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

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Hi Lo! WOW your thread just keeps goin' and goin' and goin'....LOL!

I am in my purge moment too but with small things at the moment...l have all this big and little stuff all over the place and it's muddling my brain! 2010 is the year for me to get this all under control! Especially if one more will be joining me and DH soon...

I have a mix of mid to high end bags, mostly high end bags...some I have bought on sale, some full price (at the height of my insanity). I like the bags but you know what? I don't change out of them like I used to before...I am consistently using 2 or 3 bags.

You know what? I am toying with the challenge of selling all bags, small goods, and some of my jewelry but maybe 2 bags and the clutches to buy a preloved H...or a Tiffany piece.

Wanna bet me that I can do it, Lo and purge ready ladies? :graucho:

You sound like you're really ready to do this, so I say you should go for it! Make sure you keep checking in and let us know how you're doing!;)
 
I really enjoy reading this thread. For me, my biggest struggle lately is being attracted to certain styles (read: satchels) that really don't work with my lifestyle. I convince myself that I can make it work and then after several days of shuttling kids to basketball practice, toting work stuff and running errands, I realize that I must have been delusional at the time of said satchel purchase. So, of to be sold it goes....

My goal right now isn't to get a particular HG because right now, with my casual lifestyle, I don't really have one in mind. My goal is to make sure I buy wisely and choose bags that fit my lifestyle. Yes, I may need a black satchel for business meetings and a nice briefcase but I have those already and they can last for years.

And I really do love getting rid of things, taking things to Goodwill and purging stuff on a regular basis. I like having empty space in closets and drawers; I'd rather have a few things I really love and use all the time than too many choices. That said, I still like having several casual bags to accomodate the day or to help me dress up since I"m a jeans kind of girl right now (and loving it--whoever invented pantyhose should be severely punished.)

I have selected three bags to sell. One bag I really don't want to because I love how it looks so much but I also know it isn't right for me so it's going to have to go. I will let you ladies all know how it goes!
 
^^I have to say Ms. TM, that you're equally an inspiration to me as Lo is...you seem to really be on top of decluttering and freeing up space for the more "tried and true" loves! In fact, I was inspired by you to make multiple trips to the secondhand stores to eliminate multiples and maybe plant that treasure for someone who could use or want my lonely stuff!

I have about 3-5 that are on the chopping block. Some I will get a fair amount for the bag...some I will "lose" a looooooot of money for how many "wears".

So ladies, what is your advice to me re: selling in this horrible economy? Save the bag until the market gets better and maybe get a better price? Or sell it, take it at a loss, make a lesson learned, get some money in my pocket, and move on?
 
i guess it partially depends on how badly you need the money and the space. you could always try listing for a certain amount and maybe you'll luck out. people could always make counteroffers on bonanzle, which you could decline or accept.

i think i'll do a mixture - sell some bags right now that i'm not using to get some space/money, and hold on to a select few until either 1) i'm ready to replace them 2) i'm able to make a final decision on whether it's worth it for me to part with them.

i've already sold one and i'm planning to give two away, sell three more, hold on to two until i can replace them, and am still not sure about 1 more. that leaves me with 5 bags that i'm definitely keeping (not including smaller leather goods).
 
mayajuliana, ITA with thedseer - I would do a mix. You would be surprised at how well certain bags are still selling, but I have definitely prepared myself to take a hit on some of my bags (but since they are not expensive bags, the "hit" is not enough to keep from trying to sell at the moment). I have been a bit puzzled at what sells vs. what doesn't, though, to be honest...I thought I knew the handbag market better than I do, apparently. :lawl:

And I also agree with the comments about TejasMama - she has definitely been wonderfully encouraging throughout this process!! :heart:
 
^^I have to say Ms. TM, that you're equally an inspiration to me as Lo is...you seem to really be on top of decluttering and freeing up space for the more "tried and true" loves! In fact, I was inspired by you to make multiple trips to the secondhand stores to eliminate multiples and maybe plant that treasure for someone who could use or want my lonely stuff!

I have about 3-5 that are on the chopping block. Some I will get a fair amount for the bag...some I will "lose" a looooooot of money for how many "wears".

So ladies, what is your advice to me re: selling in this horrible economy? Save the bag until the market gets better and maybe get a better price? Or sell it, take it at a loss, make a lesson learned, get some money in my pocket, and move on?

You're so sweet!:hugs:

I think it really depends upon how anxious you are to sell your bags. If you think they are in demand, you may want to wait a bit. Or, you can try putting them on the Bay to test the waters with a BIN for an amount you're happy with. It's hard to know right now but if you have an idea of what you want for each one, you can check online to see what similar bags have sold for in the last few months.

