i do the same thing! i've been trying to be better about it though. thought the advice to rotate was a good one and one that i'm trying. it's a shame when they just sit in the closet!
Am I nuts?Do you save your bags because you're afraid to carry them everyday?
- Thread starter tomatored
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I have 1 bag, my favorite, which I guard as a dragon over treasure. I still use it--but feel every scratch across my heart & roar a tiny bit.
The others, I use without much thought. I have bags & for different purposes, so none go neglected.
Maybe I'm familiar with old things, in old countries, so the process of use/maintain/damage/repair/use doesn't seem sinful or alien?
Maybe each bag having a happy story lets me look forward to seeing & using it?
Or, maybe because I don't resell bags, no ghosts of future buyers whisper about tiny blemishes?
I don't know the best answer for those facing unused bags & fear. I do hope my thoughts are helpful.
I think bags aren't perfect insects to be preserved in amber--they're tools, with which we build a little extra joy into each moment.
More moments aren't guaranteed--so, I wear a great handbag in this one.
Best wishes.
The others, I use without much thought. I have bags & for different purposes, so none go neglected.
Maybe I'm familiar with old things, in old countries, so the process of use/maintain/damage/repair/use doesn't seem sinful or alien?
Maybe each bag having a happy story lets me look forward to seeing & using it?
Or, maybe because I don't resell bags, no ghosts of future buyers whisper about tiny blemishes?
I don't know the best answer for those facing unused bags & fear. I do hope my thoughts are helpful.
I think bags aren't perfect insects to be preserved in amber--they're tools, with which we build a little extra joy into each moment.
More moments aren't guaranteed--so, I wear a great handbag in this one.
Best wishes.
I used to be like that, afraid of carrying my bags... I've gotten better at it though. I started thinking that buying my bags for their prices would be a waste if I didn't maximize their usage. As for damage/signs of use/getting old... I try to mitigate those by buying in colors and materials that I don't have to worry about as much. Of course, I can't avoid but like bags in lighter colors or those that are more delicate... with those (which I try to ensure are less in number than my worry-free (or more worry-free anyway) bags, I try to use them in more appropriate situations (no bad weather, strenuous activities for the day, etc - for those situations I use my other bags). Even then, should they get some marks or whatever - I just think to myself that they add to the charm of the bag, and that they add to the story of it.
I don't really view bags as investment pieces - I view them as beautiful containers of things that give me some joy when I look at them and use them. If they eventually become unusable... then so be it. More fun buying more bags in the future, anyway
I don't really view bags as investment pieces - I view them as beautiful containers of things that give me some joy when I look at them and use them. If they eventually become unusable... then so be it. More fun buying more bags in the future, anyway
I use my bags.
I have a couple of clutches that are for weddings, dh's business events that aren't practical for everyday use. They come out when the occasion is right.
I have a couple of mono LV that I only carry when we go into the city, because I live in a small town and they stand out too much here. Fortunately we go into the city at least twice a month, sometimes more often.
I have a couple I need to sell. They are too large, I don't use them. They are beautiful bags, but don't suit me.
The rest I carry.
I do have issues sometimes where I put my things into a bag and get too comfortable there. I've been carrying my most recent handbag since early December when I purchased it, other than occasionally changing out of it because I needed a dressier bag. Getting ready to switch out again though as the weather is changing here. Spring. Finally. I need to rotate my bags more often and not settle into one and stay there.
It took me awhile to find out what worked well for me and my lifestyle. I don't mind having a few handbags that come out now and then for special occasions. By special occasions I mean weddings, business events, really nice dinners. My everyday life does not require business casual or business clothing, but I do occasionally have to dress up a bit and I need appropriate handbags for those occasions. I think the reason this works for me is that I only keep a few in reserve for these occasions, two clutches and two flashier bags. They all get used throughout the year. They just don't get used for grocery runs or trips to the library. If I had twenty clutches and twenty nicer bags in reserve, then I might not personally feel comfortable about having special occasion bags.
I did spill champagne on one of my clutches. Fortunately it did not stain or ruin the bag. Now when I use it, I always remember that and it actually makes me smile. It was a special date night and one that brings back good memories.
I love how my favorite bags get a nicely used look to them. I am careful with my things, but not overly careful.
I have a couple of clutches that are for weddings, dh's business events that aren't practical for everyday use. They come out when the occasion is right.
I have a couple of mono LV that I only carry when we go into the city, because I live in a small town and they stand out too much here. Fortunately we go into the city at least twice a month, sometimes more often.
I have a couple I need to sell. They are too large, I don't use them. They are beautiful bags, but don't suit me.
The rest I carry.
I do have issues sometimes where I put my things into a bag and get too comfortable there. I've been carrying my most recent handbag since early December when I purchased it, other than occasionally changing out of it because I needed a dressier bag. Getting ready to switch out again though as the weather is changing here. Spring. Finally. I need to rotate my bags more often and not settle into one and stay there.
It took me awhile to find out what worked well for me and my lifestyle. I don't mind having a few handbags that come out now and then for special occasions. By special occasions I mean weddings, business events, really nice dinners. My everyday life does not require business casual or business clothing, but I do occasionally have to dress up a bit and I need appropriate handbags for those occasions. I think the reason this works for me is that I only keep a few in reserve for these occasions, two clutches and two flashier bags. They all get used throughout the year. They just don't get used for grocery runs or trips to the library. If I had twenty clutches and twenty nicer bags in reserve, then I might not personally feel comfortable about having special occasion bags.
I did spill champagne on one of my clutches. Fortunately it did not stain or ruin the bag. Now when I use it, I always remember that and it actually makes me smile. It was a special date night and one that brings back good memories.
I love how my favorite bags get a nicely used look to them. I am careful with my things, but not overly careful.
