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

[diane278]

Love it! Thank you for the reply. I'm a big clutch fan so this is right up my alley. I'm loving both of your colours for it as well (not to mention your bone cuff which we're twins on ). You wear them very well. Off to check resale sites...

I just sent you a PM with more info.
(I used to buy Elsa Peretti like crazy. I finally decided I had collected enough of her pieces and started buying Bottega Veneta. Then, I moved on to Hermes….one obsession after another!

 

[_Moravia_]

I just sent you a PM with more info.
(I used to buy Elsa Peretti like crazy. I finally decided I had collected enough of her pieces and started buying Bottega Veneta. Then, I moved on to Hermes….one obsession after another!

Thanks very much! I can relate to obsessions very well - for me it started with Bulgari jewelry and now I've moved on to Elsa Peretti!

 

[cecchetti]

Thanks very much! I can relate to obsessions very well - for me it started with Bulgari jewelry and now I've moved on to Elsa Peretti!

Me too

Japanese jeans to biker designer jackets to blue diamonds(still doing this) to expensive cats(ditto), to bespoke double cuff shirts, bags in between and Definitely now and forever!

 

[platinum_babie]

I don't relate to that article. I've already decided I'll never own Hermes or Chanel (other than slgs). I don't want to own any bag that costs more than $1000. I expected to see something that I've seen in other minimalist collection articles - a bag for work, a bag for special occasions, an everyday bag, a bag for shopping, etc. - a collection where each bag serves a specific function. I didn't note anything of the sort in that article.

That was what I was expecting too. I thought she had 10 bags that can work for different occasions...but 3 birkins? I can't think of a single place I would go to that makes sense for one Birkin. This article is definitely not for an average person who just liked bags.

 

[behindtheseams]

@Egel Thanks for all of the suggested articles! I read through them and found each enlightening. I don't think I can (or want to) completely commit to a static capsule collection; instead, I think it will be more likely that I keep a core collection of handbags and then rotate a few based on a "one-in/one-out" policy.

@platinum_babie Yes, I was surprised by the sheer number of Birkins... It's definitely not for me but I guess it can be said that the author knows what she likes!

 

[bagnut1]

Gosh this thread has really drifted far far away from its topic, which is really too bad because it’s such a relevant challenge for many of us.

 

[diane278]

Gosh this thread has really drifted far far away from its topic, which is really too bad because it’s such a relevant challenge for many of us.

I’m still editing. My recent move to a retirement condo has definitely made me reconsider my bag collection. I find I’m using my few small bags almost exclusively these days. My clutches, which I loved and used so often (especially pre-pandemic, when I was out much more), have taken a back seat to small bags that I can wear crossbody or as shoulder bags. I often refer to them as pouches on straps. The pandemic, lifestyle changes and age, have all had an affect on my collection….I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised. I find myself realizing that, at least for me, a bag collection will always be somewhat fluid. Now I have a surplus of clutches but no desire to let any go. I made a point to carry a clutch yesterday and it felt good, although I felt like a bag with a shoulder strap would be so much better. It’s only been 4 weeks, but there‘s no doubt in my mind that my smaller bags are what I’ll be using most here…
(Once winter arrives and I’m wearing jackets/coats, I’m likely to forego bags altogether and depend on my pockets….)

 

[bagnut1]

I’m still editing. My recent move to a retirement condo has definitely made me reconsider my bag collection. I find I’m using my few small bags almost exclusively these days. My clutches, which I loved and used so often (especially pre-pandemic, when I was out much more), have taken a back seat to small bags that I can wear crossbody or as shoulder bags. I often refer to them as pouches on straps. The pandemic, lifestyle changes and age, have all had an affect on my collection….I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised. I find myself realizing that, at least for me, a bag collection will always be somewhat fluid. Now I have a surplus of clutches but no desire to let any go. I made a point to carry a clutch yesterday and it felt good, although I felt like a bag with a shoulder strap would be so much better. It’s only been 4 weeks, but there‘s no doubt in my mind that my smaller bags are what I’ll be using most here…

I hear you! The pandemic and other, natural, time-based lifestyle changes definitely affect what I reach for and feel I "need" in any given month. This year, even with a fairly large purge, I definitely added bags net-net, but I know that before the end of 2021 I will have retreated to a more comfortable number. My "doo dah" collection (collection! - I never meant for it to go that far) will be thinned out, and soon I will have my most recent acquisition - a custom order that I think will be my "go to" for the fall/winter. After that I will review my bag diary and see where I can let go further.

