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

[thithi]

I have a question for you ladies regarding color. I carried only brown or black bags until just a couple of years ago when I discovered BE's dark grey and then RMs wine and lapis leathers. I love these so much that it is hard for me to go completey back to only neutral bags. Any tips on this? I don't have a lot of bags but I have more than 5. Can I be mindful and still love color?

I agree, I think it's possible to have a small collection yet still have some great colored bags in there.... I would suggest, however, to stay away from multiples of the same color if you want to keep it small. personally, I find that I need to have a purple bag, a red or pink bag, and a blue bag. Of course, a clutch would count as well!

Black is so basic though... I have a hard time cutting it down to less than three black bags! I'm starting to think my personal purge list would be around the 10 bag range. ugh.

 

[Loquita]

Hi Lo,

Happy New Year!!

I'm with you on the way most BE's wear (except black crash). I've worn several of my BE's only a couple times and like you mentioned they'd have scratches and scuffs all over. And I didn't want to hear anymore this was all considered "normal".

I've sold most of my BE's by now (except just a couple) to help pursue my Bottega Veneta cravings these days. I"m thrilled with this line and the customer service is nothing short of amazing!

I'd rather pay a higher price to receive the craftmanship and quality I"m looking for combined with the customer service. I don't mind if I handbag shop a little less often during the year either. I prefer that actually since it gives me a chance to see what I really want/need and helps me appreciate the process more.

These days I definetely have fewer handbags in my collection but they are a much higher quality.

Oops to answer your original posted question. Yes, I did sell several of my BE's to make room for just one BV maxi nero and that was the best handbag decision I ever made!

Hey lovebags!! Happy New Year to you, too!!

You definitely sound like you have the right idea - seems that many of the BE ladies are in the same mindset!

I am thrilled to hear that you are enjoying your BVs, too. I just have gotten past the point where buying a new handbag is an ordeal, you know? I would rather take my time, savor the experience, and then savor the purchase that results!!!

And BV Maxi Nero =

I love to walk past the BV windows when I am on 5th Ave. and just , , The workmanship is incredible, to say the least.

 

[Loquita]

I have a question for you ladies regarding color. I carried only brown or black bags until just a couple of years ago when I discovered BE's dark grey and then RMs wine and lapis leathers. I love these so much that it is hard for me to go completey back to only neutral bags. Any tips on this? I don't have a lot of bags but I have more than 5. Can I be mindful and still love color?

Yes! For me, a bright red bag in my collection is a must - moreso than a brown bag, in fact...it is a neutral for me, just like mustard yellow and dark red work like neutrals for the thedseer. My other go-to color is fuchsia.

So yes, if you wear it and truly enjoy it, I say color is the way to go for you!

 

[Loquita]

Tejas - i think your list is very similar to mine. i'm still thinking mine through and going through my collection. will probably try to sell 3+ bags over the next few weeks and also think about my purchasing goals/ideal list.

right now, also thinking about some goal bags, with bayswater, ysl easy (patent?), bv knot, and bv cervo in particular catching my attention....

I LOVE your goal bags!! The BV knot is in my opinion the loveliest clutch one could hope to own -- truly something your could pass on through the family.

 

[Loquita]

My purging criteria now is going to be: if it's heavy, it's out. Sadly, I will say goodbye to possibly two wonderful bags: Oak Bayswater, and BE TME Midi in black pebble. They are both heavy with NOTHING in them.

When I bought these bags, heaviness was not a criteria for me. But suddenly I have gotten enraged at carrying around these weights with me. Especially with all the nice, light bags out there.

Sounds like a plan!

I am the same way with hand-carry only bags -- as lovely as they might be, I won't use them.

So they are out. I content myself with looking at other pictures of other's hand-carry satchels on tPF.

 

[Loquita]

I agree, I think it's possible to have a small collection yet still have some great colored bags in there.... I would suggest, however, to stay away from multiples of the same color if you want to keep it small. personally, I find that I need to have a purple bag, a red or pink bag, and a blue bag. Of course, a clutch would count as well!

Black is so basic though... I have a hard time cutting it down to less than three black bags! I'm starting to think my personal purge list would be around the 10 bag range. ugh.

ITA with the staying away from multiples of the same color advice. And of course everyone's personal "perfect number" is going to be different.

 

[dcooney4]

This is such a great thread. It really has me thinking.

 

[TejasMama]

Hi Ladies,

I love how this thread is progressing. So much great information and advice here.

I spent the morning completely weeding and gutting out my closet and it was such a great experience. Since I am trying VERY HARD to keep a small number of handbags, it helps if I keep them on a shelf where I can see each one. I can appreciate each one and it also helps me see which ones get carried the most. I took two bags of stuff to Goodwill today and it felt great. I love having empty spaces in my closet.

I've targeted two bags that I think I will sell at some point in the near future. I'm too tired from the holidays and all the cleaning to do it now but I feel pretty good about it. I know I won't get that much for each one but I think they will end up with people who really love them and they are still gorgeous. I just don't carry them any more.

My goal right now is just to get one bag for my birthday, which isn't til later in the year. I really want time to consider what I want and what I would use most. I like the idea of really thinking through a purchase instead of rushing. I know it will be challenging at times but I think I'm up for it!

