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)

 

[whateve]

We met with our financial advisor and I’m thinking of retiring early. The idea has me completely freaked out as I always assumed I’d have to work another 15 years plus.

So, I’m excited to have the option but am not sure what in the world I’ll “do” with myself. There is only so much leisure travel a person can do. And, I have zero desire to start some other “thing” that would require building and struggle.

Mr. Sparkle feels that given I’ve had health issues I should go for it and just enjoy myself. My thought is those are past history. My health is great now so….?

Anyone else retire early? What are you doing to transition from career to… the abyss.

I guess this will give me more time to play with and shop my closet. LOL!

DH and I retired early. For us, it was the right decision. Right after we retired, we built a house in the country with our own lake. DH went fishing every day. There was plenty of land to hike around. I got tons of pets and enjoyed my hobbies. Unfortunately we no longer have that house or that property but now that we are older, it is probably wise to stay closer to health care.

 

[Sparkletastic]

It's a good idea.

I thought I wanted a yellow bag this year (maybe a Ferragamo) but I'm also wondering whether the moment has passed me by.

I love my one yellow bag but I rarely use it. Do you think the color would complement your existing wardrobe?

And I’m curious - which Ferragamo. I’ve been eyeballing the Hug.

Think back to when you were a child, what did you want to do?
Were you artistic?
Were you a scholar?
Were you an humanist?
Take it from there.

Thanks for the wise thought starter. I think that is a good place to start. I’m going to put some thought into that.

DH and I retired early. For us, it was the right decision. Right after we retired, we built a house in the country with our own lake. DH went fishing every day. There was plenty of land to hike around. I got tons of pets and enjoyed my hobbies. Unfortunately we no longer have that house or that property but now that we are older, it is probably wise to stay closer to health care.

The home you had sounds dreamy. I love hiking and would really like to move from the burbs to more secluded land.

And you’re right, access to quality health care is so important. While I live in a large metro area, the healthcare here is not strong at all. I definitely see myself moving one last time in the next decade.

 

[Vintage Leather]

We met with our financial advisor and I’m thinking of retiring early. The idea has me completely freaked out as I always assumed I’d have to work another 15 years plus.

So, I’m excited to have the option but am not sure what in the world I’ll “do” with myself. There is only so much leisure travel a person can do. And, I have zero desire to start some other “thing” that would require building and struggle.

Mr. Sparkle feels that given I’ve had health issues I should go for it and just enjoy myself. My thought is those are past history. My health is great now so….?

Anyone else retire early? What are you doing to transition from career to… the abyss.

I guess this will give me more time to play with and shop my closet. LOL!

I’ve worked with several thousand retirees in the course of my current career, and I would say the one thing that the healthy and happy people have in common is that they’re focused on the things that they do have time to do, instead of what they can’t do any longer.

They define their time - and to a lesser extend themselves - by volunteering, advocacy, starting a new business, starting a new career, art, traveling, learning or any combination of the above.

Is there something you’re curious or excited about? You have plenty of time to figure it out.

You mentioned that you’re going to take a year to write a book even though “writer” isn’t something you’ve aspired to.

Could you write a book of advice or a training course on your industry for someone who is just starting out? Make it a type of virtual mentorship?

It might help you meditate on what is valuable about your profession, and allow you to decide if you want this book to close out that chapter in your life, if you want to go into consulting / freelancing, or go back to the institutions you have been working with.

 

[Sparkletastic]

I’ve worked with several thousand retirees in the course of my current career, and I would say the one thing that the healthy and happy people have in common is that they’re focused on the things that they do have time to do, instead of what they can’t do any longer.

They define their time - and to a lesser extend themselves - by volunteering, advocacy, starting a new business, starting a new career, art, traveling, learning or any combination of the above.

Is there something you’re curious or excited about? You have plenty of time to figure it out.

You mentioned that you’re going to take a year to write a book even though “writer” isn’t something you’ve aspired to.

Could you write a book of advice or a training course on your industry for someone who is just starting out? Make it a type of virtual mentorship?

It might help you meditate on what is valuable about your profession, and allow you to decide if you want this book to close out that chapter in your life, if you want to go into consulting / freelancing, or go back to the institutions you have been working with.

