The initial objective of the Closet of Departing Bags was to provide a place to store bags until a decision was made about whether or not they should go. It was to be a transitional place. Having them sit there is fine....there’s no deadline other than one you may want to set. Maybe they’re sitting there because they should stay....
Share Your Edited Bag Closet Journey......
- Thread starter diane278
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Thank you! First, I want to say I love this thread, and it's one of my favorite handbag threads too.
It's a warm welcoming place and I am so glad you started it and I enjoy participating and reading about everyone's handbag editing experiences. Speaking for myself, I felt like I hadn't removed enough or edited enough, and have only been adding instead of subtracting.
But as you say, there is no deadline really in terms of editing. I will re-evaluate the bags that are earmarked for departure at some point. In thinking about these departing bags yesterday, I've come to accept that I don't want to be bothered with selling. I will let them sit for the time being and maybe donate them, or just let them stay. We will see. Regarding additions to the collection, participating in this thread has helped me become much more mindful and thoughtful about new purchases. This was not always the case in the past so that is progress. 
I remain continually inspired by this thread and the thought and logic everyone applies to their collections. I have really resisted owning my "number." I had a few items in the Closet for Departing Bags. Then it came time to consign them and I couldn't do it, so back into rotation they went. Also I made a couple of recent (unintended) purchases, which made me stare down the closet and the count.
It's 25. Which for me I know is definitely too many, given my lifestyle in "normal" times (and especially now). But I love bags, they are a passion, and most everything in my collection is dear to me one way or another, so I'm going to just let it be for now. They all fit in my closet without crowding and I even have an extra spot for the "current play" bag to reside if it's going to go out again the next day.
But 13, or 17, or 19 would be better. I am going to think hard about how I might be able to get there.
It's 25. Which for me I know is definitely too many, given my lifestyle in "normal" times (and especially now). But I love bags, they are a passion, and most everything in my collection is dear to me one way or another, so I'm going to just let it be for now. They all fit in my closet without crowding and I even have an extra spot for the "current play" bag to reside if it's going to go out again the next day.
But 13, or 17, or 19 would be better. I am going to think hard about how I might be able to get there.
I was thinking today that I’m pretty good at purging bags. The problem is that I then turn around and buy more.
I’m left wondering if I should accept this as my pattern or should I fight it.......or is there even a conclusive answer.
I’m left wondering if I should accept this as my pattern or should I fight it.......or is there even a conclusive answer.
I vote for not fighting it. Why should you? You worked hard all of your life, are fiscally responsible, generous and fun. Enjoy them.I was thinking today that I’m pretty good at purging bags. The problem is that I then turn around and buy more.
I’m left wondering if I should accept this as my pattern or should I fight it.......or is there even a conclusive answer.
Bags are art. Based on what you have shared of your inspired collection, I'm guessing you wouldn't worry about this with art?I was thinking today that I’m pretty good at purging bags. The problem is that I then turn around and buy more.
I’m left wondering if I should accept this as my pattern or should I fight it.......or is there even a conclusive answer.
Ergo, accept and enjoy!!!
The fights over....I’ve taken your advice & surrendered.
So, I'm hoping someone can help me think through and/or talk some sense into me...
I've wanted a pink and black bag for quite some time now. I remember there was a Coach wallet I fell in love with probably a good 15 years ago - black leather exterior medium-toned pink leather interior. And while pink and black isn't a revolutionary combination, it stuck with me, and I'm kind of always wanted something in that combo ever since. More recently, that has morphed into desire for a bright pink, black, and silver combo.
I was originally going do something with MM, but I didn't quite felt any of his pink offerings were as bright as I wanted. Then I found an Etsy seller who could make me a bag in the exact colors I'd want. It would be something like this (the very bad "photoshop" is my own poor job):
I didn't quite go through with placing the order though because I was still contemplating hardware color options. I was about to contact the seller to place an order but took pause as I've really been analyzing my bag collection recently.
You all know from my posts here that I am not comfortable with how big my collection is, and I am really struggling to downsize and get rid of bags. Obviously, one way to combat my collection from getting bigger is to stop buying bags (although, we all know how successful I am at doing that!
) It made me think - is it really a good idea to purchase this?
