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)

 

[More bags]

Reflections on 2024 and 2025 Goals

• I added 3 bags in 2024. The last time I had such a large influx was 2017.
  • Longchamp Le Pliage Med in Bilberry
  • Chanel Tie and Dye Mini in purple, blue, and pink
  • Ateliers Auguste Monceau Mini in burgundy box leather
  They were great purchases for my lifestyle, and the Le Pliage and Chanel mini were my top 2 bags carried last year. The Monceau Mini was frequently carried, as well, just purchased later in the year. It’s easy to wear the newest items/they are in higher rotation. I’m happy with my 2024 additions.
• Top 6 most frequently carried bags were a mix of practical and fun
  • Longchamp Le Pliage medium
  • Chanel Mini
  • Chanel black caviar WOC
  • Gucci Soho Disco
  • Chanel Reissue Camera Case
  • Delvaux Tempete
• Most practical bag: Longchamp Le Pliage medium
• Most fun bag: Chanel Mini
• I noticed a pattern of using my small bags more frequently than my medium sized bags. Lifestyle includes hybrid work, that is, in office 2-3 days/week, remainder working from home, and fewer days of needing to carry a bag.
• I curated my wardrobe throughout the year, exited items, added new items. I added a men’s Hermes scarf 100 cm x 100 cm, and some jewelry. I’m happy with the additions, they complement my existing wardrobe and are frequently worn. I recently added some new jeans and new bras > whoa, wearing a new bra - what a glorious feeling. It’s joyful, like wearing new cushioned socks or new running shoes (when you didn’t realize the cushioning in your old shoes got worn out over time,) just delightful!
• I also reviewed my most frequently worn jewelry (top 10 and top 20 pieces.) Combined with the fact I recently got my hair cut (lopped off 7”), knowing I like wearing hoop earrings, and having planned a Christmas purchase of a particular pair of hoops (sold out) > I likely will be be purchasing a pair of hoops this year.

2025 Goals

• Wear and enjoy what I already have
• Mindful purchases and decluttering
• Have fun

 

[cowgirlsboots]

was actually inspired by the amazing things you do with your finds when I thought of this.

I feel honoured to be seen as an inspiration. Thank you.

All of my dreams are set in Paris-and have been since my first visit there as a child, I always knew I had to live there…

You make me smile and dream of Paris, too. The funny bit is, that it's Givenchy in your dream and the fabulous messy bargain basement of a Free' p Star in mine.
Let's meet at the place de vosges and see what we bought! Outdoors- because my shopping might be slightly smelly- but not risky for your elegant purchases.

 

[whateve]

Bringing closure to the dress for a ranch/rustic outdoor wedding. It just came in today!
And omg, it’s a perfect fit! This almost never happens when I order online.
View attachment 6110737
It came with a nice garment bag and Ralph Lauren hanger.
It’s lined on the inside so it’s not see through and it still feels comfy and lightweight.

Any color recommendations for a shawl? (Though let’s try not to go for white lol)

There aren't many times when a real person looks better in a dress than the model but this is one of those times! You look fantastic! I haven't read through all the posts in the thread. Did you say the wedding was in California? What part? Weather is different in different parts of the state.

 

[whateve]

@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!

I'm sorry to hear that about your Coach and Hammitt bags. My Hammitt is too new for me to notice any wear. I have so many Coach that I have to say that there is great variability in how well they hold up. I have a few that are over 50 years old and still in great shape. The all leather vintage bags are indestructible but even some of my more recent bags seem indestructible as well.

 

[whateve]

Can I ask about cleaning and moisturising bags? I'm doing this today for my 20 year old Natuzzi leather sofa, it's been a while... can I use the furniture product for bags or should I look for special bag maintenance products?

depends on the product and the type of the leather used in your bags. My favorite all around leather conditioner is Leather CPR. I've used on a leather chair and most of my leather bags. For exotics and lambskin, I would use something made specifically for those leathers.

 

[whateve]

I've heard great things but have never had one! Thanks for the recommendation!


I love that jacket! But, no regrets. Sometimes stuff isn't meant to stay in our hands. Hopefully the new owner loved it as much as you did. You make everything look fab, so I'm sure your other pieces are just as stunning on you!

@dcooney4 I wanted to ask how your wrist is doing? Do you need any physiotherapy or is it just a matter of removing the cast? I hope you're better!

Edit:
@whateve I was just skimming the 2024 thread to get caught up and saw your post about hurting your hips doing yoga! Sounds incredibly painful and I'm shocked you weren't given instructions on avoiding those movements when you had your surgery! How are you doing? I hope you're in less pain.

Thanks! I'm doing better. The hip pain went away almost before I started physical therapy but then my foot started hurting mysteriously. It was almost better until I did some exercises the PT recommended, which made it much worse. I haven't been able to go on walks with DH for weeks. I can get around okay, just don't want to stress it out until it is completely healed. I'm enjoying physical therapy. I don't think you are supposed to enjoy it! They've taught me a few different ways to do squats which I like better than what I was doing. I got a balance board like they have. I should be done with PT by the end of the month and then I'll very carefully start up again with yoga.

