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

[bags and bijoux]

I have been trying to clean and simplify my closet/life. I just reorganized my closet this week and have a laundry basket of clothing to give to my sister. I have one bin of bags to consign/sell. I think there are 12 designer bags in there that I can happily sell to new homes. They are LV, Bal , YSL and ProenzaS. I have Coach and Kate Spade too but will give them to my daughter.


Right now I am only keeping two bags. One is the LV WatercoloR Papilion and the other is Chanel pink Cambon reporter bag that I just traded for this past week. I love the color pink. I would like to buy a Chanel Cambon Bowler bag since that is the one I traded for the pink reporter and wow the reporter is a big bag. So if I got the bowler bag I feel three bags can serve my needs. It is great to look in my closet wardrobes and see no clutter. Same with the wardrobe. I got rid of so much the past year. When I look around the house and see all this materialistic stuff I realize it really holds no meaning to my life and I can simplify and be happy.

I too have been clearing out my closet. I now have three bags which get rotated and a couple of cotton totes for dress down casual days to the beach.

It's great having less. I now buy for me and not to impress others.

There is a story behind my quest to simplify my life. My best friend of 30 years who was really my second mom lost her battle with cancer. She had it for 12 years but it was getting worse the last three years for her. About 6 years ago she decided to simplify and unclutter her life. She redecorated her house to her taste and got rid of so much. She said the material things she had from her past marriage to a wealthy guy meant nothing. She did not need the expensive china, jewelry, art,ect..... She wanted to be free of having all this stuff around the house. She would get more excited with each room she cleared out. She encouraged me to do the same.
We had many fun uncluttering sessions at my house. It felt lighter to have simple Rooms free of clutter and knick knacks. We also painted most of my rooms white with white shutters and curtains so the house felt so serene.
My friend stopped working and got rid of her designer wardrobe--because she had no need to wear many of her work clothes. This inspired me to continue with my closet and I donated bags of stuff or gave things to people I know. After my friend died I wanted to continue my project because she made me realize that material things really mean nothing. Having expensive things is not going to change my life nor do I wish to impress anyone with what I own. At this point I feel less is more.

So I hit my closet and pulled out every bag and thought of why I may need this or that and after a few months the reality hit that I really did not need any of them. I would wear a bag for a week and think does it work for me and will I wear it a few times a week. I realized the larger bags I had I no longer needed. My LV neverfull GM, Bal weekender. The other LV and Balencaga bags didn't matter. I could let go of all the others too.
I realized I now liked smaller bags with a zipper top and bought the LV watercolor papillon bag which I felt would serve my needs. I love this bag. Then after realizing the size was perfect for my needs I bought a Preloved Chanel black cambon bowler which was perfect and about the same size as the LV papillon bag. So I was set with two bags......and happy. Then I had the opportunity to trade the Chanel for a pink Chanel cambon reporter bag and I did it since pink is my favorite color. I would have bought a pink bowler bag but old only find one in the back color. So now I have these two bags as my bags to keep. I have to say the reporter s a large bag but I am enjoying it and all the pockets on the outside.
All my designer bags are sitting wrapped in heir dust bags waiting to have pictures taken so I can send them to a few consignment sites and see which will work out best for me.
I really have no desire to get another bag at this point in my life. I have turned down hubby's offer to buy me a new bag as gifts these past two years.
It may seem strange but I get more satisfaction with painting a room and working in my garden then going out and feeling I need this or that. The only thing I could say I have splurged on is my Asian skincare items which have made a difference in how good my skin looks.
I feel like I am dragging this out.... Sorry. I think basically what I am trying to say is that I have enjoyed and loved the designer bags and other things I own but as I dealt with my dear friend's illness and death I realized that I want more out of life then a possession. I want to feel there is more to life than feeling the need to go out and buy a new release or it thing. So I decided to let go of anything I don't use, need, or want.
It has been amazing this past year to see how easy it is to let go of stuff. I had a big garage sale and did a dollar sale 3 hours into it. I literally was giving people extra things as they walked to their cars. I have friends who will never ever get rid of any of heir stuff and think I am crazy to want to do this. When I now look in my closet it is pretty empty compared to most people but what I have works or me.
So that is my story on keeping two bags...and hopefully sending all my bags off to be enjoyed and cherished by others.