On on hand, a pink, black, silver bag has been on my planned purchase list for awhile so it is included in my total bag count of 40-41 bags when I count planned purchases. And of course, this is a combo I've wanted for so long that it feels "justified".
On the other hand, I'm not comfortable with how many bags I have and would really like that number to be lower. I also already own this bag:
It's not the same, but it has many similarities- it's pink (albeit, a different shade of pink, and I tend to think it leans more lavender), it's a flap bag, and they are both basically the same size. It appears I already have a medium-sized, pink, flap bag in my collection, so I'm really trying to critically think whether or not it makes sense to add another one? It would be different, yes, but I think they would likely serve the same purpose in my collection. And, right now anyway, I know that I want to keep the Gucci - I don't want to sell it to "make room" for a new pink, flap bag.
Usage-wise, the pink, silver, black bag probably wouldn't get a ton of use. Medium-sized bags in general don't get a ton of use from me because I'm really more of a big bag girl. However, COVID has really called that into question for me. My love of big bags has been in part due to my commuting lifestyle - working from home and not going anywhere for months has really meant I use my big bags far far less now (I mean, to be honestly, I'm barely using any of my bags these days regardless of size). I don't know if I will eventually go back to the office, in-person, full-time or part time or remain remote, and depending on any of those factors, I may become more of a medium-sized bag girl instead of a big bag girl. So I hesitate to judge potential usage based on current and past bag preferences because my needs and preferences are very subject to change depending on life circumstances - though, I suppose that's always the case, global pandemic or not. Still, if we are going to take current and past bag preferences and needs into account, bags of this size are lesser-used in my collection.
So, typing all of this out, it seems that the sensible thing to do would be NOT to move forward with this pink, black, silver bag. How often it would be used is questionable, it would likely fulfill the same purpose as a bag I already own, and I'm trying to decrease my collection as much as possible. And yet, I can't seem to let it go because it's a color combination that I've wanted for SO long. I've been thinking that maybe there's something else I can get in this combo. Unfortunately though, I'm not a big SLG person. I almost never change them out, and I tend to use them so rarely that I can't really justify something like a wristlet or small pouch. The only thing I could think of is a big toiletry bag, which I actually do need. I'm just not sure these leathers would be suitable for something like that - I fear they are not (though I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask).
Ack! Somebody more sensible than I please tell me what I should do? Get the bag because the colors make me so happy? Pass because that's what makes most sense? Try to figure out something else to get in these colors, hopefully a toiletry bag I'll actually use, but if that's not possible, maybe settle for something else that's not a bag but also not something I'll necessarily need or use often?
I've wanted a pink and black bag for quite some time now. I remember there was a Coach wallet I fell in love with probably a good 15 years ago - black leather exterior medium-toned pink leather interior. And while pink and black isn't a revolutionary combination, it stuck with me, and I'm kind of always wanted something in that combo ever since. More recently, that has morphed into desire for a bright pink, black, and silver combo.
I was originally going do something with MM, but I didn't quite felt any of his pink offerings were as bright as I wanted. Then I found an Etsy seller who could make me a bag in the exact colors I'd want. It would be something like this (the very bad "photoshop" is my own poor job):
I didn't quite go through with placing the order though because I was still contemplating hardware color options. I was about to contact the seller to place an order but took pause as I've really been analyzing my bag collection recently.
You all know from my posts here that I am not comfortable with how big my collection is, and I am really struggling to downsize and get rid of bags. Obviously, one way to combat my collection from getting bigger is to stop buying bags (although, we all know how successful I am at doing that!
) It made me think - is it really a good idea to purchase this?On on hand, a pink, black, silver bag has been on my planned purchase list for awhile so it is included in my total bag count of 40-41 bags when I count planned purchases. And of course, this is a combo I've wanted for so long that it feels "justified".
On the other hand, I'm not comfortable with how many bags I have and would really like that number to be lower. I also already own this bag:
It's not the same, but it has many similarities- it's pink (albeit, a different shade of pink, and I tend to think it leans more lavender), it's a flap bag, and they are both basically the same size. It appears I already have a medium-sized, pink, flap bag in my collection, so I'm really trying to critically think whether or not it makes sense to add another one? It would be different, yes, but I think they would likely serve the same purpose in my collection. And, right now anyway, I know that I want to keep the Gucci - I don't want to sell it to "make room" for a new pink, flap bag.
