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]

That's great! I did better last year too. I only bought a few articles of clothing and I'm happy with my purchases. I did order a pair of jeans which I immediately returned. Then I had trouble getting the credit back on my credit card.

I hope you eventually got it back.

 

[lill_canele]

+ @lill_canele

I've seen a huge change in this forum in the years I've been on it. I wonder if it's in wider society too? RTW is becoming just as/more important to people, I know @880 has felt that way from the start, but 10-ish years ago tPFers seemed far more interested in only expensive luxury brands and the cheapest clothes they could buy. I was felt like a crazy person for investing in RTW.

I'm actually really glad I did. If weight's stable, it means you don't have to keep buying and you really love wearing the things in your wardrobe. I look forward to getting dressed in the morning and most of my good clothes are ancient now.

The only things I've bought recently were 2 velvet Jigsaw (hughstreet) jackets in the sale. As suits, coloured velvet is quite holiday, but for Spring (cool) Summer and Autumn, velvet blazers worn 'thrown on' look so nice with denim (IMO).

I agree. Even before getting into luxury bags, I bought fast fashion thoughtlessly and freely. I ended up accumulating so much cheap clothes that it stressed me out and I did a huge clear out.
At the time I knew nothing about fabrics, materials, cost of materials etc. I gradually learned over time to look at the tags, understanding blends, learning about fabric care, etc.
I never would have gotten into if I didn't start trying on RTW. I immediately noticed a difference in the quality, structure, weight, and fit of clothes. While tailoring is one of the best things one can do to make something fit well and look great, I think it becomes even better with quality materials. Disregarding the cost, for me, when I try on a well made item of clothing, the fact that it feels good and makes me feel and look good is enough to make me value it more and want to take care of it.

 

[whateve]

I hope you eventually got it back.

Thanks! I just checked and the credit finally went through.

 

[Sibelle]

Agree about the selling Its definitely a l0t of work. But worth it - FP etc is offering such low payouts these days, even with fees you will do much better selling yourself. Usually LV wallets sell pretty fast, but we are in a really bad bag market right now……

Love your new BV The color is just beautiful - so warm and nutty, but also so neutral. I hope it works out for you, its stunning in its sculptural/mod design.

What you said about buying bags for our fantasy life rather then our real lives…this is so true of me too. See bag love bag buy bag. Sits on shelf unused lets in 2024 and beyond work to shift this to bags that suit us and are practical for daily use!

Yes it is, but I finally managed to sell my wallet 🥳. So 2 successful sales already this year. Still some more to go, but I don't have any pressure, so I will sell when I am ready.

Thank you so much! It really is a beautiful color and I love the unusual shape of it. It is something I didn't have so far. I really like to have variety in my collection and I think this bag really adds something new. Also my first Bottega Veneta 😃.
I also only want to add bags that are usable on a daily basis. So no more fancy turquoise or red bags for me, lol (although I LOVE those colors).

 

[piperdog]

My goals for 2024 are to minimize, simplify, and be grateful for the abundance I already have.

Midway through 2023 I reached purse peace. I'm happy with my robust collection, but now I realize I was recoiling from what I had convinced myself was normal to be spending. Even I can afford it, I don't need to keep buying, and the $$ could always be put to some better use. So, at the very least, no more bags in 2024. Even better would be to take a look at each bag I have and start editing. I've followed multiple tpf-ers' journeys through the years and realize it's my turn. I regularly use maybe 10 bags each year, and double that if I make an effort. Yet I have multpiles of that number, mostly sitting in dustbags taking up closet space. It's time to clean out.

As for the rest, I just tried putting away the last of the holiday decorations, but somehow in the course of under 2 months, other stuff moved into the space where the holiday bins usually live. This crystalized that it's not just bags; I have too much stuff PERIOD. -Some is from my parents' house that I know I'll never use but can't bring myself to get rid of.
-Most is random stuff bought for a single purpose, but then kept 'just in case'. Sometimes for decades.
-Or the cabinet of laptop and other electronics graveyards. Of course, the cords and chargers for all of those dead devices are in another drawer mixed in with all the cords and chargers we actually use.
-My workwear from the 90s and 2000s. Because even if I managed to somehow fit into them again, my first choice would be to wear old suits from 20-30 years ago even though I predominantly work from home.

The weird thing is that in the beginning of Covid, I systematically cleaned out the entire house, room by room. I'm so confused how I didn't get rid of this stuff then. Or if I did and it somehow made its way back to me.

I can't immediately clean out all of the mental clutter going on (e.g., daughter's health issues, family dynamics, work stresses), but I can help reduce analysis paralysis. Give me three things to pick from and I'll choose one immediately and move on. Give me 30 or 300 options and I'm frozen and go into avoidance mode. Decluttering my physical space will also help stop wheels of spinning of "I need to put that away" "I need to clean this up" "I need to organize that space". If it's done, then that psychic load is gone (at least temporarily).

