Do wet want some new challenges in August?
How about wearing one non-black neutral per week (whatever is a neutral for you)
How about wearing one non-black neutral per week (whatever is a neutral for you)
2025 Resolution: Shopping my own Bag and SLG Collection
- Thread starter papertiger
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Welcome to 2025 and to our annual resolution thread.
It's a busy time of the year, so I thought I'd step in to start the proceedings. We can always post and pin themes and challenges later.
Here, we support each other with our individual goals and objectives, celebrate mindful new or new-to-me finds, but always exploring, reimagining, restyling, and re-loving the wardrobe that we already have.
We encourage you to look into the dark recesses of your wardrobes, lofts, attics and take the time editing, curating, refining, redefining or updating the bag and accessories wardrobes. If you would like to see what this means, please feel free to check out older threads like last year's
This is not a minimalism or ban thread! There are other threads that focus around bans and minimalist bag collections, so if those objectives for 2025 are far closer to your resolution(s) please look downstream, or create your own thread.
Please feel free to share your own goals for 2025 and help each other more closer to their annual goals.
*The above has been reworked from last years welcome from @Vintage Leather
It's a busy time of the year, so I thought I'd step in to start the proceedings. We can always post and pin themes and challenges later.
Here, we support each other with our individual goals and objectives, celebrate mindful new or new-to-me finds, but always exploring, reimagining, restyling, and re-loving the wardrobe that we already have.
We encourage you to look into the dark recesses of your wardrobes, lofts, attics and take the time editing, curating, refining, redefining or updating the bag and accessories wardrobes. If you would like to see what this means, please feel free to check out older threads like last year's
This is not a minimalism or ban thread! There are other threads that focus around bans and minimalist bag collections, so if those objectives for 2025 are far closer to your resolution(s) please look downstream, or create your own thread.
Please feel free to share your own goals for 2025 and help each other more closer to their annual goals.
*The above has been reworked from last years welcome from @Vintage Leather
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My 2025 goals are as follows:
1) I bought 3 bags in 2024, 2-3 more per annum than in recent years since participating n this thread. Even though I adore using those 3 bags and have no regrets, and in spite of donating more than 10 last year too, I'd like to return to 0-1 this year.
2) I would like to use or repurpose many of my evenings and occasion bags. I am often out all day and have to go straight from work to evening events or parties. It's more often that I have to take a work bag to an event than vice versa. For some events that's totally OK, but not always. I'd appreciate suggestions on how to accomplished this.
3) I have been more successful carrying 2008-15 larger bags, I would like to use some of my '00s (2002-10) bags more, especially the smaller shoulder styles, and even more especially my Guccis. This will be more of a Spring/Summer challenge as in the Winter it's harder to pull off for work with heavier coats.
4) Style plans (see this thread) are for casual-smart (the reverse of smart-casual) undone suiting, shirts with or w/o ties, shrugged-on sheepskin, fur and smart coats/jackets until the warm weather. I need a rotation of bags that look well loved but still smart. Hardware or not, not a problem. Briefcases maybe a bit too 'boxy' unless the suit includes shorts or slip dress/skirt.
5) For Summer (same thread) I'm planning fluid or stretchy, close to the body outfits in tone-on-tone neutrals. I need a rotation of bags that can accommodate a cardigan/shawl or one that I can tie a scarf to.
6) This year will be tough personally and at work - whatever. I don't want to have to think too much about day to day choices. I need to put a clear strategies in place so that I always look OK but with minimum with little day to day effort (especially at 5am when I often have to get dressed).
7) I over-rely on my Doc Martens all year. I need to rotate my shoes more, but my bag choices have to work along side footwear choices. No faffing about last minute (see 6)
8) Travel bags: A) I want to use my travel bags. If not for breaks and getaways (hard atm) then as work bags. B) I want to sell my LV trunks and cases since I don't travel by private aviation and they take up too much room as interior design pieces. It's very hard because I inherited them. Sadly, I don't live that 'lifestyle', in fact, I don't like other people carrying my luggage anyway. Maybe my Burberry weekender too but I will allow myself to think on that since I can actually (almost) carry it if traveling.
9) Carry on cleaning and maintaining my lovely bags.
10) Enjoy browsing online, shop-windows, in-store, and admiring others' new/existing bags completely guilt-free.
1) I bought 3 bags in 2024, 2-3 more per annum than in recent years since participating n this thread. Even though I adore using those 3 bags and have no regrets, and in spite of donating more than 10 last year too, I'd like to return to 0-1 this year.
