Thoughts on using my bags

[Slink2015]

Does anyone else struggle with using their “special” bags? I find myself not using my items that are special, or that I find extra pretty, or more luxurious, with the excuse of “I want to save it for a special occasion,” or “I don’t want to ruin it.”
In particular, I have a Rogue 25 in the color hay (a nice yellow shade) that has snakeskin handles. DH gifted it to me, and occasionally wonders why I don’t use it. I feel so silly for responding with that I don’t want to ruin it! The other bag I have a mental block with using is my LV totally with vachetta handles.
I think in 2020, my biggest goal is going to be to remember that it’s ok to use things whenever I want to, because I didn’t buy them to just shove them into my closet for protection! Whether it’s my special bags, makeup, shoes, or particular clothes. Gonna try to do better to shop my collections and actually use the things I love.

 

[sdkitty]

I don't have this problem but can understand where you'd want to protect a light colored bag. They show wear a lot more than black or brown or a dark color. But unless you're worrying about resale, you should enjoy your bags. As you said, you didn't buy them to shove them in the closet.

 

[Alexa5]

All I can say is, enjoy your bags! That is why we buy them. If you are worried about some of them, just give them extra care while you are out and about, but definitely use them.

 

[Caspin22]

Nope. At one time, I bought "special" bags to admire, and didn't use many of them. I had a huge purge, and sold everything that I didn't use. Now, I buy bags that I like and know I will use, and I'm not shy about using them. I take good care of my bags but if it's too "nice" to use, I don't buy it.

 

[cuppateatime]

I know many people have this thing where they might avoid using their nicer bags for fear of ruining it. I can totally understand it because these items can be costly. What I find helpful is that if you make it a point to use it, over time, you might not worry about damaging it as much and in turn, be more willing to wear it out more often. I also took on the mindset that with every scratch or wear, the item becomes more personalized to you. It holds memories of the adventures you may have gone on. I try my best to stop saying a scratch will ruin it and make it imperfect because they're just objects and it happens naturally. Most of these bags will outlive us anyway, and what then? We won't care at that point

I also find buying pre-loved makes items easier to use because the price is (usually) less than retail.

As for the Hay Snakeskin Rogue 25, it's lovely! The pebbled leather is quite sturdy. If you're afraid of ruining the snakeskin handles, you can shoulder carry it, which is my personally preferred way of carrying Rogue 25s. I know you'll still be touching the snakeskin this way but there's not really a way around never touching them haha. If you're worried about the suede, you can apply a water repellent spray to it. I usually only put thin items in the suede pockets so they don't really dirty that quickly from my experience.

 

[shillinggirl88]

Does anyone else struggle with using their “special” bags? I find myself not using my items that are special, or that I find extra pretty, or more luxurious, with the excuse of “I want to save it for a special occasion,” or “I don’t want to ruin it.”
In particular, I have a Rogue 25 in the color hay (a nice yellow shade) that has snakeskin handles. DH gifted it to me, and occasionally wonders why I don’t use it. I feel so silly for responding with that I don’t want to ruin it! The other bag I have a mental block with using is my LV totally with vachetta handles.
I think in 2020, my biggest goal is going to be to remember that it’s ok to use things whenever I want to, because I didn’t buy them to just shove them into my closet for protection! Whether it’s my special bags, makeup, shoes, or particular clothes. Gonna try to do better to shop my collections and actually use the things I love.

Omg I totally do this!!! I wish I didn’t but I like things to stay perfect . Often I end up selling if I’m not carrying...even if I love it.

 

[Suzanne B.]

Does anyone else struggle with using their “special” bags? I find myself not using my items that are special, or that I find extra pretty, or more luxurious, with the excuse of “I want to save it for a special occasion,” or “I don’t want to ruin it.”
In particular, I have a Rogue 25 in the color hay (a nice yellow shade) that has snakeskin handles. DH gifted it to me, and occasionally wonders why I don’t use it. I feel so silly for responding with that I don’t want to ruin it! The other bag I have a mental block with using is my LV totally with vachetta handles.
I think in 2020, my biggest goal is going to be to remember that it’s ok to use things whenever I want to, because I didn’t buy them to just shove them into my closet for protection! Whether it’s my special bags, makeup, shoes, or particular clothes. Gonna try to do better to shop my collections and actually use the things I love.

Once upon a time I did the same thing. Even bags that weren't necessarily 'special' I hesitated to cut the tags. I solved my problem by buying pre loved, but like new bags. I never hesitated using them after that. Plus, when I do buy new, I'll only buy really cheap so I'm never hesitant to cut the tags anymore.

