2025 Resolution: Shopping my own Bag and SLG Collection

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

Lovely collection! What is the top one? I love that shape.
It is made by Oliveve. It comes with a crossbody strap and can change its shape. I have not worn this one . I tend to like more structured bags. She is very pretty I am almost tempted to take her off sale and stick an organizer for more structure in it and keep it. The leather is so nice.
 
View attachment 6129378View attachment 6129379View attachment 6129380


These are my red bags. Last year I also had at least 3 burgundy bags. I realized that although I like burgundy or oxblood or wine colors, I
never reached for them. So they have been sold or are up for sale.

1. vintage Coach Sonoma pocket drawstring
2. Dooney & Bourke Florentine small messenger
3. Coach Jes camera bag

I'm very happy with these. I love a red bag but since these are so perfect for me I hope I can resist getting any more.
These are all so pretty. I am just the opposite. I found red just doesn’t work for me but burgundy does , so I sold all my bright red bags. 😂
 
I’m curious - do you count gifts as an “in”?

I don’t because when I speak of ins and outs, I’m thinking of how I’m managing my collection and whether or not I’m making good decisions. I can’t (and don’t want to try to) control what someone gives me. But those gifts may put me over my acquisition goal. Or worse, they could be something I don’t like / won’t really wear and affect my 100% satisfaction goal.

For example, Mr. Sparkle gifted me that gorgeous Jimmy Choo pink crystal mini BonBon last year. I love it but it’s not anything I was looking for and will get very little use. So it wouldn’t meet my 100% satisfaction goal had I purchased it.

In contrast, I know I’ll use the Lanvin cat hobo he just gifted me. So it will likely be a 100% satisfaction bag but end up putting me over my 3 bag max this year because I wasn’t planning on it.

So this is insight into my “logic.” LOL! What is your approach and your thinking with “ins.”
I think what “counts” depends on your goals for bag management.

I moved a lot as a child, which meant I was always in new social groups. As an adult, I will fall into a trap of being afraid of not having “appropriate” items for the settings and occasions I face. At my worst, I’ll spiral and create imaginary needs.

At one point, I had close to a hundred premier designer every day carry bags. I’ve managed to ruthlessly contain the collection to 27.

I have a lot of “don’t count bags” that a lot of people would count. For example, I don’t count clutches in that number, because they circulate and get used by multiple family members (the clutch library!). Shopper totes - even if they are ridiculously expensive designer pieces (I’m looking at you, silky pop) are counted as SLG, because I’m only going to use that when I’m shopping and 99% of the time it’s folded up inside a bag. Hobby or emergency bags also don’t count - even if they are designer - because again, I’m not going to use them as a purse.

But if VintageMama is cleaning her closet and gives me a beach bag, if I don’t sell or gift it, it counts as an in. If a bag was in a “don’t count” category (a travel bag) moves into a “counts” category (using that travel bag as a work bag) it gets added, even though I haven’t purchased anything.


I’m not trying to control my spending, although I have used selling things as a way of punishing myself for shopping too much in the past. But ultimately, I’m trying to control my space and keep myself more mobile.
 
View attachment 6129378View attachment 6129379View attachment 6129380


These are my red bags. Last year I also had at least 3 burgundy bags. I realized that although I like burgundy or oxblood or wine colors, I
never reached for them. So they have been sold or are up for sale.

1. vintage Coach Sonoma pocket drawstring
2. Dooney & Bourke Florentine small messenger
3. Coach Jes camera bag

I'm very happy with these. I love a red bag but since these are so perfect for me I hope I can resist getting any more.
As you should be - they’re gorgeous and I love the bright red!
Thank you! Love when you are here.
:hugs:
 
Thank you-it won’t last a lifetime as I literally use it in all weathers, but after all, it IS a bag, I just hope that I can find another one-if I’d paid a croc Birkin price I might be more careful..
I do enjoying carrying her!
YES! Our bags are to be used and enjoyed. I’m so glad you’re getting good use out of this one.