I love the worn boho look anyway so it works out for me. I like having the visible patina or marks of use since I like to have things that have been with me a long time. I don't need everything to look new.
I'm with you - breaking in new bags can be painful. You just have to take a deep breath and accept the fact that using your new bag will make your "new" bag "used." It hurts a little. After you get over that step, that's when you'll be able to really enjoy your bag. Then just put it in rotation with the others, and it'll look lovely for a long time. Try not to be worried about whether or not you'll be able to replace the bag after it's too worn out to wear. By the time it's truly unwearable (could be up to 10-15 years), it's highly unlikely that you'll be wanting that particular style as a replacement. If you do, it's likely the bag is already a classic, and you'll never have a problem finding another one. Now load up those Roccos and go on a fantastic excursion!
Guilty.
You know how when you find a dress you love and that fits like a glove, so you buy several of them in different colors? Yeah well years ago I bought four Butler Bags (the "Hybrid" style). I bought four because I loved it and I didn't want to risk it being discontinued (which is actually WAS later). I will admit that I carry these bags for as long as humanly possible, even until they are past the point of looking really good.
As I mentioned, I bought four of the same bag in different colors. First I carried the dark brown Hybrid Butler Bag for years until I couldn't deny that it looked awful. Then I broke out the bright red Butler Bag and carried it *every day* for probably four or five years. Even at the end of its life, people would remark, "Oh I love your red bag!" because most people only notice the body of the bag which still looked pretty good, and they never really notice the straps, which is where my bags take such a beating!
After the retirement of the dark brown bag and during The Red Bag Years, two more Butler Bags were sitting in dust bags on the top shelf of my closet, waiting to be activated. I could almost hear them yelling, "PUT ME IN, COACH!" LOL...
Once I retired the red bag about a year ago, I broke out the gold one and I regret to say there is only ONE brand new Butler Bag left in the bullpen. Just typing that makes me hyperventilate a little bit. Maybe I can just keep having new straps put on!
You know how when you find a dress you love and that fits like a glove, so you buy several of them in different colors? Yeah well years ago I bought four Butler Bags (the "Hybrid" style). I bought four because I loved it and I didn't want to risk it being discontinued (which is actually WAS later). I will admit that I carry these bags for as long as humanly possible, even until they are past the point of looking really good.
As I mentioned, I bought four of the same bag in different colors. First I carried the dark brown Hybrid Butler Bag for years until I couldn't deny that it looked awful. Then I broke out the bright red Butler Bag and carried it *every day* for probably four or five years. Even at the end of its life, people would remark, "Oh I love your red bag!" because most people only notice the body of the bag which still looked pretty good, and they never really notice the straps, which is where my bags take such a beating!
After the retirement of the dark brown bag and during The Red Bag Years, two more Butler Bags were sitting in dust bags on the top shelf of my closet, waiting to be activated. I could almost hear them yelling, "PUT ME IN, COACH!" LOL...
Once I retired the red bag about a year ago, I broke out the gold one and I regret to say there is only ONE brand new Butler Bag left in the bullpen. Just typing that makes me hyperventilate a little bit. Maybe I can just keep having new straps put on!
Attachments
I do the sameeee omg my mom wants to kill me 😂 i wear a $500dllr tory burch everyday. But i have 3 balencias, 2 alexander mcqueen and a chloe. I rarely wear them 😂 i think my life isnt that fab to wear expensive handbags everyday.
I do the same. I've only carried my Chanel and LV only a handful of times cause I don't want to damage it!! My bf thinks I'm crazy!! Says what's the point of buying if I don't use it. Lol
Guilty.
Have a handful of "special" bags that I only use on special occasions but they COST! I have a LV Eva that has never been outside! Oh man, we do need help my friend.
Have a handful of "special" bags that I only use on special occasions but they COST! I have a LV Eva that has never been outside! Oh man, we do need help my friend.
I used to do this! Once I started using only my favorite bags, I realized that I had bought a LOT of mediocre bags for no good reason. I stopped shopping sales and impulse buying -- what is the point if you already have and use your dream bag? Others just don't compare. With the money I haven't spent buying bags I don't truly love, I can buy a new dream bag every time I wear one out which honestly is not very often. I also learned that some of my dream bags really weren't so practical and have become a much more discerning shopper. It takes a very special bag to catch my eye now.
Use your good stuff now! You will never go back!
Use your good stuff now! You will never go back!
I hear you. I used to buy bags that are gorgeous but I'd be scared to use it because of fear of damage, color fading in sunlight etc etc. In the end, I sold them ( no regrets ) and got myself bags that suits my needs and lifestyle regardless of brand or price. I start buying bags based on what goes with my wardrobes too ( rather than imaginary lifestyle) so that they will all be in use. It doesn't matter if its a high end or lower end or no-name, actually using my bags and rotating them made me a lot happier than when I had many gorgeous bags not in use. I have a few everyday bags to rotate so that I won't wear them all out quickly I think you should take your bags out and enjoy it ! That's what they are for !
I think you should take your bags out and enjoy it ! That's what they are for !
Isn't not using them the same as not having them at all?
If a tree falls in a forest...
If a bag stays in safekeeping...
I love the comment about life being the special occasion. Absolutely, it is.
As L'Oreal says... you're worth it!!!
If a tree falls in a forest...
If a bag stays in safekeeping...
I love the comment about life being the special occasion. Absolutely, it is.
As L'Oreal says... you're worth it!!!
Use them! Life is short. You cant take them with you. Someone else said "Its like the little old lady that never used her fine china, then she died, no one wanted it & it was junked."
Use the things you love. Tomorrow or those fantasy "special occasions" may never come.
Use the things you love. Tomorrow or those fantasy "special occasions" may never come.