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

[More bags]

You have two Lauren in your departing shelf? Please make sure to give me a shout if and when the departing happens!

Love your collection. Seems very curated to me.

@diane278 le sigh, potentially departing Laurens! That caught my eye.

Although nothing is definite, I’ve finally gone through my bags again. I also moved my Departing Bags shelf to a hall closet that hold jackets. It’s closer to my bedroom than the guest room closet, so it’s more convenient should I decide to grab a bag in doubt and take it out for a test drive. My plan is to not make any permanent decisions until life gets to be more normal again. Of course, there’s always the chance that things won’t settle down as much as I hope and that I’ll just throw my hands up in the air and move forward.

There are four bags currently on the shelf:
View attachment 4854038

These are the remaining bags...but, like a game of musical chairs, when the music stops all of them may not have a place to sit. I still feel like I have too many clutches....
View attachment 4854037

These are the two shoulder bags remaining....(I’ve also let go of most of my EP jewelry, keeping only my favorites, which freed up some space. Plus, the bags that were on display are now among those on the shelves. (The scarves will be finding a new home....but I’m done for right now.)
View attachment 4854036

I consider this effort to be marginal, but considering I haven’t done a thing in my closet in months, it’s ok for now.....

Also, departed EP pieces, what you chose to keep must be very special! I admire and I am in awe of your ruthless editing. You have a beautiful closet Diane. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and visual inspiration.

 

[diane278]

@diane278 le sigh, potentially departing Laurens! That caught my eye.
Also, departed EP pieces, what you chose to keep must be very special! I admire and I am in awe of your ruthless editing. You have a beautiful closet Diane. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and visual inspiration.

The editing process is getting easier.....as it should after all these years of ’hit & miss’.

My goal is to downsize to a 2bd/2ba condo....or maybe a 2bd/1ba unit. The thought of moving all that I now have (including the contents of my closets) is overwhelming. It would help if I found a place and bought it. Then I’d have to get things sorted out. I think I‘ll go put the Verrou in the departing closet....

*****

Done!

 

[diane278]

oops...
(I added to the post above....)

 

[southernbelle43]

The editing process is getting easier.....as it should after all these years of ’hit & miss’.

My goal is to downsize to a 2bd/2ba condo....or maybe a 2bd/1ba unit. The thought of moving all that I now have (including the contents of my closets) is overwhelming. It would help if I found a place and bought it. Then I’d have to get things sorted out. I think I‘ll go put the Verrou in the departing closet....

*****

Done!
View attachment 4854245

Your departing closet looks like my dream closet!

 

[diane278]

Your departing closet looks like my dream closet!

It was meant to be a linen closet but I had some shelves removed and a bar installed for jackets. There are only two shelves above the closet rod. It’s SMALL .....but my bedroom closet is only about 12 ft long, so it’s small too, but the double hanging and shelving saves it. I’m hoping my next residence has a walk-in.....

 

[whateve]

The editing process is getting easier.....as it should after all these years of ’hit & miss’.

My goal is to downsize to a 2bd/2ba condo....or maybe a 2bd/1ba unit. The thought of moving all that I now have (including the contents of my closets) is overwhelming. It would help if I found a place and bought it. Then I’d have to get things sorted out. I think I‘ll go put the Verrou in the departing closet....

*****

Done!
View attachment 4854245

The nodini is going too! That is a bag I'm currently considering adding.

 

[diane278]

The nodini is going too! That is a bag I'm currently considering adding.

It may.....I haven’t been using it since I got the H Evie. But they are two different bags. The size and the structure are different. But now that I’m moving back into my clutches, I’m not covinced that it will stay. So strange since, at one time, I owned many of that style. This pandemic has turned my dressing habits upside down....and my age has created its own additional needs....plus, I just want less.

 

[jade]

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 totally understand! I had also been on the fence about a pink bag for a while. I had come close - a nearly pink but kinda burgundy Coach bag I had. And I kept it for a couple of years, but it just didn't work for me. Partially the color, but also the straps were a bit too short to be a shoulder bag. It eventually got consigned via Threadup (recently).

