Collection at the Tipping Point

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

#31
Summerfriend said:
I know; how is this possible? How can I SIMULTANEOUSLY feel like a) I have too many and am starting to duplicate, but b) there are still things that are "missing?" Ridiculous. :panic:
Click to expand...
I know... it makes no sense, right? But here you are. I think many of us have experienced this same phenomenon... that's why the rabbit hole is so large!
At least you seem to have caught yourself before you've done TOO much damage. Lonchmps totes are always useful, and the good thing is that they fold up! You can keep them in the trunk of your car for days when you go shopping (they charge for shopping bags here, don't know how it is in your area).
Would it help to tell us which bags are still tempting you, and we can talk you out of it?:lol::lol::lol::lol:
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: prepster and Summerfriend
#32
This might not work for everyone, but I learned it from a friend in school years ago and it helps me now and then. Find an order form for the handbags you're eyeing and trying to resist. If you can't find an online order form, make one up. Then fill it out. The more real you can make it feel, the better. I have pasted in photos of the things I'm "purchasing" and figured the tax. I have filled online shopping carts. Feel the satisfaction of ordering those bags.

Now shred the form. Delete the shopping cart. Sometimes pretending I'm buying something but not actually making the purchase gives me the same dopamine hit without having to actually spend the money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: prepster and Summerfriend
#33
It may work for others, but I know for myself that the perfect bag collection does not exist. I think focusing on that, instead of accepting the reality is the first step on falling down the rabbit hole. As long as there are a good variety that can suit all purposes, then what helps is to take a step back when you hit the saturation point. Strange as it may seem, there will be a time when you may like the bags, but wouldn't feel the same urge to run out and purchase them. Good luck!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: prepster and Summerfriend
#34
@Summerfriend
This is a fabulous thread Summerfriend! Glad I just found it & I'll probably go back & re-read it!
I was at the tipping point the last few years so I spent a lot of time reducing my collection by both selling & donating to friends & charity. I always feel good when I release a bag that is no longer serving a purpose ( but hopefully it did serve me well in the past!) I've always been fascinated by luxury bags & the process that goes into them with the design, choosing materials- which leathers, hardware etc. It's like an endless sea of options! I think that as we mature, we go through an evolution in learning what works best for us (& not just in the world of handbags!) I also have reflected on my own perspective regarding the value of money....this is such a fascinating topic for me & I know many books/shows,etc on this topic. A huge part of how you were raised influences your choices & how you choose to spend your hard earned dollar. For me, my major weakness has always been bags (as to where I spend most of my money). I have also learned TONS from TPF & all the WONDERFUL folks here~ I love hearing everyone's perspectives! Probably 2 of the most powerful learnings for me have been if it (handbag) doesn't spark joy than don't buy it, or if I own it & there's no joy in it any longer, then sell or donate (do not keep it in closet unused forever.... I was doing that for years)... This I learned from @bakeacookie fabulous thread on "shopping from your own closet." @Sparkletastic is a fantastic contributor there! And secondly, I now keep a photo inventory of my current bags so that when I'm considering a new bag, I clearly study how this new bag will fit in (or not) & my goal is always to NOT have crazy redundancy (which I clearly had lots of before going on a massive overhaul in reducing my collection). Ooooo I'm long-winded /sorry....time for me to shut it!
 