 

[Antonia]

Hi Ladies,

I love how this thread is progressing. So much great information and advice here.

I spent the morning completely weeding and gutting out my closet and it was such a great experience. Since I am trying VERY HARD to keep a small number of handbags, it helps if I keep them on a shelf where I can see each one. I can appreciate each one and it also helps me see which ones get carried the most. I took two bags of stuff to Goodwill today and it felt great. I love having empty spaces in my closet.

I've targeted two bags that I think I will sell at some point in the near future. I'm too tired from the holidays and all the cleaning to do it now but I feel pretty good about it. I know I won't get that much for each one but I think they will end up with people who really love them and they are still gorgeous. I just don't carry them any more.

My goal right now is just to get one bag for my birthday, which isn't til later in the year. I really want time to consider what I want and what I would use most. I like the idea of really thinking through a purchase instead of rushing. I know it will be challenging at times but I think I'm up for it!

I also went through my closet again this weekend...it's always so liberating to get rid of clutter! I had 3 shopping bags filled: with one bag going to my sister in law, one to my mother, and one to my other brothers girlfriend. Now when I look in my closet, it doesn't look over crowded! I too am going to really think about my purchases from now on. I've been an impulse shopper for way too long and I'm getting tired of it. I want to see how much money I can SAVE this year, not spend!!! Wish me luck girls-I need it!!!

 

[fabae]

I haven't tackled my closet yet, because I was trying to savor every last minute of my holidays. However, when I got to work this morning I tackled my desk! The classroom shelves are next - I'm in the mood to be ruthless. I'll be ready for my closet this weekend.

 

[Loquita]

This is such a great thread. It really has me thinking.

Yay!!! That's the idea!!

I am starting to think of this thread as the "anti-tPF", lol...sort of like we are retraining our brains against the prevailing current around here.

That said, I don't think that loving bags to death and only owning a few are mutually exclusive actions.

 

[Loquita]

Hi Ladies,

I love how this thread is progressing. So much great information and advice here.

I spent the morning completely weeding and gutting out my closet and it was such a great experience. Since I am trying VERY HARD to keep a small number of handbags, it helps if I keep them on a shelf where I can see each one. I can appreciate each one and it also helps me see which ones get carried the most. I took two bags of stuff to Goodwill today and it felt great. I love having empty spaces in my closet.

I've targeted two bags that I think I will sell at some point in the near future. I'm too tired from the holidays and all the cleaning to do it now but I feel pretty good about it. I know I won't get that much for each one but I think they will end up with people who really love them and they are still gorgeous. I just don't carry them any more.

My goal right now is just to get one bag for my birthday, which isn't til later in the year. I really want time to consider what I want and what I would use most. I like the idea of really thinking through a purchase instead of rushing. I know it will be challenging at times but I think I'm up for it!

This is FANTASTIC news, TM!! You are going at your own pace and progressing so well...and decluttering your closet feels wonderful, doesn't it? Just think how much the person who picks up your bag at the Goodwill is going to enjoy it! (Imaging how much the people who get my bags will enjoy them helps me a lot, personally).

Keeping your bags visible is also a great idea - I do that with my clothes, shoes, and bags and it really helps you see that you don't need all that much more.

I am really excited for you.

 

[Loquita]

I also went through my closet again this weekend...it's always so liberating to get rid of clutter! I had 3 shopping bags filled: with one bag going to my sister in law, one to my mother, and one to my other brothers girlfriend. Now when I look in my closet, it doesn't look over crowded! I too am going to really think about my purchases from now on. I've been an impulse shopper for way too long and I'm getting tired of it. I want to see how much money I can SAVE this year, not spend!!! Wish me luck girls-I need it!!!

You are really impressive, Antonia!! I think that the key is just what you are talking about - being more thoughtful. No more, no less.

I still want that killer handbag - I just realize that I don't need 15 of them!

(I doubt that I will ever be like my SO, though - he thinks that I only need 1 handbag, period. Poop on that).

 

[Loquita]

I haven't tackled my closet yet, because I was trying to savor every last minute of my holidays. However, when I got to work this morning I tackled my desk! The classroom shelves are next - I'm in the mood to be ruthless. I'll be ready for my closet this weekend.

I think little by little is the way to go...and I like the way you are talking, fabae - ruthless is just where you want to be!

I love that feeling, like I am not going to put up with any clutter whatsoever.

 

[bonniekir]

Lo, I went actually the opposite road..had around ten-twelve highter brands like BV, Ferregamo, LV, Bal, Dior etc...well, I guess I might have had a bit more of these bags ..but after an incident with a barfing pup and boredom with the bags, I reached out for other brands like BE and HH ..now also a tentative approach towards RM!
Especially with BE I found styles and leathers going very well with my lifestyle. I also find they get lovely with use.

But should I get into a brand I had before , it would certainly be BV, I still have stuff like shoes from them as well as from Dior.

Also I thought I read somebody mentioning clearing out closets..nah..I can't read well..lol..that would be a project for real!

Good luck with finding what you're looking for..it does sound like a lot of fun!!