Share Your Edited Bag Closet Journey......
- Thread starter diane278
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The “needing something someday” resonated with me. I used to keep things “just in case I might need them someday”. One day, I realized that “someday” was likely “never”. And, even if I didn’t have something, my life would go on. My biggest breakthrough came when I forced myself to let go of books I no longer used. Books are meant to be read. Once I started succeeding in that, I knew I could let go of other things. Bags were easier for me to let go than books....
Whenever there was a disaster (fire or earthquake) on the news, I’d ask myself, “if that happened to me, what would I save?” So, I started asking myself that question on a regular basis. But I know it’s challenging to change our habits and our thinking. I’ve been on, and off, a road to simplicity for years...
Oooh, books are a hard one! I agree - think they're even harder than bags. I managed to do one, small book edit a few years ago, and I haven't even entertained the idea of doing another one since. Maybe once I get my bags under control...
You are right that "someday" is likely "never". I am very very slowly coming to this realization with clothing items, but am having a harder time with the bags. I really wish I could just instantly, magically downsize, but this is such a struggle for me that I think the only way I have a prayer of any sort of success is to start small....
Tomorrow, I'm going to put three of the bags I feel most confident about letting go in the Closet for Departing Bags. How do I feel without them? Do I think about them? Do I miss them?
Then, I'm going to take one of my "maybes" that I haven't used in ages out and use it for the week and see how it feels. It's a tote, so it's one of my most functional at a base level, but it's also quite a novelty one - gold foil skulls all along the entire exterior. It's why I love it and bought it in the first place, but does it still have a purpose in my current life, over a decade after I bought it? Does it still feel appropriate? I also recall it being quite heavy - is that recollection correct, and if so, am I OK with that? I'm going to really try to be mindful about these things as I use it and then figure out if it stays, is repurposed, or goes into the Closet of Departing bags.
It's not much, but at least it's a starting point.
I agree with @southernbelle43....it’s a great start. I think that it gets easier with practice. At least it did for me. The bags I put in the Closet of Departing Bags stayed in there and nothing bad happened....I got along fine without them, although I think I took one of them out and then put it back in. But I started with the ones I was pretty sure I wouldn’t miss. The tougher choices I left for later....when I felt stronger. Start low and go slow. Get comfortable. And remember, it’s NOT a contest. It’s finding what works for YOU.
Don’t stress if you decide to take something out of the closet....it’s ok to change your mind....multiple times if necessary.
Thank you!
Thanks! Yes, I definitely need to start with the easier ones, and I do think this will be a marathon, not a sprint. I'm kind of dreading the point when it will come to the harder ones, but I'm also telling myself not to think about that now because I'm not there yet. I'm hoping focusing on the easier ones and hopefully having some successes will make the difficult decisions just a bit easier, when the time comes.
@dramaprincess713 That’s what worked for me. I allowed myself all the flexibility I needed so that I wouldn’t freak out and freeze up.
Yep, it looks like flexibility is going to be key! I managed to put two bags in the Closet for Departing Bags, but I hesitated on the third. The third is the Coach Market Tote in leopard print. I like the tote, find it very functional, lightweight, and a good for for my lifestyle, but what really made me hesitate is the leopard print (interesting detail!). I know this because I really don't have any desire for this bag in any other print or color and never even considered it before I saw it in leopard print. Rationally, I know I don't need a leopard print bag, especially in light of ALL the bags I have and all the totes I have. I have leopard print cardigans and shoes and scarves - I'm not lacking in leopard. Plus, the excess of bags I have means this one, even with a print I love, isn't getting the use it deserves. But I still hesitated. So, it hasn't made it into the closet yet. I think it will get there soon, but I also think I need to use it before I decide if it goes in the closet or not.
I think, for me, I need to really get used to the idea of letting go of a specific bag before I can actually place it in the Closet for Departing Bags. The two that made it there are ones that I had already been thinking about letting go for the past several weeks. In my mind, they were basically already out, so putting them in the closet wasn't so difficult. This leopard one wasn't even up for consideration until a few days ago when I read through this thread, got inspired, and started looking a lot more critically at my collection. I think I'll get there with this leopard tote, and what ever bags are next, but I just need more time to get used to the idea of it.
