Ever purged your collection in pursuit of one bag? How did it go?

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#2,132
gratefull said:
This is great...love all your replies and thoughts.

I'm kind of going through the same things. I realized there are some high end bags I have that I love, but don't really fit into my present lifestyle, so am planning on selling. It's cool to come to the point of loving something, but feeling free to let it go, seeing the wisdom of not keeping something just to clutch onto it.....(haha it's not a clutch though lol) - ok maybe that wasn't correct grammar - lol
-- at the time, I absolutely adored these bags......but as I see them just sit at home, like in a purse museum or something, I will be happy to let them go, having the money to save or use on something really cool, and having the space freed up where they are sitting, too.

In the past I wouldn't have been able to sell them....loved them too much. But maybe something changed, for the good. I still really love the bags, but now I can actually let them go. It doesn't have to be like, well, I'm tired of it, so it will go. It's more like logic, just because you love something doesn't mean you HAVE to keep it...I can love it and still sell it.... finally getting to the point of truth/ reality: I'm just not using them....better to sell.
Some of them are just too beautiful and delicate to use much.....just have to keep reminding myself, this isn't a purse museum, lol.

And instead of using only bags to feel fabulous, maybe I'll use the money and get a really great camera. That would feel fabulous! To have something very useful and learn a new skill and capture memories too.
Feels good to get to the point of not having to have everything you want all the time, like an obsession or something.
Thanks for reading.
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What an insightful post. I envy that "place" you have come to in terms of bag purchases. I have been struggling with my idea of a "collection" (<hate that word!!). I am now at 5 bags: 1 MK, 1 MbMJ, 2 LV, and a KS but I find that when I get to where I think I should be *in terms of having a perfect set of bags for me forever*, I start to feel guilty about the money spent on them, especially the LV. I think 5 is a really really good number for me though--I have enough variety to feel like I have "choices" and I don't feel bored. But I'm always looking for the next, greatest bag.

I think the answer is to stay put and keep what I have--especially when my pattern is to buy...feel guilt...sell...repurchase...repeat repeat. I think that for the last month, my work stress has been off the charts and maybe a visit to a counselor would be more beneficial to me than getting on the computer.

Anyways, thanks to everyone for posting in this thread! It's probably my favorite here. :p
 
#2,134
I wish you luck!

I'm really clingy with my bags since I generally buy bags that I obsess over. So I don't often tire of them. Sometimes I wish I could clear out some space, but I just can't bring myself to do it!

Kudos to you, and I hope you get a lovely bag for all the effort!
 
#2,136
Just a little update as to where the purging process has taken me.

I purged everything when I came across the Marc by Marc Jacobs Sia bag. I loved it. The leather and the quality are fantastic.

My everyday bag is a Marc by Marc Jacobs Sia bag in black leather which is perfect for going shopping or doing small errand as I can be hands free and I also like the convenience of the adjustable strap.

My summery bag is an Orla Kiely cream patent Iris bag which has a detachable strap so can double up as a clutch bag for weddings etc.

My rainy day bag is an Orla Kiely oil cloth shoulder bag which I also use as my travel bag as I'm not to bothered if it has to go on the floor of the aeroplane as I can just wipe it clean.


I am currently saving up for my smart bag which will be the Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier bag in black leather and a Mulberry cosmetic purse which I will use as a clutch bag and then that will be my collection completed.

Then I will move my purging onto jewellery, clothing and shoes so I can create my very own capsule wardrobe. One of the hardest things about the purging is when you rethink about what you need. I have written down what bags I wanted e.g shoulder, hobo, cross body etc and then when you begin looking the budget can get out of hand. So I have limited myself to what I am prepared to pay for each bag and its helping.

I also like opening my wardrobe and seeing a very organised shelf of handbags which get rotated often.
 