 

[whateve]

STOPPING THE SALES CYCLE

I really, really, REALLY despise selling bags. I hate the hassle of photographing and listing them. I get irritated by seller questions that are already answered in the listing. And most of all, I’m DONE with how I beat myself up for having made a buying error the entire time they’re listed.

So, I’ve decided on a new approach to the nine bags I have for sale. One by one, I’m going to find a way to transform the bag so I love it. If after serious thought I absolutely cannot, I’ll consign it or donate it to get it out of my house.

First up is my Bvlgari Logomania Bucket Bag. This bag can be turned from trash to treasure with two changes: 1) the cloth material is faded at the top so I’ll have it redyed 2) I’m going to have the awkward hand carry handle made removable and add a chain shoulder strap.

Since the bag will likely never sell as is, investing a little money to make it something I’ll love seems like a great option.

Anyone else up for transforming your unwanted bags so we can better “shop our own collections”?
View attachment 6111520

I had a bag I didn't really like. It was black and boring. I had the handle embellished. It looked better but I still never reached for it. The embellishment raised the cost of the item so it is making it harder to sell and still break even. I could have sold it dirt cheap if I hadn't spent any more money on it.

 

[renee_nyc]

Can I ask about cleaning and moisturising bags? I'm doing this today for my 20 year old Natuzzi leather sofa, it's been a while... can I use the furniture product for bags or should I look for special bag maintenance products?

I have a leather Natuzzi sofa as well 🩷

 

[Bag peace]

Thanks! I'm doing better. The hip pain went away almost before I started physical therapy but then my foot started hurting mysteriously. It was almost better until I did some exercises the PT recommended, which made it much worse. I haven't been able to go on walks with DH for weeks. I can get around okay, just don't want to stress it out until it is completely healed. I'm enjoying physical therapy. I don't think you are supposed to enjoy it! They've taught me a few different ways to do squats which I like better than what I was doing. I got a balance board like they have. I should be done with PT by the end of the month and then I'll very carefully start up again with yoga.

I'm glad you're enjoying PT. When you have a good one, it is enjoyable because they help you move better overall and your body just feels like it's working correctly.
It's hard to get a good physio, in my experience. I had 2 years of PT after my accident, learning to walk, chew and speak again, and it was a real journey going through several physios until I found one who made the experience 'flow' for me. I made rapid progress and really enjoyed it then, even though it was hard and often painful. Before that physiotherapist, I felt like I was totally stuck and getting fatigued making no progress.
I'm really happy you got a great experience right away and will be able to carry on working out safely afterwards!

I'm sorry to hear that about your Coach and Hammitt bags. My Hammitt is too new for me to notice any wear. I have so many Coach that I have to say that there is great variability in how well they hold up. I have a few that are over 50 years old and still in great shape. The all leather vintage bags are indestructible but even some of my more recent bags seem indestructible as well.

I didn't know you had a Hammitt. The leather on mine was wonderful, especially on my oldest ones (my newer ones have thinner leather) but the hardware scratches up terribly! Gold, silver, gunmetal- they all got terribly scratched up with light use. The zippers also started sticking and made it hard to use the bag.
This is a non-issue for you, since they will replace hardware for free if you're in the US, but I couldn't make use of their warranty as it would cost too much to send it for repair.
I want the Evan crossbody and have been eyeing it up for a while since it's my preferred shape and size, but took it off my wish list after all the hassle with my others.

There's nothing quite like vintage Coach. I'm sure some of the newer ones are also great, but I seem to have picked badly. I love the glovetanned leather, but having it peel and flake on 2 bags (to the extent that it revealed the backing underneath) was so upsetting. I always have my nails short so I didn't scratch that leather off with handling, and I don't toss my bags around, nor do I overload them. There was no reason for those bags to peel like that.

I'm still lucky to have 2 of my original handmade bags from almost 20 years ago, as well as my MbMJ with its chewy leather and my random vintage bags, which are all ageing beautifully, so I'm just going to enjoy them until I get over the pain of this experience (it was painful, I swear! )

 

[FizzyWater]

I’ve had better years than 2024. Worse, too, but long enough ago that the memories have faded.

So for 2025 I have the task and opportunity to completely change my life. I’m very lucky to have great support and resources. Now I just need to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

Clothes and bags are, by comparison, easy. So, bag and wardrobe goals:

1. I don’t want to buy any bags. I have enough bags, and I like them all, and I don’t need any more. (Yay!)
2. I want to sell some SLGs that aren’t being used, and maybe a couple of purses ditto.
3. I don’t want to buy any clothes. I have enough clothes.* I like what I have and they all work together. If I successfully lose weight, I have enough high-quality pieces in storage that I won’t need to panic-buy.
4. I do want to wear every bag this year. If nothing else, it will be a great excuse to go to formal events!
5. I want to fuss with my current bag storage, which may be solved by selling pieces, or reworking the space.