Let us know how it goes!
 
mayajuliana, ITA with thedseer - I would do a mix. You would be surprised at how well certain bags are still selling, but I have definitely prepared myself to take a hit on some of my bags (but since they are not expensive bags, the "hit" is not enough to keep from trying to sell at the moment). I have been a bit puzzled at what sells vs. what doesn't, though, to be honest...I thought I knew the handbag market better than I do, apparently. :lawl:

And I also agree with the comments about TejasMama - she has definitely been wonderfully encouraging throughout this process!! :heart:
It's been up and down for me.... some items surprise me with how high it sells for, like a clutch that I was certain would only sell for $250 - it ended up going for $450! On the other hand, there are a few that I took a lot of losses on, like the Bal Day and a couple really nice NWT MJ bags. I have to console myself by thinking that it's better to let them go even at a lower price so that I can free up the space and just use the money towards something else. No point in keeping it if it's not making me as happy as something else would.

Then there are those that no one is touching, even though I keep dropping the prices... sort of a shame, really. I guess I may end up keeping it.
 
^^ I know, and then you see the same bag going for twice the price a month or two from now. No rhyme or reason. That's one of the reasons I do like Bonanzle, sometimes it just takes a while. sitting here trying to be patient!
 
I really enjoy reading this thread. For me, my biggest struggle lately is being attracted to certain styles (read: satchels) that really don't work with my lifestyle. I convince myself that I can make it work and then after several days of shuttling kids to basketball practice, toting work stuff and running errands, I realize that I must have been delusional at the time of said satchel purchase. So, of to be sold it goes....

I am the exact same way, plenty of satchels but very tricky to handle with kids around. So I end up admiring them on my table more than I enjoy using them. I have, out of annoyance, begun to attach a convertible strap to a certain handheld bag just so I can enjoy my time out with it.

Recently found a combination satchel/duffel with the convertible strap from Overstock.com and it is working wonders. I just swing the thing over me crossbody and off I go with the kids. It's not even designer LOL
 
I love this thread! I've not "said" anything yet but have followed the thread. Loquita you have a wonderful idea and I love that gorgeous black bag you found! I hope you enjoy it sooo much!

On the question of purging collection, I have done so many times. I thought I had done so once and for all last year just to purge again before the end of December 09. Currently I am down to 3 everyday handbags (actually 2 at home and one on special order) I feel good with just 3 everydays to choose from and love my choices...hopefully the feeling will last as I am not interested in spending $ much beyond necessities these days but love to enjoy a good bag or two.

Anyhow, Loquita, thanks again for beginning this thread teaching/reminding us all to be focused, paticular, love your choices and enjoy the comfort that a great bag gives. I always say comfort because I travel monthly and the comfort of a great handbag having the contents you most need and give you physical comfort within it is a good feeling! You know, simple pleasures loving the look and feel of your bag and then the insides like your favorite lipstick, a snack for you and your hubby if need, water, your favorite scarf and medications, a book, etc. again just comfort when the trip large or small is never a very good one (like mine) or very stressful :-)

Have a great day!!
 
I love this thread! I've not "said" anything yet but have followed the thread. Loquita you have a wonderful idea and I love that gorgeous black bag you found! I hope you enjoy it sooo much!

On the question of purging collection, I have done so many times. I thought I had done so once and for all last year just to purge again before the end of December 09. Currently I am down to 3 everyday handbags (actually 2 at home and one on special order) I feel good with just 3 everydays to choose from and love my choices...hopefully the feeling will last as I am not interested in spending $ much beyond necessities these days but love to enjoy a good bag or two.

Anyhow, Loquita, thanks again for beginning this thread teaching/reminding us all to be focused, paticular, love your choices and enjoy the comfort that a great bag gives. I always say comfort because I travel monthly and the comfort of a great handbag having the contents you most need and give you physical comfort within it is a good feeling! You know, simple pleasures loving the look and feel of your bag and then the insides like your favorite lipstick, a snack for you and your hubby if need, water, your favorite scarf and medications, a book, etc. again just comfort when the trip large or small is never a very good one (like mine) or very stressful :-)

Have a great day!!


burgundy, your comments are much appreciated, a sincere thanks to you for chiming in!!! :heart:

I couldn't agree with you more - there's something so comforting about a handbag that works for you...I when I say "works," I mean that it fits your lifestyle, budget, and is not an accessory that you have to "overthink," if you know what I mean. I also love the look of satchels like a lot of the other women in this thread but am just too crazy running around to truly enjoy one if I had it. I don't have any children, but my life is all about hauling books and tons of papers between my home and work offices, which doesn't really jibe with a satchel - and traveling with one is out of the question (unless it has a nice long detactable strap, lol).

You know, you could have started this thread in my place - we have a lot to learn from your example!!! :D

I would love to get down to three-four bags too, and I will, once my last ones sell.
 
Just saw this thread!

Purged: Yes
How did it go? I was a bit dissapointed. I felt like I had abandoned me old loyal friends for a shiny new one. I loved the new bag, but definitely missed the ones I sold and I decided to save in other ways for my next purchases instead of selling other bags.
 
LO did the bays come yet?????? I'm dying to know how you like it and is it a keeper? pics coming soon????

Hasn't arrived yet, though the tracking says it was in NYC as of the 15th (and since I am just a few hours away from there, it could be at my house any day now!!!)

I promise to post pics as soon as I get it. :yes:
 
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