Usage-wise, the pink, silver, black bag probably wouldn't get a ton of use. Medium-sized bags in general don't get a ton of use from me because I'm really more of a big bag girl. However, COVID has really called that into question for me. My love of big bags has been in part due to my commuting lifestyle - working from home and not going anywhere for months has really meant I use my big bags far far less now (I mean, to be honestly, I'm barely using any of my bags these days regardless of size). I don't know if I will eventually go back to the office, in-person, full-time or part time or remain remote, and depending on any of those factors, I may become more of a medium-sized bag girl instead of a big bag girl. So I hesitate to judge potential usage based on current and past bag preferences because my needs and preferences are very subject to change depending on life circumstances - though, I suppose that's always the case, global pandemic or not. Still, if we are going to take current and past bag preferences and needs into account, bags of this size are lesser-used in my collection.
So, typing all of this out, it seems that the sensible thing to do would be NOT to move forward with this pink, black, silver bag. How often it would be used is questionable, it would likely fulfill the same purpose as a bag I already own, and I'm trying to decrease my collection as much as possible. And yet, I can't seem to let it go because it's a color combination that I've wanted for SO long. I've been thinking that maybe there's something else I can get in this combo. Unfortunately though, I'm not a big SLG person. I almost never change them out, and I tend to use them so rarely that I can't really justify something like a wristlet or small pouch. The only thing I could think of is a big toiletry bag, which I actually do need. I'm just not sure these leathers would be suitable for something like that - I fear they are not (though I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask).
Ack! Somebody more sensible than I please tell me what I should do? Get the bag because the colors make me so happy? Pass because that's what makes most sense? Try to figure out something else to get in these colors, hopefully a toiletry bag I'll actually use, but if that's not possible, maybe settle for something else that's not a bag but also not something I'll necessarily need or use often?
@dramaprincess713 - I totally get the need to alleviate the specific color itch. And a fantastic fuchsia is a worthy pursuit!
IMO unless you're going to go into debt or have to give up something like food to get the bag, then you should get it. You're not hurting anyone by buying a bag, and perhaps if you fill an open slot on your checklist then it will allow you to release one (or more) that you don't love so much anymore.
(Hope the enabling doesn't cause you more stress!)
IMO unless you're going to go into debt or have to give up something like food to get the bag, then you should get it. You're not hurting anyone by buying a bag, and perhaps if you fill an open slot on your checklist then it will allow you to release one (or more) that you don't love so much anymore.
(Hope the enabling doesn't cause you more stress!)
Lol, these responses are like the angel and devil sitting on my shoulder!
One one shoulder, @bagnut1, you're right -I wouldn't be going into debt or otherwise doing without, and the color itch is real! But on the other, @southernbelle43, my voice of reason, you showed me how time and time again, I seem to know this is probably something I SHOULDN'T do.
Well it is good to have both sides of the dilemma presented by "un biased " parties. Yeah, like we really are ,lol. There is no one on here who has not bought a bag(s) that we know we don't need! I believe I have the UPS truck arriving tomorrow!Lol, these responses are like the angel and devil sitting on my shoulder!
@dramaprincess713
Do you already own a black (or white) bag with silver hardware? One that you've gotten a little bored of, perhaps? Because then you could just buy a jar of pink leather paint (for like $7) and add in pink accents, or re-paint the majority of it. Get the colour itch out of the way and use what you already have without adding to the total number. Just a thought.
Also, as you've just had your MM stuff sorted and one of his bags is to be delivered tomorrow as I recall?Perhaps wait and use those bags before buying another.
The issue when you add many things all at once is that you don't stop to breathe or to enjoy each one. You're just onto thinking about the next one before the first one has even arrived. <- a collective 'you', not you personally.
I think the concept of 'collection' is what does this. We want the complete collection with every single colour and hardware, in every size and function. That's not a rational concept. Bags are utilitarian. With 40 bags, you'd use each one for 1.3 weeks of the year. Think about that for a second to gain some perspective. Is that enough use to justify another bag? I'm asking myself this question to help me downsize further.
