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
- Start date
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Last year I finally wore every bag I owned that was not up for sale, with the exception of what I received for Christmas. I got sick after Christmas and didn't get a chance to wear them yet. I want to do the same this year. Make sure I use all my bags even specialty ones at least once. If a bag is up for sale, I don't use it so it will be exactly as described. All the rest must get worn. Considering how much movement I had last year, it was quite the feat.
Hello All! Thanks @papertiger for starting us off on a new year’s adventure together.
I’m focusing the first half of this year on two important priorities. The most important being “Me” as I get healthy & fit after so many surgeries and medical issues. The second is a gut renovation of the owner’s bedroom suite in our main home. I’m going shopping with the interior designer tomorrow with a mixture of excitement and already being “over” it as I interviewed 9 contractors before selecting one. Ugh!
These activities (that ultimately will make me very happy) will keep me too busy to think about acquiring anything other than home & interiors items.
SPARKLETASTIC’S 2025 GOALS
Wardrobe Related
- Handbag ban til I meet my weight / fitness goals: Normally I’d never connect the two but I did some self soothing shopping in 2024 that I never want to repeat (bags have never been an emotional support item for me and I don’t want to go down that slippery slope.)
- Wear at least 75% of my bags 6 or more times
- Get rid of 10 bags
- I TRULY despise selling things. This ridiculous goal is fueled by impulse purchases as 6 of the 10 were bought in the last 2 years. I’ll drop the price to pennies or donate to be rid of them. The mental energy of having them in my space isn’t healthy. This is also a hard reminder to keep my “success rate” metrics at the forefront when I buy.
- Buy no more than 3 bags and have 100% success rate in loving / keeping.
- Determine fate of 2 bags
- Fendi Silver Floral WOC - I’ve worn this bag so much that it’s now looking a little tired. If I find a replacement (which won’t be easy) I’ll allow myself to buy it in H2.
- Gucci Mini Navy Dionysus - This bag frustrates me to the moon & back. I love it but it’s too small & stiff so I’ve only worn it 3 times in 4 years. I’m open to suggestions to make it usable.
- Carefully but diligently upgrade 25% of my clothing to better match the quality of my handbag collection. Because I need to get surgery weight off, this will be an H2 effort.
Non Wardrobe Related
I’ll be changing the format of how I report each month to reflect progress on these goals.
- Achieve optimal fitness post health issues
- Deeply enjoy 2 new or reclaimed hobbies
Good luck, everyone!
Question: Do we have a January challenge? If not, I challenge everyone to go through their FULL handbag wardrobe and give each bag the care it needs: clean, moisturize, repair, get organizers, stuff & store properly, update straps, etc. It will be easier for us to shop our closets if we have well maintained bags ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Love this January challenge! 🫡
January is my usual month when I revise my AW bag rotation and clean any before I put them away, looking over any replacements. I will pare-down what's in my Loewe pouch and clean inside all current rotation bags. January is good month for a good brush-out (inside and out) and washing if need be, even though things take a bit longer to dry.
I use pouches to organise. In my Evie (default bag) I have a Loewe suede pouch and inside I have 3 silk-satin pouches of different colours repurposed from my Gucci glass cases that I use to separate and organise 1) H Calvis (one is used for business card) and pass holders 2) Hermes agender 3) mini sewing kit, nail file, tape measure, mini lipstick etc. Nothing rolling around and everything is secure. Virtually no weight to these little bags.
For your Gucci Mini Dionysus, does it have a removable strap? If so, what about using it as a wallet, or pouch, insiade one for your gorgeous totes/larger bags?Hello All! Thanks @papertiger for starting us off on a new year’s adventure together.
I’m focusing the first half of this year on two important priorities. The most important being “Me” as I get healthy & fit after so many surgeries and medical issues. The second is a gut renovation of the owner’s bedroom suite in our main home. I’m going shopping with the interior designer tomorrow with a mixture of excitement and already being “over” it as I interviewed 9 contractors before selecting one. Ugh!