I've read through every page of this thread, and I hope I can join in this journey! I am far far behind all of you. My number of bags seems to constantly hover around 40(!). I currently have 37, with two more on their way to me, and 5 or 6 more planned purchases, putting me at 44-45. This number does include clutches, but does not include wristlets. It probably should include wristlets though, since they are essentially clutches with a small strap. I have 3 wristlets that would up my total to 47-48. This also does not include backpacks (I have 2), Longchamp Le Pilage totes (I have 2), other foldable totes similar to Longchamp (I have 2), and canvas beach bag-like totes (I have 2). I consider these all travel items, so I don't include them in my bag count (which is probably cheating, but it keeps my number artificially low.)
I am not OK with this number. I am overwhelmed with the number of bags I have, and feel guilty because clearly none of them get used enough. I have such a hard time editing and cutting down though! I do sell or donate, but then I also purchase.I've identified 5-6 bags I can strongly consider selling, and 1 more that I think I can re-purpose. This is good, but it still puts me at approx. 40. I think I would feel more comfortable at about 20-25, but I have truly no clue how I can possible get there. At this point, even getting down to 30 would be an accomplishment, but even that feels impossible.
Inspired by this post, I did do some analyzing of my collection. I separated my bags into ones that I 100% plan to keep, ones that don't get used often but that I don't want to sell, and ones I could consider maybe letting go of. I have 20 bags that I 100% want to keep (which includes 3 bags that are either on their way or planned purchases). The ones I want to keep all fall into the category of being functional, sentimental, or having some sort of interesting detail that I love.
Of the 15ish bags that I don't often use but don't want to get rid of, they tend to either be a color I love or have interesting details that I love. I am a sucker for colors and interesting details, I've realized. However, they also tend not to be the most functional for me. For example, I have the Coach Rogue 25 with Crystal Tea Roses. I LOVE the crystal tea roses. I think they are so so pretty - like works of art. BUT, the rogue 25 is a bit small for my needs right now so I'm not reaching for it all that much. This is the overarching theme of most of the bags in this category. I LOVE the details or the color, but they tend to be a size or style of bag that I just don't often use.
Currently, I commute from NJ to NYC everyday, often take a fitness class after work, and try to bring in my lunch every day. I can't do the two separate bag thing, so this means that the most functional bags for me and my current lifestyle are large totes. A lot of the bags in my "not often used, don't want to get rid of" category are small-medium sized bags, which is part of the reason they don't get a ton of use (in addition to the sheer excess of bags I have, obviously). However, in addition to the fact that I love the interesting details and/or color of these bags, I'm also aware that lifestyle changes may shift my bag needs and preferences. For example, I'm hoping to find a remote position, which would certainly very much alter my bag needs. I also hope to have a child the next year or so, and I imagine that if I'm fortunate enough to become a mother, my bag needs and preferences will change. So, that thought of "I might want it in the future, it may get a lot more use in the future" also hinders me from getting rid of them.
The reality though is that I still have too many bags. As I said in the beginning, I am not comfortable with the number I'm at. If I take into account the bags I have coming and plan to purchase, the bags I think I'm OK with selling, my clutches and NOT my wristlets, I will be at 40 exactly. There's another 3-4 that, with time, I *might* be able to part with, given some time and thought. So, this ideally brings me down to 36, which is progress, but still too much. I may not be able to get to my ideal 20-25, but I would really really like to try for 30 at a first big goal. My problem is that I really don't see how I can get below 36, at best.
I have written a novel, but if you've made it this far, do you have any words of wisdom? That list of bags that I don't use often but that I don't want to get rid of is my huge hurdling block. The colors, interesting details, and thoughts of "it may get more use at a different stage of life" keep me pulling me in, and I can't seem to overcome them. I want a more manageable collection, but I feel like I just can't get there!
You sound so much like me, except for the commuting part. I am also very sentimental and won't get rid of gifts, and also feel like I have to keep things just in case. I also have too many bags and find it hard to part with some of them.
I've changed the type of bag that works for me quite often. When I first joined tpf, I was carrying a fairly small bag. Then I started adding all kinds of SLGs and started needing larger bags. Now I've reduced what I carry and use mostly medium sized and small bags. So I would consider that some bags that aren't getting used much now may be perfect for you at some time in the future.
I also get it into my mind that I need at least one thing with a particular detail on it. I managed to avoid getting any Rogues, but I've always wanted something with tearoses. Still don't have one so maybe the temptation will pass. I had to have something with leather sequins so I bought the clutch, which is way smaller than anything I normally carry but I'm determined to get some use out of it.