And then is started. First was an impulse bag at the Ferragamo outlet - it is a chain flag bag - which is something I really wanted. And while it is dressy for evening, it seemed to work casually as well. So while the cost per wear isn't down super low, it is surprisingly versatile.

And then last year (or maybe the year before?) - a Coach runway preview bag, it was a cute little pink camera bag based on a classic style. A darker take on hot pink. And this one became my work bag. Since I carried a backpack to work - I could just use it for essentials. And it got a lot of use. Even with pink outfits.

And for my n-day last year, I got a black bag customized with a pink lining. I love it because the lighter lining is so helpful for visibility. And it is fun.

And in quarantine times, carrying my old friends the black bags were depressing me. And I found a perfect shade of pink cross body / shoulder bag from Coach. And this has been my new daily bag when I get to go somewhere. It cheers me up. I think I have hit pink bag capacity.

So I really need to work on editing my purses. I have been a purseoholic since like 10 years old. Of course then, you didn't really have a need for purses. But I had a few to rotate for church. My purse then had some gum, a pen, and a dollar for the offering. And as I got older I added some chapstick. By the time middle school rolled around, I started getting more into purses. My collection wasn't huge but I had an array of Target/Kmart/Walmart/Ross bags. I brought a purse to school - with my backpack. And this is when I started switching it up based on mood. This continued through college. And I always had quite a few purses. And of course into early adulthood. I was so excited to splurge on a Coach bag - but it was my love of Kellys that brought me here. And I found out the price was a year's rent and there went that dream from childhood (I had picked out that Kelly purse as my dream bag around 9 or 10 - I just didn't find out the name till I got a lot older).

So where are we now? Well I am always the one who is looking for the "perfect" bag for whatever category. And I do not always choose winners. And many times I have multiples of like a black crossbody, or a black evening bag or whatever. I have always considered multiples, many times over the years, but I generally miss the boat.

But I do have one bag in multiples in my collection now: Coach fold over clutches. small and big. The name and finishes change every season, and I am around 6 years in at this point. I have 4 - but one is in my Threadup pile. The original one was a black snake embossed with a silver wash. The second one way a black and white python. The third is quilted and lightly studded. And the 4th is a black grained leather and double size - the only one with gold tone hardware. The black/silver one is going away - silver is no longer for me.

I have a could of variation on black chain flap bags - and each one seemed good, and then reality set in. One is Mulberry - great leather but the chain is annoyingly short and the clasp is really sharp. One is Coach. This one has a little too much organization for me, and I found the finish is not durable. And the strap is only short shoulder/long shoulder. And adjusting the two is a little finicky. And so is the strap - it has come undone a few times. And then there is the Coach link Dinky - which is very cute but small. And a few colors which is nice but not for everything. And the newest one is Akris. And the shape is great - but it kinda has too many pockets, and is a little too plain. Now that I have really rethought my preferences, I realize I can no longer handle relatively plain black bags. I want a little more detail - in the form of texture and hardware. So I am searching again.

And I have too many evening bags - I am finally getting rid of my cute gold bag that is just too small. I kept it for the lovely leather and interior, but in reality I only used it a couple of times because it can barely handle keys, a phone, lipstick, and cards. And I really need to also add eye drops and hand lotion at the bare minimum for evening.

And I have too many black bags - lots of small variations on similar themes.

And there are the bags that have memories but haven't been used in years. So it is time to purge. And purge again.

I did get rid of a lot earlier this year as part of a closet purge. And happily got a good chunk of money via Threadup, which was nice.

But I have added 2 bags this year with a 3rd on the way, so it is time to say goodbye to a few more, and the wallets I have abandoned for various reasons. I live in a small place and each inch of closet space is precious. So I need to clear out all categories and edit even more.

I do not have a number yet, but this thread gives me a lot to think about. I don't think I can ever get to 10. But maybe I should try to get to 20. I always seem to need that just in case bag!