These activities (that ultimately will make me very happy
SPARKLETASTIC’S 2025 GOALS
Wardrobe Related
- Handbag ban til I meet my weight / fitness goals: Normally I’d never connect the two but I did some self soothing shopping in 2024 that I never want to repeat (bags have never been an emotional support item for me and I don’t want to go down that slippery slope.)
- Wear at least 75% of my bags 6 or more times
- Get rid of 10 bags
- Buy no more than 3 bags and have 100% success rate in loving / keeping.
- Determine fate of 2 bags
- Fendi Silver Floral WOC - I’ve worn this bag so much that it’s now looking a little tired. If I find a replacement (which won’t be easy) I’ll allow myself to buy it in H2.
- Gucci Mini Navy Dionysus - This bag frustrates me to the moon & back. I love it but it’s too small & stiff so I’ve only worn it 3 times in 4 years. I’m open to suggestions to make it usable.
- Carefully but diligently upgrade 25% of my clothing to better match the quality of my handbag collection. Because I need to get surgery weight off, this will be an H2 effort.
Non Wardrobe Related
I’ll be changing the format of how I report each month to reflect progress on these goals.
- Achieve optimal fitness post health issues
- Deeply enjoy 2 new or reclaimed hobbies
Good luck, everyone!
Question: Do we have a January challenge? If not, I challenge everyone to go through their FULL handbag wardrobe and give each bag the care it needs: clean, moisturize, repair, get organizers, stuff & store properly, update straps, etc. It will be easier for us to shop our closets if we have well maintained bags ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Happy New Year to all, and many thanks to @papertiger for starting our 2025 thread!
Looking back over last year’s resolutions, I think they work well for this year, too, so I’m going to lot them again this year with some minor tweaks.
(1) Continue to rotate my bags more often. The tray in my closet where I keep a couple of bags at the ready continues to help with this. My new goal for this one is to rotate what’s at the ready on a monthly basis.
(2) Continue to downsize my collection. I still have too many bags, SLGs, bag charms, clothes, shoes, scarves, etc. I did lots of downsizing in 2024 (bags, SLGs, jewelry, shoes and clothes); however, I also added five bags, some reusable totes, SLGs, jewelry and plenty of new clothes/shoes. That said, what I did was take the proceeds from sales to fund many of the ins - and I finally got some pieces of jewelry I had been after as a result. So I don’t feel too bad about the state of this one, even if I didn’t meet my 2024 goal.
(3) Continue to redefine my style. I did better in 2024 about purchasing for my actual lifestyle (more elevated/tailored athletic wear, with a few nicer pieces mixed in for times when I need to dress better). I did not yet add another pair of designer sneakers, but I’ll work on that in 2025.
(4) Continue to purge the house with an eye toward retirement. Even if we stay in this house, we really don’t need/use all the things we currently have and I am so over cleaning them! My outs in 2024 were less than previous years for this one, but thee were few ins here, so that t hells me I’m getting close to only having what works.
(5) Continue to upgrade my jewelry. I did add a gold bead bracelet to my collection like I had hope, ut I still have not found an in-room jewelry safe, so the hunt continues! I have a few jewelry pieces I would like to add, but am being very meticulous about waiting for what I really want, rather than settling.
This coming year will be a transitional one for us, as DD will be off to college in the fall (only child). She got accepted early decision to her first choice school, so we are all breathing a sigh of relief. With her driver’s license came a job and, since she also now has a boyfriend, we don’t see much of her on weekends; I think that will help us ease into being empty-nesters. We planned a fall trip to Europe with friends whose daughters went off to college this year and are in the early stages of planning a February 2026 trip since we won’t be constrained by the school calendar anymore. It’s both scary and exciting to be entering this next stage of our lives!
Looking back over last year’s resolutions, I think they work well for this year, too, so I’m going to lot them again this year with some minor tweaks.
(1) Continue to rotate my bags more often. The tray in my closet where I keep a couple of bags at the ready continues to help with this. My new goal for this one is to rotate what’s at the ready on a monthly basis.
