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)

 

[880]

Looking amazing as always, @880! All three looks are fantastic. Any chance you would be willing to share the brands of the other items? I’m especially in love with the dress and the blue/gold patterned jacket (for lack of a better word).

Thank you. I edited my reply above, but I also took picks of the labels in case you want to search vintage finds on eBay. My friend was very generous and her mom had great taste. The sequined jacket is Diane friez. The chiffon caftan over an emerald green slip is Hanae mori. The jackets are Armani. The gold and black sequined dress is george F couture from Saks. And the raccoon coat is Maximillian from Bonwit Teller.

I’m currently a 36 Chanel RTW; 4-6 US sizing; and these items are about a size 12 US. Which gives you an idea of size inflation should you wish to hunt for comparable vintage pieces.

 

[DME]

Thank you. I edited my reply above, but I also took picks of the labels in case you want to search vintage finds on eBay. My friend was very generous and her mom had great taste. The sequined jacket is Diane friez. The chiffon caftan over an emerald green slip is Hanae mori. The jackets are Armani. The gold and black sequined dress is george F couture from Saks. And the raccoon coat is Maximillian from Bonwit Teller.

I’m currently a 36 Chanel RTW; 4-6 US sizing; and these items are about a size 12 US. Which gives you an idea of size inflation should you wish to hunt for comparable vintage pieces.
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Thank you so much for doing that! I feel like Hanae Mori is a brand I haven’t heard of in ages (just like Carlos Falchi) and I miss Bonwit Teller. There was one in the Carousel Mall in Syracuse back in the 1990s and it was my first experience with them. Such nice offerings!

 

[cecchetti]

I hope you are on the mend health wise. You are always very missed here

This is such a thoughtful gesture. I’m sure the recipients will love being able to choose something fun

ETA:

The jacket is a blend I think with the sequins. It’s a new look for me, but I really like it. Thanks! And, thank you @dcooney4 re the Carlos falchi.

@cecchetti , thinking healing thoughts for you in mid July. I really do feel that my hysterectomy (surgical, not laparoscopic) was one of the best things that I’ve done in terms of comfort and convenience after the fact). And, I’m hoping that you will recover in time to enjoy your vacation.

@DME: brands:
Thank you. The pink dress is Valentino from probably the 1990s or 1980s? The sequined jacket is someone named Diane Friez. And the beige leather is Armani. My friend was very generous; these clothes are from her mom, and she had a great sense of style.

Thank you so much for your words of experience and encouragement!

Agree with @DME that your friend is very nice and that the clothes are gorgeous!

 

[Bag peace]

My friend was very generous; these clothes are from her mom, and she had a great sense of style.

Thank you! And yay- extra pictures! Thanks for those, too.
I love that your friend (and her mum) shared such unique items! This is truly being sustainable and it allows gorgeous pieces to live a second life with the new owner! Reminds me of @cowgirlsboots always breathing new life into random pieces.
I know that you also declutter by sharing your items, @880 and I'm so happy your whole circle shares in that philosophy.
The best part for me is that you seem to be beaming in your pics. It's wonderful that you're experimenting with your style, and better yet that you're finding joy in the process.

I hope that you are starting to feel better..❤️

Thank you! I hope your mum is doing all right these days and her carers are being kind; and that your dad isn't too stressed about your appointment. I trust that everything will go smoothly and I really do hope you won't be too worried in the lead up.

Since it sounds like what they accept in your friend’s country differs from what they accept in yours, maybe she can provide some additional guidance on other items you can add?

Thank you! Yes, she's basically said anything goes, which is wonderful. So body sprays, lotions, soaps...all that stuff that's normally not allowed, is. But I'm strapped for cash, so will focus on the essentials first (toothpaste, shower gel, feminine products), as well as stuff I can pull from my closet. Then if there's space in my budget, I'll add in sillier things (maybe from Bath and Bodyworks, since those body sprays are always on sale and I can bulk-buy, lol).
I feel like I'm not covering all bases though, so am happy to take suggestions if anyone's got them.

I am trying to shop my closet more, but this is very much a me outfit (I have something similar from fall/winter that I love), so I just had to.

You absolutely had to! So bright and cheerful for the summer! Wear it in good health!
Also, if you're comfortable doing so, please do update us after your physio is done. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

 

[dcooney4]

@dcooney4, I thought of you this morning when trying on a new outfit I ordered from Lilly Pulitzer. DD was sitting in my room watching TV, so I made the mistake of asking her what she thought. It’s a lot of pink and she hates pink, so I should have known better! Luckily DH liked it and I love it, so I’m not letting her dislike ruin my outfit. I’m keeping it. Maybe I’ll torture her by wearing it around her as much as pox possible.

Here’s a stock photo of the outfit from their website. My local store didn’t receive this collection and I wasn’t in the mood to drive into Virginia last weekend to check it out, so I let my store talk me into ordering instead, even though I prefer to try on in store (their return window in not great). Now I just have to return one pair of the pants since I ordered them in two sizes - just to be safe.