Is that brand still around? If so, could you buy something from them in the future?
Fabulous reds! I am so happy you still have your Trussardi - I still think it’s darling!
Thank you! She’s a forever bag because of memories attached. I found this bag wandering through the shops in Venice with DD. It was the first time she could show me a city as she had visited there during her year abroad and I had not yet been.

She was so proud to be the veteran traveler and I was proud of her because she managed every aspect of the trip down to where we stayed. We had an absolutely wonderful time!
View attachment 6129378View attachment 6129379View attachment 6129380


These are my red bags. Last year I also had at least 3 burgundy bags. I realized that although I like burgundy or oxblood or wine colors, I
never reached for them. So they have been sold or are up for sale.

1. vintage Coach Sonoma pocket drawstring
2. Dooney & Bourke Florentine small messenger
3. Coach Jes camera bag

I'm very happy with these. I love a red bag but since these are so perfect for me I hope I can resist getting any more.
Pretty reds! Your messenger looks like the Hermes saddle bag but without the in your face H :tup: Do you find it practical for wear or is it hard for you to find your things?
I think what “counts” depends on your goals for bag management.

I moved a lot as a child, which meant I was always in new social groups. As an adult, I will fall into a trap of being afraid of not having “appropriate” items for the settings and occasions I face. At my worst, I’ll spiral and create imaginary needs.

At one point, I had close to a hundred premier designer every day carry bags. I’ve managed to ruthlessly contain the collection to 27.

I have a lot of “don’t count bags” that a lot of people would count. For example, I don’t count clutches in that number, because they circulate and get used by multiple family members (the clutch library!). Shopper totes - even if they are ridiculously expensive designer pieces (I’m looking at you, silky pop) are counted as SLG, because I’m only going to use that when I’m shopping and 99% of the time it’s folded up inside a bag. Hobby or emergency bags also don’t count - even if they are designer - because again, I’m not going to use them as a purse.

But if VintageMama is cleaning her closet and gives me a beach bag, if I don’t sell or gift it, it counts as an in. If a bag was in a “don’t count” category (a travel bag) moves into a “counts” category (using that travel bag as a work bag) it gets added, even though I haven’t purchased anything.


I’m not trying to control my spending, although I have used selling things as a way of punishing myself for shopping too much in the past. But ultimately, I’m trying to control my space and keep myself more mobile.
This is a very good point. Following that thinking I would keep things as they are:
• not counting them as an “in” or in my 100% satisfaction goals because I track those metrics to make sure I shop with purpose.
• counting them in my total collection counts because I don’t want to own so many bags that I can’t regularly use the vast majority of what I own each year.

Although, it is worth noting that over the years, Mr. Sparkle (aided and abetted by DD) has had a higher success/satisfaction rate than I have. Maybe I need to turn my bag shopping over to him. :lol: In truth, his ability to do so is because he doesn’t compromise. If bag x is the right one for me, he buys it. I, on the other hand, will still settle far too often.

That’s why I’m back to holding onto that satisfaction metric. If I know I will hold myself accountable for how much I love a bag a year or more after purchase, I won’t be willing to buy the “good enough” bags.
I don’t count clutches in that number, because they circulate and get used by multiple family members (the clutch library!). Shopper totes - even if they are ridiculously expensive designer pieces (I’m looking at you, silky pop) are counted as SLG, because I’m only going to use that when I’m shopping and 99% of the time it’s folded up inside a bag. Hobby or emergency bags also don’t count - even if they are designer - because again, I’m not going to use them as a purse.

But if VintageMama is cleaning her closet and gives me a beach bag, if I don’t sell or gift it, it counts as an in. If a bag was in a “don’t count” category (a travel bag) moves into a “counts” category (using that travel bag as a work bag) it gets added, even though I haven’t purchased anything.


I’m not trying to control my spending, although I have used selling things as a way of punishing myself for shopping too much in the past. But ultimately, I’m trying to control my space and keep myself more mobile.
If I didn’t count bags that are effectively in a lending library, I wouldn’t have one bag. LOL!

