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

[Loquita]

Does the shade change some with different years..like with black ..there are some with a greenish hue..etc.? I wasn't sure if the 2010 is different from 08 or 09.
I hope you don't mind that I live through your Bal's for awhile..while I save..

Yep, you are right - the shade changes slightly from year to year. My 08 has a definitely bluish undertone which is gorgeous, and as close to a blue bag as I will likely ever own, since they tend not to work for me. The best way to describe 08 Anthra is deep slate gray, IMO.

I still haven't taken any pics yet!!!! More on this in a sec...

 

[Loquita]

YIPPEE SKIPPEE!!! how cool! I saw that bag, looked gorgeous! is it coming from overseas? I didn't know you had a CP in this color. I really have no idea what it's going to look like IRL. every pic I see of this color looks different, but I'm hoping it's a muted red. I saw a pic of Simon Cowell's girlfriend with it and fell in love with it. here's the link:
http://forum.purseblog.com/balenciaga/celebrities-with-bbags-pictures-only-12040-169.html

It should be here tomorrow at noon! what did you get today? and what does your collection consist of now? Do you have more in mind or are you at your comfort level? I could do with one more day, would like to get it in GH since all my bags are rh. But I'm also quite happy with the few purges and I feel like i can get along with the rest of the bunch without having to purge any more. I've got 2 more on the "B" but they won't fetch much, I might give them to a couple of friends if they don't sell. this has been a great thread is many ways! thanks girlfriend!

OMG that pic is gorgeous!!! (I of course focus on the bag more than anything else, lol)...thanks for posting it!!!!

I am going to go look for your reveal if you did one...I am paying for my bag tomorrow, and then it comes from Australia so it will take a bit. But I am sooooo excited!!!!!

TBH, I favor RH too, but like the look of SGH on some bags, and CGH on others - though I am afraid that the covered will get all scuffed up for some reason...maybe it's all in my head...

 

[Loquita]

Thanks everyone for your lovely comments! If it’s actually light out when I get home, I may try to take a better picture. The leather is so soft, and I love the suede lining. It’s been tough to purge sometimes, but purging for a fantastic, classic bag makes it all worth it.

Best of luck to you, canadianstudies, and keep us updated! You will love it!

I would love another BV down the road; would like a Bal next though – but not allowing myself until I purge more. Just this morning I took down one of my listed bags because I had second thoughts. I think I need to do a little reevaluation.

Can’t wait to see your new Bals ladies!

LOVE LOVE LOVE your BV, thedseer!!! The pic was well worth the wait!!!

That is likely the same one I would pick for myself to start out a gorgeous BV collection. It's perfection!!!!

 

[Loquita]

Ten seems like a good number for me too. I think eventually I could get there (MACs not included, lol)

Hey kiwi and knas!!!

I am so happy that people find this thread helpful - that's the idea!!! It has made a very significant difference in my buying habits as well.

I 100% agree with kiwi's advice - if you can afford all of your bags and get enjoyment out of them, then that's great, whether it's 5 bags, 10, 15, or 20 (or more...to each their own). The important part IMO is the enjoyment/affordability part.

I also like to actively and regularly use every single one of my bags, which means that I can only handle a relatively small number, but I also understand that some folks see certain bags as art or collector's items and only use them seldomly if at all.

 

[knasarae]

I just sold three bags to Avelle. I offered it to three different sites and put them on craigslist, and after that Avelle offered me the best prices. So after all that hard work.... I'm getting another Valentino! I figured my ban doesn't count if I'm selling bags to get another, right?!

Do you feel that Avelle offered you a decent price for your bags?

 

[Loquita]

