2025 Resolution: Shopping my own Bag and SLG Collection

[papertiger]

Do wet want some new challenges in August?

How about wearing one non-black neutral per week (whatever is a neutral for you)

 

[papertiger]

Today I am using my very first Massaccesi, a Selene Midi in Bronze Africa. Customizations include removing the top handles, adding a crossbody strap, adding a zipper across the top, and choosing magenta lining. I lost the race for a similar bag in one of Marco's first sample sales, and when DH found me in tears, he offered to pay for half of this bag.

What a lovely story - and annually lovely bag.

 

[papertiger]

Well, perimenopause, past health issues and an admitted on again / off again level of focus have made it tough for me to get as healthy as quickly as I’ve wanted soooo….

🥁🥁🥁 <drumroll> 🥁 🥁🥁

I signed up for a month away at a wellness retreat! I’m super excited!!! I won’t have time to wear my new bags so I took the “opportunity” to buy a cheap lightweight backpack from Amazon to wear when we’re free to roam the city.

Does anyone have a pretty but sturdy travel crossbody they can recommend? Nothing designer. I’m thinking something extremely practical as I’ll just be wearing athleisure on the weekends.

My mother would wear by Le Tanneur, she bought their cross-bodies time after time, sometimes the women's sometimes in the mens. Look at Longchamps, Furla and Coccinelle. If you were looking designer - Dior pour homme have some great utility-style 'Saddle' bags, if I didn't have a woman's Saddle already I would invest.

 

[papertiger]

I had an 'in conversation' live broadcast today, Before, to calm my nerves, I went for a walk round the block (actually beach and then the golf course followed by the nature reserve) with trusty brown leather pouch. Just big enough for my phone, keys and sunnies. The days seem both long and so short. I start with emails by 7am and am lucky if I finish by 7pm.

Spoiler: DH update

DH's radiotherapy treatment has paused and he goes into hospital tomorrow because they need to drain his stomach area

 

[DME]

I had an 'in conversation' live broadcast today, Before, to calm my nerves, I went for a walk round the block (actually beach and then the golf course followed by the nature reserve) with trusty brown leather pouch. Just big enough for my phone, keys and sunnies. The days seem both long and so short. I start with emails by 7am and am lucky if I finish by 7pm.

Spoiler: DH update

DH's radiotherapy treatment has paused and he goes into hospital tomorrow because they need to drain his stomach area

Oh, no! I’m so sorry to hear that. Sending you and your DH good vibes.

 

[whateve]

Well, perimenopause, past health issues and an admitted on again / off again level of focus have made it tough for me to get as healthy as quickly as I’ve wanted soooo….

🥁🥁🥁 <drumroll> 🥁 🥁🥁

I signed up for a month away at a wellness retreat! I’m super excited!!! I won’t have time to wear my new bags so I took the “opportunity” to buy a cheap lightweight backpack from Amazon to wear when we’re free to roam the city.

Does anyone have a pretty but sturdy travel crossbody they can recommend? Nothing designer. I’m thinking something extremely practical as I’ll just be wearing athleisure on the weekends.

Consider Dooney & Bourke - inexpensive and hold up very well. Pebbled leather, nylon or coated canvas. There are always some on sale. Also for a totally rainproof bag consider Brahmin. They hold up extremely well.

 

[whateve]

I had an 'in conversation' live broadcast today, Before, to calm my nerves, I went for a walk round the block (actually beach and then the golf course followed by the nature reserve) with trusty brown leather pouch. Just big enough for my phone, keys and sunnies. The days seem both long and so short. I start with emails by 7am and am lucky if I finish by 7pm.

Spoiler: DH update

DH's radiotherapy treatment has paused and he goes into hospital tomorrow because they need to drain his stomach area

I'm praying things go well for your DH.

It's probably good you are so busy.

 

[whateve]

My beautiful DD had a wonderful wedding on Saturday. Almost everything went according to plan and what didn't didn't matter at all.
She and her husband didn't stop smiling - from the heart.
It makes me really happy and I am very grateful that they had such a happy day!
This morning they left for their honeymoon.

I'm so happy for you and your daughter and your new son-in-law!

 

[cecchetti]

I had an 'in conversation' live broadcast today, Before, to calm my nerves, I went for a walk round the block (actually beach and then the golf course followed by the nature reserve) with trusty brown leather pouch. Just big enough for my phone, keys and sunnies. The days seem both long and so short. I start with emails by 7am and am lucky if I finish by 7pm.

Spoiler: DH update

DH's radiotherapy treatment has paused and he goes into hospital tomorrow because they need to drain his stomach area

Sending love and thinking of both you and DH❤️.

 

[880]

I had an 'in conversation' live broadcast today, Before, to calm my nerves, I went for a walk round the block (actually beach and then the golf course followed by the nature reserve) with trusty brown leather pouch. Just big enough for my phone, keys and sunnies. The days seem both long and so short. I start with emails by 7am and am lucky if I finish by 7pm.

Spoiler: DH update

DH's radiotherapy treatment has paused and he goes into hospital tomorrow because they need to drain his stomach area

I’m keeping both of you in my thoughts. Sending positive vibes your way.