As far as the court bag, don't be influenced too much by other people's love for it. While it is a pretty bag, it isn't a bag I ultimately decided to keep in my collection. I do wear some crossbody bags, but for me they need to be small so they are comfortable and don't stick out too far from my body. I found the court to be too heavy with the skinny strap. I think that the longer and skinnier the strap is on a bag, the more it digs into my shoulder. Vintage Coach leather is wonderful but I think it is more wonderful on other styles. The Court bag, being structured, doesn't have the softest leather that some of the other styles have. You should spend some time on the Coach vintage chat thread in the clubhouse section to see if there are other vintage styles that would work better for you.
Before I decide to get rid of a bag, I carry it for a few days. If I'm dying to move out of it, I know it is the right decision to get rid of it.
Thanks so much for your reply! Sometimes I fee like I'm nuts, but it's always nice to know someone out there gets it!
I have thought about the fact that some of my lesser-used bags may become my most-used bags in the future. When I think about the types of bags I've carried throughout my life, I can see that I started favoring larger bags when I started working and commuting, and I started to really favor large totes when I started getting really into all the fitness classes I take after work. That's been my need and preference for at least a decade now, so it's a bit hard to imagine that will change all that much. But, I'm definitely aware that life changes can certainly change my bag preferences and needs, and seeing as how I am not yet a parent or homeowner, I anticipate there will be some life changes in the future.
My issue with the interesting details or color (or most things, really) is that once it's in my head, I can't get it out. It's like the only way to satisfy the nagging, unrelenting though is to actually acquire the item that fulfills it. I have really been trying to be more mindful and thoughtful about this, but it's tough. For example, I have lusted after the YSL Loulou in black with black hardware forever. I don't think it's the best purchase for me - I already plan to purchase a vintage Chanel jumbo, and difference in hardware color or not, I really don't need to quilted, black, chain-strap flap bags of nearly the same size - especially not two that cost thousands. The Loulou also had a middle zip compartment, which I dislike in bags. So, all in all, not a wise purchase, but I still want it! I've done a lot of thinking of why I want it so much, and it really comes down to the black hardware on black leather. I just really really love the look. I tried getting the look for less - I bought the black quilted Coach Parker with dark gunmetal rivets and hardware and also a Coach Faye with black hardware, and while I like both bags, it didn't satisfy the Loulou urge. Maybe, deep down, part of the urge is also that it's YSL? I hate to say/admit that, but I do think there's truth in it. Anyway, I had all but resigned myself to purchasing the Loulou sometime this year, but I just bought a tote from Massaccesi - black metallic with dark gunmetal hardware - and ever since placing that order, my desire for the Loulou has gone way down. So much so that I feel like I can take it off of my wishlist. I don't know why, though I'm happy since the MM costs far less than the YSL. I think it has something to do with the fact that the MM is going to be made just for me, specific to my needs and specifications? I'm not sure...I just know I feel like this is going to be the one that fulfills that black on black desire, enough so that I don't feel like the YSL is the necessity it once was.
Thank you for your input on the Court! I keep going back and forth...yesterday I had decided not to get it, and then today I had decided that I should. Decision-making clearly is not my forte! I'm so so prone to falling for hype, especially when everyone seems to love an item. Years ago, I had lusted after the Marc Jacobs Natasha crossbody because, at the time, everyone seemed to love that bag. I kept reading about how is was everyone's favorite crossbody, perfect for everyday and travel, etc. I finally got one and did not feel the love. I found it heavy and uncomfortable as a crossbody, and I was so annoyed with myself. As for the Court, I still don't know what to do. I appreciate your thoughts because I'm leaning more towards passing now. Really, I'm trying not to stress too much because I figure I can resell it at what I pay for it, if I need to, or that if I don't get it, another one will always pop up.
I've been doing that too - carrying a bag for a few days when I'm trying to decide whether or not to get rid of it. I try to focus on how I feel using it and how functional and comfortable it is for me. Some bags I just love carrying or make me feel really great, and I try to tune into that. If I feel like it's just another bag and I also find it uncomfortable, it makes it easy to put it on my "to sell" list.
Very good suggestions about managing paperwork for an aging parent. I've taken over that job for my Mom as well, and I don't quite have a handle on it yet… it's been a learning process this past year. I love the idea of the sparkly silver binder! When I last went through Mom's Elfa file, I saw that she had at least five different file folders labeled "Important." So going through those, shredding the overlaps, and combining it all into one (sparkly, shiny) binder will be a good project for me in the near future.