If I have 25 bags, DD has 25 bags. If I have 50 bags, DD has 50 bags. Actually she has x+3 bags with x being whatever bags I currently own. :lol: DD hasn’t gotten a new bag since 2018 because she said it would be a waste of her money when she can just appropriate my inventory.

She is psychologically, emotionally, and physiologically incapable of comprehending that my bags might actually be just for me. :roflmfao:
 
Last edited:
YES! Our bags are to be used and enjoyed. I’m so glad you’re getting good use out of this one.

Is that brand still around? If so, could you buy something from them in the future?

Thank you! She’s a forever bag because of memories attached. I found this bag wandering through the shops in Venice with DD. It was the first time she could show me a city as she had visited there during her year abroad and I had not yet been.

She was so proud to be the veteran traveler and I was proud of her because she managed every aspect of the trip down to where we stayed. We had an absolutely wonderful time!

Pretty reds! Your messenger looks like the Hermes saddle bag but without the in your face H :tup: Do you find it practical for wear or is it hard for you to find your things?

This is a very good point. Following that thinking I would keep things as they are:
• not counting them as an “in” or in my 100% satisfaction goals because I track those metrics to make sure I shop with purpose.
• counting them in my total collection counts because I don’t want to own so many bags that I can’t regularly use the vast majority of what I own each year.

Although, it is worth noting that over the years, Mr. Sparkle (aided and abetted by DD) has had a higher success/satisfaction rate than I have. Maybe I need to turn my bag shopping over to him. :lol: In truth, his ability to do so is because he doesn’t compromise. If bag x is the right one for me, he buys it. I, on the other hand, will still settle far too often.

That’s why I’m back to holding onto that satisfaction metric. If I know I will hold myself accountable for how much I love a bag a year or more after purchase, I won’t be willing to buy the “good enough” bags.

If I didn’t count bags that are effectively in a lending library, I wouldn’t have one bag. LOL!

If I have 25 bags, DD has 25 bags. If I have 50 bags, DD has 50 bags. Actually she has x+3 bags with x being whatever bags I currently own. :lol: DD hasn’t gotten a new bag since 2018 because she said it would be a waste of her money when she can just appropriate my inventory.

She is psychologically, emotionally, and physiologically incapable of comprehending that my bags might actually be just for me. :roflmfao:
I don't count the bags that are in my daughters' possession as I don't know if I'll ever get them back.

ETA: The red Dooney & Bourke is a pretty small bag. It has a similar shape to the Hermes Evelyne. It's pretty close in size to the smallest one, tpm. Since it is small, I have no problem finding my things but I have to pack it carefully so I don't have to take everything out to reach one thing. I bought it for the amazing leather. My newer Dooney & Bourke is a similar shape but much bigger and with a turnlock closure that makes it look more dissimilar to the Evelyne. That one is super easy to use. I really don't like that giant H on the Evelyne.
 
Last edited:
YES! Our bags are to be used and enjoyed. I’m so glad you’re getting good use out of this one.

Is that brand still around? If so, could you buy something from them in the future?

Thank you! She’s a forever bag because of memories attached. I found this bag wandering through the shops in Venice with DD. It was the first time she could show me a city as she had visited there during her year abroad and I had not yet been.

She was so proud to be the veteran traveler and I was proud of her because she managed every aspect of the trip down to where we stayed. We had an absolutely wonderful time!

Pretty reds! Your messenger looks like the Hermes saddle bag but without the in your face H :tup: Do you find it practical for wear or is it hard for you to find your things?

This is a very good point. Following that thinking I would keep things as they are:
• not counting them as an “in” or in my 100% satisfaction goals because I track those metrics to make sure I shop with purpose.
• counting them in my total collection counts because I don’t want to own so many bags that I can’t regularly use the vast majority of what I own each year.