I am trying to shop my closet more, but this is very much a me outfit (I have something similar from fall/winter that I love), so I just had to.

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It’s very pretty and I am not a pink person but I really like it.

 

[dcooney4]

I haven't popped in for a while. I had a few health setbacks which pulled me out of the real world for a couple of months.
I think I'd last posted when my friend gifted me a box of bags. Well, I'm still feeling overwhelmed by my collection and all these additions, so have arranged with a friend who helps at a women's shelter to donate some items. She's based in another country which is working to my benefit because they accept all sorts of things my local shelters don't. Once I'm feeling a bit stronger, I'll figure out what I can put in the packages and start preparing them.
I'm thinking some basic clothing items, hygiene items, lotions, some bags and some jewellery* from my collection that I'm not reaching for. If anyone has suggestions for things I can add in, I'm all ears!

*Edit: the jewellery is just some silver pieces and handmade bits from my earlier travels. All lightweight and free-size, so should hopefully appeal to some of the women. I'm not certain they're appropriate, but was thinking they may enjoy picking out something cute from the selection for themselves, or they can sell them if needed. Please let me know your thoughts. I'll exclude those items if the group thinks they'd be inappropriate.

Hopefully I can get this done before the end of the month and then I'll be able to update my bag stats correctly.
Looking at the pinned challenges, I think I can do Forgotten Favourites. There are a few I haven't reached for in a while and this is the nudge I needed to bring them out.

Hope you are starting to feel better. I think anything you give will make someone happy.

 

[Cookiefiend]

@Cookiefiend - Thanks for this recommendation! I purchased the bag and wore it a couple of days. While I do wish it was a teeny bit bigger for the use I was considering, I’m keeping it as it’s perfect for festivals, going to the mall or anywhere else I’ll want to be hands free and not loaded down. @dcooney4 I think you’ll enjoy it.

DH is always braver about bags for me than I am… and he’s almost always right. So he pushes me into sizes, shapes and materials that I think are impractical but ultimately become some of my favorite bags. My collection is certainly more stylish because of him.

One thing, however, is he hates my Chanel Jumbos and just thinks they look too big on me and are dated. I think that has (unfortunately) influenced me a bit to the negative but I have no intention of selling in the near term. I think I could fall back in love with them but would NEVER, EVER, EVER pay the current price demanded for a Chanel - even resale. So, what I have needs to stay happily in my collection for the foreseeable future.

awesome - I'm glad you like it enough to keep it!

Thanks so much for the well wishes, @cecchetti, @880 and @dcooney4 (and anyone I may have missed)! My goal is to avoid surgery, so I have six weeks of physical therapy to get the numbness, tingling and weakness under control. Fingers crossed!

Add my well wishes to the group - and I don't blame you for wanting to avoid surgery... I hope th PT goes well!

@dcooney4, I thought of you this morning when trying on a new outfit I ordered from Lilly Pulitzer. DD was sitting in my room watching TV, so I made the mistake of asking her what she thought. It’s a lot of pink and she hates pink, so I should have known better! Luckily DH liked it and I love it, so I’m not letting her dislike ruin my outfit. I’m keeping it. Maybe I’ll torture her by wearing it around her as much as pox possible.

Here’s a stock photo of the outfit from their website. My local store didn’t receive this collection and I wasn’t in the mood to drive into Virginia last weekend to check it out, so I let my store talk me into ordering instead, even though I prefer to try on in store (their return window in not great). Now I just have to return one pair of the pants since I ordered them in two sizes - just to be safe.

I am trying to shop my closet more, but this is very much a me outfit (I have something similar from fall/winter that I love), so I just had to.

View attachment 6189685

I l.o.v.e this - it's really cute and looks comfy!
(plus I really like pink!)

I have the date through for the hysteroscopy under general anaesthetic-Friday 18th July, my girlfriend will be driving me to the hospital and home.

I have to go for a pre-op on Monday 14th as it’s classed as an operation because of the anaesthetic, my admirer has gallantly agreed to drive me there (it’s about an hour away).

I’m nervous about the procedure, and don’t really respond to anaesthetics very well either.

The results will indicate whether or not I need a full hysterectomy, but unfortunately there isn’t time to operate and recover before my holiday, despite the fact that my surgeon would otherwise have put me top of the operating list.

My Father is worried about me-at the moment my life is very hectic!

Sending good vibes your way!

I haven't popped in for a while. I had a few health setbacks which pulled me out of the real world for a couple of months.
I think I'd last posted when my friend gifted me a box of bags. Well, I'm still feeling overwhelmed by my collection and all these additions, so have arranged with a friend who helps at a women's shelter to donate some items. She's based in another country which is working to my benefit because they accept all sorts of things my local shelters don't. Once I'm feeling a bit stronger, I'll figure out what I can put in the packages and start preparing them.
I'm thinking some basic clothing items, hygiene items, lotions, some bags and some jewellery* from my collection that I'm not reaching for. If anyone has suggestions for things I can add in, I'm all ears!

