How many Coach purses do you have?

[Suzanne B.]

That seems like a very reasonable number! Out of curiosity, are those bags "everyday" bags only or does that number include "special occasion" bags? How did you decide which bags to keep?
I'm working on getting my collection to a manageable size and it always helps to hear others' perspective.

They are all just everyday bags, no special occasion bags. I do have 2 small bags that I use when I only need to use something small for a bit, like a wedding. I have a large wristlet and a Kylie for that and I do not include those in my handbag number. They are just stored in a drawer until I need them, which is only a couple of times a year.

I started out purging the bags I only kept because they were cute or was a great style or was a great color, but I didn't use them because they didn't work for me.....they were basically eye candy only. It was easy for some bags, but not so easy for other ones....I actually had to be hard on myself as odd as that might sound. Once I had the number down to around 20 bags, I just used what bag I wanted whenever I wanted and watched the ones that I never seemed to want to use. When I had a bag or bags that I didn't use for months at a time, I took them out of the closet and put them in a box or another area where they weren't in sight. When I ending up never missing them, I sold them. I finally had them down to 15 bags and was using them all, but over time there were some that I just tired of or my taste had changed. I repeated my routine of removing them out of the closet and if I never missed them after a few months, I sold them. Out of all the bags I did that to, there was only one I ever put back in my closet and none I regret selling.

Hope this gives you some ideas!

 

[whateve]

They are all just everyday bags, no special occasion bags. I do have 2 small bags that I use when I only need to use something small for a bit, like a wedding. I have a large wristlet and a Kylie for that and I do not include those in my handbag number. They are just stored in a drawer until I need them, which is only a couple of times a year.

I started out purging the bags I only kept because they were cute or was a great style or was a great color, but I didn't use them because they didn't work for me.....they were basically eye candy only. It was easy for some bags, but not so easy for other ones....I actually had to be hard on myself as odd as that might sound. Once I had the number down to around 20 bags, I just used what bag I wanted whenever I wanted and watched the ones that I never seemed to want to use. When I had a bag or bags that I didn't use for months at a time, I took them out of the closet and put them in a box or another area where they weren't in sight. When I ending up never missing them, I sold them. I finally had them down to 15 bags and was using them all, but over time there were some that I just tired of or my taste had changed. I repeated my routine of removing them out of the closet and if I never missed them after a few months, I sold them. Out of all the bags I did that to, there was only one I ever put back in my closet and none I regret selling.

Hope this gives you some ideas!

That's a good way to do it. I decided I'm going to clear off the top shelf and start placing bags there as I carry them. Eventually, all the ones I use frequently will be near the top, and the ones I never use will be at the bottom. Then I can evaluate if I really need them.

 

[Sarah03]

They are all just everyday bags, no special occasion bags. I do have 2 small bags that I use when I only need to use something small for a bit, like a wedding. I have a large wristlet and a Kylie for that and I do not include those in my handbag number. They are just stored in a drawer until I need them, which is only a couple of times a year.

I started out purging the bags I only kept because they were cute or was a great style or was a great color, but I didn't use them because they didn't work for me.....they were basically eye candy only. It was easy for some bags, but not so easy for other ones....I actually had to be hard on myself as odd as that might sound. Once I had the number down to around 20 bags, I just used what bag I wanted whenever I wanted and watched the ones that I never seemed to want to use. When I had a bag or bags that I didn't use for months at a time, I took them out of the closet and put them in a box or another area where they weren't in sight. When I ending up never missing them, I sold them. I finally had them down to 15 bags and was using them all, but over time there were some that I just tired of or my taste had changed. I repeated my routine of removing them out of the closet and if I never missed them after a few months, I sold them. Out of all the bags I did that to, there was only one I ever put back in my closet and none I regret selling.

Hope this gives you some ideas!

That sounds like a good strategy! I understand what you mean by being hard on yourself. I actually did that last night with my eye candy bags. They're beautiful, but if I don't use them it's a waste! I am going to implement your ideas. Thank you!