I'll have to see whether there's a non-chain office supply store near me that will securely shred documents. It's a very good idea. My home shredder is fine for five or ten sheets at a time, but I can see that I'm going to have a huge box in the near future. Which would probably send my home shredder into (at the very least) a panic attack.
Will they do shredding at FedEx? I didn't know that! Yay… there's one ten minutes away from me!
You know what? This is SUCH a brilliant idea!
You know, I did exactly the same! It wasn't the 'It' bag by the time I bought the Natasha, but I had seen it so often on other people on the street that when I got the chance to buy the Natasha at a mighty discount, I jumped on it and bought 2!
I don't know why I decided that it must be the perfect bag- something about seeing everyone commuting to work with theirs everyday made me think it must be really utilitarian.
I didn't love it then, I like it now but don't adore it. It's not my usual shape and silhouette at all! For a while I regretted the purchases. But I used it as a work bag, partly because I bought it so I was determined to use it (I'm stubborn), and partly because I figured that I don't mind if my 'work' bag isn't really my style so long as my weekend bags are.
It's been maybe 6-7 years and my Natashas are still in excellent condition and are still my work bags. The leather wears incredibly well and the size is really functional. I still don't 'love' the bag, but I love the leather, the colours I chose and how it works, and that's enough for me. I wish it was a different shape but that's nothing when I consider how functional it is (or rather, how functional I have made it with my stubborn decision to fully utilize the style).
It was a valuable lesson never to buy something that doesn't scream 'me' instantly.
I had another near-regret with Coach. There was the ombre quilted bag last year that I adored but it only came as a tiny Callie or as a large Parker. The first of those is far too small to be functional (because for some reason the already tiny interior is divided) and the Parker is far too lady-like for me (I look like a child playing dress up with that bag on my shoulder).
I almost bought the Parker thinking that I should opt for the more functional size and after seeing everyone on TPF loving the Parker bag, but then remembered the mistake with my Natasha. I'm not like everyone else; that Parker does not suit me and I cannot pull it off. I chose the Callie and switched out my wallet to make it work, and it's now the bag I grab most weekends. I adore it.
We make mistakes and we learn from them. That's just part of the journey.
You seem a lot like me, in that I'll like something and think about it forever before deciding to buy it.
But there's something to be said for liking a bag, liking the idea of owning the bag, contemplating it and deciding that you don't need to own it.
It takes a bit of time but it becomes easier with practice.
For example, the Loulou you're dying to get. You know it's not right for you, but you love the leather/hardware combo. That's fine. Appreciate the beauty of it. Admire it on other people and compliment them on their excellent choice. Love it and realise that you can do so from afar and that you don't need to own everything you love.
Your Massaccesi bag was a good alternative this time, but down the line, if you're still overwhelmed by the size of your collection, finding an alternative will not help your situation. The only thing that will really help is knowing you don't need to own every pretty bag that gets stuck in your head- because there will always be more bags that are stunning and will get stuck in your head! That's how the market operates- temptation at every turn and if you keep giving in, you'll drown in bags, lol!
The only way you will edit successfully in the long run is to realise you don't need- or indeed, want- to own every pretty bag.
I am like you (34 bags and cannot get the number down to save my life) so I am actively reminding myself that my collection doesn't have to be 'complete'. I don't have to own every colour and every hardware combo I like. If I really have a bag stuck in my head, I write it on my wishlist and leave it there for years. I will only revisit the wishlist after I have edited my closet back down to a reasonable size (half of what I have now).
For instance, I really want a small yellow bag and a purple bag. I have never owned either of those colours. I could purchase them now- it's almost spring and every brand will be coming out with an iteration of these colours. However, I know adding 2 more bags will make me feel stifled by my growing collection. Instead, I wrote them down on my wishlist and even found a couple online that are exactly the types of bags I want. But I won't buy them. They are just there for future reference.
Right now I have several bags in the 'red' family (burgundy, oxblood and cherry). Until I've utilized those and then donated them, I will not buy a purple bag because it is too close to the reds I own to add anything useful to my closet.
Similarly I own several green bags (kelly, military, forest) and I will not buy the yellow until I have used and removed some of the green bags. Yes they are different colours, but they are adjacent and thus too similar to justify adding another bag in yellow at this time.
So, in my mind, I will enjoy these now and in a couple of years when I have let go of the reds and greens, I will replace them with purple and yellow; that would result in a completely refreshed bag closet without adding to the number of bags I own.
