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)

 

[dcooney4]

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 for asking. I have to go to occupational therapy as I cannot make a fist or hold a paintbrush or pen easily. I am determined to get full use back. I was thinking about your comment of starting from scratch with bags. I think would choose very similar to what I have gotten recently. I would get a lot less and stick with mostly small maker bag companies.
I hope you are doing well.

 

[dcooney4]

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?

For moisturizer I like a product called Bick 4. It doesn't darken the leather and does a nice job.

 

[dcooney4]

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 your hip is doing better. I hope the foot feels better soon.

 

[dcooney4]

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 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! )

I am curious which Coach bags were doing this. I want to avoid that style. I have a couple of coach bags but have not had any issues with them.

 

[Bag peace]

Thanks for asking. I have to go to occupational therapy as I cannot make a fist or hold a paintbrush or pen easily. I am determined to get full use back. I was thinking about your comment of starting from scratch with bags. I think would choose very similar to what I have gotten recently. I would get a lot less and stick with mostly small maker bag companies.
I hope you are doing well.

I'm saddened to hear how much mobility you've lost, but I'm proud of you for having the determination and will to regain it all. I hope you get a great physiotherapist and that it all comes back really quickly for you!
We'll all cheer when you post your next painting as a celebration of your recovery!

I love that you would stick with smaller bag makers. I find those bags are easier to use regularly.

I am curious which Coach bags were doing this. I want to avoid that style. I have a couple of coach bags but have not had any issues with them.

My bags are 3-5 years old, so hopefully the newer collections are better quality.

TPF isn't loading my pictures, so I'll link you to an earlier post where I shared one bag (linky).
The multicoloured ombre bag is fully glovetanned leather. Problem one was that the exterior suddenly got tacky, but I was able to DIY that issue and it was fine for a while, but then the glovetanned leather started peeling severely all over.
It's in terrible shape, but I am still carrying it. I can't give it to anyone in this condition (I only donate pristine stuff), so I'll use it until I say goodbye.
The other bag was gifted to me, though I can't find a picture of it posted here so I don't think I've shared it previously. It was glovetanned leather again, a satchel/bowling bag shape, with suede lining. The interior is fine, but the leather on the outside is peeling terribly again and exposing the backing. Such a shame because I really liked the shape of it.
Both bags were bought from retail, so it surprised me because I think even their outlet pieces hold up better.

Previously, my Coach trainers (sneakers) also split open on the 3rd wear, separating the sole from the upper. I took them to a local cobbler to repair, but was irritated at having to do so on a (basically) brand new pair. Same thing had happened previously with an older pair I had from them, but that one couldn't even be repaired. I'm just not having good luck with the brand right now.

My older Coach bags that I donated a while ago (whipstitch and quilted bags) were both fine and in pristine condition after years of using them. It's the more recent stuff I have that didn't hold up.

Edit to add: I checked and the older bags I donated were 2 pebbled leather bags, and 1 quilted nappa bag. All of them were perfect with regular use and were still amazing when I donated them. So, I think that specific batch of glovetanned leather was the problem batch (2019-2022, roughly). Hope that helps.

 

[DME]

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).

TY! And I feel like I am constantly defining and redefining my style. About every five years I have the urge to switch it up. Nothing too crazy - still very me - just different enough. I’m not sure if it’s due to changing trends, aging, boredom, or some combination, but it happens.

 

[dcooney4]

I'm saddened to hear how much mobility you've lost, but I'm proud of you for having the determination and will to regain it all. I hope you get a great physiotherapist and that it all comes back really quickly for you!
We'll all cheer when you post your next painting as a celebration of your recovery!

I love that you would stick with smaller bag makers. I find those bags are easier to use regularly.


My bags are 3-5 years old, so hopefully the newer collections are better quality.

TPF isn't loading my pictures, so I'll link you to an earlier post where I shared one bag (linky).
The multicoloured ombre bag is fully glovetanned leather. Problem one was that the exterior suddenly got tacky, but I was able to DIY that issue and it was fine for a while, but then the glovetanned leather started peeling severely all over.
It's in terrible shape, but I am still carrying it. I can't give it to anyone in this condition (I only donate pristine stuff), so I'll use it until I say goodbye.
The other bag was gifted to me, though I can't find a picture of it posted here so I don't think I've shared it previously. It was glovetanned leather again, a satchel/bowling bag shape, with suede lining. The interior is fine, but the leather on the outside is peeling terribly again and exposing the backing. Such a shame because I really liked the shape of it.
Both bags were bought from retail, so it surprised me because I think even their outlet pieces hold up better.

Previously, my Coach trainers (sneakers) also split open on the 3rd wear, separating the sole from the upper. I took them to a local cobbler to repair, but was irritated at having to do so on a (basically) brand new pair. Same thing had happened previously with an older pair I had from them, but that one couldn't even be repaired. I'm just not having good luck with the brand right now.

My older Coach bags that I donated a while ago (whipstitch and quilted bags) were both fine and in pristine condition after years of using them. It's the more recent stuff I have that didn't hold up.

Edit to add: I checked and the older bags I donated were 2 pebbled leather bags, and 1 quilted nappa bag. All of them were perfect with regular use and were still amazing when I donated them. So, I think that specific batch of glovetanned leather was the problem batch (2019-2022, roughly). Hope that helps.

That really stinks! I am sorry that happened to you.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I’d like to get your suggestions and thoughts on this Jimmy Choo Cheri tote. I was drawn in by the sparkly buckles and stupidly ignored the fact that I don’t very rarely wear large totes. (This one is 11” x 15”)

I bought it on Poshmark and didn’t realize the seller didn’t include the longer strap until it was too late to challenge the sale. And the attached handles are too short for shoulder carry - which is my strong preference for totes - only arm/hand which is tough for a bag of this size. I’m not inclined to buy a shoulder strap because then this large bag would bump around my hips as I walk.