That's a good way to do it. I decided I'm going to clear off the top shelf and start placing bags there as I carry them. Eventually, all the ones I use frequently will be near the top, and the ones I never use will be at the bottom. Then I can evaluate if I really need them.

This is a great idea! That will help me visualize what I am reaching for and what is neglected.

 

[Suzanne B.]

That's a good way to do it. I decided I'm going to clear off the top shelf and start placing bags there as I carry them. Eventually, all the ones I use frequently will be near the top, and the ones I never use will be at the bottom. Then I can evaluate if I really need them.

Great idea!

 

[popartist]

I am up to 10 bags and 4 wallets, but I think I am going to be unloading two bags that I bought early on that I haven't used yet and don't see myself using now.

 

[AggieK]

I have between 40 and 50. I have lost count. I bought my first ones in 1983, two basic bags, in tabac and navy. Then a few years later I bought a saddle bag (I don't remember the name) in brown. In the 90s I bought a legacy zip in British tan. In the 2000s I started going to thrift stores. That's when I started my "Coach museum for the insane". I kept finding really great bags for peanuts, and rehabbing them. In the last year I started buying grey ones. They are very difficult to find. I have four, I think.

When my husband is out of town, I'll get them out and count them.

 

[Iamminda]

They are all just everyday bags, no special occasion bags. I do have 2 small bags that I use when I only need to use something small for a bit, like a wedding. I have a large wristlet and a Kylie for that and I do not include those in my handbag number. They are just stored in a drawer until I need them, which is only a couple of times a year.

I started out purging the bags I only kept because they were cute or was a great style or was a great color, but I didn't use them because they didn't work for me.....they were basically eye candy only. It was easy for some bags, but not so easy for other ones....I actually had to be hard on myself as odd as that might sound. Once I had the number down to around 20 bags, I just used what bag I wanted whenever I wanted and watched the ones that I never seemed to want to use. When I had a bag or bags that I didn't use for months at a time, I took them out of the closet and put them in a box or another area where they weren't in sight. When I ending up never missing them, I sold them. I finally had them down to 15 bags and was using them all, but over time there were some that I just tired of or my taste had changed. I repeated my routine of removing them out of the closet and if I never missed them after a few months, I sold them. Out of all the bags I did that to, there was only one I ever put back in my closet and none I regret selling.

Hope this gives you some ideas!

Sounds like you have a great plan in place. Thanks for sharing. Approximately, how long did it take to go from your out of hand number to your current number of 9?

I have posted about my bag "speed dating" process before here on TPF (where I make myself use all my bags one by one for a few days up to 1 week and I check each one off my list after using.). (I know this process may be too systematic/rigid for some.). I have done multiple rounds of speed dating. In doing this, I get a sense of which bags I miss using (and can't wait to use again in the next round) and which bags I put off using until the end of each round. And I have made decisions on bags based on this. I am just wondering how much time it takes for others to whittle down their collection. Of course, I know everyone is different but it helps to hear from others on their process.

 

[soonergirl]

Wow do 78 all fit in that cabinet?

Almost There are 68 there. The rest are folded Longchamp Le Pliages or larger bags (like the Rhyder 33) that I pretty much only use while traveling.

I purged 20 of these and have added half of that back. I plan to reorganize this weekend and maybe plan another purge. I wish I had the self-control that most of the rest of you do!!!

 

[soonergirl]

Sounds like you have a great plan in place. Thanks for sharing. Approximately, how long did it take to go from your out of hand number to your current number of 9?

I have posted about my bag "speed dating" process before here on TPF (where I make myself use all my bags one by one for a few days up to 1 week and I check each one off my list after using.). (I know this process may be too systematic/rigid for some.). I have done multiple rounds of speed dating. In doing this, I get a sense of which bags I miss using (and can't wait to use again in the next round) and which bags I put off using until the end of each round. And I have made decisions on bags based on this. I am just wondering how much time it takes for others to whittle down their collection. Of course, I know everyone is different but it helps to hear from others on their process.