(2) Continue to downsize my collection. I still have too many bags, SLGs, bag charms, clothes, shoes, scarves, etc. I did lots of downsizing in 2024 (bags, SLGs, jewelry, shoes and clothes); however, I also added five bags, some reusable totes, SLGs, jewelry and plenty of new clothes/shoes. That said, what I did was take the proceeds from sales to fund many of the ins - and I finally got some pieces of jewelry I had been after as a result. So I don’t feel too bad about the state of this one, even if I didn’t meet my 2024 goal.
(3) Continue to redefine my style. I did better in 2024 about purchasing for my actual lifestyle (more elevated/tailored athletic wear, with a few nicer pieces mixed in for times when I need to dress better). I did not yet add another pair of designer sneakers, but I’ll work on that in 2025.
(4) Continue to purge the house with an eye toward retirement. Even if we stay in this house, we really don’t need/use all the things we currently have and I am so over cleaning them! My outs in 2024 were less than previous years for this one, but thee were few ins here, so that t hells me I’m getting close to only having what works.
(5) Continue to upgrade my jewelry. I did add a gold bead bracelet to my collection like I had hope, ut I still have not found an in-room jewelry safe, so the hunt continues! I have a few jewelry pieces I would like to add, but am being very meticulous about waiting for what I really want, rather than settling.
This coming year will be a transitional one for us, as DD will be off to college in the fall (only child). She got accepted early decision to her first choice school, so we are all breathing a sigh of relief. With her driver’s license came a job and, since she also now has a boyfriend, we don’t see much of her on weekends; I think that will help us ease into being empty-nesters. We planned a fall trip to Europe with friends whose daughters went off to college this year and are in the early stages of planning a February 2026 trip since we won’t be constrained by the school calendar anymore. It’s both scary and exciting to be entering this next stage of our lives!
On #5, we have long used investment firms and have been largely pleased (fees aside!). We made a few mistakes when we were younger, but those have been helpful as we’ve moved forward. For us, I felt the trick was knowing what we wanted out of an advisor and knowing our goals, then evaluating any new teams carefully against those before signing on. Our most recent switch was a happy accident and we feel even better about where we are in terms of our goals (retiring early has been the big one).
On #6, have you visited the hot flash thread? I’ll post a link below in case you want to check it out (even if you’re not 50 yet, please feel free to participate). Lots of great information and lots of great discussion.
Great goals. I love the skirt!
@papertiger Thanks for the new thread! I'm excited to hear how you rework your evening bags!
@lill_canele That dress looks fabulous on you! Wow!
@dcooney4 I sincerely hope this next year is easier on you in every way possible! You seem to have really had a rough go of late, so hopefully life gets kinder soon.
@Sparkletastic You'll certainly be your best self before you know it. You always achieve what you set your mind to, so just take it one step at a time and you'll be there before you know it. Remember that you're still in recovery and that you deserve this rest period. Everything will fall into place in time.
Happy new year everyone! What wonderful goals you've already listed! It's exciting to start a fresh new chapter.
______
I've brought down my bag collection to 14 bags. I have 5 black, 2 blue, 2 green, 2 red, 1 grey, 1 multicoloured, and 1 coral. My goal is to use them all and possibly release 1 or 2 of them by the end of the year.
I feel much better and lighter with this collection and would like to mindfully downsize further, without any rush or pressure to do so.
The lessons I've learned over the past 2 years are that I do much better with fewer bags in my closet, and I still prefer my artisan bags over anything commercial. I was devastated to find some of my favourite contemporary bags couldn't hold up to regular use this year.
My Coach and Hammitt bags, in particular, really shocked me with how they couldn't withstand light daily use. This likely means no more from either brand for me again since I hate seeing bags wear out this quickly.
This is partly a "me" problem. I think if I used each bag a handful of times a year, they would've lasted forever, but that's not practical. I want to be able to use them regularly since bags are utilitarian in nature. It was terribly disappointing to find none of them could handle regular use, even when I'm so careful with my bags.
My handmade bags lasted me years, only getting more beautiful with age. I miss that quality.
Anyway, as I've rapidly downsized, I started to picture myself rebuilding my collection from scratch at some point in the near future; that is, if I continue on this trajectory of gifting my bags away. I'm starting to wonder what it would be like to start over. How many would I ideally have? What colours and styles? Which brands would I trust? Would I go back to quirky styles (probably, lol!) or try to do a more refined, grown up collection? I don't have the answers to those questions since I keep changing my mind, but it's fun to imagine.