 

[diane278]

I totally understand! I had also been on the fence about a pink bag for a while. I had come close - a nearly pink but kinda burgundy Coach bag I had. And I kept it for a couple of years, but it just didn't work for me. Partially the color, but also the straps were a bit too short to be a shoulder bag. It eventually got consigned via Threadup (recently).

And then is started. First was an impulse bag at the Ferragamo outlet - it is a chain flag bag - which is something I really wanted. And while it is dressy for evening, it seemed to work casually as well. So while the cost per wear isn't down super low, it is surprisingly versatile.

And then last year (or maybe the year before?) - a Coach runway preview bag, it was a cute little pink camera bag based on a classic style. A darker take on hot pink. And this one became my work bag. Since I carried a backpack to work - I could just use it for essentials. And it got a lot of use. Even with pink outfits.

And for my n-day last year, I got a black bag customized with a pink lining. I love it because the lighter lining is so helpful for visibility. And it is fun.

And in quarantine times, carrying my old friends the black bags were depressing me. And I found a perfect shade of pink cross body / shoulder bag from Coach. And this has been my new daily bag when I get to go somewhere. It cheers me up. I think I have hit pink bag capacity.

So I really need to work on editing my purses. I have been a purseoholic since like 10 years old. Of course then, you didn't really have a need for purses. But I had a few to rotate for church. My purse then had some gum, a pen, and a dollar for the offering. And as I got older I added some chapstick. By the time middle school rolled around, I started getting more into purses. My collection wasn't huge but I had an array of Target/Kmart/Walmart/Ross bags. I brought a purse to school - with my backpack. And this is when I started switching it up based on mood. This continued through college. And I always had quite a few purses. And of course into early adulthood. I was so excited to splurge on a Coach bag - but it was my love of Kellys that brought me here. And I found out the price was a year's rent and there went that dream from childhood (I had picked out that Kelly purse as my dream bag around 9 or 10 - I just didn't find out the name till I got a lot older).

So where are we now? Well I am always the one who is looking for the "perfect" bag for whatever category. And I do not always choose winners. And many times I have multiples of like a black crossbody, or a black evening bag or whatever. I have always considered multiples, many times over the years, but I generally miss the boat.

But I do have one bag in multiples in my collection now: Coach fold over clutches. small and big. The name and finishes change every season, and I am around 6 years in at this point. I have 4 - but one is in my Threadup pile. The original one was a black snake embossed with a silver wash. The second one way a black and white python. The third is quilted and lightly studded. And the 4th is a black grained leather and double size - the only one with gold tone hardware. The black/silver one is going away - silver is no longer for me.

I have a could of variation on black chain flap bags - and each one seemed good, and then reality set in. One is Mulberry - great leather but the chain is annoyingly short and the clasp is really sharp. One is Coach. This one has a little too much organization for me, and I found the finish is not durable. And the strap is only short shoulder/long shoulder. And adjusting the two is a little finicky. And so is the strap - it has come undone a few times. And then there is the Coach link Dinky - which is very cute but small. And a few colors which is nice but not for everything. And the newest one is Akris. And the shape is great - but it kinda has too many pockets, and is a little too plain. Now that I have really rethought my preferences, I realize I can no longer handle relatively plain black bags. I want a little more detail - in the form of texture and hardware. So I am searching again.

And I have too many evening bags - I am finally getting rid of my cute gold bag that is just too small. I kept it for the lovely leather and interior, but in reality I only used it a couple of times because it can barely handle keys, a phone, lipstick, and cards. And I really need to also add eye drops and hand lotion at the bare minimum for evening.

And I have too many black bags - lots of small variations on similar themes.

And there are the bags that have memories but haven't been used in years. So it is time to purge. And purge again.

I did get rid of a lot earlier this year as part of a closet purge. And happily got a good chunk of money via Threadup, which was nice.