Love the speed dating idea. I haven't done exactly that, but if I haven't carried a bag in a while and am deciding whether to let it go, I will carry it for at least a couple of days to make sure the love is really gone. I don't think it's ever changed my mind though. I just tend to look at my cabinet every few months and there are always some that have been eclipsed by new ones, or that weren't as comfortable/functional/cute as I thought when buying. Away they go to make room for new ones!! I change bags almost every day, but still - I wish I could convince myself to get down to a more reasonable number.

 

[*NYC Princess*]

Almost There are 68 there. The rest are folded Longchamp Le Pliages or larger bags (like the Rhyder 33) that I pretty much only use while traveling.

I purged 20 of these and have added half of that back. I plan to reorganize this weekend and maybe plan another purge. I wish I had the self-control that most of the rest of you do!!!

Ha I guess I lack self control of a different variety as my tastes unfortunately run Chanel, LV, and some Hermes! Not to mention jewelry!

 

[Suzanne B.]

Ha I guess I lack self control of a different variety as my tastes unfortunately run Chanel, LV, and some Hermes! Not to mention jewelry!

Not really. Most of us have a little variety in our collections. Out of the ones I have, 2 are Frye and 1 is a Minkoff. I have had several other designers too. So we're not so different

 

[Suzanne B.]

Sounds like you have a great plan in place. Thanks for sharing. Approximately, how long did it take to go from your out of hand number to your current number of 9?

I have posted about my bag "speed dating" process before here on TPF (where I make myself use all my bags one by one for a few days up to 1 week and I check each one off my list after using.). (I know this process may be too systematic/rigid for some.). I have done multiple rounds of speed dating. In doing this, I get a sense of which bags I miss using (and can't wait to use again in the next round) and which bags I put off using until the end of each round. And I have made decisions on bags based on this. I am just wondering how much time it takes for others to whittle down their collection. Of course, I know everyone is different but it helps to hear from others on their process.

I read about your speed dating method and thought it was a great idea. I did something similar in the beginning and found myself not wanting to put some in rotation because I knew I didn't like to carry them so I switched up my method.

I actually have 10 bags, I forgot to count the one I'm using. Oh, it took me several years to get to where I am today. I was still buying heavily as I was purging, so I was kind of spinning my wheels there for a while. The FOS and other great bargain buys was my downfall. I had to quit buying just because it was such a great bargain and stayed away from all the hype that was constantly going on here.....there was a time when there was always some kind of sale going on. FOS every few days, Coach retail on occasion, Macy's, etc. Staying away for a while got me away from all the hype and excitement of such a great bargains even though I had never been interested in those bags before. I downsized and made the one bag in one bag out rule for myself and surprisingly enough I stuck with it. And since then, I've gotten over the obsession I had over buying bags just because I felt like I needed to because it was such a great price or because I hadn't bought a bag in the last couple of FOS's and thought I needed something new. I still have a bit of obsession over collecting fobs and some small items from collaborations I like, but that's not even as bad as it was. I don't hoard anymore.

 

[*NYC Princess*]

Not really. Most of us have a little variety in our collections. Out of the ones I have, 2 are Frye and 1 is a Minkoff. I have had several other designers too. So we're not so different

True, I didn't mean having variety though. I meant while I have maybe fewer than 25 bags, I unfortunately don't have any more self control in terms of amount spent as they're all mostly LV and some Chanel (also one Hermes and one MiuMiu). Have a couple Coach bags that have sentimental value. That's what piqued my bag interest in college!

I even find myself not using all the ones I have, I don't think I would be able to keep track of more!

 

[Hobbsy]

True, I didn't mean having variety though. I meant while I have maybe fewer than 25 bags, I unfortunately don't have any more self control in terms of amount spent as they're all mostly LV and some Chanel (also one Hermes and one MiuMiu). Have a couple Coach bags that have sentimental value. That's what piqued my bag interest in college!

I even find myself not using all the ones I have, I don't think I would be able to keep track of more!

I don't think it matters, variety or dollar amount? There are many Coach bags that cost more than LV....so really doesn't matter which. It's being happy with what you have.

 

[Sweet Whimsy]

I have collected over time 37 different Coach bags, I have a problem lol!!!