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

[doreenjoy]

Anyone else struggling with casual bags?

I carry mostly casual bags so I tend to have a few different styles to mix things up. Part of me says I really don't need multiple hobos but I do enjoy them and switch them out. I want to be even more of a minimalist but I just can't make myself get down to only a two casual bags. I also want to be immune to the lure of chocolate but that ain't workin' out so well, either...

I only have hobos for casual bags. Well, hobos and the Longchamp folding Le Pliage bags, which I don't count because I use them for hauling stuff, not as handbags per se. Hobos are the most practical style for me. I like the look and I need a bag that can be put over my shoulder. I only have three so I don't think I'm overdoing it. I'll get a medium non-hobo shoulder bag if I can find one in a great color (I'm thinking chocolate).

Much as I love satchels on the shelf, my tolerance for carrying a bag in the crook of my elbow is about 5 seconds, so I resist buying them.

I have a weakness for clutches, but they're not used as often as day bags so I try to keep them to a minimum. Right now I have 4, and that's plenty. If I decide to get another I'm going to have to let one go.

 

[fashion_mom1]

Anyone else struggling with casual bags?

I carry mostly casual bags so I tend to have a few different styles to mix things up. Part of me says I really don't need multiple hobos but I do enjoy them and switch them out. I want to be even more of a minimalist but I just can't make myself get down to only a two casual bags. I also want to be immune to the lure of chocolate but that ain't workin' out so well, either...

I am so in the same boat. I feel like I need to purge more bags again.

 

[MittenedThings]

I also find that it's exceptionally easy to justify casual bags, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. I think it makes more sense to have a couple of bags you know you'll be using day in and day out than to have a couple of bags you'll use maybe once a year. I've resorted to using cheaper clutches at TJ Maxx or Marshall's to fill those holes in my collection.

Sorry, I don't mean to sound like an enabler. I'm just saying that I don't think there's a practical need to whittle it down to one casual bag. It might make more sense to cut back in other bag categories (depending on one's needs)

 

[Loquita]

WOW!!! I am SO IMPRESSED with all of you here!!!

It really makes me happy to see that you all are finding the uncluttered closet more satisfying...I received my last pre-ordered handbag yesterday, and it is already on the chopping block (it's unreturnable, unfortunately). I sold one this morning - but am still waiting for payment - so that means I have one left, assuming that I am paid for the bag I sold today.

Unfortunately, our (very expensive) hot water heater died yesterday and began to leak heavily (don't ask how the basement looked) ush: and we need to get our chimney fixed, so I won't be getting handbag #2 anytime in the near future, it would appear - unless I can get something on layaway.

I will be completely honest and say that makes me very grumpy, especially since I have been so good for the last few months and selling like crazy.

There - I said it. My SO doesn't get why I would be annoyed at this, but I figured you lovely people would!

 

[Nola]

I trimmed down a lot but not all for one bag yes.

 

[Odebdo]

I will be completely honest and say that makes me very grumpy, especially since I have been so good for the last few months and selling like crazy.

There - I said it. My SO doesn't get why I would be annoyed at this, but I figured you lovely people would!

I absolutely hate when life and boring responsible things messes up my bag plans! I hear ya on the grumpy part Lo...I hope you can get things repaired, sell the last of your bags...and find something spectacular to add to your minimized collection!!

At least the ONE bag you do have is a fabulous go with anything bag...but I know you have to be DYING to get some color in there!!

 

[redskater]

WOW!!! I am SO IMPRESSED with all of you here!!!

It really makes me happy to see that you all are finding the uncluttered closet more satisfying...I received my last pre-ordered handbag yesterday, and it is already on the chopping block (it's unreturnable, unfortunately). I sold one this morning - but am still waiting for payment - so that means I have one left, assuming that I am paid for the bag I sold today.

Unfortunately, our (very expensive) hot water heater died yesterday and began to leak heavily (don't ask how the basement looked) ush: and we need to get our chimney fixed, so I won't be getting handbag #2 anytime in the near future, it would appear - unless I can get something on layaway.

I will be completely honest and say that makes me very grumpy, especially since I have been so good for the last few months and selling like crazy.

There - I said it. My SO doesn't get why I would be annoyed at this, but I figured you lovely people would!

sorry to hear about your water heater and chimney, hate when life gets in the way of fun stuff! I love looking at your wishlist, I think it changes daily! lol! If you keep changing it, you'll never get another bag! I'm starting to find that if I wait long enough for a bag, something else catches my attention and then I no longer want the one I was lusting after. I wish I'd done that about 2 years ago! still trying to sell my remaining ones, if it takes too long I might forget why I listed them in the first place!

 

[sandysandiego]

Tejas - don't be so hard on yourself! You are amazing at being mindful about your purchases but you still want to have some fun! And having more casual bags when you have a casual lifestyle makes perfect sense.

Lo - I am sorry about your water heater! Owning a house is a pain sometimes!

I am so excited! I have now sold 20 bags! I have gotten perhaps a bit too excited and sold one bag that I wish I hadn't I need to be more cautious about my next bags to let go.

 

[thedseer]

i'm sorry Lo - i hate when i have unexpected bills that mess with my budgeting : (

that's amazing sandy!! that must feel so good : )

 

[doreenjoy]

Great job, sandy! If you really miss that one bag, you can always buy another later.

 

[Loquita]

Thanks for the kind wishes, everyone!!!

And I just sold another bag - granted, at a rock-bottom price, but I knew that this one would not go for much, since it is a color that not many people like (orange) - though I happen to LOVE orange!!


redskater - you are so right, my wish list changes daily, and that is not a good sign in some ways, lol. Right now I have my eye on a Chloe Betty Hobo (very hard to find) in wonderful condition for a great price - but it's black, and I already have a black bag. That's the only reason why I haven't snatched it up yet.

What do you wise women think? Would it be a mistake to get another black hobo at this point? (At least I know that I will wear it, and it works with my wardrobe!!!)

Hmmmm.....

 

[Vintage Leather]

Lo It sounds like you are craving COLOR! so.. while the black bag is nice... it won't satisfy the need.

And SO's are so silly. They just don't seem to get the important things in life - having just enough bags, shoes, and little luxuries.

 

[doreenjoy]

Lo, I'm not a good person to ask as I only have one black bag. Because you're moving toward a smaller, well thought out collection, it might be best to add something different and more versatile.

 

[happy942]

Lo, I'm not a good person to ask as I only have one black bag. Because you're moving toward a smaller, well thought out collection, it might be best to add something different and more versatile.

I agree with doreen... since you're trying to hone down your collection, I think it might be wise to add something different, or at least a different color or style.

 

[Loquita]

Ah, that's why I keep on coming to you for advice, you ladies are so smart!!!

Thanks for talking me down off the ledge, lol...I just am itching for a red bag, and can't seem to find the exact one I want at a price that I can pay at the moment. I did find a lovely black one that I would buy in a second if it were red, but it's not. So I guess it's back to saving up until I find the Chloe or Bal Day of my dreams...sigh...

But seriously - while I don't mean to minimize my own annoyance with all of this, I really need to put it all in perspective. In other words, should all of my "problems" be this difficult!!!