Maybe you can try that? Adding the bags you like on your wish list but only making a purchase when you have let go of anything similar in your current collection. And remembering in the meantime that it is okay that you don't every single bag that is stunning because that approach will only get you deeper into clutter.
Oh and one more point. You mentioned earlier you may like a detail on a bag but not the bag itself; why not put the details you like on a separate wish list and see if somewhere down the line you can find (or have a bespoke bag made) that includes all those details. That way, instead of 6 bags that each have an interesting detail, you can have 1 or 2 bags that have all those details. Say you like details like whipstiching, metallic leather, and gunmetal hardware- those can all be combined in 1 bag that is in a size and shape that you adore- you'll have fewer bags coming in, but each addition becomes more special.
Yikes, this post is a little all over the place but I hope you find some useful suggestions in here! Best of luck.
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You know, I did exactly the same! It wasn't the 'It' bag by the time I bought the Natasha, but I had seen it so often on other people on the street that when I got the chance to buy the Natasha at a mighty discount, I jumped on it and bought 2!
I don't know why I decided that it must be the perfect bag- something about seeing everyone commuting to work with theirs everyday made me think it must be really utilitarian.
I didn't love it then, I like it now but don't adore it. It's not my usual shape and silhouette at all! For a while I regretted the purchases. But I used it as a work bag, partly because I bought it so I was determined to use it (I'm stubborn), and partly because I figured that I don't mind if my 'work' bag isn't really my style so long as my weekend bags are.
It's been maybe 6-7 years and my Natashas are still in excellent condition and are still my work bags. The leather wears incredibly well and the size is really functional. I still don't 'love' the bag, but I love the leather, the colours I chose and how it works, and that's enough for me. I wish it was a different shape but that's nothing when I consider how functional it is (or rather, how functional I have made it with my stubborn decision to fully utilize the style).
It was a valuable lesson never to buy something that doesn't scream 'me' instantly.
I had another near-regret with Coach. There was the ombre quilted bag last year that I adored but in only came as a tiny Callie or as a large Parker. The first of those is far too small to be functional (because for some reason the already tiny interior is divided) and the Parker is far too lady-like for me (I look like a child playing dress up with that bag on my shoulder).
I almost bought the Parker thinking that I should opt for the more functional size and after seeing everyone on TPF loving the Parker bag, but then remembered the mistake with my Natasha. I'm not like everyone else; that Parker does not suit me and I cannot pull it off. I chose the Callie and switched out my wallet to make it work, and it's now the bag I grab most weekends. I adore it.
We make mistakes and we learn from them. That's just part of the journey.
You seem a lot like me, in that I'll like something and think about it forever before deciding to buy it.
But there's something to be said for liking a bag, liking the idea of owning the bag, contemplating it and deciding that you don't need to own it.
It takes a bit of time but it becomes easier with practice.
For example, the Loulou you're dying to get. You know it's not right for you, but you love the leather/hardware combo. That's fine. Appreciate the beauty of it. Admire it on other people and compliment them on their excellent choice. Love it and realise that you can do so from afar and that you don't need to own everything you love.
Your Massaccesi bag was a good alternative this time, but down the line, if you're still overwhelmed by the size of your collection, finding an alternative will not help your situation. The only thing that will really help is knowing you don't need to own every pretty bag that gets stuck in your head- because there will always be more bags that are stunning and will get stuck in your head! That's how the market operates- temptation at every turn and if you keep giving in, you'll drown in bags, lol!
The only way you will edit successfully in the long run is to realise you don't need- or indeed, want- to own every pretty bag.
I am like you (34 bags and cannot get the number down to save my life) so I am actively reminding myself that my collection doesn't have to be 'complete'. I don't have to own every colour and every hardware combo I like. If I really have a bag stuck in my head, I write it on my wishlist and leave it there for years. I will only revisit the wishlist after I have edited my closet back down to a reasonable size (half of what I have now).
For instance, I really want a small yellow bag and a purple bag. I have never owned either of those colours. I could purchase them now- it's almost spring and every brand will be coming out with an iteration of these colours. However, I know adding 2 more bags will make me feel stifled by my growing collection. Instead, I wrote them down on my wishlist and even found a couple online that are exactly the types of bags I want. But I won't buy them. They are just there for future reference.
Right now I have several bags in the 'red' family (burgundy, oxblood and cherry). Until I've utilized those and then donated them, I will not buy a purple bag because it is too close to the reds I own to add anything useful to my closet.