You always look so elegant with your clutches expertly paired with your lovely outfits - I really wish I could pull that off but I have a habit of "needing" to carry more stuff than a clutch will allow. Maybe in a couple of years I will have figured that out.

So glad your new place seems happy. It definitely takes a bit of time to adjust to new surroundings and how one feels/moves/is in a new space.

 

[diane278]

I hear you! The pandemic and other, natural, time-based lifestyle changes definitely affect what I reach for and feel I "need" in any given month. This year, even with a fairly large purge, I definitely added bags net-net, but I know that before the end of 2021 I will have retreated to a more comfortable number. My "doo dah" collection (collection! - I never meant for it to go that far) will be thinned out, and soon I will have my most recent acquisition - a custom order that I think will be my "go to" for the fall/winter. After that I will review my bag diary and see where I can let go further.

You always look so elegant with your clutches expertly paired with your lovely outfits - I really wish I could pull that off but I have a habit of "needing" to carry more stuff than a clutch will allow. Maybe in a couple of years I will have figured that out.

So glad your new place seems happy. It definitely takes a bit of time to adjust to new surroundings and how one feels/moves/is in a new space.
[/QUOTE
I plan to keep my clutches for now. At least I waited a week this time before hitting the purchase button, which is more thought than I’ve put into most previous purchases. That's progress….

 

[diane278]

@bagnut1
Oops! Well, I messed that response up. I didn’t mean to tack it onto your quote!

 

[diane278]

Here are the four bags I’ve been using for my daily needs. Since I usually eat in one of the restaurants here on campus, I don’t carry much. I pulled these four bags out of the trunk, as they are the smallest ones I have (with straps) and because I can wear them crossbody. Once again, a lifestyle change is impacting my bag use. I guess it’s to be expected……

 

[dramaprincess713]

I think it is very helpful that you understand your prior selling spree resulted in buying bags.
Another thing that occurred to me in reading these posts, which certainly has certainly been helpful to me, is that it is realistic that certain style bags will come and go with the seasons of our life.
For the first time in my life, I am enjoying carrying a medium to small bag. It’s probably a metaphor for this urge to begin downsizing in my life! I have always gravitated toward roomy bags and totes. It is comforting to know I don’t need to make any drastic purges.

Yes, and for me, it's kind of pointless to sell only to go buy more. Definitely need to be thoughtful about all of this!

I'm also a big bag and tote gal and thought I always would be, but the pandemic has made it so that I'm reaching for my medium bags much more often. Between baby, pandemic, and hopefully finding a fully remote job, I'm definitely in a shifting season of life that impacts my bag use. I suppose that's just yet another reason to take my time and not do anything drastic!

 

[dramaprincess713]

Well, I'm definitely failing at downsizing - I just purchased an Alexander Wang Rocco off Ebay. It's the matte black with iridescent studs...I had it in the smaller Rockie size and sold it because it wasn't quite there for me functionally, but I love the combo of the matte black and iridescent studs, so I had also kind of regretted selling it. I saw the Rocco on Ebay yesterday and hit "buy it now" almost without thinking. I'm hoping this isn't yet another mistake...I'm hoping the bigger size of the Rocco will make is more functional for me!

I also was seriously considering selling my black, quilted, Coach Parker with rivets. I have a vintage, black Chanel jumbo and the medium YSL LouLou in black with black hardware. I figured there really is no need for three black flap bags. But then I pulled them all out and put them next to each other, and instead of affirming my decision to sell, it made me want to keep the Coach Parker. They actually all look pretty different between the different size, hardware, and quilting patterns. Functionally, I think they all really serve the same purpose, but for now, the Coach Parker is staying.