There really isn’t anything I “can’t do” going forward. But in having opportunities it’s hard for me to determine which are the right ones for me now.

I know the pleasure seeking activities I plan to do - travel, spending time in nature, learning new languages, expanding my social circle, etc. But, I feel at loose ends with a “mission” of sorts that I can spend time progressing and furthering.

The idea of mentoring is a possibility but a key part of my leadership approach has always been to mentor and give back. And as I’d mentioned - I’m burned out. Like charcoal level burned out.

I need something that will energize me and stir my passions while utilizing my skills. Uncovering this is a worthy enough goal that I intend to spend meaningful time thinking about it.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Sparkle’s March Results

COMPLETED OR ON TRACK

• 100% purchase success rate: 2 bags purchased @ 100%
• Purchase no more than 5 bags of which 3 must be beautiful workhorses. Purchased 2 bags including 1 beautiful workhorse
• Capture peace and joy as I evaluate 12 on-the-bubble bags: 5 kept, 7 sold or consigned
• Actively engage in 2 hobbies - Started private French lessons

AT RISK

• Wear at least 26 bags a minimum of 4 times: 3 bags so far
• Achieve optimal fitness - Very slow start but in progress

NOT STARTED

• Upgrade 25% of my clothing to better match the quality of my handbag collection (need to get back to my normal weight before I do this)
• Learn to swim (I’m targeting Q3 for this)

COLLECTION TOTALS

• 43 designer bags
• 6 designer SLGs
• 13 utility / special use bags (luggage, etc.)

My biggest struggle right now is bag rotation for two reasons. The main reason is my clothes are totally unorganized due to the remodeling of our primary suite. But happily, we only have one more week. The second reason is my illness weight gain. I’m slowly getting it off but I can’t fit most of my clothes. So I find myself wearing the same few clothes and bags over and over just to muddle through the situation. So I won’t be hard on myself about this goal and will simply do better when circumstances change.

 

[More bags]

Gorgeous bags! Love the Evelyne!

Thank you dc!

 

[papertiger]

I love my one yellow bag but I rarely use it. Do you think the color would complement your existing wardrobe?

And I’m curious - which Ferragamo. I’ve been eyeballing the Hug.

Thanks for the wise thought starter. I think that is a good place to start. I’m going to put some thought into that.

The home you had sounds dreamy. I love hiking and would really like to move from the burbs to more secluded land.

And you’re right, access to quality health care is so important. While I live in a large metro area, the healthcare here is not strong at all. I definitely see myself moving one last time in the next decade.

Somewhere I have a yellow clutch. I don't think it's a recognisable name, but it was beautiful and made in Italy. I say was, because I can't find it atm. The Saint Laurent SdJ Nona in Amber eel was the one that got away.

I love the Hug! I know I want a smaller bag and this is the yellow which is the perfect colour but too big. I need an XS. I also would prefer silver hardware with bright yellow (but I would make an exception if it were the right size).

Unfortunately, no colours are calling to me. I could go for a gold - but that's not exactly yellow.

A Studio Box or Iconic TH would be fine. There are even fewer colour choices though.

 

[Sparkletastic]

Somewhere I have a yellow clutch. I don't think it's a recognisable name, but it was beautiful and made in Italy. I say was, because I can't find it atm. The Saint Laurent SdJ Nona in Amber eel was the one that got away.

I love the Hug! I know I want a smaller bag and this is the yellow which is the perfect colour but too big. I need an XS. I also would prefer silver hardware with bright yellow (but I would make an exception if it were the right size).

Unfortunately, no colours are calling to me. I could go for a gold - but that's not exactly yellow.

A Studio Box or Iconic TH would be fine. There are even fewer colour choices though.

That yellow Hug is adorable! I want the Hug in a bordeaux but haven’t seen one. I need to check the website again.

I just looked to see if anyone was reselling the yellow Miss Dior that I have. I was floored to see one for $3500. :faints: I bought mine from an individual years ago for $600. This current seller obviously doesn’t understand they have a less popular color for an older model bag. Yikes!

 

[Sparkletastic]

I’m still holding off from buying a new bag. I’m keeping myself distracted with home remodel tasks.

What are all of you doing to keep shopping your closets vs impulse buying?