*except socks. I apparently left my pouch of socks at the hotel after the holidays. I am thinking about something like men’s suit socks. In my head they’re thin, wool, machine -washable, and last forever. Do they exist? Should I just go to a men’s suit shop? Any recommendations?

 

[FizzyWater]

Also, thank you @Joeli7 for reminding me of the Apartment Therapy Cure - I signed up just under the wire!

Thank you @Sparkletastic for the January goal of refreshing my bags - it’s definitely time.

Wow, @lill_canele - you look better in the dress than the model!

And I’ve very much appreciated reading everyone’s insightful year reviews and new goals. Happy new year!

 

[papertiger]

Bringing closure to the dress for a ranch/rustic outdoor wedding. It just came in today!
And omg, it’s a perfect fit! This almost never happens when I order online.
View attachment 6110737
It came with a nice garment bag and Ralph Lauren hanger.
It’s lined on the inside so it’s not see through and it still feels comfy and lightweight.

Any color recommendations for a shawl? (Though let’s try not to go for white lol)

You look absolutely stunning!!!!

I would think the lighter tones in the dress so that it's still Summer. The cream or light gold, even something with a metallic thread. The more neutral, the more you can can use it with other outfits

You are going to look splendid.

 

[papertiger]

I’ve had better years than 2024. Worse, too, but long enough ago that the memories have faded.

So for 2025 I have the task and opportunity to completely change my life. I’m very lucky to have great support and resources. Now I just need to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

Clothes and bags are, by comparison, easy. So, bag and wardrobe goals:

1. I don’t want to buy any bags. I have enough bags, and I like them all, and I don’t need any more. (Yay!)
2. I want to sell some SLGs that aren’t being used, and maybe a couple of purses ditto.
3. I don’t want to buy any clothes. I have enough clothes.* I like what I have and they all work together. If I successfully lose weight, I have enough high-quality pieces in storage that I won’t need to panic-buy.
4. I do want to wear every bag this year. If nothing else, it will be a great excuse to go to formal events!
5. I want to fuss with my current bag storage, which may be solved by selling pieces, or reworking the space.

*except socks. I apparently left my pouch of socks at the hotel after the holidays. I am thinking about something like men’s suit socks. In my head they’re thin, wool, machine -washable, and last forever. Do they exist? Should I just go to a men’s suit shop? Any recommendations?

You are going strong this year!

You will definitely get better socks in men's dept IME. These little upgrades are the stuff of grown-ups

 

[papertiger]

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!

Huge congratulations to your DD and you. It's a milestone.

I can relate to many of your resolutions. Refining style is an ongoing process for me, but I have made more practical choices last year (apart from 1/3 bags actually).

 

[papertiger]

Reflections on 2024 and 2025 Goals

• I added 3 bags in 2024. The last time I had such a large influx was 2017.
  • Longchamp Le Pliage Med in Bilberry
  • Chanel Tie and Dye Mini in purple, blue, and pink
  • Ateliers Auguste Monceau Mini in burgundy box leather
  They were great purchases for my lifestyle, and the Le Pliage and Chanel mini were my top 2 bags carried last year. The Monceau Mini was frequently carried, as well, just purchased later in the year. It’s easy to wear the newest items/they are in higher rotation. I’m happy with my 2024 additions.
• Top 6 most frequently carried bags were a mix of practical and fun
  • Longchamp Le Pliage medium
  • Chanel Mini
  • Chanel black caviar WOC
  • Gucci Soho Disco
  • Chanel Reissue Camera Case
  • Delvaux Tempete
• Most practical bag: Longchamp Le Pliage medium
• Most fun bag: Chanel Mini
• I noticed a pattern of using my small bags more frequently than my medium sized bags. Lifestyle includes hybrid work, that is, in office 2-3 days/week, remainder working from home, and fewer days of needing to carry a bag.
• I curated my wardrobe throughout the year, exited items, added new items. I added a men’s Hermes scarf 100 cm x 100 cm, and some jewelry. I’m happy with the additions, they complement my existing wardrobe and are frequently worn. I recently added some new jeans and new bras > whoa, wearing a new bra - what a glorious feeling. It’s joyful, like wearing new cushioned socks or new running shoes (when you didn’t realize the cushioning in your old shoes got worn out over time,) just delightful!
• I also reviewed my most frequently worn jewelry (top 10 and top 20 pieces.) Combined with the fact I recently got my hair cut (lopped off 7”), knowing I like wearing hoop earrings, and having planned a Christmas purchase of a particular pair of hoops (sold out) > I likely will be be purchasing a pair of hoops this year.

2025 Goals

• Wear and enjoy what I already have
• Mindful purchases and decluttering
• Have fun

Yes, let's have fun!!!!