As for the rest of my closet, I will continue to make capsule wardrobes out of clothes I already own and donate anything in the capsule that isn't working for me. I've downsized a lot by doing this, but still have enough clothes to last a long time. I'm grateful for that since everything in the market is some sort of polyblend these days. I am lucky my stuff is all natural fibres and can sustain me.
I also want to use more of the shoes I already own! Many of them were my 'work' shoes and I've had them put aside for when I return to an office, but realistically, they should be used casually in the meantime. It's no good having them sitting. So, that's another goal that I hope to stick to.
Broadly speaking, I have 5 items on my wishlist: a suede bag, a yellow/mustard bag, a pair of Stuart Weitzman 'lowland otk' boots, a bottle of perfume, and a very dainty white gold or platinum bracelet. These are just loose categories, I have no specific brands or designs in mind, outside of the boots. I cannot afford anything on this list presently, so it's just a 'someday' list. In the meantime, I'm totally content!
My personal goals this year are just to continue to practice gratitude and spread positivity whenever I can. I've been touched by unexpected friends who stood by me when mum was in the hospital, and it has reminded me that I need to pay it forward and make sure I'm actively uplifting people at every opportunity. I hope I am able to do so.
I'm not sure how often I'll be popping in as life is hectic, but I will try to keep up with everyone's news. Wishing you all good health, less stress, lots of laugher, and boundless love from your chosen ones in the coming year!
@lill_canele That dress looks fabulous on you! Wow!
@dcooney4 I sincerely hope this next year is easier on you in every way possible! You seem to have really had a rough go of late, so hopefully life gets kinder soon.
@Sparkletastic You'll certainly be your best self before you know it. You always achieve what you set your mind to, so just take it one step at a time and you'll be there before you know it. Remember that you're still in recovery and that you deserve this rest period. Everything will fall into place in time.
Happy new year everyone! What wonderful goals you've already listed! It's exciting to start a fresh new chapter.
______
I've brought down my bag collection to 14 bags. I have 5 black, 2 blue, 2 green, 2 red, 1 grey, 1 multicoloured, and 1 coral. My goal is to use them all and possibly release 1 or 2 of them by the end of the year.
I feel much better and lighter with this collection and would like to mindfully downsize further, without any rush or pressure to do so.
The lessons I've learned over the past 2 years are that I do much better with fewer bags in my closet, and I still prefer my artisan bags over anything commercial. I was devastated to find some of my favourite contemporary bags couldn't hold up to regular use this year.
My Coach and Hammitt bags, in particular, really shocked me with how they couldn't withstand light daily use. This likely means no more from either brand for me again since I hate seeing bags wear out this quickly.
This is partly a "me" problem. I think if I used each bag a handful of times a year, they would've lasted forever, but that's not practical. I want to be able to use them regularly since bags are utilitarian in nature. It was terribly disappointing to find none of them could handle regular use, even when I'm so careful with my bags.
My handmade bags lasted me years, only getting more beautiful with age. I miss that quality.
Anyway, as I've rapidly downsized, I started to picture myself rebuilding my collection from scratch at some point in the near future; that is, if I continue on this trajectory of gifting my bags away. I'm starting to wonder what it would be like to start over. How many would I ideally have? What colours and styles? Which brands would I trust? Would I go back to quirky styles (probably, lol!) or try to do a more refined, grown up collection? I don't have the answers to those questions since I keep changing my mind, but it's fun to imagine.
As for the rest of my closet, I will continue to make capsule wardrobes out of clothes I already own and donate anything in the capsule that isn't working for me. I've downsized a lot by doing this, but still have enough clothes to last a long time. I'm grateful for that since everything in the market is some sort of polyblend these days. I am lucky my stuff is all natural fibres and can sustain me.
I also want to use more of the shoes I already own! Many of them were my 'work' shoes and I've had them put aside for when I return to an office, but realistically, they should be used casually in the meantime. It's no good having them sitting. So, that's another goal that I hope to stick to.
