Thank you! Haha, I LOVE BV – that’s what was the big kick in the pants for me to purge so many bags to begin with. Some of the BVs I like are out of my reach, but I do love the veneta. I’ve been thinking recently if I’d be content to sell off pretty much everything and buy one more BV. I *might* be able to get down to 4 every day bags for that kind of motivation.
Ever purged your collection in pursuit of one bag? How did it go?
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It's been a pretty slow process - first sold off duplicate styles and colors, and then once I got used to having those (it was probably closer to 5 or 6 bags), I started really paying attention to which ones I used more often and which were just "well, I haven't used this in a while and I should probably change it up."
And I keep a spreadsheet of all the bags I've owned, and which ones I've sold and why. It has really helped me figure out what my priorities are.
I've also done the "hide it in the guest room closet" trick to see if I really miss a bag before selling it.
love this idea. if i also think about how much i paid for them, and how much they sold for - oh man, that would be a way to get me to not buy any more.
Well, I just finished up packing two big boxes to be shipped off for consignment. I feel proud for recognizing (finally) what things I never used and just bought because I liked how they looked or some other dumb reason. I feel like I could trim down even more but I figure I will give my listing a little longer before I pull them all and just get rid of everything via consignment. Sure I might get a little less than what I wanted but I will be rid of things I don't use and be left with the bags I truely enjoy.
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congrats, selkie!
So last night I sat down and sat thought out selling off more, and what I ultimately want. I am so impressed by all of you who have gotten down to 1-3 bags and was thinking out if I could do the same. I’m typically more impressed by well thought out, edited collections than gigantic ones – I think there’s something to be said for knowing what you want and what you use.
For those of you with very edited collections (and I know some of you have talked about this already), how did you get there (motivation & process)? And also, how did you decide which of your bags to keep? Maybe these answers are sort of obvious (used it more, etc.), but even just thinking about the recent “colors that everyone should have thread,” I was curious about everyone’s thought processes behind what they have – particularly for those of you who have done quite a bit of editing. For example, how many of your bags are neutral? Are they different styles, or just one tried and true? Do you think you’ll keep with these same going forward, get one new bag every so often, or do one in/one out, ?
Just thinking it might be easier to make my own decisions if I had a better feel for everyone’s thought process, even though I know these things are very individual. I was thinking maybe I could ultimately cut down to 2 black bags (1 hobo, 1 satchel) and a brown bag, and then a jewel tone (emerald?) and a metallic as my fun but still versatile with my wardrobe bags. I think this would work pretty well for me, and I’m not sure if I could cut down any further at this point – there are a few bags that I’m still on the fence about anyway, so I’m not sure if I’d be getting to this 5 any time soon.
So last night I sat down and sat thought out selling off more, and what I ultimately want. I am so impressed by all of you who have gotten down to 1-3 bags and was thinking out if I could do the same. I’m typically more impressed by well thought out, edited collections than gigantic ones – I think there’s something to be said for knowing what you want and what you use.
For those of you with very edited collections (and I know some of you have talked about this already), how did you get there (motivation & process)? And also, how did you decide which of your bags to keep? Maybe these answers are sort of obvious (used it more, etc.), but even just thinking about the recent “colors that everyone should have thread,” I was curious about everyone’s thought processes behind what they have – particularly for those of you who have done quite a bit of editing. For example, how many of your bags are neutral? Are they different styles, or just one tried and true? Do you think you’ll keep with these same going forward, get one new bag every so often, or do one in/one out, ?
Just thinking it might be easier to make my own decisions if I had a better feel for everyone’s thought process, even though I know these things are very individual. I was thinking maybe I could ultimately cut down to 2 black bags (1 hobo, 1 satchel) and a brown bag, and then a jewel tone (emerald?) and a metallic as my fun but still versatile with my wardrobe bags. I think this would work pretty well for me, and I’m not sure if I could cut down any further at this point – there are a few bags that I’m still on the fence about anyway, so I’m not sure if I’d be getting to this 5 any time soon.
I don't know that I'm an authority on this because I have more than three bags but I can tell you how I came to my own particular process if that helps at all.
I SERIOUSLY ENVY women who can own three bags and be completely content. My number is less than 10 and all pretty low end (Longchamp, an RM, a couple Coach and BE--everything on sale), but I realized that my particular number was a happy medium that gave me some variety when I craved something different but that each bag was loved enough that I could carry it for weeks without wanting to switch out.