Hi ladies,
Have been reading this thread and slowly and surely have managed to get through all 96 pages of it
I have read all of your stories and feel like i have come to know you all (strangely) through reading about your bag purging (and buying) over the past several months,
I am attempting to do the same myself (purge my collection) but not so much in order to buy just one premium designer bag but just to let go of the lesser used beauties and make room for more practical all purpose items instead,
Thus far i have decided that a LOT of my Chanels need to go (and when i say a lot, i mean maybe 3-4, that is a lot for me to deal with letting go of because comprises nearly ALL of my Chanel collection)
I just love them but don't really use them for varison reasons, of which i will explain below:
1. Chanel sky blue Valentines charms bag - this was a gift from my lovely hubby for our anniversary/valentines last year, i love it dearly but with the colour and the style, i probably used her twice in this past year or so and for the past few months has just sat in her dustbag
2. Chanel 2.55 in baby pink with GHW - this bag was my FIRST Chanel bag, i was lucky enough to win her in a competition held by a UK magazine company, she was my perfect colour, style, EVERYTHING, but now - i am trying to "classy up" for want of a better term and am thinking she will not fit into my new wardrobe/look....
3. Chanel black jumbo lambskin with GHW - again a gorgeous bag and i agree with most- a classic but since i bought my vintage black Chanel flap with GHW i just don't use her because i much prefer the size and the style of the vintage piece, plus i have this weird love for anything vintage in pristine condition, plus i see the jumbo on TOO MANY "normal, everyday" people and on TOO MANY celebrities and i would rather own and carry something rarer i guess
So i have decided to either give away to my dearest friends and to send to the salvation army the last one i think as i am very into giving to the less fortunate and donate MANY items each year to the various charities of my choice,
I am hoping in the near future (or maybe distant, who knows?) to accumulate the items in my wishlist as i feel these will all be much used bags and ones that i have thought long and hard about and know i will adore, so thanks to you all for confirming that it CAN be done and that we don't need a wardrobe full of high end bags in order to be fashionable and "worthy" lol!
xoxo

Welcome!!!

Your plans sounds very thoughtful and reasonable all around...I say go for what works for you - you seem to know your own tastes and preferences wonderfully well, which is a true advantage when attempting to clear out and stay focused with your handbag purchases (and any other purchases, I might add). Please keep us informed and best of luck to you!

 

[Loquita]

Hi ladies!

I keep following this thread and wanted to check in (I love everybody's updates).

I probably have about 1 bag I use regularly (5 days out of the week) and a couple cross body bags. Since I've purged, I just don't feel like I can commit to any bag! Usually I buy mid range bags but I am having a difficult time (mentally) taking the plunge to a LV (or something that I could carry daily that would totally work for me) in the $1500 range. I KNOW that I can easily justify buying 4 bags for $1500 but spending that on one bag....

There are a few that I really like in that range but....$1500...on a purse!? But then if it's the only bag I wear for a year then it will SAVE me money because I'm not buying all these other bags...

Am I the only one with this issue? As always, thanks for listening...

jx, great to see you here!

I know just what you mean - I personally have yet to spend $1,500+ on one bag yet, but will do so gladly when get a Chloe Paraty in the next few months or so. I too have had a difficult time taking the plunge on bags since I have purged, but when I do I have in general been much happier with them (with a few exceptions that I consider learning experiences).

I think that perhaps you might want to consider researching the bag(s) that you like best, and trying to get them brand new or in mint condition at a solid discount. This is what I have done to date - and I have only paid retail for one bag thus far (a Balenciaga Day). By being patient and checking the auction, consignment, and sales sites regularly (overstock, Bluefly, Yoox, Ann's Fabulous Finds, Yoogi's Closet, etc.) I have been able to find just about every bag I want, and often paid only slightly more or at times the same amount or even less then the retail price of a mid-level bag.

On the other hand, if you prefer mid-level bags, you should absolutely buy exactly what works for you and you only. I personally think that several "mid-level" designer brands are of equal or very similar quality to "premium" brands (Treesje, Cole Haan, MbMJ, Longchamp, and Botkier come to mind). In the end, it's about what works for your lifestyle and budget, and about buying a bag only when you feel good and ready.

 

[Loquita]

Pardon me, I just have to vent!!!! The Ruby Day that I received today is beyond gorgeous in terms of the color and style, and it is brand spanking new. It is the perfect red for me. However, as soon as I opened the bag (I ordered it from Nordstrom's) I saw a problem with the handle - the sealant/coating on the handle's whipstitching is wonky, and some white leather is very clearly coming through.

This is the exact same problem that I had with a Ruby Day that I bought 2 years ago (from a consignment store, so I couldn't return it), except for it turned up after a few wearings. I ended up selling the bag at a loss, but never stopped loving the color and style. This was also the exact bag that made me quite buying Bals again until this year, despite my love for the designs.

I am so disappointed, but I feel like returning the bag is my only choice. And I know for a fact that it is the last one that Nordstrom's has.

At least my Sanguine City will not leave me red bag-less, but I think that I will still need a bright red bag...

Phew. That's all I needed to say.