Your post is very inspirational. I am on a clothing ban as I want to start wearing my stuff out before I buy something new. Same with shoes, I want to wear them out before buying another pair.

 

[cupcakegirl]

Great thread... such insightful posts!!! I am in the process of purging my collection too. Not in pursuit of one bag, but in pursuit of a well edited collection of bags that I love and will use regularly.

 

[CoachCruiser]

I'm thinking of purging some of my higher end bags in order to buy a long coveted bag: a new Chanel. I have always wanted one. I have a bad tendency to buy lots of pretty bags, and I am lucky enough to have a beautiful collection, but then I think that if I had just saved my money, I could easily have had a Chanel by now. I'm worried, though, that the resale value on my current collection still won't be enough to pay for the Chanel. So I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do....??

 

[thedseer]

So I can’t say I’ve made terribly much progress in the past 2ish weeks. Had family in town and a few other things going on, but I have a bit of a break before things get busy again in 3 weeks, so hoping to get a lot done.
The bag I sent off to consignment sold, though on layaway. Sold another bag this week that will be shipped out tomorrow, so two down. I did get rid of and sorted through a good amount of clothing, which has been really positive. Even though I have less now, it’s easier to find things and getting dressed is much easier.
Still playing around with what I want to get rid of/have left, and trying to think about it in terms of function so I don’t end up with a slew of satchels or a bunch of black bags. Still on the fence about a lot of the same stuff, though I’m finding the more I think about it and the longer I wait, the more I feel like I should just get rid of it.

I'm thinking of purging some of my higher end bags in order to buy a long coveted bag: a new Chanel. I have always wanted one. I have a bad tendency to buy lots of pretty bags, and I am lucky enough to have a beautiful collection, but then I think that if I had just saved my money, I could easily have had a Chanel by now. I'm worried, though, that the resale value on my current collection still won't be enough to pay for the Chanel. So I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do....??

I would go ahead and sell the bags if you’re sure about letting them go. Even if you don’t have enough to fund your Chanel right away, it would still be a good start. Love your avatar, btw – so pretty

There is a story behind my quest to simplify my life.

I’m very sorry about your friend. Thank you for sharing – very inspirational. It’s a good reminder that material things really aren’t important in the grand scheme of things.

 

[mayajuliana]

Gilliana, thank you for your story! I am sorry to hear about your friend; she seems to live on with you in your simplicity.

I'm at a standstill right now but I know if I start, I get on a roll. Need the momentum! I really think I'm at a point where I can really let go of a lot more.

 

[thedseer]

How’s everyone doing? I sold a couple more, so am down to 16 now, with about 5 more to go. There are a couple of others that I’m on the fence about, but I’m planning to hold on to them for now and reevaluate towards the end of the year. Though I already let go of one bag I was very undecided about and have no regrets (yet), so that’s a step in the right direction.

I admit that I still have a wishlist &#8211; I&#8217;d like another Le Pliage; an inexpensive casual clutch; a classic Coach crossbody in a brown color that I can rehab; and a Coach men&#8217;s bag that can function for work & travel (all purchases <$150 except for the last one). I&#8217;m going to reevaluate this wishlist in a few months and see if I still feel like I &#8220;need&#8221; all of these, or if other bags that I already have serve the same function. Trying to be very mindful.

I realize that I may always have some sort of wishlist, but the trick will be carefully planning my purchases, making sure I don&#8217;t end up with too many of the same type of bag, trying to do a 1 in 1 out thing so I can stay around 10 bags or less, and editing as my needs change (i.e., once I have kids).