Although, it is worth noting that over the years, Mr. Sparkle (aided and abetted by DD) has had a higher success/satisfaction rate than I have. Maybe I need to turn my bag shopping over to him. :lol: In truth, his ability to do so is because he doesn’t compromise. If bag x is the right one for me, he buys it. I, on the other hand, will still settle far too often.

That’s why I’m back to holding onto that satisfaction metric. If I know I will hold myself accountable for how much I love a bag a year or more after purchase, I won’t be willing to buy the “good enough” bags.

If I didn’t count bags that are effectively in a lending library, I wouldn’t have one bag. LOL!

If I have 25 bags, DD has 25 bags. If I have 50 bags, DD has 50 bags. Actually she has x+3 bags with x being whatever bags I currently own. :lol: DD hasn’t gotten a new bag since 2018 because she said it would be a waste of her money when she can just appropriate my inventory.

She is psychologically, emotionally, and physiologically incapable of comprehending that my bags might actually be just for me. :roflmfao:

Yes, Raylowi do exist , I saw a red crocodile wallet for sale ..
I’ve also considered a bespoke bag in the future, in alligator or croc❤️.

ETA I don’t have a daughter, I do buy bags for my gorgeous Niece, she will have mine, but I don’t think she would lay claim to any of mine now!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sparkletastic
I really don't like that giant H on the Evelyne.
I’m typically not one for giant logos and was surprised to see Hermes have their H on so many of their bags. But, some brands like LV, YSL & Gucci are top “offenders” when it comes to relying on their logo to be the “design.”

Warning, bag rant ahead :lol:

I want brands to avoid the current two extremes: the boredom (and IMO) laziness of “quiet luxury” :yucky: and logomania 😵. I’m not saying I don’t like a well designed sleek and restrained bag. I do - IF it has some sort of architectural or other interest to it. And I can appreciate a good logo if the bag also has a reason for existing beyond that logo.

But, I want truly unique, mind blowing, heart pounding DESIGN. Where is the bold reinterpretation of archival elements? The head turning but judicious use of unique hardware & embellishments? The introduction of never before seen shapes and silhouettes that still manage to be practical off runway? The dreamy use of fine materials and construction to create a purse worthy of a good swoon?

Shouldn’t I know that’s a <insert brand name here> without any logo? Or, even better, shouldn’t I not care what brand it is because the bag is stunning in and of itself?

Handbags have such a huge potential to be wearable art. And premier brands once reliably delivered on that in (not so recent) past decades. So why now are we often just getting slightly differently shaped rectangles with big logos and maybe a tiny differentiator (strap goes this way or a pocket is hidden there or a flap closes that way…)

Rant over. :lol: I just have zero interest in looking like everyone else OR in having all my bags look like each other OR in paying premium prices for old / recycled ideas.
 
I don't count the bags that are in my daughters' possession as I don't know if I'll ever get them back.
Oh no! 😆 Bag theft by family is a common issue.

The only reason my DD gets full access to my wardrobe is because she’s as persnickety about caring for items as I am and she returns what she borrows fairly quickly. It’s usually my Chanels that get “checked out” for longer loan periods which works for me as I don’t wear them that often anymore.

But, she’s fearless about test driving my new acquisitions too. I haven’t worn my Fendi First or Jimmy Choo pink sequin bag yet and she’s worn both twice. And, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lanvin cat bag goes on walkabout sometime over Valentine’s day weekend. :lol:
 
Last edited:
I’m curious - do you count gifts as an “in”?

I don’t because when I speak of ins and outs, I’m thinking of how I’m managing my collection and whether or not I’m making good decisions. I can’t (and don’t want to try to) control what someone gives me. But those gifts may put me over my acquisition goal. Or worse, they could be something I don’t like / won’t really wear and affect my 100% satisfaction goal.

For example, Mr. Sparkle gifted me that gorgeous Jimmy Choo pink crystal mini BonBon last year. I love it but it’s not anything I was looking for and will get very little use. So it wouldn’t meet my 100% satisfaction goal had I purchased it.