I went through a period of time where I bought a bag for a lifestyle (read: satchel) that I thought I might one day have instead of choosing a great bag that would be easy and simple with kids and a busy daily life. I had a brief daliance with RM (and I still have a harewood darling that I adore) but realized that those bags (for the most part) were pretty to look at but not functional for me.
So, I just paid attention to what I reached for during MOST days and I found that I wanted a certain style that was shoulder carry or shoulder/messenger style. And then I discovered the breezy simplicity of Longchamp--the easy casual elegance) and it clicked. I needed something I enjoyed CARRYING in addition to something that I enjoyed SEEING in my closet. At that point, putting some bags on the bay was pretty simple.
I first chose a couple that I loved but never carried because they didn't fit. Next I went for a couple of duplicates that were too similar to what I own. I'm now at a point where I don't think I can really sell anything because I only have a few left and I really love each and every one. I still love looking at other styles and I get tempted at times but the styles I love are usually pretty similar to something I already have, which tells me to just truly enjoy and use up what I have because there will always be gorgeous options when the time comes.
So, for me, if I only had three bags, I might be tempted to keep looking for something else, but a few more gives me enough variety to change things up when the mood strikes. I strive to be a minimalist with most things in my life (save for books and Moleskine journals) but I do love bags so a few extra to keep things interesting keeps the wants at bay.
I think the true magic number is unique to YOU and YOUR preferences.
thedseer for me i'm probably the odd one but i realize i only do black bags and LV coated canvas bags. i tried to do color but after 2x use i got tired of them and the whole match color to outfit thing.
1. my bags must be absolutely low maintenance, all weather and no leather care required.
2. i can't do hobo too.
3. something that i can see myself using for the next 5 years.
i'm at the point that i think i can't go any lower. i've 3 black and 3 LV (looking to get 1 more LV) and 2 inexpensive kipling baby bag. my 6-9 bags cover all ground cross-body, shoulder, handheld, evening, travel category so that means i have no excuse to buy anymore bags
i'm going to buy a house soon (i seriously hope this time it'll come true!) and so i need to save save save. no more frivolous spending on bags for me for a long time.
1. my bags must be absolutely low maintenance, all weather and no leather care required.
2. i can't do hobo too.
3. something that i can see myself using for the next 5 years.
i'm at the point that i think i can't go any lower. i've 3 black and 3 LV (looking to get 1 more LV) and 2 inexpensive kipling baby bag. my 6-9 bags cover all ground cross-body, shoulder, handheld, evening, travel category so that means i have no excuse to buy anymore bags
i'm going to buy a house soon (i seriously hope this time it'll come true!) and so i need to save save save. no more frivolous spending on bags for me for a long time.
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thedseer, to be honest, I stopped thinking about the 'versatility' of my collection, and about collecting in general. I stopped trying to have a handbag for every occasion and to fit every function.
I love the idea of a crossbody, and it's very useful, but I get tired of carrying them. I want to be able to throw it over my shoulder. So any *only* crossbody bags are out. A hobo or a shoulder tote with a crossbody option is definitely in, though.
It has to be able to fit under my arm without making my arm jut out. So nothing wider than 4" deep. I think that E/W bags make me look fat (lol) so I go for square or N/S only. Even though purple is my favorite color (tied with red), it's too limiting in my wardrobe because I do wear a lot of red also. No flaps, they're annoying. No clasps, they're annoying. Hardware can't be too loud. Must have enough pockets for my cell phone, keycard, and candies. Strap drop can't be too short and in my armpit. Flat straps are better than rolled handles. Can't be so big that my stuff moves around.
So basically, I get rid of anything that has anything I can complain about.
Even if I love the leather, the look, it fulfills a certain function that will be empty if I get rid of it.
What's left? RM wine mini nikki w/ brass hw, because my favorite color combo ever is wine, navy, and brown. And it's just the right size, maybe a tad small. Kind of a pain for everyday use though. HH oyster lorca: yes it has a flap and a clasp, but I adore this leather beyond belief and I won't get any resale value out of it. Coach black ergo hobo: my first designer purse, rainy day bag, also no resale value.
I've gotten rid of multiples of just about every RM style: Nikkis, MAMs, mini beloveds, mini matinee, full size matinee, MACs, couple different HH, one BE, couple coaches, one MbMJ. It has taken A LOT of buying and reselling to figure out what details work and don't work for me. And a lot of thinking, lol.