But I have added 2 bags this year with a 3rd on the way, so it is time to say goodbye to a few more, and the wallets I have abandoned for various reasons. I live in a small place and each inch of closet space is precious. So I need to clear out all categories and edit even more.

I do not have a number yet, but this thread gives me a lot to think about. I don't think I can ever get to 10. But maybe I should try to get to 20. I always seem to need that just in case bag!

It sounds to me like you’re well on your way to figuring this out. Perhaps we’re all on the same bag journey, but we’re just at different places on that journey. I’ve finally accepted that my preferences will change along the way. I still make mistakes, but fewer ones.

I no longer have a number....just the desire to have only bags that I love and use, with as few mistakes as possible. If I had to guess, I think 10-12 would cover it....and that would include multiple clutches. I check in here to keep my head in the game and try to keep myself disciplined, at least to some degree...and to bounce ideas off others.

It seems that I’ll probably always have too many clutches.....the journey continues.

 

[southernbelle43]

As of today I feel like I could get my number of bags down to 1. BUT I know that is only because of this pandemic, my having to stay at home, missing family interactions, the evil social media postings and this never ending election chaos. So I will do little right now to sell/trade/ or gift them. When all of this over, I may once again really enjoy my love for bags.
In the meantime I am limiting TV time, staying off of Facebook, reading only good news in the newspapers.
This sounds like I am depressed, but I am really not. I know all of this will sort itself out...it always has.

 

[Purses & Perfumes]

@diane278 -- Wow, your departing closet is so beautifully organized! Thanks for sharing and providing an update. And I agree with you that it's a good idea to not make any permanent decisions just yet. I added a couple of bags recently to my collection, and am happy to report that I'm done adding bags in the foreseeable future. There are still a few things I would like to tweak and upgrade in my bag collection (as well as minimize), but there is no rush to do it -- overall, I am quite content with my collection, and will wait until life gets a little closer to normal again before I make any changes.

 

[Bag peace]

I'm happy to see this thread is still moving and many of us are still on the journey.

My bag closet has getting a makeover. I had pulled several bags at the start of the year to gift on to people and several to donate. They are still in my possession as the pandemic has quite literally put everything on hold. However, I looked at them again and am certain they are all definitely to be given away.

From my own collection, I have been editing in my own unique way. Some of the bags I was thinking to donate within the year have had a makeover instead, and will now remain in my collection.
I have been wanting an iridescent and/or a metallic leather bag for around a year now, and even made a purchase that was so wrong I instantly re-gifted it!
I decided that instead of purchasing a metallic bag, which would inevitably cause me stress because I am overwhelmed by the number I own, I would take a few of the bags I was thinking to release and paint them metallic blues and purples myself.
Now that's all done and the bags look completely refreshed. I have scratched a unique 'colour itch' and extended the life of my bags. I'm excited at the prospect of using them soon. Given how bored I was of them only a few months ago, it really makes me happy to know that I will be reaching for them once again.
What's funny is that I had leather swatches of various metallic leathers on hand, and my DIY metallic work literally matched up to the swatches, only my handiwork is better for me because it is not quite as reflective/shiny, which suits my style better. I've saved a lot of money and gotten the best of both worlds.

I've made a couple of purchases as well, one vintage and one new, but my total number hasn't changed since I had already pulled bags to donate. The additions are also unique and thus add something special to the overall collection. Looking at my collection now, it's completely refreshed just by removing the ones I was sure wouldn't work, re-dying others, and adding a quirky vintage bag. I'm thrilled by the makeover.

I'd still like to get the total number down but, I recognize that this is not the time to try to do that. I know which 4 bags will go next (in addition to the ones I already set aside to go), but that's for a few months' time, and I plan to use them extensively until it is time to let them go.

 

[southernbelle43]

I'm happy to see this thread is still moving and many of us are still on the journey.

My bag closet has getting a makeover. I had pulled several bags at the start of the year to gift on to people and several to donate. They are still in my possession as the pandemic has quite literally put everything on hold. However, I looked at them again and am certain they are all definitely to be given away.