As for the gratitude, I'm trying to be mindful of how truly lucky I am to have the resources to have acquired all of this stuff, and to have a more than large-enough home to keep it in. But instead of stressing me out, my excess should be put to work for the many who don't have enough.

@Vintage Leather, I love your goals for getting rid of 2024 items AND finishing projects. I can't express how much both of those resonate with me.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

+ @lill_canele

I've seen a huge change in this forum in the years I've been on it. I wonder if it's in wider society too? RTW is becoming just as/more important to people, I know @880 has felt that way from the start, but 10-ish years ago tPFers seemed far more interested in only expensive luxury brands and the cheapest clothes they could buy. I was felt like a crazy person for investing in RTW.

I'm not sure if it has quite caught up in wider society at least not to the same extent as handbags. It's possible that if more and more attention is given to RTW in social media, we will see it becoming more important in wider society. You made a good decision investing in RTW. To be able to look forward to getting dressed every morning and having beautiful, quality luxe pieces that are long-lasting is an ideal closet scenario.

I regularly use maybe 10 bags each year, and double that if I make an effort.

This about sums up my bag usage situation as well.

Or the cabinet of laptop and other electronics graveyards.

Ugh, I have a boxful of these cords and other random items too and wish we had labelled them because now I have no idea what belongs to what and am hesitant to get rid of them.

I can't immediately clean out all of the mental clutter going on (e.g., daughter's health issues, family dynamics, work stresses), but I can help reduce analysis paralysis. Give me three things to pick from and I'll choose one immediately and move on. Give me 30 or 300 options and I'm frozen and go into avoidance mode. Decluttering my physical space will also help stop wheels of spinning of "I need to put that away" "I need to clean this up" "I need to organize that space". If it's done, then that psychic load is gone (at least temporarily).

Sorry to hear about the mental clutter -- that's the hardest. Comparatively, physical clutter is easier.
I was reading somewhere that decluttering is never completely done since new stuff is always coming into the house one way or another, even if we're very mindful about purchases. I see this even with something as simple as my snack cupboard for example. I have more or less systematized what snacks I will buy and have a container for each of them so you would think it would stay well organized but that's not necessarily the case. Stuff always creeps in and before I know it there are old, half-eaten snack bags with bag clips (kale chips and suchlike), random cookie packets I never purchased, and other things crammed in there. Periodically, I have to do a clean sweep of it all. And the same thing applies to almost every closet in the house. The best one can do is to set up an organization system by finding a home for every single item and then work on periodically maintaining that organization system.

 

[dcooney4]

My goals for 2024 are to minimize, simplify, and be grateful for the abundance I already have.

Midway through 2023 I reached purse peace. I'm happy with my robust collection, but now I realize I was recoiling from what I had convinced myself was normal to be spending. Even I can afford it, I don't need to keep buying, and the $$ could always be put to some better use. So, at the very least, no more bags in 2024. Even better would be to take a look at each bag I have and start editing. I've followed multiple tpf-ers' journeys through the years and realize it's my turn. I regularly use maybe 10 bags each year, and double that if I make an effort. Yet I have multpiles of that number, mostly sitting in dustbags taking up closet space. It's time to clean out.

As for the rest, I just tried putting away the last of the holiday decorations, but somehow in the course of under 2 months, other stuff moved into the space where the holiday bins usually live. This crystalized that it's not just bags; I have too much stuff PERIOD. -Some is from my parents' house that I know I'll never use but can't bring myself to get rid of.
-Most is random stuff bought for a single purpose, but then kept 'just in case'. Sometimes for decades.
-Or the cabinet of laptop and other electronics graveyards. Of course, the cords and chargers for all of those dead devices are in another drawer mixed in with all the cords and chargers we actually use.
-My workwear from the 90s and 2000s. Because even if I managed to somehow fit into them again, my first choice would be to wear old suits from 20-30 years ago even though I predominantly work from home.

The weird thing is that in the beginning of Covid, I systematically cleaned out the entire house, room by room. I'm so confused how I didn't get rid of this stuff then. Or if I did and it somehow made its way back to me.

I can't immediately clean out all of the mental clutter going on (e.g., daughter's health issues, family dynamics, work stresses), but I can help reduce analysis paralysis. Give me three things to pick from and I'll choose one immediately and move on. Give me 30 or 300 options and I'm frozen and go into avoidance mode. Decluttering my physical space will also help stop wheels of spinning of "I need to put that away" "I need to clean this up" "I need to organize that space". If it's done, then that psychic load is gone (at least temporarily).