If I were in your shoes, I would stop for a beat to enjoy what you have already ordered for now. There's no rush.
Consider converting one of your existing bags as suggested, if it's possible. And you know you can always come back to the Etsy seller at a later date and follow through with the order. But I think first, enjoy what you already have coming your way.
Good luck deciding and, truly, there is no right or wrong- there's only what's right for you.
Do you already own a black (or white) bag with silver hardware? One that you've gotten a little bored of, perhaps? Because then you could just buy a jar of pink leather paint (for like $7) and add in pink accents, or re-paint the majority of it. Get the colour itch out of the way and use what you already have without adding to the total number. Just a thought.
Also, as you've just had your MM stuff sorted and one of his bags is to be delivered tomorrow as I recall?Perhaps wait and use those bags before buying another.
The issue when you add many things all at once is that you don't stop to breathe or to enjoy each one. You're just onto thinking about the next one before the first one has even arrived. <- a collective 'you', not you personally.
I think the concept of 'collection' is what does this. We want the complete collection with every single colour and hardware, in every size and function. That's not a rational concept. Bags are utilitarian. With 40 bags, you'd use each one for 1.3 weeks of the year. Think about that for a second to gain some perspective. Is that enough use to justify another bag? I'm asking myself this question to help me downsize further.
If I were in your shoes, I would stop for a beat to enjoy what you have already ordered for now. There's no rush.
Consider converting one of your existing bags as suggested, if it's possible. And you know you can always come back to the Etsy seller at a later date and follow through with the order. But I think first, enjoy what you already have coming your way.
Good luck deciding and, truly, there is no right or wrong- there's only what's right for you.
Lol, let's face it - "need" became irrelevant to me about 30 bags ago!
What a great idea! I don't currently have a black bag I've gotten bored of, but I really love that idea and will definitely keep it in mind!@dramaprincess713
Do you already own a black (or white) bag with silver hardware? One that you've gotten a little bored of, perhaps? Because then you could just buy a jar of pink leather paint (for like $7) and add in pink accents, or re-paint the majority of it. Get the colour itch out of the way and use what you already have without adding to the total number. Just a thought.
Also, as you've just had your MM stuff sorted and one of his bags is to be delivered tomorrow as I recall?Perhaps wait and use those bags before buying another.
The issue when you add many things all at once is that you don't stop to breathe or to enjoy each one. You're just onto thinking about the next one before the first one has even arrived. <- a collective 'you', not you personally.
I think the concept of 'collection' is what does this. We want the complete collection with every single colour and hardware, in every size and function. That's not a rational concept. Bags are utilitarian. With 40 bags, you'd use each one for 1.3 weeks of the year. Think about that for a second to gain some perspective. Is that enough use to justify another bag? I'm asking myself this question to help me downsize further.
If I were in your shoes, I would stop for a beat to enjoy what you have already ordered for now. There's no rush.
Consider converting one of your existing bags as suggested, if it's possible. And you know you can always come back to the Etsy seller at a later date and follow through with the order. But I think first, enjoy what you already have coming your way.
Good luck deciding and, truly, there is no right or wrong- there's only what's right for you.
Overall though, I think you are right, and as @southernbelle43 pointed out - I already listed all my reasons for NOT getting the bag. I am definitely guilty of wanting a bag in every color, print, design, etc. that I fall in love with, but I fall in love with A LOT. I need to learn that it's ok to appreciate something and not own it. If I own it and never or only rarely use it, it's basically like admiring it from afar anyway! Besides, my husband saw my new MM that came today and just asked incredulously, "did you get a new bag?" as I shapelessly and futilely tried to deny it, lol.
He doesn't really care - he's perfectly fine with me spending my money on things that make me happy, but he does feel that I have too many bags and really no need for more. Honestly, I can't say that he's wrong!I am going to pass on this bag. Thank you all for letting me "talk" it out. I did contact the seller to see if a toiletry bag in this leather and color combo will be possible, so hopefully I'll hear back soonish. If they say yes, it would work, then I think I'll love forward with that because I really do need a new toiletry bag. (Well, if we're being completely honest, "need" isn't quite right...my current one is still functional. It's just old and ratty and not pleasant to look at.)