From my own collection, I have been editing in my own unique way. Some of the bags I was thinking to donate within the year have had a makeover instead, and will now remain in my collection.
I have been wanting an iridescent and/or a metallic leather bag for around a year now, and even made a purchase that was so wrong I instantly re-gifted it!
I decided that instead of purchasing a metallic bag, which would inevitably cause me stress because I am overwhelmed by the number I own, I would take a few of the bags I was thinking to release and paint them metallic blues and purples myself.
Now that's all done and the bags look completely refreshed. I have scratched a unique 'colour itch' and extended the life of my bags. I'm excited at the prospect of using them soon. Given how bored I was of them only a few months ago, it really makes me happy to know that I will be reaching for them once again.
What's funny is that I had leather swatches of various metallic leathers on hand, and my DIY metallic work literally matched up to the swatches, only my handiwork is better for me because it is not quite as reflective/shiny, which suits my style better. I've saved a lot of money and gotten the best of both worlds.

I've made a couple of purchases as well, one vintage and one new, but my total number hasn't changed since I had already pulled bags to donate. The additions are also unique and thus add something special to the overall collection. Looking at my collection now, it's completely refreshed just by removing the ones I was sure wouldn't work, re-dying others, and adding a quirky vintage bag. I'm thrilled by the makeover.

I'd still like to get the total number down but, I recognize that this is not the time to try to do that. I know which 4 bags will go next (in addition to the ones I already set aside to go), but that's for a few months' time, and I plan to use them extensively until it is time to let them go.

Way to go...redoing and using what you already have!!!!

 

[RueMonge]

I'm happy to see this thread is still moving and many of us are still on the journey.

My bag closet has getting a makeover. I had pulled several bags at the start of the year to gift on to people and several to donate. They are still in my possession as the pandemic has quite literally put everything on hold. However, I looked at them again and am certain they are all definitely to be given away.

From my own collection, I have been editing in my own unique way. Some of the bags I was thinking to donate within the year have had a makeover instead, and will now remain in my collection.
I have been wanting an iridescent and/or a metallic leather bag for around a year now, and even made a purchase that was so wrong I instantly re-gifted it!
I decided that instead of purchasing a metallic bag, which would inevitably cause me stress because I am overwhelmed by the number I own, I would take a few of the bags I was thinking to release and paint them metallic blues and purples myself.
Now that's all done and the bags look completely refreshed. I have scratched a unique 'colour itch' and extended the life of my bags. I'm excited at the prospect of using them soon. Given how bored I was of them only a few months ago, it really makes me happy to know that I will be reaching for them once again.
What's funny is that I had leather swatches of various metallic leathers on hand, and my DIY metallic work literally matched up to the swatches, only my handiwork is better for me because it is not quite as reflective/shiny, which suits my style better. I've saved a lot of money and gotten the best of both worlds.

I've made a couple of purchases as well, one vintage and one new, but my total number hasn't changed since I had already pulled bags to donate. The additions are also unique and thus add something special to the overall collection. Looking at my collection now, it's completely refreshed just by removing the ones I was sure wouldn't work, re-dying others, and adding a quirky vintage bag. I'm thrilled by the makeover.

I'd still like to get the total number down but, I recognize that this is not the time to try to do that. I know which 4 bags will go next (in addition to the ones I already set aside to go), but that's for a few months' time, and I plan to use them extensively until it is time to let them go.

I’d love to see pictures of what you did.

 

[Bag peace]

Way to go...redoing and using what you already have!!!!

Thank you very much!

I’d love to see pictures of what you did.

I assure you, it is not impressive! I'm an amature!
I posted the details/pics of the bags earlier. I hope these links work correctly:
Coach noa- from pale blue to pearly blue/purple colour block
Halston pleated lambskin from dull turquoise to metallic royal blue
I don't have before pics because I never intended to share the work on the forums. Although, the long slim wallet that was part of the orginal Coach bag is in front of it in the photo, so you can see what the colour started out as and how I've turned it into a colour blocked bag.