So I guess overall, I&#8217;m making progress, albeit slowly. Hopefully by the end of August I&#8217;ll be done with this round of purging &#8211; I know it&#8217;ll feel good to get to that point!

 

[lvdreamer]

I posted about 10 things to sell and I have sold 3, but the rest are just sitting there. I still have about 25 items to post, but I have been bad about forcing myself to list them because I am going on vacation next week. However, I am planning on listing everything when I get back from vacation and I am hoping that more things will sell.

Right now, I have about 14 bags in what I consider my collection, but I admit that I am unhappy with most of them and plan on selling those too once I find bags to replace them that work for me better. I'd like to be done with selling and buying on a grand scale before Christmas.

 

[cupcakegirl]

How’s everyone doing? I sold a couple more, so am down to 16 now, with about 5 more to go. There are a couple of others that I’m on the fence about, but I’m planning to hold on to them for now and reevaluate towards the end of the year. Though I already let go of one bag I was very undecided about and have no regrets (yet), so that’s a step in the right direction.

I admit that I still have a wishlist – I’d like another Le Pliage; an inexpensive casual clutch; a classic Coach crossbody in a brown color that I can rehab; and a Coach men’s bag that can function for work & travel (all purchases <$150 except for the last one). I’m going to reevaluate this wishlist in a few months and see if I still feel like I “need” all of these, or if other bags that I already have serve the same function. Trying to be very mindful.

I realize that I may always have some sort of wishlist, but the trick will be carefully planning my purchases, making sure I don’t end up with too many of the same type of bag, trying to do a 1 in 1 out thing so I can stay around 10 bags or less, and editing as my needs change (i.e., once I have kids).

So I guess overall, I’m making progress, albeit slowly. Hopefully by the end of August I’ll be done with this round of purging – I know it’ll feel good to get to that point!

Good job, thedseer! Sounds like you are making great progress! I think one of the biggest obstacles is just figuring out what REALLY, ACTUALLY works for you and your lifestyle. And I have to agree, I think there will always be a wishlist of sorts... c'mon, we're all here of tPF b/c we're a bunch of purse junkies! So realistically, we can never say "I have or I'm buying x,y,z and I'm done forever!"

 

[cupcakegirl]

I posted about 10 things to sell and I have sold 3, but the rest are just sitting there. I still have about 25 items to post, but I have been bad about forcing myself to list them because I am going on vacation next week. However, I am planning on listing everything when I get back from vacation and I am hoping that more things will sell.

Right now, I have about 14 bags in what I consider my collection, but I admit that I am unhappy with most of them and plan on selling those too once I find bags to replace them that work for me better. I'd like to be done with selling and buying on a grand scale before Christmas.

That's great that you've sold some already! Sounds like you are making great progress too! But I'm sorry to hear that you are unhappy with most of your collection. Do you mind me asking... why?

 

[cupcakegirl]

Ok, so now my update...

I'm slowing making progress. I've decided which bags I'm letting go and there are a couple more that I'm not 100% sure about, so I will wait on those.
Of the ones that I'm parting ways with... I have already listed some of them, others need to be photographed so they can get listed and I'm sending one to Yoogi's for consignment.

 

[lvdreamer]

That's great that you've sold some already! Sounds like you are making great progress too! But I'm sorry to hear that you are unhappy with most of your collection. Do you mind me asking... why?

Thanks!

Why I am unhappy with my current bags is somewhat of a complicated mess. A couple of bags have grown too heavy for me as I have developed shoulder problems, but they are so cute that I both love and dislike them at the same time. A lot of the other bags are from brands that I have come to dislike and, once I go off a brand, I tend to get rid of everything from that brand as my dislike "taints" my view of the bags. Finally, I have discovered a brand that I really like and the couple of bags that I have from that brand really work for me. Since I want to get a few more bags from that brand, but still want to keep a more manageable amount of purses, I want to sell other bags that I don't love anymore.

