’s no rush to get this and you could wait until a holiday, another birthday, or when you get a bonus and pick it up then.

as promised, evening clutch by daylight


View attachment 5987391

This is an inspired beauty

 

[DME]

I literally have half a wall of high sandals from stilettos to wedges. But, my low / flat sandal collection is a hair above pathetic.

In terms of colors, of course I’d love metallics. I’d also like vibrant colors that would coordinate (not necessarily match) some of my bags. And, I’d definitely like something in a nude (I’m brown not beige) that would just fade away and allow my sundresses to take the stage.

Regarding style, I’m clueless. I could maybe? like a slide but I think something a teeny bit less casual without being fussy/dressy would be my preference.

Here’s a pair of metallic gold Manolos I’m eying that might fit the bill? They’re slides, but… I love gold metallic sandals and bags/clutches because I find them to be excellent neutrals - as long as they’re the right gold for me. Some can be too… gold, if that makes sense? When it’s they right gold, they are fun, but not so flashy that they take away from the rest of the outfit.

Manolo Blahnik Susa Metallic Crisscross Flat Sandals

Shop Manolo Blahnik Susa Metallic Crisscross Flat Sandals at Neiman Marcus. Find the latest luxury fashions from top designers.

www.neimanmarcus.com