 

[redskater]

OMG that pic is gorgeous!!! (I of course focus on the bag more than anything else, lol)...thanks for posting it!!!!

I am going to go look for your reveal if you did one...I am paying for my bag tomorrow, and then it comes from Australia so it will take a bit. But I am sooooo excited!!!!!

TBH, I favor RH too, but like the look of SGH on some bags, and CGH on others - though I am afraid that the covered will get all scuffed up for some reason...maybe it's all in my head...

I didn't do a reveal, but I posted it in here http://forum.purseblog.com/balenciaga/show-us-your-march-april-2010-purchases-564219-61.html

I'm in love with this bag! the color is muted but very pretty and wearable. I feel comfortable with this red and I;m so happy! geez, the bag was brand new, I can't believe I got that price for it. You will love yours! what about that rouille? isn't that the bag you got rid of once? it's gorgeous!

sorry about your ruby, boo hoo! I wonder why that happened, at least you can return this one. maybe that rouille can replace it???

 

[doreenjoy]

There are a few that I really like in that range but....$1500...on a purse!? But then if it's the only bag I wear for a year then it will SAVE me money because I'm not buying all these other bags...

Am I the only one with this issue? As always, thanks for listening...

If you've been lusting after the same $1500 bag for a few months, and you think you'll wear it day in and day out, I say take the plunge. I'm a big believer in have a few quality things, rather than a bunch of cheap things.

Pardon me, I just have to vent!!!! The Ruby Day that I received today is beyond gorgeous in terms of the color and style, and it is brand spanking new. It is the perfect red for me. However, as soon as I opened the bag (I ordered it from Nordstrom's) I saw a problem with the handle - the sealant/coating on the handle's whipstitching is wonky, and some white leather is very clearly coming through.

I'm sorry to hear that, Lo! I know you were lusting after this bag big time.

 

[Loquita]

I didn't do a reveal, but I posted it in here http://forum.purseblog.com/balenciaga/show-us-your-march-april-2010-purchases-564219-61.html

I'm in love with this bag! the color is muted but very pretty and wearable. I feel comfortable with this red and I;m so happy! geez, the bag was brand new, I can't believe I got that price for it. You will love yours! what about that rouille? isn't that the bag you got rid of once? it's gorgeous!

sorry about your ruby, boo hoo! I wonder why that happened, at least you can return this one. maybe that rouille can replace it???

I'm thrilled to hear that the Sanguine worked out for you!

I know that I will like the Sanguine with RH, because I bought a CP in that color that I adore.

As for the Rouille, you have an excellent memory - and the Rouille Day is the single biggest sales regret that I have ever had. So to see another brand-new Rouille Day for sale has me thrilled!!!

I am going to go for it, since Rouille bags are much rarer (and particularly in that condition) than red Bals.

 

[Loquita]

If you've been lusting after the same $1500 bag for a few months, and you think you'll wear it day in and day out, I say take the plunge. I'm a big believer in have a few quality things, rather than a bunch of cheap things.




I'm sorry to hear that, Lo! I know you were lusting after this bag big time.

Thanks for the kind words! It's just not to be, apparently. Further proof that I am not meant to pay full retail for my bags.

 

[doreenjoy]

Thanks for the kind words! It's just not to be, apparently. Further proof that I am not meant to pay full retail for my bags.

Hah! That's a great positive spin on the whole experience.

 

[LabelLover81]

Do you feel that Avelle offered you a decent price for your bags?

Believe it or not, they offered me MORE than what I paid for one of them. I got a Marc Jacobs at Off 5th for $135 (not MBMJ, an actual MJ) and they offered me $230 for it. It still has the tags attached.
But I know what you mean, their retail markup is RIDICULOUS! I sold them a Burberry a few weeks ago, and they paid me $300 for it. I saw it on sale on their website for $1200!

 

[Loquita]

Believe it or not, they offered me MORE than what I paid for one of them. I got a Marc Jacobs at Off 5th for $135 (not MBMJ, an actual MJ) and they offered me $230 for it. It still has the tags attached.
But I know what you mean, their retail markup is RIDICULOUS! I sold them a Burberry a few weeks ago, and they paid me $300 for it. I saw it on sale on their website for $1200!

That's an AMAZING mark-up!!!! (And I say "amazing" not in admiration, btw). However, congrats on getting more $ for your MJ! I am really happy for you that you are able to the Valentino that you want!