Similarly I own several green bags (kelly, military, forest) and I will not buy the yellow until I have used and removed some of the green bags. Yes they are different colours, but they are adjacent and thus too similar to justify adding another bag in yellow at this time.
So, in my mind, I will enjoy these now and in a couple of years when I have let go of the reds and greens, I will replace them with purple and yellow; that would result in a completely refreshed bag closet without adding to the number of bags I own.
Maybe you can try that? Adding the bags you like on your wish list but only making a purchase when you have let go of anything similar in your current collection. And remembering in the meantime that it is okay that you don't every single bag that is stunning because that approach will only get you deeper into clutter.
Oh and one more point. You mentioned earlier you may like a detail on a bag but not the bag itself; why not put the details you like on a separate wish list and see if somewhere down the line you can find (or have a bespoke bag made) that includes all those details. That way, instead of 6 bags that each have an interesting detail, you can have 1 or 2 bags that have all those details. Say you like details like whipstiching, metallic leather, and gunmetal hardware- those can all be combined in 1 bag that is in a size and shape that you adore- you'll have fewer bags coming in, but each addition becomes more special.
Yikes, this post is a little all over the place but I hope you find some useful suggestions in here! Best of luck.
Thank you for your thoughtful reply!
I ended up selling my Natasha. I'm not really a crossbody girl, so I should have known better from the start. I used it a few times on trips, but I found it oddly heavy and uncomfortable, and it looked kind of bulky and overwhelming when I saw it in photos. Perhaps I was overstuffing it? I don't feel like I was though. I don't know, but it just didn't work out for me. I really did love the leather and quality, but I have no regrets about selling that one.
I know exactly with ombre Parker/Callie you're talking about! It is really hard for me not to be influenced by hype and rave reviews. I have 3 Rogues - a 36, 30, and 25. The 36 is suede with studs and whiplash, and I adore it. The big size is also great for me, so I have no plans of letting it go. The 30 is in Prussian Blue with whiplash, and the 25 is in the crystal tea roses. I haven't decided yet if those will ultimately stay or go. The 30 is still and OK size, and the 25 is a bit small, but I haven't yet been able to get over my love of the colors and details, so they are on the list to deal with later. The thing is though, I actually am undecided about whether or not I truly like the Rogue style in and of itself. Every raves about it, so I feel like I do, or that I should. And I really to like the 36 - it's big enough that it's kind of like a tote to me (and I love totes). But, I'm not a big hand-carry person, and I found the way I was carrying it with the shoulder straps before make the bag feel a bit bulky and uncomfortable. I was not, however, tucking in the handles into the sides (rather, I was laying them across the top, which essentially forced the bag to maintain a certain width), so next time I carry it, I'm going to try that and see how I feel. All that to say though, I totally fell for all the Rogue hype. And, while I can't say it was a mistake, I was definitely highly influenced.
What you said about liking a bag and liking the idea of owning a bag really strikes a chord. You're right in that I can't just find an alternative for every bag I fall for because it's not helping anything. It's something I really need to practice and improve on. And yes, not buying until I get rid of several bags that fulfill similar needs is a great approach. I have been including my planned purchase in my total number of bags, which brings it to 45. I can somewhat easily bring that to 40, and with a bit more time to get used to the thought, get to 35. A lot of that is letting go of redundant bags and bags that don't serve my needs, even though some of them have those interesting details I love. After 35, I just don't know. But I'm not there yet, so I'm trying not to really think about it. Perhaps, by the time I get there, I'll be better at looking at things critically and making those hard decisions.
Your suggestion about making one or two bags with the details I love is a great one. I've actually been thinking about thinks in a similar vein - is there a different way to incorporate the details I love? So, for my skull bag, I'm trying to see if there might be a skull bag charm or perhaps a pouch with skulls on it that I like instead. And, I have this studded, black foldover bag from Korea that I adore. It was cheap though and made from PVC, so it's falling apart. I always planned to have it recreated in leather, but I recently made myself really think about why I love it so much - it's the pyramid studs. I have a black Hobo on my list of planned purchases, and while it's a different style of bag, I think the overall look and shape is similar enough to my Korea bag that I can do a bit of DIY studding. Of course, there's a risk in doing that, so I will really need to carefully plan it out, but I've been doing some research, and I think it will work. So, instead of a black hobo and a black foldover bag with studs, I can now just have one black, studded hobo. It's small - only going from two bags to one bag - but it's something. I think that with the point I'm at now, every little bit helps.