Basically, I bought a lot of purses because I thought that they were pretty and without really thinking about how they would work for me in my daily life. Now, I am trying to rectify those mistakes.

 

[thedseer]

I posted about 10 things to sell and I have sold 3, but the rest are just sitting there. I still have about 25 items to post, but I have been bad about forcing myself to list them because I am going on vacation next week. However, I am planning on listing everything when I get back from vacation and I am hoping that more things will sell.

Right now, I have about 14 bags in what I consider my collection, but I admit that I am unhappy with most of them and plan on selling those too once I find bags to replace them that work for me better. I'd like to be done with selling and buying on a grand scale before Christmas.

Wow, that&#8217;s great that you&#8217;ve been so proactive about listing. I feel your pain on the slow sales. In many cases, I&#8217;ve just been opting for selling them for lower than I would like in order to get the quicker sales.

Good job, thedseer! Sounds like you are making great progress! I think one of the biggest obstacles is just figuring out what REALLY, ACTUALLY works for you and your lifestyle. And I have to agree, I think there will always be a wishlist of sorts... c'mon, we're all here of tPF b/c we're a bunch of purse junkies! So realistically, we can never say "I have or I'm buying x,y,z and I'm done forever!"

Thanks! I always thought that I would get to a point where I wouldn't have a wishlist, but that hasn't happened yet. My buying has decreased, I'd say, and I'm thinking through things better, but still have a wishlist. I feel like I used to think that if I got certain bags - x,y, and z, like you said - then I'd have everything I need/want and would be done. But I get bored with things, I like browsing for new things, things end up not working that used to work, and I guess this is all okay, as long as it's done in moderation and I clear out what I no longer use.
And great job on your purging too!

I&#8217;ve been toying around with an idea. Given that most of my bags when I&#8217;m finished will be black & browns in a few different styles, and that I acknowledge that I will, at least in the short term, probably continue to have some sort of wishlist, I&#8217;m considering having a couple of bags that I will rotate in and out as I get the hankering for something new, especially in a seasonal color. So this fall/winter, for example, I was thinking of picking up 1-2 less expensive bags in fall colors, and if I get bored with them down the road or want something else, I would purge them. I think this may be a good balance between having a small, core set of versatile bags and having variety without breaking the bank&#8230;as long as buying 1 fall-colored bag doesn&#8217;t trigger wanting ALL the colors, and as long as I don&#8217;t keep adding without editing regularly. Does that make sense/does anyone do something similar?

Of course, this may all stem from the fact that I have a couple of spring/summer colored bags, but no fall/winter colors, so I keep catching myself browsing wine/sage/mustard/peacock/etc. bags.

 

[lvdreamer]

Wow, that’s great that you’ve been so proactive about listing. I feel your pain on the slow sales. In many cases, I’ve just been opting for selling them for lower than I would like in order to get the quicker sales.

Thanks! I always thought that I would get to a point where I wouldn't have a wishlist, but that hasn't happened yet. My buying has decreased, I'd say, and I'm thinking through things better, but still have a wishlist. I feel like I used to think that if I got certain bags - x,y, and z, like you said - then I'd have everything I need/want and would be done. But I get bored with things, I like browsing for new things, things end up not working that used to work, and I guess this is all okay, as long as it's done in moderation and I clear out what I no longer use.
And great job on your purging too!

I’ve been toying around with an idea. Given that most of my bags when I’m finished will be black & browns in a few different styles, and that I acknowledge that I will, at least in the short term, probably continue to have some sort of wishlist, I’m considering having a couple of bags that I will rotate in and out as I get the hankering for something new, especially in a seasonal color. So this fall/winter, for example, I was thinking of picking up 1-2 less expensive bags in fall colors, and if I get bored with them down the road or want something else, I would purge them. I think this may be a good balance between having a small, core set of versatile bags and having variety without breaking the bank…as long as buying 1 fall-colored bag doesn’t trigger wanting ALL the colors, and as long as I don’t keep adding without editing regularly. Does that make sense/does anyone do something similar?