In contrast, I know I’ll use the Lanvin cat hobo he just gifted me. So it will likely be a 100% satisfaction bag but end up putting me over my 3 bag max this year because I wasn’t planning on it.

So this is insight into my “logic.” LOL! What is your approach and your thinking with “ins.”

Every in is in terms of space.
Gifts don't count as in in terms of budget
 
I've put the Jigsaw does BV in the out for donation pile. I think it's too shallow to be a proper shopper and I didn't like it enough to be another kind of bag. I think someone else will love it more than me.

I took a holiday today. I didn't wear red, I wore my vintage black Gucci Horseshoe shoulder bag with Gucci military cap, Aquascutum military-style black coat, multicoloured Liberty silk scarf and black DMs. The coat looks better undone because its a bit big, but it was too cold and wet, so I did it up top to bottom.

I took a vinyl Elle x Mathew Williamson shopper so shopping didn't get wet.
 
Hello all! So sorry, I've been catching up! It's been a great read!

Is it stupid to keep dupes when you have the real thing?
I've realized that when I have dupes and the real thing, I just tend to reach for the real thing. So in the end, I get rid of the dupe because I no longer reach for it.

I’m curious - do you count gifts as an “in”?

I don’t because when I speak of ins and outs, I’m thinking of how I’m managing my collection and whether or not I’m making good decisions. I can’t (and don’t want to try to) control what someone gives me. But those gifts may put me over my acquisition goal. Or worse, they could be something I don’t like / won’t really wear and affect my 100% satisfaction goal.

For example, Mr. Sparkle gifted me that gorgeous Jimmy Choo pink crystal mini BonBon last year. I love it but it’s not anything I was looking for and will get very little use. So it wouldn’t meet my 100% satisfaction goal had I purchased it.

In contrast, I know I’ll use the Lanvin cat hobo he just gifted me. So it will likely be a 100% satisfaction bag but end up putting me over my 3 bag max this year because I wasn’t planning on it.

So this is insight into my “logic.” LOL! What is your approach and your thinking with “ins.”
I count gifts as "in" in terms of numbers.

I’m typically not one for giant logos and was surprised to see Hermes have their H on so many of their bags. But, some brands like LV, YSL & Gucci are top “offenders” when it comes to relying on their logo to be the “design.”

Warning, bag rant ahead :lol:

I want brands to avoid the current two extremes: the boredom (and IMO) laziness of “quiet luxury” :yucky: and logomania 😵. I’m not saying I don’t like a well designed sleek and restrained bag. I do - IF it has some sort of architectural or other interest to it. And I can appreciate a good logo if the bag also has a reason for existing beyond that logo.

But, I want truly unique, mind blowing, heart pounding DESIGN. Where is the bold reinterpretation of archival elements? The head turning but judicious use of unique hardware & embellishments? The introduction of never before seen shapes and silhouettes that still manage to be practical off runway? The dreamy use of fine materials and construction to create a purse worthy of a good swoon?

Shouldn’t I know that’s a <insert brand name here> without any logo? Or, even better, shouldn’t I not care what brand it is because the bag is stunning in and of itself?

Handbags have such a huge potential to be wearable art. And premier brands once reliably delivered on that in (not so recent) past decades. So why now are we often just getting slightly differently shaped rectangles with big logos and maybe a tiny differentiator (strap goes this way or a pocket is hidden there or a flap closes that way…)

Rant over. :lol: I just have zero interest in looking like everyone else OR in having all my bags look like each other OR in paying premium prices for old / recycled ideas.
lol. As a quiet luxury lover who loves I guess more "classic" things, I too feel the boredom of luxury designs. Especially when they start making their own versions of the same kind or style of bag. Like Prada with its Lindy look alike....I was like...really now? :rolleyes:
I still want the shows and runways to be lively, interesting, inspiration and/or fun!

Every in is in terms of space.
Gifts don't count as in in terms of budget
This yes! 💯
 
Top