Broadly speaking, I have 5 items on my wishlist: a suede bag, a yellow/mustard bag, a pair of Stuart Weitzman 'lowland otk' boots, a bottle of perfume, and a very dainty white gold or platinum bracelet. These are just loose categories, I have no specific brands or designs in mind, outside of the boots. I cannot afford anything on this list presently, so it's just a 'someday' list. In the meantime, I'm totally content!
My personal goals this year are just to continue to practice gratitude and spread positivity whenever I can. I've been touched by unexpected friends who stood by me when mum was in the hospital, and it has reminded me that I need to pay it forward and make sure I'm actively uplifting people at every opportunity. I hope I am able to do so.
I'm not sure how often I'll be popping in as life is hectic, but I will try to keep up with everyone's news. Wishing you all good health, less stress, lots of laugher, and boundless love from your chosen ones in the coming year!
... that's the ballet dancer. Please give yourself a little leeway in case you get to the point where this self testing turns into self punishment. ❤️
Thank you dear @papertiger for creating the new thread!
I'm excited to join this fabulous community for another year!
As for my goals they are a bit foggy, yet- my current mindset is go with the flow. Breathe.
What I definetely know is, that I technically have enough clothes and bags for a lifetime. Plus I am happy with what I have.
Last year I had to do the most major purge ever when I left to start over. Most " maybes" and " meaningless" and abut all bad quality pieces were left behind, same as what really didn't fit me and lots of pieces I had been saving for Sunday best for so long, they had spoiled ( like some furs) or didn't have any chance to fit me anymore ( like the most glorious green 60 ies coat with leopard trim that meanwhile hung off me like a garbage bag with no chance to alter it back to a figure hugging shape.)
Still I brought a lot. About a third of the clothes I brought are boxed in the attic, because they don't fit, but are worth keeping.
For the first time ever my designer bags and the cowgirls boots collection are in a proper cabinet where I can see them and enjoy and where they won't spoil.
So what to aim for?
Wear my stuff! Wear it without an " occasion" and enjoy it, even though it might get signs of use. I feel it's better to ruin something while enjoying it than see it spoil without ever having used it.
Only buy what I truly need ( basics) or love ( vintage). I usually buy only second hand anyway - except for the basics.
Don't buy meaningless fillers or bad quality. They never serve any purpose but the short joy of the purchase.
Keep sewing, painting, embroidering... polishing poo! It brings me joy!
Don't get too fat to wear the fabulous green gown ( that cannot be made any larger!) to my DD's wedding in June!
Non wardrobe goals:
sort out my health and mental health
I'm excited to join this fabulous community for another year!
As for my goals they are a bit foggy, yet- my current mindset is go with the flow. Breathe.
What I definetely know is, that I technically have enough clothes and bags for a lifetime. Plus I am happy with what I have.
Last year I had to do the most major purge ever when I left to start over. Most " maybes" and " meaningless" and abut all bad quality pieces were left behind, same as what really didn't fit me and lots of pieces I had been saving for Sunday best for so long, they had spoiled ( like some furs) or didn't have any chance to fit me anymore ( like the most glorious green 60 ies coat with leopard trim that meanwhile hung off me like a garbage bag with no chance to alter it back to a figure hugging shape.)
Still I brought a lot. About a third of the clothes I brought are boxed in the attic, because they don't fit, but are worth keeping.
For the first time ever my designer bags and the cowgirls boots collection are in a proper cabinet where I can see them and enjoy and where they won't spoil.
So what to aim for?
Wear my stuff! Wear it without an " occasion" and enjoy it, even though it might get signs of use. I feel it's better to ruin something while enjoying it than see it spoil without ever having used it.
Only buy what I truly need ( basics) or love ( vintage). I usually buy only second hand anyway - except for the basics.
Don't buy meaningless fillers or bad quality. They never serve any purpose but the short joy of the purchase.
Keep sewing, painting, embroidering... polishing poo! It brings me joy!
Don't get too fat to wear the fabulous green gown ( that cannot be made any larger!) to my DD's wedding in June!
