Perspective gained from tPF!

[Summerfriend]

I've realized, reading this forum, that I am not at ALL fussy about my bags. I read posts panicking about dents, scratches, chips, water marks, creases, color transfer, uneven patina . . . and it's honestly the first time any of those things has ever crossed my mind. I think about how I use my bags, and I feel like I'm careful, but honestly, if I dropped my bag, it wouldn't even occur to me to look it over for injuries. LOL, maybe I'm not so careful after all?? Not that there's anything at all wrong with being more on the fussy side! It's just something about my own perspective that I never even would have noticed or articulated to myself without reading tPF.

I've enjoyed reading lots of threads about how tPF has influenced people's shopping habits and attitudes toward money (in both good and bad ways) as well.

Just got me thinking about things we learn about ourselves when we participate in a community like this. Have you gained any perspective on your own attitudes or behavior from this forum?

 

[remainsilly]

I still set bags on the ground/floor.
But tpf convinced me to buy a bag hook.
Which I use occasionally.
In theatres or toilets.
Or to hold my jacket.

Sometimes, over-pickiness about bags helps.
Sometimes, crosses line into maniacal self-centered righteousness.
I try to stay on the helpful side.
And not be a b****h about useless trivia.

Mostly learned that, despite tpf hype, not everyone & her cousins owns 800 designer bags.
And most people offline don't care much.
As long as one is a decent human being, that's class & style enough.
Anyone who says different probably has a resale business.

 

[ladysarah]

I've realized, reading this forum, that I am not at ALL fussy about my bags. I read posts panicking about dents, scratches, chips, water marks, creases, color transfer, uneven patina . . . and it's honestly the first time any of those things has ever crossed my mind. I think about how I use my bags, and I feel like I'm careful, but honestly, if I dropped my bag, it wouldn't even occur to me to look it over for injuries. LOL, maybe I'm not so careful after all?? Not that there's anything at all wrong with being more on the fussy side! It's just something about my own perspective that I never even would have noticed or articulated to myself without reading tPF.

I've enjoyed reading lots of threads about how tPF has influenced people's shopping habits and attitudes toward money (in both good and bad ways) as well.

Just got me thinking about things we learn about ourselves when we participate in a community like this. Have you gained any perspective on your own attitudes or behavior from this forum?

That's a great thread. I do check my bags for 'injuries' - shame on me and will only put them on the floor as a desperate last resort. I like to carry bags with 'feet' or washable totes to accommodate this particular psychosis! But I am not nearly as particular as some people here who have special vision for discovering "flaws" only visible to very special people with extra special X Ray enhanced retinas. Honestly there are bags I would describe as immaculate and other here see as broken in...

 

[Summerfriend]

I actually sat my LV Petit Noe (with an all-vachetta bottom - the horror!!!) on the ground at an outdoor restaurant today. The ground was covered with seashells. I tried to find another spot, but there just wasn't one (without setting it right on the table in everyone's way), and I just thought - this is my bag, and it's here to service me, not the other way around. So on the ground it went. And it's fine. THAT felt fussy to me, though - like, giving it a few moments of thought before setting it down. Ha! So I had that experience this morning, and then reading the forum this afternoon, I saw multiple posts about various little signs of wear and tear on bags, and I realized that I suppose I just EXPECT wear and tear on bags, so I'm not particularly on the look out for it or bothered by it. There will come a day when I will have to set each bag on the ground. I'm at peace with it. *OMMMM*

I thought about starting a thread JUST about bag fussiness, actually, but as I thought about it, it seemed like an even larger topic!

 

[lenarmc]

When I first joined the forum, I lost perspective. I felt like I could only post my high end handbags especially when posters were saying such horrible things about Michael Kors whom I LOVE. Once it started seeping into my everyday life and I started neglecting handbags that I loved, I STOPPED. I had to take a break from this place.

Then, I remembered who I was-a lover of handbags. I own everything from Chanel to Gucci to Balenciaga all the way to Dooney, Michael Kors, and vintage Coach. I stopped trying to impress complete strangers on this forum which was strange because in my everyday life I could give two ****s (pardon my language) about what other people thought about me and what I wore/carried. It's so easy to lose your perspective when you are inundated with Hermes, Chanel, LV, Dior, et cetera.

Now, I post what I'm truly wearing and loving. I've been carrying my lower end handbags more than my luxury handbags because, in all honesty, I love them. They fit my style. I've been posting my Michael Kors bags as well. Some people are just uppity and snobbish. Most of the world could care less about a handbag.

 

[bh4me]

I always thought that I was very particular about caring for my bags. I learned that there's some people that are even way more nuts than me...lol. I get jokingly teased by my co-workers and family. If they only knew there's this whole community, they would freak out

Another thing I realized is that I will always buy what I want. I don't get influenced by negative/positive comments or what many people like. But I can appreciate and respect people's choices.