2) I would like to use or repurpose many of my evenings and occasion bags. I am often out all day and have to go straight from work to evening events or parties. It's more often that I have to take a work bag to an event than vice versa. For some events that's totally OK, but not always. I'd appreciate suggestions on how to accomplished this.
3) I have been more successful carrying 2008-15 larger bags, I would like to use some of my '00s (2002-10) bags more, especially the smaller shoulder styles, and even more especially my Guccis. This will be more of a Spring/Summer challenge as in the Winter it's harder to pull off for work with heavier coats.
4) Style plans (see this thread) are for casual-smart (the reverse of smart-casual) undone suiting, shirts with or w/o ties, shrugged-on sheepskin, fur and smart coats/jackets until the warm weather. I need a rotation of bags that look well loved but still smart. Hardware or not, not a problem. Briefcases maybe a bit too 'boxy' unless the suit includes shorts or slip dress/skirt.
5) For Summer (same thread) I'm planning fluid or stretchy, close to the body outfits in tone-on-tone neutrals. I need a rotation of bags that can accommodate a cardigan/shawl or one that I can tie a scarf to.
6) This year will be tough personally and at work - whatever. I don't want to have to think too much about day to day choices. I need to put a clear strategies in place so that I always look OK but with minimum with little day to day effort (especially at 5am when I often have to get dressed).
7) I over-rely on my Doc Martens all year. I need to rotate my shoes more, but my bag choices have to work along side footwear choices. No faffing about last minute (see 6)
8) Travel bags: A) I want to use my travel bags. If not for breaks and getaways (hard atm) then as work bags. B) I want to sell my LV trunks and cases since I don't travel by private aviation and they take up too much room as interior design pieces. It's very hard because I inherited them. Sadly, I don't live that 'lifestyle', in fact, I don't like other people carrying my luggage anyway. Maybe my Burberry weekender too but I will allow myself to think on that since I can actually (almost) carry it if traveling.
9) Carry on cleaning and maintaining my lovely bags.
10) Enjoy browsing online, shop-windows, in-store, and admiring others' new/existing bags completely guilt-free.
Thanks @papertiger for setting up the 2025 thread!
2025 Goals (for now)
So for Q1 2025 I plan to have a no buy quarter. No buy for shoes, clothes, bags, jewelry, accessories, etc.
Skincare and makeup is okay if it’s a replacement but also nothing new. Also no new perfumes as well.
Let’s see how well I do lol. I’m usually pretty good with holding back on luxury goods but high street and contemporary can be sneaky! And I usually like to do the majority of my shopping at the beginning of the year lol.
Side note, one exception is I ordered a dress at the end of December which is coming in January. It’s for a summer wedding end of June. I’m a little concerned. I’ve never been to a summer wedding (all fall, winter and spring ones lol) It’s a ranch-style/barn/rustic wedding. Everything will be outside, including the dining. Summers in California are hot. I’m afraid of getting roasted by the sun and eaten alive by mosquitoes lol. (I remember attending a funeral in August years ago and it was a nightmare.)
Any tips and tricks would be helpful, thank you!
2025 Goals (for now)
- Still my usual 2 new bags max a year with the 1 in, 1 out policy.
- Still always a focus on cost per wear
- Not sure about RTW, that’s a WIP
- Will try to not buy any black, white, nude or beige shoes. I think I have plenty lol.
So for Q1 2025 I plan to have a no buy quarter. No buy for shoes, clothes, bags, jewelry, accessories, etc.
Skincare and makeup is okay if it’s a replacement but also nothing new. Also no new perfumes as well.
Let’s see how well I do lol. I’m usually pretty good with holding back on luxury goods but high street and contemporary can be sneaky! And I usually like to do the majority of my shopping at the beginning of the year lol.
Side note, one exception is I ordered a dress at the end of December which is coming in January. It’s for a summer wedding end of June. I’m a little concerned. I’ve never been to a summer wedding (all fall, winter and spring ones lol) It’s a ranch-style/barn/rustic wedding. Everything will be outside, including the dining. Summers in California are hot. I’m afraid of getting roasted by the sun and eaten alive by mosquitoes lol. (I remember attending a funeral in August years ago and it was a nightmare.)
Any tips and tricks would be helpful, thank you!
2025 Goals-
Plan to add only two handbags this year neither one in pink.
Potentially sell one of my red bags-I m struggling in this space but really don’t need 3.
Wear more of my existing wardrobe and continue to rehome pieces I no longer reach for.
Wear my existing jewelry more and limit my Alhambra pieces to rested items on my list.