  • Like
Reactions: prepster and Summerfriend
#36
Kendie26 said:
@Summerfriend
This is a fabulous thread Summerfriend! Glad I just found it & I'll probably go back & re-read it!
I was at the tipping point the last few years so I spent a lot of time reducing my collection by both selling & donating to friends & charity. I always feel good when I release a bag that is no longer serving a purpose ( but hopefully it did serve me well in the past!) I've always been fascinated by luxury bags & the process that goes into them with the design, choosing materials- which leathers, hardware etc. It's like an endless sea of options! I think that as we mature, we go through an evolution in learning what works best for us (& not just in the world of handbags!) I also have reflected on my own perspective regarding the value of money....this is such a fascinating topic for me & I know many books/shows,etc on this topic. A huge part of how you were raised influences your choices & how you choose to spend your hard earned dollar. For me, my major weakness has always been bags (as to where I spend most of my money). I have also learned TONS from TPF & all the WONDERFUL folks here~ I love hearing everyone's perspectives! Probably 2 of the most powerful learnings for me have been if it (handbag) doesn't spark joy than don't buy it, or if I own it & there's no joy in it any longer, then sell or donate (do not keep it in closet unused forever.... I was doing that for years)... This I learned from @bakeacookie fabulous thread on "shopping from your own closet." @Sparkletastic is a fantastic contributor there! And secondly, I now keep a photo inventory of my current bags so that when I'm considering a new bag, I clearly study how this new bag will fit in (or not) & my goal is always to NOT have crazy redundancy (which I clearly had lots of before going on a massive overhaul in reducing my collection). Ooooo I'm long-winded /sorry....time for me to shut it!
Click to expand...

Lovely Kendie, I'm so happy that you found this thread and even happier to hear your thoughts! Not long-winded at all . . . of course, considering the average length of MY posts, take that with a grain of salt, LOL! :flowers:

With everything you've learned, do you feel that your collection is a comfortable size for you now?

I'm definitely still comfortable, but JUUUUUST NOW starting to feel a little twitchy, like interest in new bags is starting to make me a little stressed out, rather than happy (which is probably a good place to stop). And yet the bags are still pretty, and new possibilities keep occurring to me . . . I suppose here's where the discipline comes in. The discipline to just STOP and realize that I can enjoy things without owning them; that my own personal style is more distinctive and chic when it's somewhat FIXED and not bouncing all over the place; that I can only properly enjoy and care for a certain number of bags, and beyond that, they become mere clutter.

I appreciate you all participating in this thread so I can keep exploring these ideas with your input - it's definitely helping me get a psychological handle on how I want to proceed!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Claudia Herzog and Kendie26
#37
ElainePG said:
I know... it makes no sense, right? But here you are. I think many of us have experienced this same phenomenon... that's why the rabbit hole is so large!
At least you seem to have caught yourself before you've done TOO much damage. Lonchmps totes are always useful, and the good thing is that they fold up! You can keep them in the trunk of your car for days when you go shopping (they charge for shopping bags here, don't know how it is in your area).
Would it help to tell us which bags are still tempting you, and we can talk you out of it?:lol::lol::lol::lol:
Click to expand...

LMAO! So naughty. Strangely, I am super content with my relatively modest LV and Balenciaga collections - what's sending me over the tipping point is these dang Longchamp bags. They're SO useful and well-made and these leather ones go straight to a smooshy-puddle-of-leather-lover's heart. Really, I'm just lusting over one more of the Cuirs - a black one - and one more LV Neverfull that I've had on my wish list forever (so much so that I already count it as part of my collection even though I haven't bought it yet, ha!). So not TOOOOOO out of control. The real problem isn't so much what I actually intend to buy as the absolute mental frenzy of which I'm capable when something catches my eye - I've been MENTALLY all over Gucci bamboo-handle bags, Chanel (that mentality of I NEED ALL THE FLAPS!), Stella McCartney (love that dang Falabella, even though I have NO use for it), various clutches . . . like, OMG.

I'm thinking of going on a ban for all of 2017 just to clear the slate, mentally, enjoy what I have, and leave some ROOM in my closet for adding a few special bags down the road. This year has been all about building my wardrobe of USEFUL bags - daily bags, travel bags, "toss-around" bags, and ONE or two dressier bags for evening/church/events. Covering the basics. With the basics now covered (or 99% covered), I can shift into cruise control and not necessarily ACTIVELY SHOP FOR bags, but rather, save my coins and let a few really special, fun-but-not-necessarily-practical bags (hi, flaps) come into my life when the stars align and the time is right.
 