As for the gratitude, I'm trying to be mindful of how truly lucky I am to have the resources to have acquired all of this stuff, and to have a more than large-enough home to keep it in. But instead of stressing me out, my excess should be put to work for the many who don't have enough.

@Vintage Leather, I love your goals for getting rid of 2024 items AND finishing projects. I can't express how much both of those resonate with me.

This all resonates with me. My bags are neat as a pin, but the rest of the house is out of control. Too many people in the house with lots of clutter. I get overwhelmed by it all. I think I am going to work on that this year as well.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Omg what u said. I easily could have opened a store too i can relate b/c i have hoarder genes too lolol. I was so into vintage for many years - everything from house stuff, bags, scarves, compacts, you name it. I managed to stop by deciding to downsize all of it. Still working away at it but getting there. Vintage is such quality, so unique—- bags for example. Brands like Ingber, Morris Moskowitz, Roger Van S etc….not even talking vintage Luxe brands, just mid level….contemporary bags just don’t compare…..the quality was so amazing back in the day. Your bag and clothing collection sounds just incredible And the skills you have - to be able to alter and/or create new pieces from the vintage materials, is just so cool too

It´s so nice to meet another person who admits to having the hoarder genes and loves vintage! Your (past) collection sounds wonderful to me and I would loved to browse!
I´m not familiar with the vintage bag brands you mention, only German brands from past times. But their quality is amazing. I guess the reason for this is, that fast fashion wasn´t a topic back then. People spent real money on their purchases even in mid-level and expected to get something that will last.
Thank you! I´m proud of my vintage hoard.
Currently I´m trying hard not to add to it, but unfortunately give in to temptations from time to time... only days ago I bought two more dresses. The pictures looked so nice and the prices were too good to not buy.

I´m really glad my mother insisted on teaching me how to make, mend and alter clothes. Without these skills vintage wouldn´t be a practical/ affordable option for me. She used to be a very strict teacher. Back in the day I suffered. Today I am very grateful for everything I learned properly and the options it gives me.

Its a double edged sword , being on tpf and looking at bags, and youtubes of bags etc, and be disciplined enough to not buy very many. Finding that balance can be tricky but its definitely achievable being on this thread i think helps — committing to using what we have and the monthly tracking really does help us understand our bag needs/uses and activity. The bag exercises - sharing what colors and brands we have - forces us to really see what we have and what we use.

+1

I also have hoarder tendencies, but who doesn't love collecting their favorite items that make them happy? It's been a long journey from when I was young and buying books, stickers, and kpop albums, to spending money on clothes, bags, and nice things. My focus is to continue to draw happiness from what I already own and non-shopping parts of my life, instead of focus on getting enjoyment and satisfaction from the shopping process and spending money.

So well said! Happiness is so important!

 

[whateve]

This all resonates with me. My bags are neat as a pin, but the rest of the house is out of control. Too many people in the house with lots of clutter. I get overwhelmed by it all. I think I am going to work on that this year as well.

I've never fully committed to getting rid of everything my kids left behind when they moved out. I wish they had taken more of it with them so I wouldn't have to decide what to do with it. It seems too wasteful to just give it all away.

We just finished our remodel and now I have the difficult task of unpacking all the boxes and finding places for everything, and hanging up all the pictures. I unpacked the purses today.

 

[Bag peace]

Spoiler: personal update

I wasn't going to post this but, I think I need to.
My mum has been fighting for her life for the past week. Multiple failed surgeries and many close calls. She has a very long and complex road ahead of her. She's in an induced coma to protect her until she completes the next set of surgeries.
This thread knows how much I adore my mum, so you will know that I'm falling apart. It came out of nowhere and just spiralled so quickly.
While her doctors and surgeons have been incredible, I am frustrated by the nursing care she received this past week and especially yesterday when her issues weren't mentioned to the doctors as early as they could have been. I had to advocate for her at every turn to bypass the nurses stubbornly telling me to wait for her to improve, and we barely got her into surgery on time as a result.
I don't know what posting here accomplishes for me. I just know that I'm very alone and this is my personal hell, so virtual support is all I've got.
I guess...please send any thoughts and prayers you've got her way.
I'm not losing hope and I am urging her to get through this. Taking it one bit at a time.
Thank you

 

[whateve]

Spoiler: personal update

I wasn't going to post this but, I think I need to.
My mum has been fighting for her life for the past week. Multiple failed surgeries and many close calls. She has a very long and complex road ahead of her. She's in an induced coma to protect her until she completes the next set of surgeries.
This thread knows how much I adore my mum, so you will know that I'm falling apart. It came out of nowhere and just spiralled so quickly.
While her doctors and surgeons have been incredible, I am frustrated by the nursing care she received this past week and especially yesterday when her issues weren't mentioned to the doctors as early as they could have been. I had to advocate for her at every turn to bypass the nurses stubbornly telling me to wait for her to improve, and we barely got her into surgery on time as a result.
I don't know what posting here accomplishes for me. I just know that I'm very alone and this is my personal hell, so virtual support is all I've got.
I guess...please send any thoughts and prayers you've got her way.
I'm not losing hope and I am urging her to get through this. Taking it one bit at a time.
Thank you

I'm so sorry to read this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mother.