Plan to add only two handbags this year neither one in pink.
Potentially sell one of my red bags-I m struggling in this space but really don’t need 3.
Wear more of my existing wardrobe and continue to rehome pieces I no longer reach for.
Wear my existing jewelry more and limit my Alhambra pieces to rested items on my list.
You are a rock star! Thank you so much for starting this year!
I have a few ideas based on my experiences!
For 2, how often do your events have a coat check? Or, can you leave a work laptop locked in a desk drawer at work overnight?
I’ve been able to use my clutches more by essentially using them as a wallet inside my bigger bag. Calvi with ID, cash and a few cards, key case, work keys are kept inside the clutch, and in the work bag I have the laptop, ect. When I have something after work, I’ll lock my work bag inside my desk and leave with the clutch.
For bigger clutches - there are organizers with d-rings or grommets that can fit inside a clutch. Clip a pretty strap on, and your clutch becomes a daily shoulder bag.
6) when it comes to reducing thinking about clothes, can you do the equivalent of meal-prepping for clothes? Take one day a week, and put all of the outfits you’ll wear onto sturdy coat hangers - accessories and all.
Or, since you pull out a core wardrobe for each season with a theme, while you’re commuting, just jot down in a notebook or notes app on your phone - or even this thread - 4-7 outfits for the week. So that when you’re getting dressed, you can just pick something off the list.
I have a few ideas based on my experiences!
For 2, how often do your events have a coat check? Or, can you leave a work laptop locked in a desk drawer at work overnight?
I’ve been able to use my clutches more by essentially using them as a wallet inside my bigger bag. Calvi with ID, cash and a few cards, key case, work keys are kept inside the clutch, and in the work bag I have the laptop, ect. When I have something after work, I’ll lock my work bag inside my desk and leave with the clutch.
For bigger clutches - there are organizers with d-rings or grommets that can fit inside a clutch. Clip a pretty strap on, and your clutch becomes a daily shoulder bag.
6) when it comes to reducing thinking about clothes, can you do the equivalent of meal-prepping for clothes? Take one day a week, and put all of the outfits you’ll wear onto sturdy coat hangers - accessories and all.
Or, since you pull out a core wardrobe for each season with a theme, while you’re commuting, just jot down in a notebook or notes app on your phone - or even this thread - 4-7 outfits for the week. So that when you’re getting dressed, you can just pick something off the list.
Like @lill_canele , I’m Trying not to buy any clothing for the first 3 months of the year.
One of my passions(along with classical ballet, diamonds, Siamese cats and of course bags), is fashion, so this is a major challenge.
I’m not planning to stop jewellery, make up, footwear etc etc..
I don’t really know whether I’ll succeed , if so, it ends with a day trip for my birthday with my girlfriend in April.
Or it could end in disaster before then..
My Mum is critically ill, and when/if/when something happens I may crack under stress.
I only bought 2 bags in 2024, but don’t intend to buy many in 2025.
I don’t want to set any other restrictions as one will be hard enough!
One of my passions(along with classical ballet, diamonds, Siamese cats and of course bags), is fashion, so this is a major challenge.
I’m not planning to stop jewellery, make up, footwear etc etc..
I don’t really know whether I’ll succeed , if so, it ends with a day trip for my birthday with my girlfriend in April.
Or it could end in disaster before then..
My Mum is critically ill, and when/if/when something happens I may crack under stress.
I only bought 2 bags in 2024, but don’t intend to buy many in 2025.
I don’t want to set any other restrictions as one will be hard enough!
Thank you for your advice, it make me think! I obviously need to plan ahead more than I do (if possible).
I have a cupboard and a draw at work. I should have said, I don't always work in the building/site/county. We don't have our own desks or offices anymore (we used to). Locking my work bag inside my desk and leaving with the clutch is a good idea, so long as I am returning to the same building/location to work the next time I'm in. Again, it's about planning, but it's a good idea if it fits.
Often, on days I know I'm going out after work, I'll try to bring my digital notebook rather than my laptop (not always possible) which is lighter. It's not going to fit a clutch, but I could leave it in a coat-check since it's my own property. We are not supposed to leave out laptops unaccompanied when off-site.
I try not to be too precious about my bags, but I noticed a new deep scratch in one of the handle of my Bal bags after I checked it in at a party at The Shard in London just before Christmas. That's the kind of place I should be able to trust. On that occasion, I took my Balmain Madame Jolie (looks 10/10, practicality 1/10) inside my Bal Bowing weekender. Because it's mirror leather its irreparable but I may put the tiniest dab of clear leather glue through the crack to reseal. I need to get over some control issues. Better useful stuff is used otherwise it's a just unusable object. At the ballet or theater I'm not so happy to leave my stuff. I often end-up with two bags in my hands or compromise with a fancy larger bag.