 

[Tulip2]

I am fussy about my luxury handbags, shoes, jewelry, etc. I do my best to take really good care of them because over the years, my wants/needs/likes/loves change. And when they do, it's time for a closet clean out. I use funds from used items to fund new items. That way I don't have to fund that $$$$ handbag with my paycheck. Keeping my luxury items in good order is kind of like a hobby for me. I enjoy rotating them every week or so to keep things fresh. It also helps me wear the things that are in my closet because they coordinate with the handbag I just rotated into, so more of my clothes get worn instead of gathering dust. Just my 2 cents!

 

[Summerfriend]

I am fussy about my luxury handbags, shoes, jewelry, etc. I do my best to take really good care of them because over the years, my wants/needs/likes/loves change. And when they do, it's time for a closet clean out. I use funds from used items to fund new items. That way I don't have to fund that $$$$ handbag with my paycheck. Keeping my luxury items in good order is kind of like a hobby for me. I enjoy rotating them every week or so to keep things fresh. It also helps me wear the things that are in my closet because they coordinate with the handbag I just rotated into, so more of my clothes get worn instead of gathering dust. Just my 2 cents!

I know what you mean - I love to carry each bag for long enough to see how I can work it in with all my clothes. Keeps things fresh and creative!

And nothing wrong with being fussy with your things - I think we all take pleasure in using our things in different ways, and the maintenance aspect definitely can be satisfying in and of itself. I was so pleased with myself when I polished up the brass on my vintage bags the other day!

 

[Tulip2]

I know what you mean - I love to carry each bag for long enough to see how I can work it in with all my clothes. Keeps things fresh and creative!

And nothing wrong with being fussy with your things - I think we all take pleasure in using our things in different ways, and the maintenance aspect definitely can be satisfying in and of itself. I was so pleased with myself when I polished up the brass on my vintage bags the other day!

This is exactly what I'm talking about. It's enjoyable to take great care with our luxury items. We pay good money for them and they deserve to be "polished" every now and then! I bet it looks like new again! How wonderful!

 

[missie1]

I'm fussy about all my bags...I take excellent care of them and would never sit them on ground. I will just hold the bag instead. I try not to be fanatical about them but I don't want my bags looking worn and dogged out. I'm like this with all my things. I don't search for every minor issue under microscope like some other ladies. But hey I understand when your spending your hard earned coins you expect certain level of consistent craftsmanship

 

[msd_bags]

That it is easy to lose your own style and perspective here. So many ladies posting about a certain brand or two, so much so that you'd feel other brands are less worthy. Of course, it is all up to us if we would allow ourselves to be swallowed by the system.

 

[lovingmybags]

I put all my bags on the floor, and don't check the effect of bumps and whatnot. Heck, if I don't even glance over my own bruises, then why am I looking on a piece of leather? Having said that, I only buy items that I'm comfortable spending; I imagine if I bought a very pricey collectible, then I would be much more obsessive in observing its wear/tear.

 

[papertiger]

TPF is such a fantastic resource for those that like bags, shoes or a whole host of other things. I have also met some of the finest, loveliest people through it.

I agree there can be a kind a brand, line or specific bag stereotyping that operates on a word to word level on tPF far from facts and reality. I buy a bag, not the bottom line of a financial report, resell catalogue or what's the star of the most popular thread. I certainly don't take any notice of someone who thinks collecting bags is like supporting a football team, mentioning the perfection of their brand obsession while disrespecting everybody else's. There should be no competition and league table on here only personal preference and I am very sorry if anyone's favourite brand, line or specific bag gets singled out for neg attention or no attention at all.

 

[lulilu]

That's a great thread. I do check my bags for 'injuries' - shame on me and will only put them on the floor as a desperate last resort. I like to carry bags with 'feet' or washable totes to accommodate this particular psychosis! But I am not nearly as particular as some people here who have special vision for discovering "flaws" only visible to very special people with extra special X Ray enhanced retinas. Honestly there are bags I would describe as immaculate and other here see as broken in...

LOL. Sad but true. And the posts about such perceived "flaws" are supported by numerous other members, who urge that the bag be returned for a "perfect" one. I have to quickly close out of such threads as soon as I look at the photos because I have a hard time not responding (not 100% successful) that the emperor has no clothes. IMHO perhaps that person can't really afford the bag to enjoy and use, but must be putting it on a shelf like artwork. Fair enough, but see yourself through clear eyes. I treat my things with reasonable care and they all look pretty good. But if I don't use them, what am I really spending my money on? JMHO

 

[lyseiki8]

lulilu - Agreed 200 percent