I’m struggling to see how/when I will ever use this bag. But I thought your creative ideas may help me see it differently. And, as I mentioned, my goal is to at least try to keep bags vs selling them. But this may be a hopeless case. TIA!

 

[lill_canele]

Thank you all for your lovely compliments!
So sorry I've suddenly become unresponsive, I got sick...again. Worse than last time unfortunately but I'm on the mend.

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.

Yes, California. I was told the location but then I forgot...I believe it's somewhere on the outskirts of Los Angeles.
So I know it will be warm....maybe I should bring a portable fan 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.

Thank you! Oooo! Cream or beige with gold thread sounds beautiful!
Reminds of those Brunello scarves. They are pretty pricy but I've always eyed them from time to time.

 

[papertiger]

Is there an option to hook or fasten a spare strap to the tote?I could see this with a pearl grey shoulder strap.

I must say it's quite fabulous both in colour and originality. It's also uber fashionable atm (although I know you have your own fab style). Imagine this on a Summer's day. LBD or LWD, maxi wrap or long cotton robe etc...

 

[Sparkletastic]

Is there an option to hook or fasten a spare strap to the tote?I could see this with a pearl grey shoulder strap.

I must say it's quite fabulous both in colour and originality. It's also uber fashionable atm (although I know you have your own fab style). Imagine this on a Summer's day. LBD or LWD, maxi wrap or long cotton robe etc...

Luckily it does have hooks for the missing strap.

I love the look of the bag and it works with my wardrobe. I just wonder if it’s too big to wear casually. If it doesn’t sell, I will absolutely try your suggestions!

 

[Vintage Leather]

I’d like to get your suggestions and thoughts on this Jimmy Choo Cheri tote. I was drawn in by the sparkly buckles and stupidly ignored the fact that I don’t very rarely wear large totes. (This one is 11” x 15”)

I bought it on Poshmark and didn’t realize the seller didn’t include the longer strap until it was too late to challenge the sale. And the attached handles are too short for shoulder carry - which is my strong preference for totes - only arm/hand which is tough for a bag of this size. I’m not inclined to buy a shoulder strap because then this large bag would bump around my hips as I walk.

I’m struggling to see how/when I will ever use this bag. But I thought your creative ideas may help me see it differently. And, as I mentioned, my goal is to at least try to keep bags vs selling them. But this may be a hopeless case. TIA!
View attachment 6112666

Do you have a cobbler or leather worker you trust?

You could commission replacement handles that are long enough for shoulder carry.

 

[whateve]

Thank you all for your lovely compliments!
So sorry I've suddenly become unresponsive, I got sick...again. Worse than last time unfortunately but I'm on the mend.


Yes, California. I was told the location but then I forgot...I believe it's somewhere on the outskirts of Los Angeles.
So I know it will be warm....maybe I should bring a portable fan lol.

Thank you! Oooo! Cream or beige with gold thread sounds beautiful!
Reminds of those Brunello scarves. They are pretty pricy but I've always eyed them from time to time.

Los Angeles isn't too unbearable in June but further out into the desert gets pretty hot.

 

[whateve]

I’d like to get your suggestions and thoughts on this Jimmy Choo Cheri tote. I was drawn in by the sparkly buckles and stupidly ignored the fact that I don’t very rarely wear large totes. (This one is 11” x 15”)

I bought it on Poshmark and didn’t realize the seller didn’t include the longer strap until it was too late to challenge the sale. And the attached handles are too short for shoulder carry - which is my strong preference for totes - only arm/hand which is tough for a bag of this size. I’m not inclined to buy a shoulder strap because then this large bag would bump around my hips as I walk.

I’m struggling to see how/when I will ever use this bag. But I thought your creative ideas may help me see it differently. And, as I mentioned, my goal is to at least try to keep bags vs selling them. But this may be a hopeless case. TIA!
View attachment 6112666

It's so pretty! I hope you find a way to make it work.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

Thanks for asking. I have to go to occupational therapy as I cannot make a fist or hold a paintbrush or pen easily. I am determined to get full use back. I was thinking about your comment of starting from scratch with bags. I think would choose very similar to what I have gotten recently. I would get a lot less and stick with mostly small maker bag companies.
I hope you are doing well.

Wishing you the best as you work towards regaining complete mobility in your fingers. The key is to consistently practice the exercises suggested by the occupational therapists, according to the schedule that they outline. Sending hugs and healing vibes your way and wishes for steady progress and recovery.

I’d like to get your suggestions and thoughts on this Jimmy Choo Cheri tote. I was drawn in by the sparkly buckles and stupidly ignored the fact that I don’t very rarely wear large totes. (This one is 11” x 15”)

I bought it on Poshmark and didn’t realize the seller didn’t include the longer strap until it was too late to challenge the sale. And the attached handles are too short for shoulder carry - which is my strong preference for totes - only arm/hand which is tough for a bag of this size. I’m not inclined to buy a shoulder strap because then this large bag would bump around my hips as I walk.

I’m struggling to see how/when I will ever use this bag. But I thought your creative ideas may help me see it differently. And, as I mentioned, my goal is to at least try to keep bags vs selling them. But this may be a hopeless case. TIA!
View attachment 6112666

The buckles are adorable. I might be in the minority here but I like totes with short top handles (with a single longer adjustable strap). You could just carry less in it, maybe just the stuff that goes in a regular size purse so it functions less as a tote and more as a handbag. I would get a wide (a larger bag like this needs a slightly wider strap to balance proportions) strap and wear it as a somewhat shorter shoulder bag. Maybe having the bag hit waist length rather than hip length which as you pointed out might feel cumbersome.