Share Your Edited Bag Closet Journey......

[Bag peace]

I'm in a funny state of limbo but I'm not upset about it. I've realized that I'm at a place where I cannot edit my collection further at this point, which I've known all along but have kept trying to edit anyway.
I have to use what I currently own and enjoy it before looking to edit further because what I am now left with- albeit too large a number- is a collection filled with bags that I adore or that hold sentimental value as gifts from loved ones. I want to do them justice and enjoy each one's beauty before passing it on.

However, I've spent some time creating a mini vision board of sorts, outlining what my final edited collection of bags would look like. I was hoping I would have wanted only 8 bags but, I think I'd end up with 15 in total. That's still a reasonable number in my mind. That collection would include some of my current bags that I cannot imagine removing (such as my Hammitt, Halston or Coach bags).

I've saved a bunch of pictures of special bags that would fit into my ideal collection so that I can refer back to it and hone my vision as time goes on and/or my taste evolves.
This ideal collection is something I hope to build once I have completely removed the majority of my current bags from my wardrobe (so I'm looking a few years down the line and will not be acting on this vision anytime soon).

In the ideal collection, I know I would need a Bvlgari. I adore their bags but the styles don't suit me. They're too feminine for my androgynous style. However the clean aesthetic and attention to detail is something that has captured my heart. If I ever find one of their bags that is in a style I could pull off- or if my style ever evolves to suit their designs- that will be the first addition to my new collection.

It's a funny little exercise to undertake but it helps me feel like I am looking towards the person I'm hoping to grow into (admittedly at 36, I should be done growing, but I feel far from it). If I cannot just scrap my life at the minute and start over, I can at least direct my focus on my personal evolution and know that I'm not stagnant just because I'm not actively editing.

 

[diane278]

I think you’re in a “sweet spot”. It’s a place that’s working for you now. By the way, I’m 70, and embrace change. (One of my biggest fears is getting “stuck” and not continuing to evolve.). Any chance you’d be willing to share a photo of your vision board? I’d think they’re a great idea but haven’t ever made one.

 

[Bag peace]

@diane278 Well, a sweet spot in so much as there's no more room for movement and I must pause. An actually sweet spot would be if I were able to remove 10 bags right now.

Currently the vision board (for lack of a better term) is a folder on my computer with a bunch of images from Google, lol.
I will be sure to create a collage and share it here once I've refined my vision a bit more.

I've never created an actual vision board either but I was asking myself, if I were starting my collection afresh today what would it look like, knowing that I'd want it small and curated?
And I knew instantly: clean designs, minimal logos, great leather, texture (quilting) and unique pieces (either in colour, shape, hardware or details).
Inspired by that, I started searching and found a few bags that fit those criteria and saved them just so that I wouldn't forget later.

 

[bagnut1]

I think you’re in a “sweet spot”. It’s a place that’s working for you now. By the way, I’m 70, and embrace change. (One of my biggest fears is getting “stuck” and not continuing to evolve.). Any chance you’d be willing to share a photo of your vision board? I’d think they’re a great idea but haven’t ever made one.

Happy birthday Diane!!!! Hope you had a lovely day!

 

[whateve]

I'm in a funny state of limbo but I'm not upset about it. I've realized that I'm at a place where I cannot edit my collection further at this point, which I've known all along but have kept trying to edit anyway.
I have to use what I currently own and enjoy it before looking to edit further because what I am now left with- albeit too large a number- is a collection filled with bags that I adore or that hold sentimental value as gifts from loved ones. I want to do them justice and enjoy each one's beauty before passing it on.

However, I've spent some time creating a mini vision board of sorts, outlining what my final edited collection of bags would look like. I was hoping I would have wanted only 8 bags but, I think I'd end up with 15 in total. That's still a reasonable number in my mind. That collection would include some of my current bags that I cannot imagine removing (such as my Hammitt, Halston or Coach bags).

I've saved a bunch of pictures of special bags that would fit into my ideal collection so that I can refer back to it and hone my vision as time goes on and/or my taste evolves.
This ideal collection is something I hope to build once I have completely removed the majority of my current bags from my wardrobe (so I'm looking a few years down the line and will not be acting on this vision anytime soon).

In the ideal collection, I know I would need a Bvlgari. I adore their bags but the styles don't suit me. They're too feminine for my androgynous style. However the clean aesthetic and attention to detail is something that has captured my heart. If I ever find one of their bags that is in a style I could pull off- or if my style ever evolves to suit their designs- that will be the first addition to my new collection.

It's a funny little exercise to undertake but it helps me feel like I am looking towards the person I'm hoping to grow into (admittedly at 36, I should be done growing, but I feel far from it). If I cannot just scrap my life at the minute and start over, I can at least direct my focus on my personal evolution and know that I'm not stagnant just because I'm not actively editing.

I keep telling myself there is no hurry to get rid of bags. Yes, my collection is too big but I'm just not motivated right now to eliminate more than I already have listed. You are so young that your collection will continue to evolve for many years.