I am looking at my want/plan to buy list and seeing if any of my current bags can fulfill the same desire and/or need as the bags on that list. For example, one bag I want to buy is this fringe bag, and the selling point for me is definitely the fringe. It's not even a super expensive bag, but at this point the cost is only a part of the issue - the sheer amount of bags I already have is the problem. Anyway, I'm wondering if I add fringe to one of my current bags, will that scratch the itch so that I don't feel like I want to buy the bag on my list? I'm thinking possibly adding fringe to my Coach Court. I mean, I'm a little scared to, and I have a super hard time envisioning things so I'm having a hard time figuring out if I'd actually like it if I did it, but it might be a way to fulfill that desire without buying yet another bag. (Actually, if I did it, I might buy a different color Coach Court and sell my current one, so technically I would be buying another bag, but I would at least "cancel it out" by selling my current one.)

 

[diane278]

Well, I'm definitely failing at downsizing - I just purchased an Alexander Wang Rocco off Ebay. It's the matte black with iridescent studs...I had it in the smaller Rockie size and sold it because it wasn't quite there for me functionally, but I love the combo of the matte black and iridescent studs, so I had also kind of regretted selling it. I saw the Rocco on Ebay yesterday and hit "buy it now" almost without thinking. I'm hoping this isn't yet another mistake...I'm hoping the bigger size of the Rocco will make is more functional for me!

I also was seriously considering selling my black, quilted, Coach Parker with rivets. I have a vintage, black Chanel jumbo and the medium YSL LouLou in black with black hardware. I figured there really is no need for three black flap bags. But then I pulled them all out and put them next to each other, and instead of affirming my decision to sell, it made me want to keep the Coach Parker. They actually all look pretty different between the different size, hardware, and quilting patterns. Functionally, I think they all really serve the same purpose, but for now, the Coach Parker is staying.

I am looking at my want/plan to buy list and seeing if any of my current bags can fulfill the same desire and/or need as the bags on that list. For example, one bag I want to buy is this fringe bag, and the selling point for me is definitely the fringe. It's not even a super expensive bag, but at this point the cost is only a part of the issue - the sheer amount of bags I already have is the problem. Anyway, I'm wondering if I add fringe to one of my current bags, will that scratch the itch so that I don't feel like I want to buy the bag on my list? I'm thinking possibly adding fringe to my Coach Court. I mean, I'm a little scared to, and I have a super hard time envisioning things so I'm having a hard time figuring out if I'd actually like it if I did it, but it might be a way to fulfill that desire without buying yet another bag. (Actually, if I did it, I might buy a different color Coach Court and sell my current one, so technically I would be buying another bag, but I would at least "cancel it out" by selling my current one.)

I’m finding that any changes I make regarding bags are expensive changes. However, I do seem to have lost some of my interest in getting new bags.…let’s hope it lasts…..that is as soon as the one I already ordered arrives.

 

[whateve]

Yes, and for me, it's kind of pointless to sell only to go buy more. Definitely need to be thoughtful about all of this!

I'm also a big bag and tote gal and thought I always would be, but the pandemic has made it so that I'm reaching for my medium bags much more often. Between baby, pandemic, and hopefully finding a fully remote job, I'm definitely in a shifting season of life that impacts my bag use. I suppose that's just yet another reason to take my time and not do anything drastic!

My biggest problem has been the ease of online buying and selling. It's a double edged sword. On the one hand, it allows me to recoup some money when I decide a bag doesn't work for me, but it also makes me think I can buy every bag I want because I can always sell if it doesn't work out. Also, I see so many more bags online that I didn't even know existed and I end up wanting some of them. If I didn't have access to all these selling sites and the forum, I would be blissfully unaware of all the bags I was missing out on.

I truly can't imagine the court bag with fringe. I think it would be better to get a bag that already has fringe. For me, I like fringe when it looks like the bag came that way. With the court, it has that flat bottom so the fringe would either be on the front or the back, or both. If you had a bag that tapered at the bottom, you could put one layer of fringe there which would look great in my opinion.

Even though black bags may serve the same purpose, and quilted black flap bags may seem redundant, black is such a useful color that it makes sense to have several. You could keep a record of how often you carry each bag to see if they are all getting used equally. I've been doing that for the last few years and it helps.