*Edit: the jewellery is just some silver pieces and handmade bits from my earlier travels. All lightweight and free-size, so should hopefully appeal to some of the women. I'm not certain they're appropriate, but was thinking they may enjoy picking out something cute from the selection for themselves, or they can sell them if needed. Please let me know your thoughts. I'll exclude those items if the group thinks they'd be inappropriate.

Hopefully I can get this done before the end of the month and then I'll be able to update my bag stats correctly.
Looking at the pinned challenges, I think I can do Forgotten Favourites. There are a few I haven't reached for in a while and this is the nudge I needed to bring them out.

I hope your health is improving and that you'll soon be back in the pink. I agree with many here - any thing you donate will be appreciated!

 

[Bag peace]

Hope you are starting to feel better. I think anything you give will make someone happy.

Thank you! I suppose you're right. I just feel confused and like I'm missing something obvious. Hopefully once I start preparing, it will all come together nicely.
How's your wrist doing? All healed up, I hope!

I hope your health is improving and that you'll soon be back in the pink. I agree with many here - any thing you donate will be appreciated!

Thank you! Have you finished your big move? I hope you're all settled in and can finally rest a little!

 

[dcooney4]

Thank you! I suppose you're right. I just feel confused and like I'm missing something obvious. Hopefully once I start preparing, it will all come together nicely.
How's your wrist doing? All healed up, I hope!


Thank you! Have you finished your big move? I hope you're all settled in and can finally rest a little!

My wrist is getting there. The control with my paint brush is not 100 percent there yet, but it makes it interesting and challenging so I guess that is a lesson in itself. Try not to stress , whatever you give will be appreciated.

 

[Bag peace]

My wrist is getting there. The control with my paint brush is not 100 percent there yet, but it makes it interesting and challenging so I guess that is a lesson in itself.

Sorry to keep posting and clogging up the thread, but this is such a brilliant perspective to have! I really admire how you've spun a difficulty into a positive challenge!
I hope it continues to heal and I can't wait to see more of your paintings in your profile pic soon.

 

[Cookiefiend]

Thank you! I suppose you're right. I just feel confused and like I'm missing something obvious. Hopefully once I start preparing, it will all come together nicely.
How's your wrist doing? All healed up, I hope!


Thank you! Have you finished your big move? I hope you're all settled in and can finally rest a little!

Yes - all 3 moves completed and we're settling into them all. Things have calmed down a little! Thank you for checking!

 

[cecchetti]

Thank you. I edited my reply above, but I also took picks of the labels in case you want to search vintage finds on eBay. My friend was very generous and her mom had great taste. The sequined jacket is Diane friez. The chiffon caftan over an emerald green slip is Hanae mori. The jackets are Armani. The gold and black sequined dress is george F couture from Saks. And the raccoon coat is Maximillian from Bonwit Teller.

I’m currently a 36 Chanel RTW; 4-6 US sizing; and these items are about a size 12 US. Which gives you an idea of size inflation should you wish to hunt for comparable vintage pieces.
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Your friend reminds a little of my friend at Valentino,where I worked whilst paying for my accountancy training in the very late 1980’s/beginning 1990’s.

She was much older than me (early 40’s) and an Austrian Countess called Hannelore.
We were both tiny, I was a Valentino 4, she was a 6, we both also wore Chanel, and I would stay with her in Hans Crescent(behind Harrods), with her Chinchilla cat Snowdrop, before she remarried-we would feast on delicacies from Partridges in Sloane Street and try on her clothes, and she would give me some, which the Valentino retouches would alter.

They were happy days!

 

[880]

Your friend reminds a little of my friend at Valentino,where I worked whilst paying for my accountancy training in the very late 1980’s/beginning 1990’s.

She was much older than me (early 40’s) and an Austrian Countess called Hannelore.
We were both tiny, I was a Valentino 4, she was a 6, we both also wore Chanel, and I would stay with her in Hans Crescent(behind Harrods), with her Chinchilla cat Snowdrop, before she remarried-we would feast on delicacies from Partridges in Sloane Street and try on her clothes, and she would give me some, which the Valentino retouches would alter.

They were happy days!

That sounds so fun, happy, and delicious I bet Snowdrop was stunning

 

[cecchetti]

That sounds so fun, happy, and delicious I bet Snowdrop was stunning

Yes she Was!

Hannalore pronounced her name with a heavy accent, which Snowdrop didn’t seem to mind!

 

[dcooney4]

Yes - all 3 moves completed and we're settling into them all. Things have calmed down a little! Thank you for checking!

Just received my Tory Burch. At first glance I thought it was too small, but it fit everything with room to spare. It is a keeper. Thanks for the recommendation. I am a happy camper.