#2,137
jxwilliams said:
What an insightful post. I envy that "place" you have come to in terms of bag purchases. I have been struggling with my idea of a "collection" (<hate that word!!). I am now at 5 bags: 1 MK, 1 MbMJ, 2 LV, and a KS but I find that when I get to where I think I should be *in terms of having a perfect set of bags for me forever*, I start to feel guilty about the money spent on them, especially the LV. I think 5 is a really really good number for me though--I have enough variety to feel like I have "choices" and I don't feel bored. But I'm always looking for the next, greatest bag.

I think the answer is to stay put and keep what I have--especially when my pattern is to buy...feel guilt...sell...repurchase...repeat repeat. I think that for the last month, my work stress has been off the charts and maybe a visit to a counselor would be more beneficial to me than getting on the computer.

Anyways, thanks to everyone for posting in this thread! It's probably my favorite here. :p
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I was exactly like you. Purchase, feel guilty and sell. When I look at my collection now of 3 bags until I buy the Hillier I realise just how far I've come. From buying a bag month after month and then selling it a few months later always at a loss I realise now that I have to think about my purchases carefully and that goes for everything I purchase not just bags and shoes.

If you use all the bags you own and you get the enjoyment every time you use them then just enjoy them. The more you use a bag the cheaper it is in the longterm if you work out the cost per wear.
 
#2,138
This sounds so simple but one thing that always works for me is simply going back to my closet! When I see what I have, I can see what I really need -- if anything--and be reminded of what I already own.

I've cleaned out my closet a few times and it always reminds me that less is more.
 
#2,139
Each day I get closer and closer to this. Honestly I think the only thing stopping me is the work that goes into each listing LOL. I would love to have a closet of just a few very well edited bags that I would carry in a constant rotation.
 
#2,140
tatertot said:
Each day I get closer and closer to this. Honestly I think the only thing stopping me is the work that goes into each listing LOL. I would love to have a closet of just a few very well edited bags that I would carry in a constant rotation.
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The idea of listing can be really tiring but I found that doing things in batches really helps. I take all the photos at once, write the listings in a separate file all at once and that makes a difference. After that, the listing process goes pretty fast.:smile1:
 
#2,141
Loquita said:
Yep, I know it might sound crazy to some, but I am seriously contemplating selling several of my mid-level designer bags in pursuit of the most expensive (obviously premium designer) handbag that I have ever owned. I currently own about 11 handbags, and would be selling 5 of them in excellent used condition in order to fund a single, very classic handbag in my favorite color.

Have any of your ever done something like this? If so, how did it work out for you?

(I also should perhaps also clarify that I have done substantial collection purges before and don't usually harbor any regrets. I prefer having a small to mid-sized, very well-loved handbag collection. I am the person that my family and friends call when they need help cleaning out their closets!!!) :nuts:
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I say go for it. I've just sold about six bags and bought a gorgeous Chanel. I don't miss my other bags at all! :D
 
#2,143
Yeah, I've been thinking of doing this, too! This partly because I'd love a Chanel boy bag and partly because I've honestly been finding more handmade bags on Etsy that I'd like for an everyday bag than I've found anywhere else lately. Heh.
 
#2,144
TejasMama said:
The idea of listing can be really tiring but I found that doing things in batches really helps. I take all the photos at once, write the listings in a separate file all at once and that makes a difference. After that, the listing process goes pretty fast.:smile1:
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That's a good idea. I'll have to try that and maybe I can get something done:p The hardest part for me is snapping all the pics because I have a 2yr old and when he's awake he does not want mommy playing with bags, just him LOL. By the time he hits the hay at night I'm usually too tired to mess with them.
 
#2,145
I actually don't have a specific bag in mind that I want at the moment. I really just want to tighten up my collection and pass on those bags that I don't ever use to new homes. Even with this new de-cluttering mindset I've developed, I still have a little trouble making that final decision to put bags up on the chopping block. The thing is that after they're gone, I've never regretted a single bag I've parted with except for one. I'm sure I'll find it again someday.
 
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