A large clutch or some of my woefully underused Chanel/Gucci bags would be perfect if I can get it together and decant things from one day to the next.
I guess it's a question of planning on paper/phone when I have the times that nothing is last minute. Both of these goals would be helped by lists and planning ahead.
Woohoo, it's 2025. I'm ready to share my resolutions!
I spent way too much on Poshmark last year. While a good chunk of that number came from two items (my mini vintage Prada and Gucci canteen crossbody), I noticed that the majority of what I purchased was sold nearly as quickly as it came. I was able to get the majority of my money back on those items but it isn't sustainable for me to be in that cycle : financially and environmentally. Nearly 25 % of what I spent on Poshmark was related to GST and shipping fees. I would also like to mention that there were several items I should've just returned instead of keeping them and selling them shortly after. Many of those purchases weren't as described ( something I've battled with Poshmark with since I created an account back in 2019). I also feel like purchasing clothing on Poshmark isn't worth it as I value being able to try things on before I purchase them. Both of my Poshmark clothing purchases were fails. I'm only purchasing what I'll use long-term and being more mindful of what's coming in at any given time.
I don't think I necessarily want to do a low-buy but I definitely have priorities that out-weigh the pursuit of new clothing. While there's definitely a few items on my wish-list, I won't stand in my own way of purchasing them. I believe that there's a healthy balance to this that, truthfully, I missed the mark on last year. Sometimes we stray from our paths - that's okay! I'm now working towards being where I want to be again.
I can't wait to see some of your resolutions and to be a part of this thread again.
I spent way too much on Poshmark last year. While a good chunk of that number came from two items (my mini vintage Prada and Gucci canteen crossbody), I noticed that the majority of what I purchased was sold nearly as quickly as it came. I was able to get the majority of my money back on those items but it isn't sustainable for me to be in that cycle : financially and environmentally. Nearly 25 % of what I spent on Poshmark was related to GST and shipping fees. I would also like to mention that there were several items I should've just returned instead of keeping them and selling them shortly after. Many of those purchases weren't as described ( something I've battled with Poshmark with since I created an account back in 2019). I also feel like purchasing clothing on Poshmark isn't worth it as I value being able to try things on before I purchase them. Both of my Poshmark clothing purchases were fails. I'm only purchasing what I'll use long-term and being more mindful of what's coming in at any given time.
I don't think I necessarily want to do a low-buy but I definitely have priorities that out-weigh the pursuit of new clothing. While there's definitely a few items on my wish-list, I won't stand in my own way of purchasing them. I believe that there's a healthy balance to this that, truthfully, I missed the mark on last year. Sometimes we stray from our paths - that's okay! I'm now working towards being where I want to be again.
I can't wait to see some of your resolutions and to be a part of this thread again.
Do what you're able to do and know that's the best you can do. Please continue to be gentle with yourself.
Thank you❤️-like you, I’m not planning low buy-in fact my overall clothing budget is higher..
I’m not even sure why I have this resolution (it’s not to save money)- I think it’s to test my willpower).
I will amaze myself if I can get past one month, let alone over three..
I kept a bag usage record for 2024. Based on my analysis of the results, I have the following goals for the new year:
- Accept that the prices for my favorite brand have increased past the capacity of my money tree. I went waaaaay over budget TWICE to order new bags during sales in 2024. In 2025, I will buy this brand only secondhand or at significant discount.
- Resist the temptation to shift over to collecting a few other brands I like that are more within my price range.
- Figure out what to do with a few bags I don't love. I feel discouraged because I tried to sell one of them repeatedly in the past and failed to find a buyer. I have already donated the cheapies I realized I wasn't using. I'm not sure what to do with the nicer ones. Try to sell at a lower price? Gift? Donate?
- Identify the bags I did not carry at all in 2024 and prioritize carrying them in 2025. I further need to identify the characteristics that made me pass over these bags.
- Last year, I resolved to stop buying thrift store dresses in prints and colors that weren't right for me. I am also finding that I need to stop buying thrift store dresses that aren't the right length. This year, I will not buy dresses if they are too short or too long for me.
- Looking back on this list, it all feels rather punitive and joyless. Which reflects the 2024 year I had, full of some very rough times. So for these next few goals, I will throw in some things that will give me pleasure. My clothes are almost exclusively polyester cheapies from secondhand shops. I give myself permission to buy one new item of clothing per month at retail price, and it can be of better quality.