Clearly the HH and coach aren't perfect but also aren't going anywhere, so it's really just the RM that is my 'collection'. And it's not the perfect bag for me either. I think I need to add a brown bag, a tote with a crossbody option would be great. There are occasions where I do find myself needing something, well, bigger and not red. I'm thinking about the LP dyan, or the Bella small tote. I am also drooling over the Bal town, maybe in the sometime distant future when I am employed again.
Well now that I've finished my novel, I hope that helps!
I love the idea of a crossbody, and it's very useful, but I get tired of carrying them. I want to be able to throw it over my shoulder. So any *only* crossbody bags are out. A hobo or a shoulder tote with a crossbody option is definitely in, though.
It has to be able to fit under my arm without making my arm jut out. So nothing wider than 4" deep. I think that E/W bags make me look fat (lol) so I go for square or N/S only. Even though purple is my favorite color (tied with red), it's too limiting in my wardrobe because I do wear a lot of red also. No flaps, they're annoying. No clasps, they're annoying. Hardware can't be too loud. Must have enough pockets for my cell phone, keycard, and candies. Strap drop can't be too short and in my armpit. Flat straps are better than rolled handles. Can't be so big that my stuff moves around.
So basically, I get rid of anything that has anything I can complain about.
Even if I love the leather, the look, it fulfills a certain function that will be empty if I get rid of it. What's left? RM wine mini nikki w/ brass hw, because my favorite color combo ever is wine, navy, and brown. And it's just the right size, maybe a tad small. Kind of a pain for everyday use though. HH oyster lorca: yes it has a flap and a clasp, but I adore this leather beyond belief and I won't get any resale value out of it. Coach black ergo hobo: my first designer purse, rainy day bag, also no resale value.
I've gotten rid of multiples of just about every RM style: Nikkis, MAMs, mini beloveds, mini matinee, full size matinee, MACs, couple different HH, one BE, couple coaches, one MbMJ. It has taken A LOT of buying and reselling to figure out what details work and don't work for me. And a lot of thinking, lol.
Clearly the HH and coach aren't perfect but also aren't going anywhere, so it's really just the RM that is my 'collection'. And it's not the perfect bag for me either. I think I need to add a brown bag, a tote with a crossbody option would be great. There are occasions where I do find myself needing something, well, bigger and not red. I'm thinking about the LP dyan, or the Bella small tote. I am also drooling over the Bal town, maybe in the sometime distant future when I am employed again.
Well now that I've finished my novel, I hope that helps!
jsenning have you considered a furla elisabeth for your brown bag? I haven't tried it yet, but I was looking at them. They look nice. 
I have to agree with miss p on the:
1. my bags must be absolutely low maintenance, all weather and no leather care required.
For most of the bags I sold off I was tired of worrying about what the weather would be like, etc. My two workhorse bags can be worn in any kind of weather (LV Galliera PM & Coach Black Sateen Poppy Pocket Hobo). Then I also have Noir and Scarlet RM Mini Nikki's.. Noir is a pretty resillient leather and Scarlet is already tried and true.
Then I have 3 "fun" bags... they are satchels and L.A.M.B. canvas. So again, weather doesn't make a difference. They are stylish and cute. And none of them were over $150 (since they won't get used as much as my shoulder bags).
1. my bags must be absolutely low maintenance, all weather and no leather care required.
For most of the bags I sold off I was tired of worrying about what the weather would be like, etc. My two workhorse bags can be worn in any kind of weather (LV Galliera PM & Coach Black Sateen Poppy Pocket Hobo). Then I also have Noir and Scarlet RM Mini Nikki's.. Noir is a pretty resillient leather and Scarlet is already tried and true.
Then I have 3 "fun" bags... they are satchels and L.A.M.B. canvas. So again, weather doesn't make a difference. They are stylish and cute. And none of them were over $150 (since they won't get used as much as my shoulder bags).
Wow, I appreciate all of these thoughtful responses! Would love to hear more, for those of you who have more than 3 bags as well (don’t mean to imply that more than 3 means not edited, just amazed at those who have been able to get under 3).
So many of these comments are so insightful too – like having not only what you enjoy carrying, but what you enjoy seeing, and vice versa, and about ceasing to think of it as a collection. I’m impressed with how specific you are at realizing what you like, don’t like, and need out of a bag.
When I started this process, I just wanted less bags, and now I gravitate towards a totally different style (hobos with minimal/no hardware) as I think the whole purging process has helped me become more aware of what I like and need. It’s possible that my tastes and needs will change again, but then I guess I can start the whole process over again.