Non wardrobe goals:
sort out my health and mental health
What a fabulous dress! Silk underwear - preferrably a slip dress, but I don't know whether there are any for this type of neckline- sure one could be altered to work- could be a good way to stay cool on a hot day.Thank you ladies!I'm not good with heat either. Would rather be in a cold place than hot lol.
Yes that is exactly what I did. I bought a ralph lauren satin dress 40% off. Unfortunately not silk, I wasn't paying attention to the material, mostly looking at photos at the time.
View attachment 6110375
Of course, I bet it's super long and I'll have to get it altered.
I'll be on the hunt for a light summer scarf/shawl/wrap after my Q1 shopping ban! Perhaps shop for one when I'm overseas.
I love reading everyones comments!
Adding onto wearing what you have, I pulled out my Gucci canteen crossbody. It was such a bargain at $250! Love, love, love! I love bags that have geometric aspects to them. A part of spending less is appreciating what you have.
Adding onto wearing what you have, I pulled out my Gucci canteen crossbody. It was such a bargain at $250! Love, love, love! I love bags that have geometric aspects to them. A part of spending less is appreciating what you have.
Attachments
Yay! The year is starting off well. One handbag just sold. 9 more to go!!
I've brought down my bag collection to 14 bags. I have 5 black, 2 blue, 2 green, 2 red, 1 grey, 1 multicoloured, and 1 coral. My goal is to use them all and possibly release 1 or 2 of them by the end of the year.
I feel much better and lighter with this collection and would like to mindfully downsize further, without any rush or pressure to do so.
The lessons I've learned over the past 2 years are that I do much better with fewer bags in my closet, and I still prefer my artisan bags over anything commercial. I was devastated to find some of my favourite contemporary bags couldn't hold up to regular use this year.
My Coach and Hammitt bags, in particular, really shocked me with how they couldn't withstand light daily use. This likely means no more from either brand for me again since I hate seeing bags wear out this quickly.
This is partly a "me" problem. I think if I used each bag a handful of times a year, they would've lasted forever, but that's not practical. I want to be able to use them regularly since bags are utilitarian in nature. It was terribly disappointing to find none of them could handle regular use, even when I'm so careful with my bags.
My handmade bags lasted me years, only getting more beautiful with age. I miss that quality.
Anyway, as I've rapidly downsized, I started to picture myself rebuilding my collection from scratch at some point in the near future; that is, if I continue on this trajectory of gifting my bags away. I'm starting to wonder what it would be like to start over. How many would I ideally have? What colours and styles? Which brands would I trust? Would I go back to quirky styles (probably, lol!) or try to do a more refined, grown up collection? I don't have the answers to those questions since I keep changing my mind, but it's fun to imagine.
As for the rest of my closet, I will continue to make capsule wardrobes out of clothes I already own and donate anything in the capsule that isn't working for me. I've downsized a lot by doing this, but still have enough clothes to last a long time. I'm grateful for that since everything in the market is some sort of polyblend these days. I am lucky my stuff is all natural fibres and can sustain me.
I also want to use more of the shoes I already own! Many of them were my 'work' shoes and I've had them put aside for when I return to an office, but realistically, they should be used casually in the meantime. It's no good having them sitting. So, that's another goal that I hope to stick to.
Broadly speaking, I have 5 items on my wishlist: a suede bag, a yellow/mustard bag, a pair of Stuart Weitzman 'lowland otk' boots, a bottle of perfume, and a very dainty white gold or platinum bracelet. These are just loose categories, I have no specific brands or designs in mind, outside of the boots. I cannot afford anything on this list presently, so it's just a 'someday' list. In the meantime, I'm totally content!
My personal goals this year are just to continue to practice gratitude and spread positivity whenever I can. I've been touched by unexpected friends who stood by me when mum was in the hospital, and it has reminded me that I need to pay it forward and make sure I'm actively uplifting people at every opportunity. I hope I am able to do so.
I'm not sure how often I'll be popping in as life is hectic, but I will try to keep up with everyone's news. Wishing you all good health, less stress, lots of laugher, and boundless love from your chosen ones in the coming year!
You've done so much towards 'bag peace' and you certainly spread positivity and uplift whenever you visit.