- As part of a resolution from two years ago, I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed using a simple brocade pouch as my wallet. The problem now is that the brocade fabric is not meant for everyday use, and it has frayed at all the corners. So I might actually have used something until it wore out, and thus I might actually have earned the right to buy a new, nicer wallet.
- Accept that the prices for my favorite brand have increased past the capacity of my money tree. I went waaaaay over budget TWICE to order new bags during sales in 2024. In 2025, I will buy this brand only secondhand or at significant discount.
- Resist the temptation to shift over to collecting a few other brands I like that are more within my price range.
- Figure out what to do with a few bags I don't love. I feel discouraged because I tried to sell one of them repeatedly in the past and failed to find a buyer. I have already donated the cheapies I realized I wasn't using. I'm not sure what to do with the nicer ones. Try to sell at a lower price? Gift? Donate?
- Identify the bags I did not carry at all in 2024 and prioritize carrying them in 2025. I further need to identify the characteristics that made me pass over these bags.
- Last year, I resolved to stop buying thrift store dresses in prints and colors that weren't right for me. I am also finding that I need to stop buying thrift store dresses that aren't the right length. This year, I will not buy dresses if they are too short or too long for me.
- Looking back on this list, it all feels rather punitive and joyless. Which reflects the 2024 year I had, full of some very rough times. So for these next few goals, I will throw in some things that will give me pleasure. My clothes are almost exclusively polyester cheapies from secondhand shops. I give myself permission to buy one new item of clothing per month at retail price, and it can be of better quality.
- As part of a resolution from two years ago, I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed using a simple brocade pouch as my wallet. The problem now is that the brocade fabric is not meant for everyday use, and it has frayed at all the corners. So I might actually have used something until it wore out, and thus I might actually have earned the right to buy a new, nicer wallet.
I don't live in Cali but I live where it's very hot and humid for a lot of the year. Personally, I find a loose dress in a breathable fabric to be good for the heat. Short sleeves and maybe around knee length so air can circulate my limbs too. Maybe a very light linen scarf if it gets breezy at night.
Oh and I remember my mom having dress shields for underarm sweat back in the day but idk if they exist anymore.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, successful new year ahead; full of peace and healing!
I'm not very good with heat. I didn't find it too hot (as a monthly long visitor) rather more manageable than neighbor states. Average is supposed to be low-80s. Like anywhere, in the evening the temperature may drop, so you may need a light coverup between dances. Since it's been themed 'rustic', it's going to be more casual. I don't think you can go wrong with a pure silk slip dress of whichever length suits you best, and since there are sales on at the moment, you can probably buy one at a discount. Just avoid the obvious Christmassy, holiday colours - although colours like silver or bright red look totally different in the Summer anyway. Summer sandals you can walk/dance in. Take a fine or shawl, wrap, or shirt just in case.
Adding to my list. Figure out if I’m letting my birkin 30 rose Pourpre go. I love color but I now know I’m definitely a team Kelly girl. Have carried bag maybe 4 times.
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Last year was tough and this one won't be any easier. I did a lot of stress shopping last year and it did help me take my mind off things. I want to leave that option open but also learn to find other ways to destress.
1. Remain in the space I have for bags and clothes. That means things must go if I want to add things.
2. Stick with what works for me, whether others like it or not. [Don't buy the big Floral dress my friend insists I get when I know I will never wear it]
3.Work on personal Style. Started last year and got sidetracked. Get rid of stuff that I don't wear that isn't special or doesn't fit well.
4. Make complete outfits and purchase the missing pieces. I have too many things that don't get worn because I'm missing the right shoe etc.
5. Have some fun within reason.
Some of these on my list could really be part of the same thing, but to make sure I actually do them I am making them separate. Budget is something I have gotten better with, though I will keep that in mind too.
1. Remain in the space I have for bags and clothes. That means things must go if I want to add things.
2. Stick with what works for me, whether others like it or not. [Don't buy the big Floral dress my friend insists I get when I know I will never wear it]
3.Work on personal Style. Started last year and got sidetracked. Get rid of stuff that I don't wear that isn't special or doesn't fit well.
4. Make complete outfits and purchase the missing pieces. I have too many things that don't get worn because I'm missing the right shoe etc.
5. Have some fun within reason.
Some of these on my list could really be part of the same thing, but to make sure I actually do them I am making them separate. Budget is something I have gotten better with, though I will keep that in mind too.