 

[lill_canele]

Spoiler: personal update

I wasn't going to post this but, I think I need to.
My mum has been fighting for her life for the past week. Multiple failed surgeries and many close calls. She has a very long and complex road ahead of her. She's in an induced coma to protect her until she completes the next set of surgeries.
This thread knows how much I adore my mum, so you will know that I'm falling apart. It came out of nowhere and just spiralled so quickly.
While her doctors and surgeons have been incredible, I am frustrated by the nursing care she received this past week and especially yesterday when her issues weren't mentioned to the doctors as early as they could have been. I had to advocate for her at every turn to bypass the nurses stubbornly telling me to wait for her to improve, and we barely got her into surgery on time as a result.
I don't know what posting here accomplishes for me. I just know that I'm very alone and this is my personal hell, so virtual support is all I've got.
I guess...please send any thoughts and prayers you've got her way.
I'm not losing hope and I am urging her to get through this. Taking it one bit at a time.
Thank you

That’s very tough. I’m so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with your mother.

 

[shopaholicious]

Spoiler: personal update

I wasn't going to post this but, I think I need to.
My mum has been fighting for her life for the past week. Multiple failed surgeries and many close calls. She has a very long and complex road ahead of her. She's in an induced coma to protect her until she completes the next set of surgeries.
This thread knows how much I adore my mum, so you will know that I'm falling apart. It came out of nowhere and just spiralled so quickly.
While her doctors and surgeons have been incredible, I am frustrated by the nursing care she received this past week and especially yesterday when her issues weren't mentioned to the doctors as early as they could have been. I had to advocate for her at every turn to bypass the nurses stubbornly telling me to wait for her to improve, and we barely got her into surgery on time as a result.
I don't know what posting here accomplishes for me. I just know that I'm very alone and this is my personal hell, so virtual support is all I've got.
I guess...please send any thoughts and prayers you've got her way.
I'm not losing hope and I am urging her to get through this. Taking it one bit at a time.
Thank you

Virtual hugs & take care of yourself as well!

 

[Vintage Leather]

Spoiler: personal update

I wasn't going to post this but, I think I need to.
My mum has been fighting for her life for the past week. Multiple failed surgeries and many close calls. She has a very long and complex road ahead of her. She's in an induced coma to protect her until she completes the next set of surgeries.
This thread knows how much I adore my mum, so you will know that I'm falling apart. It came out of nowhere and just spiralled so quickly.
While her doctors and surgeons have been incredible, I am frustrated by the nursing care she received this past week and especially yesterday when her issues weren't mentioned to the doctors as early as they could have been. I had to advocate for her at every turn to bypass the nurses stubbornly telling me to wait for her to improve, and we barely got her into surgery on time as a result.
I don't know what posting here accomplishes for me. I just know that I'm very alone and this is my personal hell, so virtual support is all I've got.
I guess...please send any thoughts and prayers you've got her way.
I'm not losing hope and I am urging her to get through this. Taking it one bit at a time.
Thank you

I wish I could be closer - so I could make you a pot of tea and do something physical to help.

Since I’m a few thousand miles away, know that I’m sending prayers upward and wishing all the best for you. In the middle of this hell, don’t forget to take care of yourself!

 

[dcooney4]

Spoiler: personal update

I wasn't going to post this but, I think I need to.
My mum has been fighting for her life for the past week. Multiple failed surgeries and many close calls. She has a very long and complex road ahead of her. She's in an induced coma to protect her until she completes the next set of surgeries.
This thread knows how much I adore my mum, so you will know that I'm falling apart. It came out of nowhere and just spiralled so quickly.
While her doctors and surgeons have been incredible, I am frustrated by the nursing care she received this past week and especially yesterday when her issues weren't mentioned to the doctors as early as they could have been. I had to advocate for her at every turn to bypass the nurses stubbornly telling me to wait for her to improve, and we barely got her into surgery on time as a result.
I don't know what posting here accomplishes for me. I just know that I'm very alone and this is my personal hell, so virtual support is all I've got.
I guess...please send any thoughts and prayers you've got her way.
I'm not losing hope and I am urging her to get through this. Taking it one bit at a time.
Thank you

I will be thinking healing thoughts for her. You are both in my thoughts. Hugs my friend!