 

[Cookiefiend]

Sparkletastic’s White & Cream bags

• Dior Ltd. Edition Diorama in ivory calfskin with gold embroidery and embellishment
View attachment 6151247

• Fendi First in nuvola roccia nappa leather with snakeskin trim
View attachment 6151245

• Jimmy Choo large cream calfskin Bon Bon Bucket Bag w/ghw
View attachment 6151246

Ohmigosh - these are so beautiful!

The Horse Clementine in Oat . I will put my taupe bags in tan next week. View attachment 6151404

Well - that’s super cute!

Somewhere I have a yellow clutch. I don't think it's a recognisable name, but it was beautiful and made in Italy. I say was, because I can't find it atm. The Saint Laurent SdJ Nona in Amber eel was the one that got away.

I love the Hug! I know I want a smaller bag and this is the yellow which is the perfect colour but too big. I need an XS. I also would prefer silver hardware with bright yellow (but I would make an exception if it were the right size).

Unfortunately, no colours are calling to me. I could go for a gold - but that's not exactly yellow.

A Studio Box or Iconic TH would be fine. There are even fewer colour choices though.

The hug is very cute… but I looked at them last week and I don’t think it will work for me. In the medium size it’s quite heavy and not easy to get into - but worst for me was the very forward ‘lean’ of the bag. The smaller bag is darling but a PITA to get into - you’d have to undo both tiny clasps!
I love my yellow Trifolio though!

 

[Vintage Leather]

March

Bags In: 1
Bags Out: 5
Accessories In: 6
Jewelry and Accessories Out: 63
Household: 4
Donations Out: 225
Total out: 297

Year to Date
Bags In: 3
Bags Out: 5
Accessories In: 8
Jewelry and Accessories Out: 81
Household: 7
Donations Out: 225
Pounds of shredding: 13
Total out: 331

I wanted to see how I was doing with my goals at the end of CQ1 (closet quarter) and I saw that I hadn’t actually set any goals.

Ooops? Maybe that’s why I feel like such a mess…

I have sold more this quarter, than I did the entire year last year

 

[cowgirlsboots]

I hope both items work out great.

Thank you! They are on the way and should arrive in the next few days. I'm a bit nervous about the bag... Let's say I did not ask for measurements or more photos.... The shoes were too cheap to be a risky purchase.

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Friday afternoon I went to a 100th birthday party.

I wasn’t really in the mood for a party, as my Mum had had another midnight crisis, but I put on my black silk Valentino dress and went.
There was champagne on tap, and I have to admit that I had several glasses to mask my stress.

Now I have a headache (it’s 3am), but everyone enjoyed themselves), the birthday girl also drank at least 3 glasses of champagne , and she has another party on Saturday!

I hope I’m not rushed to my parents today..

I hope the party was at least a little fun! You look great in your Valentino!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

Sparkletastic’s White & Cream bags

• Dior Ltd. Edition Diorama in ivory calfskin with gold embroidery and embellishment
View attachment 6151247

• Fendi First in nuvola roccia nappa leather with snakeskin trim
View attachment 6151245

• Jimmy Choo large cream calfskin Bon Bon Bucket Bag w/ghw
View attachment 6151246

You have the prettiest bags! I'm drooling!

 

[cowgirlsboots]

We met with our financial advisor and I’m thinking of retiring early. The idea has me completely freaked out as I always assumed I’d have to work another 15 years plus.

So, I’m excited to have the option but am not sure what in the world I’ll “do” with myself. There is only so much leisure travel a person can do. And, I have zero desire to start some other “thing” that would require building and struggle.

Mr. Sparkle feels that given I’ve had health issues I should go for it and just enjoy myself. My thought is those are past history. My health is great now so….?

Anyone else retire early? What are you doing to transition from career to… the abyss.

I guess this will give me more time to play with and shop my closet. LOL!

You really have to opt for your personal happiness. When you love your job stay! I must admit I'd grab early retirement immediately... I am happy at home and dreading that I will have to go back to work when DS turns 18. I haven't been there since 1997.... and haven't ever missed it. Quitting would mean to lose my healthcare and the small but guaranteed pension I will get when I go back and stay until retirement age. But I have never loved my job.