I thought I wanted a Bvlgari but I recently looked at them in the store and I couldn't find anything I really loved. I was disappointed in the feel of the leather. It didn't feel luxurious. There were too many compartments and the bags were too structured and small to hold what I need. The jade green was a beautiful color, and the jewel accents are beautiful, but that wasn't enough to sway me.

 

[diane278]

Happy birthday Diane!!!! Hope you had a lovely day!

Thank you! Even with the physical challenges of aging, overall, life just seems to get easier and easier as I get older.

 

[diane278]

@jblended....well, now you’ve gone and done it! I’m going to make a vision board. This will be an adventure....

 

[diane278]

I keep telling myself there is no hurry to get rid of bags. Yes, my collection is too big but I'm just not motivated right now to eliminate more than I already have listed. You are so young that your collection will continue to evolve for many years.

I thought I wanted a Bvlgari but I recently looked at them in the store and I couldn't find anything I really loved. I was disappointed in the feel of the leather. It didn't feel luxurious. There were too many compartments and the bags were too structured and small to hold what I need. The jade green was a beautiful color, and the jewel accents are beautiful, but that wasn't enough to sway me.

I consider refining what we like to be a great skill. It allows us to skip a lot of errors in our purchasing. It may be disappointing at the time, but not as disappointing as making a purchase that ends up being a mistake, right?

 

[RueMonge]

I've never created an actual vision board either but I was asking myself, if I were starting my collection afresh today what would it look like, knowing that I'd want it small and curated?
And I knew instantly: clean designs, minimal logos, great leather, texture (quilting) and unique pieces (either in colour, shape, hardware or details).
Inspired by that, I started searching and found a few bags that fit those criteria and saved them just so that I wouldn't forget later.

Oh this is such a good idea. Start from scratch and consider my ideal bag wardrobe.

just jumping in here after finally reading all the thread...thank you Diane!
Love the idea of of an area of the closet for outgoing bags, I do that with clothes also.
I’m at 43 bags. I could probably let go of 5. It’s hard though, I have work totes, crossbody for everything non work, a couple dressier bags, and bags large enough to be a good carryon with a change of clothes, but also a nice bag ( like my YSL Muse) I think I can start with bags I have because I loved the leather or the design, but don’t carry it in my real life much.
Naturally the resale prices are in the toilet now for most bags. I’m happy to donate or give away especially if I know the bag will get some appreciation.

 

[southernbelle43]

I think I can start with bags I have because I loved the leather or the design, but don’t carry it in my real life much.

i want to personally thank TotinScience who early in my bag journey mentored me and pointed out several times that she thought I was in love with the leather of a bag and not the bag itself. She saved me a lot of money and buying mistakes!! She knows me well.

 

[diane278]

Oh this is such a good idea. Start from scratch and consider my ideal bag wardrobe.

just jumping in here after finally reading all the thread...thank you Diane!
Love the idea of of an area of the closet for outgoing bags, I do that with clothes also.
I’m at 43 bags. I could probably let go of 5. It’s hard though, I have work totes, crossbody for everything non work, a couple dressier bags, and bags large enough to be a good carryon with a change of clothes, but also a nice bag ( like my YSL Muse) I think I can start with bags I have because I loved the leather or the design, but don’t carry it in my real life much.
Naturally the resale prices are in the toilet now for most bags. I’m happy to donate or give away especially if I know the bag will get some appreciation.

Welcome to our tribe!
Personally, I was really ready to purge when I started this thread. But I consider ALL mistakes to be expensive. Both buying bags we love but don’t use and letting go of bags too quickly just to reach an arbitrary number. The Closet for Departing Bags serves as a holding area during those periods of indecision and doubt. I think I’m repeating myself....
(It’s easier when you’re retired. I had already eliminated the entire “work bag” category.)

 

[bagnut1]

Hello dear fellow TPFers on this thread. As the days get weirder and weirder (I am in NYC and every hour brings a new email of something closing indefinitely) I found myself today looking into my closet and thinking "my goodness, what pretty things I have." Being grateful. Taking note that in my youth I never imagined I would have the wonderful objects that I have.

We are all extremely fortunate to have closets, and bags, and closets for bags. And online friends to chat about these fortunes, especially when it seems the world will be going mostly virtual for a while.

Just wishing all of you, and your circles of families and friends, health and peace. Namaste.

 

[diane278]

@bagnut1, thank you for the lovely sentiments. Like you, I find sometimes myself amazed at my good fortune.
‘And I am so grateful for the friendship of everyone here.....

 

[southernbelle43]

Indeed, if we feel put upon about staying in, consider those who have no houses. If we lose some pay, consider those who have no jobs. If we stock up in food, consider those who are hungry every day. Hopefully the world can learn a lot from this pandemic. Hugs to you all.

 

[ElainePG]

Indeed, if we feel put upon about staying in, consider those who have no houses. If we lose some pay, consider those who have no jobs. If we stock up in food, consider those who are hungry every day. Hopefully the world can learn a lot from this pandemic. Hugs to you all.

Lovely post. Thank you.