 

[dcooney4]

I had an 'in conversation' live broadcast today, Before, to calm my nerves, I went for a walk round the block (actually beach and then the golf course followed by the nature reserve) with trusty brown leather pouch. Just big enough for my phone, keys and sunnies. The days seem both long and so short. I start with emails by 7am and am lucky if I finish by 7pm.

Spoiler: DH update

DH's radiotherapy treatment has paused and he goes into hospital tomorrow because they need to drain his stomach area [/SPOILER

Hugs! I will be thinking of both of you.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I didn't clear them all out, I kept two pairs to wear with knee-high boots. Since it's cold here for many months, I knew I would need to bring out those knee-high boots every now and then, and they work best with skinnies. Nevertheless, skinny jeans remain my least favorite style of jeans, perhaps because they're less flattering on me than a slim straight jean, which I find to be very chic. Also love boot cut and flare jeans. My first tries with barrel jeans didn't go so well but I will be looking at thicker materials for fall, as per your suggestion.

I use a nylon bag: a black satchel and a bright green crossbody, both purchased recently specifically for rainy days.

I hope you have a restful and healing time at the wellness retreat.
Is there a specific size you're looking for in a crossbody?

Re: skinnies. As I mentioned, I love them for knee high boots. But, I agree. I think I look best in straight leg jeans with a teeny bit of stretch.

I use my YSL Lou Camera a lot so something around that size or a just a little bigger would be perfect.

Enjoy the wellness retreat!!!!!
Re pretty, sturdy crossbody I must admit to be clueless. My first thought was: go to the thrift store and pick up something fun and carefree.
What I ' d recommend would be a bag with a wide fabric strap, because I find them very comfortable to wear crossbody and tend to attach them to any bag I use for travel.

I haven’t found a good thrift store near me which is frustrating as there are several in my home town and I used to love thrifting.

Today I used a tiny Dr. Marten bag my son bought Christmas before last. I hadn’t really used it because it is so tiny. I got it to work, but had to leave my pouch with meds in it at home.

I find that bags that are too tiny are ones I HAVE to give up. I just can’t struggle with fitting my things - it makes me so irritable to play bag Tetris. That’s why I probably need to sell my Gucci mini Dionysus.

I truly like my Tory Burch Virginia Small Courier - it is a small, nylon crossbody, has a wide strap, a back pocket, an interior front pocket that zips shut and is under the front flap. The front flap is small, and has 2 heavy duty snaps. I can fit all of my things (small wallet, cosmetic bag, epipen, passport (in that zipped pocket0, phone) in it too. I added a cute braided leather top handle, which made it even more functional and is kinda cute.
View attachment 6186250

Oooh! This looks like a good option. Nylon is great for travel.

My mother would wear by Le Tanneur, she bought their cross-bodies time after time, sometimes the women's sometimes in the mens. Look at Longchamps, Furla and Coccinelle. If you were looking designer - Dior pour homme have some great utility-style 'Saddle' bags, if I didn't have a woman's Saddle already I would invest.

Good point, I always forget about the men’s bags. I need to take a peek.

I hope your DH goes through this procedure quickly and easily. I know this interruption in his treatment has to be frustrating. Sending you hugs.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I had an 'in conversation' live broadcast today, Before, to calm my nerves, I went for a walk round the block (actually beach and then the golf course followed by the nature reserve) with trusty brown leather pouch. Just big enough for my phone, keys and sunnies. The days seem both long and so short. I start with emails by 7am and am lucky if I finish by 7pm.

Spoiler: DH update

DH's radiotherapy treatment has paused and he goes into hospital tomorrow because they need to drain his stomach area

Sending positive energy and a virtual hug xx

 

[lill_canele]

I had an 'in conversation' live broadcast today, Before, to calm my nerves, I went for a walk round the block (actually beach and then the golf course followed by the nature reserve) with trusty brown leather pouch. Just big enough for my phone, keys and sunnies. The days seem both long and so short. I start with emails by 7am and am lucky if I finish by 7pm.

Spoiler: DH update

DH's radiotherapy treatment has paused and he goes into hospital tomorrow because they need to drain his stomach area

Wishing your husband the best! May he have a speedy procedure and recovery to get back to treatment.

 

[cecchetti]

I’ve failed miserably in the no buy month-having not bought a bag since last July..

My admirer returned from his holiday on Friday, and took me out for the day yesterday (Saturday).

We had a lovely Italian lunch, and whilst there weren’t any high end designer boutiques, I bought a Reiss black gabardine blazer, Reiss white cotton gabardine blazer, Reiss black gabardine mini skirt, Guess ice blue satin sleeveless blouse, 2 Guess black T-shirts and impulse bought a pink Guess bag for the summer.

He bought me a Jo Malone perfume and a silver and diamond necklace.

Tbh I thoroughly enjoyed myself..

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

I had an 'in conversation' live broadcast today, Before, to calm my nerves, I went for a walk round the block (actually beach and then the golf course followed by the nature reserve) with trusty brown leather pouch. Just big enough for my phone, keys and sunnies. The days seem both long and so short. I start with emails by 7am and am lucky if I finish by 7pm.

Spoiler: DH update

DH's radiotherapy treatment has paused and he goes into hospital tomorrow because they need to drain his stomach area

I hope your DH's procedure went smoothly. Sending healing wishes. Hugs to you!