#38
Summerfriend said:
Lovely Kendie, I'm so happy that you found this thread and even happier to hear your thoughts! Not long-winded at all . . . of course, considering the average length of MY posts, take that with a grain of salt, LOL! :flowers:

With everything you've learned, do you feel that your collection is a comfortable size for you now?

I'm definitely still comfortable, but JUUUUUST NOW starting to feel a little twitchy, like interest in new bags is starting to make me a little stressed out, rather than happy (which is probably a good place to stop). And yet the bags are still pretty, and new possibilities keep occurring to me . . . I suppose here's where the discipline comes in. The discipline to just STOP and realize that I can enjoy things without owning them; that my own personal style is more distinctive and chic when it's somewhat FIXED and not bouncing all over the place; that I can only properly enjoy and care for a certain number of bags, and beyond that, they become mere clutter.

I appreciate you all participating in this thread so I can keep exploring these ideas with your input - it's definitely helping me get a psychological handle on how I want to proceed!
Click to expand...
Haha I feel you girl (with your twitch!) Yes, I am very comfortable/content with my collection. I've been much more disciplined this year & while I have purchased a few fab bags, I know that they will be "keepers" for a VERY long time. I used to make more spontaneuous/impulse decisions that did not always pan out well for longevity (& thus my selling off of a lot of bags...even my beloved Bal collection that got a major overhaul, which I never would have anticipated) I agree with your (& others comments)on how you can love/admire bags & other items but it doesn't mean you have to BUY it. The easiest tactic I take when buying now (along w/ knowing in advance how it will fit in w/ current collection & fill a gap) is that I have to be CLEARLY IN LOVE WITH IT....there's no wishy-washy decision going on. If I'm unsure, I don't buy it. It has to be a slam dunk easy decision. That has helped me fend off many unnecessary purchases.:flowers:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Claudia Herzog and Summerfriend
#39
I have found that with clothing, shoes and bags, when I start to admire something, I realize I already have something like it. That's why I am admiring it lol. So I have found that taking a mental inventory of my bags (or shoes, etc) before I pull out my cc, and a stern talking to myself because I realllly want the new one, will
help me take a step back.
The fact is that I have to force myself to use all my bags in rotation. I definitely have enough. I am trying to stay on a self-imposed ban for a while.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Summerfriend
#40
I'm glad I found this post, as I have just reached the tipping point myself, and need to go on a ban for a while! I built up my (relatively) small collection of 7 premier and 4 contemporary handbags relatively quickly over the past 12 months, in order to fill voids in my wardrobe. This year, I focused on colors. With my last purchase, I have all the basics I need to last me a while - black, brown, taupe, light grey, monogram LV (I guess monogram is its own category lol), pink, red, and blue. While there are a couple of gaps still on my wishlist (small crossbody, roomy open-top tote, something in dark grey, something in oxblood, and a Celine belt bag just cause I love it hehe), I do see any extra bags as "icing", rather than as missing ingredients to the cake. I think what will help me pace myself from here on out is:

1) switching out bags daily to keep things fresh, or going in the other direction and wearing one bag weeks at a time, so that when I switch, the next bag will feel like new again.
2) buying a new bag only on special occasions (birthdays, Christmas)
3) OR whenever I've earned it (working enough extra shifts, bonuses)
4) only buying if I've seen it in person. The boutiques are about a 45 minute drive each way for me, so that will both temper impulsive online purchases, and bag regrets because I liked it better online than in person.
5) only buying from my list, and buying things I truly love.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: prepster and Summerfriend
#41
Breadnbrie said:
I'm glad I found this post, as I have just reached the tipping point myself, and need to go on a ban for a while! I built up my (relatively) small collection of 7 premier and 4 contemporary handbags relatively quickly- over the past 12 months, in order to fill voids in my wardrobe. This year, I focused on colors. With my last purchase, I have all the basics I need to last me a while - black, brown, taupe, light grey, monogram LV (I guess monogram is its own category lol), pink, red, and blue. While there are a couple of gaps still on my wishlist (small crossbody, roomy open-top tote, something in dark grey, something in oxblood, and a Celine belt bag just cause I love it hehe), I do see any extra bags as "icing", and not missing ingredients to a cake. I think what will help me pace myself from here on out is:

1) switching out bags daily to keep things fresh, or going in the other direction and wearing one bag weeks at a time, so that when I switch, the next bag will feel like new again.
2) buying a new bag only on special occasions (birthdays, Christmas)
3) OR whenever I've earned it (working enough extra shifts, bonuses)
4) only buying if I've seen it in person. The boutiques are about a 45 minute drive each way for me, so that will both temper impulsive online purchases, and bag regrets because I liked it better online than in person.
5) only buying from my list, and buying things I truly love.
Click to expand...

Ahh, I agree with so many things in this post! Mainly:

-Yes, LV monogram is TOTALLY it's own color. Ha!

-I also want something in oxblood. There's something so lush about it! But there's also something about it that just doesn't QUITE work for me, and I blame my climate. I live in Florida, and oxblood is such a *New England* color to me. Or at least a *somwhere with seasons* color. It reminds me of libraries at fine institutions & mahogany furniture. I just can't seem to make it work with palm trees and loose, breezy tank tops and flip flops. Gah. BUT! I guess this is exactly the kind of decision making I'm trying to employ - really being honest with myself about my lifestyle and my needs (as opposed to things I just admire)!

-And yes to the icing! That's where I'm about to be. In possession of a perfect cake that can just use a little icing here and there in the form of smaller bags and "pops of color." Literally my ENTIRE collection now is medium sized bags in black or brown (which I've realized really works for my daily needs).
 
  • Like
Reactions: prepster
#42
Summerfriend said:
-I also want something in oxblood. There's something so lush about it! But there's also something about it that just doesn't QUITE work for me, and I blame my climate. I live in Florida, and oxblood is such a *New England* color to me. Or at least a *somwhere with seasons* color. It reminds me of libraries at fine institutions & mahogany furniture. I just can't seem to make it work with palm trees and loose, breezy tank tops and flip flops. Gah. BUT! I guess this is exactly the kind of decision making I'm trying to employ - really being honest with myself about my lifestyle and my needs (as opposed to things I just admire)!
Click to expand...

I can absolutely relate on the climate thing! I live in an LA beach city and have a very casual style outside of work, like many who live here, so certain purses don't work as well within these constraints. I'm looking mainly at Mulberry on this one, which I associate with coats and scarves and a light drizzle, despite how much I like the leather.

However, I think I look at the style of the bag moreso than the actual color when I think about my lifestyle. I would EASILY wear an oxblood bag year round if it were a more casual style, since the color matches effortlessly with my neutral, cool-toned clothing. For instance, an oxblood Bal city or Celine belt would work better than a structured large Mulberry bayswater tote. So I wouldn't rule out oxblood entirely, if you really like the color and if you can easily match it to the clothing you have. [emoji6]
 
  • Like
Reactions: prepster and Summerfriend
#43
Summerfriend said:
-I also want something in oxblood. There's something so lush about it! But there's also something about it that just doesn't QUITE work for me, and I blame my climate. I live in Florida, and oxblood is such a *New England* color to me. Or at least a *somwhere with seasons* color. It reminds me of libraries at fine institutions & mahogany furniture. I just can't seem to make it work with palm trees and loose, breezy tank tops and flip flops. Gah.
Click to expand...

Breadnbrie said:
I can absolutely relate on the climate thing! I live in an LA beach city and have a very casual style outside of work, like many who live here, so certain purses don't work as well within these constraints. I'm looking mainly at Mulberry on this one, which I associate with coats and scarves and a light drizzle, despite how much I like the leather.
Click to expand...
Here's my oxblood mulberry lily, going to summer wedding.
http://forum.purseblog.com/attachments/oxblood-lily-worn-single-chain-on-shoulder-1-jpg.3162103/
Maybe my stubborn determination, to use faves often, foolishly ignores color's tweed & drizzle limits?:lol:;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: prepster, Ludmilla, ElainePG and 2 others
#44
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top