Of course, this may all stem from the fact that I have a couple of spring/summer colored bags, but no fall/winter colors, so I keep catching myself browsing wine/sage/mustard/peacock/etc. bags.

So far, I haven't lowered prices, but I think that is what I'm going to have to do to get some of the bags sold. Oh, well, any money is better than none.

I fully expect to always have a wishlist, but I am hopeful that it will be small and will be bags that will actually work for my lifestyle and occasions. No more bags just because they are cute or I might have some vague need for it in the future.

I like the idea of getting cheaper bags in more fall colors. For example, I was debating a bright pink nylon bag because I can't see myself paying a lot of money for a bright pink bag. Personally, I like neutral colors -- black, dark brown, dark blue, dark green, maroon, dark purple -- and I rarely reach for oranges, yellows, pinks, or brighter shades. So, it makes sense to spend more on core bags that you would use a lot and less on bags that you would use less often.

 

[cupcakegirl]

Thanks!

Why I am unhappy with my current bags is somewhat of a complicated mess. A couple of bags have grown too heavy for me as I have developed shoulder problems, but they are so cute that I both love and dislike them at the same time. A lot of the other bags are from brands that I have come to dislike and, once I go off a brand, I tend to get rid of everything from that brand as my dislike "taints" my view of the bags. Finally, I have discovered a brand that I really like and the couple of bags that I have from that brand really work for me. Since I want to get a few more bags from that brand, but still want to keep a more manageable amount of purses, I want to sell other bags that I don't love anymore.

Basically, I bought a lot of purses because I thought that they were pretty and without really thinking about how they would work for me in my daily life. Now, I am trying to rectify those mistakes.

Sorry to hear of your shoulder problems!

I understand about the "brand" thing. I've gotten into a designer and bought several of their bags, then I kinda "got over it", sold those bags and move on to another designer. I've done this twice and do not want to repeat this again! I did this with the contemporary designers, since they are in the lower price range, it made it easier to justify buying a different color or style...

And I think we have all fallen victim to buying a not-so-perfect bag because it was pretty or on sale!

 

[cupcakegirl]

Thanks! I always thought that I would get to a point where I wouldn't have a wishlist, but that hasn't happened yet. My buying has decreased, I'd say, and I'm thinking through things better, but still have a wishlist. I feel like I used to think that if I got certain bags - x,y, and z, like you said - then I'd have everything I need/want and would be done. But I get bored with things, I like browsing for new things, things end up not working that used to work, and I guess this is all okay, as long as it's done in moderation and I clear out what I no longer use.
And great job on your purging too!

I’ve been toying around with an idea. Given that most of my bags when I’m finished will be black & browns in a few different styles, and that I acknowledge that I will, at least in the short term, probably continue to have some sort of wishlist, I’m considering having a couple of bags that I will rotate in and out as I get the hankering for something new, especially in a seasonal color. So this fall/winter, for example, I was thinking of picking up 1-2 less expensive bags in fall colors, and if I get bored with them down the road or want something else, I would purge them. I think this may be a good balance between having a small, core set of versatile bags and having variety without breaking the bank…as long as buying 1 fall-colored bag doesn’t trigger wanting ALL the colors, and as long as I don’t keep adding without editing regularly. Does that make sense/does anyone do something similar?

Of course, this may all stem from the fact that I have a couple of spring/summer colored bags, but no fall/winter colors, so I keep catching myself browsing wine/sage/mustard/peacock/etc. bags.

I think it is a good compromise. Since we acknowledge that we won't stop buying bags, planning on getting 1 or 2 less expensive "revolving door" bags would probably satisfy the "wants" (whether it be boredom with existing bags/ wanting a new style/ wanting a new color/ etc). Just as long as the "one in/one out" rule is being maintained. And you are actually using said bags. As stated in my above post (reply to lvdreamer), I've done this with two different contemporary designers and it's easy to justify buying something new because of the lower price point.