But I think I still have more work to do. This morning, for instance, I ended up carrying this one bag (which I really do enjoy), but before and after I chose it, I was thinking that I would probably prefer to carry my veneta. Similarly with my smaller bags –one bag in particular has become my go-to, love to carry smaller bag. So I guess that means that there is still a bag or two that I will be selling soon, and then a few that I need to think about and see if they meet my needs/likes, or if I would prefer to carry some of my other bags. Sometimes it seems like the more I purge and the less I have, the more I find that I can purge still!
So many of these comments are so insightful too – like having not only what you enjoy carrying, but what you enjoy seeing, and vice versa, and about ceasing to think of it as a collection. I’m impressed with how specific you are at realizing what you like, don’t like, and need out of a bag.
When I started this process, I just wanted less bags, and now I gravitate towards a totally different style (hobos with minimal/no hardware) as I think the whole purging process has helped me become more aware of what I like and need. It’s possible that my tastes and needs will change again, but then I guess I can start the whole process over again.
But I think I still have more work to do. This morning, for instance, I ended up carrying this one bag (which I really do enjoy), but before and after I chose it, I was thinking that I would probably prefer to carry my veneta. Similarly with my smaller bags –one bag in particular has become my go-to, love to carry smaller bag. So I guess that means that there is still a bag or two that I will be selling soon, and then a few that I need to think about and see if they meet my needs/likes, or if I would prefer to carry some of my other bags. Sometimes it seems like the more I purge and the less I have, the more I find that I can purge still!
while i truly envy all the ladies with a huuuge collection, i am incredibly content with just owning my 5 beautiful loved bags. i know that those 5 are enough and diverse enough that i don't really need more. i had way too many and am really happy with what i have now
**(I wonder where Lo has been..haven't seen her in awhile..)**
Thedseer..I'm with you when you said a similar statement.. that I think the process of purchasing and purging(although in my mind not always a fun process with selling,etc) has made me realize just what works for me/and what didn't when it comes to color/style..what I actually used or did it just sit.
I am now certain of the colors that work for me..esp. the one's that I don't have to work hard at figuring what will go with my clothes..)
I want fun, functional, timeless bags that go with everything(maybe we all want this..
)..that I don't have to think about too much...that have a purpose other than to look at...when I carry them I'm content and that I don't have so many that they go sitting around unused.
I am afraid that when my first BV arrives though, that I will want one in black too...
:shame:
Thedseer..I'm with you when you said a similar statement.. that I think the process of purchasing and purging(although in my mind not always a fun process with selling,etc) has made me realize just what works for me/and what didn't when it comes to color/style..what I actually used or did it just sit.
I am now certain of the colors that work for me..esp. the one's that I don't have to work hard at figuring what will go with my clothes..)
I want fun, functional, timeless bags that go with everything(maybe we all want this..
)..that I don't have to think about too much...that have a purpose other than to look at...when I carry them I'm content and that I don't have so many that they go sitting around unused.I am afraid that when my first BV arrives though, that I will want one in black too...
:shame:I was wondering about Lo too. Looks like she just had an LV restored/repaired – looks beautiful!
BVs are pretty fantastic! I think that’s what I may stick with from here on out.
I’m going to keep thinking it through for the rest of this week and long weekend, but I think I am ready to start what will hopefully be the final stage of Massive Purge 2010. I’ve made a list of all the things I’m pretty sure I can part with at this point, and I think seeing all that potential money that can go into savings is pretty motivating. I sure hope these bags sell quickly.
This will leave me with 3 or 4 everyday bags (1 MAM, 2 venetas, and maybe 1 other) and 4 smaller/evening. Then the plan is to buy a le pliage for rain days and a wallet since I really don’t have one, and then to save up for a BV in a fun but versatile color since I will be down to all neutrals. Yay!
BVs are pretty fantastic! I think that’s what I may stick with from here on out.
I’m going to keep thinking it through for the rest of this week and long weekend, but I think I am ready to start what will hopefully be the final stage of Massive Purge 2010. I’ve made a list of all the things I’m pretty sure I can part with at this point, and I think seeing all that potential money that can go into savings is pretty motivating. I sure hope these bags sell quickly.
This will leave me with 3 or 4 everyday bags (1 MAM, 2 venetas, and maybe 1 other) and 4 smaller/evening. Then the plan is to buy a le pliage for rain days and a wallet since I really don’t have one, and then to save up for a BV in a fun but versatile color since I will be down to all neutrals. Yay!