Wishing you fulfillment of your set goals, and the same wishes as you've wished for others (which are so lovely!).
What a great accomplishment to wear each bag you own. I would love to do the same this year.
I really need pouches. I’d hesitated on buying because I don’t want extra weight. Thanks for reminding me that fabric pouches exist. Lol!
The strap isn’t removable. But, even if it was, the bag isn’t usable as a wallet. The Dionysus hardware is as sizable as it is beautiful so the mini bag has quite a bit of depth and is rigid as well.
Congratulations to your DD!
Thank you for your very kind words. I HAVE to keep reminding myself that I’m not healed so not to be hard on myself.@papertiger Thanks for the new thread! I'm excited to hear how you rework your evening bags!
@lill_canele That dress looks fabulous on you! Wow!
@dcooney4 I sincerely hope this next year is easier on you in every way possible! You seem to have really had a rough go of late, so hopefully life gets kinder soon.
@Sparkletastic You'll certainly be your best self before you know it. You always achieve what you set your mind to, so just take it one step at a time and you'll be there before you know it. Remember that you're still in recovery and that you deserve this rest period. Everything will fall into place in time.
Happy new year everyone! What wonderful goals you've already listed! It's exciting to start a fresh new chapter.
______
I've brought down my bag collection to 14 bags. I have 5 black, 2 blue, 2 green, 2 red, 1 grey, 1 multicoloured, and 1 coral. My goal is to use them all and possibly release 1 or 2 of them by the end of the year.
I feel much better and lighter with this collection and would like to mindfully downsize further, without any rush or pressure to do so.
The lessons I've learned over the past 2 years are that I do much better with fewer bags in my closet, and I still prefer my artisan bags over anything commercial. I was devastated to find some of my favourite contemporary bags couldn't hold up to regular use this year.
My Coach and Hammitt bags, in particular, really shocked me with how they couldn't withstand light daily use. This likely means no more from either brand for me again since I hate seeing bags wear out this quickly.
This is partly a "me" problem. I think if I used each bag a handful of times a year, they would've lasted forever, but that's not practical. I want to be able to use them regularly since bags are utilitarian in nature. It was terribly disappointing to find none of them could handle regular use, even when I'm so careful with my bags.
My handmade bags lasted me years, only getting more beautiful with age. I miss that quality.
Anyway, as I've rapidly downsized, I started to picture myself rebuilding my collection from scratch at some point in the near future; that is, if I continue on this trajectory of gifting my bags away. I'm starting to wonder what it would be like to start over. How many would I ideally have? What colours and styles? Which brands would I trust? Would I go back to quirky styles (probably, lol!) or try to do a more refined, grown up collection? I don't have the answers to those questions since I keep changing my mind, but it's fun to imagine.
As for the rest of my closet, I will continue to make capsule wardrobes out of clothes I already own and donate anything in the capsule that isn't working for me. I've downsized a lot by doing this, but still have enough clothes to last a long time. I'm grateful for that since everything in the market is some sort of polyblend these days. I am lucky my stuff is all natural fibres and can sustain me.
I also want to use more of the shoes I already own! Many of them were my 'work' shoes and I've had them put aside for when I return to an office, but realistically, they should be used casually in the meantime. It's no good having them sitting. So, that's another goal that I hope to stick to.
Broadly speaking, I have 5 items on my wishlist: a suede bag, a yellow/mustard bag, a pair of Stuart Weitzman 'lowland otk' boots, a bottle of perfume, and a very dainty white gold or platinum bracelet. These are just loose categories, I have no specific brands or designs in mind, outside of the boots. I cannot afford anything on this list presently, so it's just a 'someday' list. In the meantime, I'm totally content!
My personal goals this year are just to continue to practice gratitude and spread positivity whenever I can. I've been touched by unexpected friends who stood by me when mum was in the hospital, and it has reminded me that I need to pay it forward and make sure I'm actively uplifting people at every opportunity. I hope I am able to do so.
I'm not sure how often I'll be popping in as life is hectic, but I will try to keep up with everyone's news. Wishing you all good health, less stress, lots of laugher, and boundless love from your chosen ones in the coming year!