 

[JStew]

I’ve been struggling with carrying my LV bags day to day. Not for fear of ruining them, but I live in a small country town and feel really weird and out of place carrying them. Granted most people around probably don’t even know what LV is, but it’s kept me from carrying them and I only carry coach, and use LV for special outings or traveling, when people don’t know me or where I’m from. I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. So I think I will join you in 2020 of just trying to carry the bags and not worry about anything else. I don’t like them just sitting in my closet. I do use my SLG’s though.

 

[fayden]

The only bag I'm like that with is my Chanel. It's a fancy bag, and often times I'm wearing a hoodie and sweatpants and sneakers. I have worn it probably a good 30 times but I've had it for 5 years now.

 

[tealocean]

Does anyone else struggle with using their “special” bags? I find myself not using my items that are special, or that I find extra pretty, or more luxurious, with the excuse of “I want to save it for a special occasion,” or “I don’t want to ruin it.”
In particular, I have a Rogue 25 in the color hay (a nice yellow shade) that has snakeskin handles. DH gifted it to me, and occasionally wonders why I don’t use it. I feel so silly for responding with that I don’t want to ruin it! The other bag I have a mental block with using is my LV totally with vachetta handles.
I think in 2020, my biggest goal is going to be to remember that it’s ok to use things whenever I want to, because I didn’t buy them to just shove them into my closet for protection! Whether it’s my special bags, makeup, shoes, or particular clothes. Gonna try to do better to shop my collections and actually use the things I love.

That's sweet your husband gave you the bag you love and wants you to use it. It seems totally normal to want to protect your treasures, but if you don't use them, it defeats the purpose of having them. Your style might change, and you might not love these bags in a few years. This is a great time to enjoy them. I apply a light coat of (waxy) Blackrock Leather N Rich to protect light colored bags. You could consider trying your Rogue for a safe outing to help you get started using it. There will probably be a new special bag in the future that you like even more. Don't miss out on enjoying your beautiful bags right now while you love them. I hope you have fun enjoying your bags!

 

[FloraDB]

Omg I totally do this!!! I wish I didn’t but I like things to stay perfect . Often I end up selling if I’m not carrying...even if I love it.

This is seriously me. I have sold two bags already that I loved so much I never wore them and then just let them go because - what's the point in having them?

 

[sdkitty]

Does anyone else struggle with using their “special” bags? I find myself not using my items that are special, or that I find extra pretty, or more luxurious, with the excuse of “I want to save it for a special occasion,” or “I don’t want to ruin it.”
In particular, I have a Rogue 25 in the color hay (a nice yellow shade) that has snakeskin handles. DH gifted it to me, and occasionally wonders why I don’t use it. I feel so silly for responding with that I don’t want to ruin it! The other bag I have a mental block with using is my LV totally with vachetta handles.
I think in 2020, my biggest goal is going to be to remember that it’s ok to use things whenever I want to, because I didn’t buy them to just shove them into my closet for protection! Whether it’s my special bags, makeup, shoes, or particular clothes. Gonna try to do better to shop my collections and actually use the things I love.

did you use Apple Garde (or similar product) to protect your Hay colored bag? Doesn't mean it won't get marks but it helps

 

[LaVisioneer]

Does anyone else struggle with using their “special” bags? I find myself not using my items that are special, or that I find extra pretty, or more luxurious, with the excuse of “I want to save it for a special occasion,” or “I don’t want to ruin it.”
In particular, I have a Rogue 25 in the color hay (a nice yellow shade) that has snakeskin handles. DH gifted it to me, and occasionally wonders why I don’t use it. I feel so silly for responding with that I don’t want to ruin it! The other bag I have a mental block with using is my LV totally with vachetta handles.
I think in 2020, my biggest goal is going to be to remember that it’s ok to use things whenever I want to, because I didn’t buy them to just shove them into my closet for protection! Whether it’s my special bags, makeup, shoes, or particular clothes. Gonna try to do better to shop my collections and actually use the things I love.

Yes! I have a few bags that shouldn't get wet so I don't use them as much in case i am out somewhere and there's surprise rain. I love leather bags but I'm always worried about ruining them so I tend to carry cross grain or fake leather more in case the weather changes. I know a lot of people dislike the Coach signature bags but the jacquard material has held up really well for me over the years even in rain, snow, etc.

I know many people have this thing where they might avoid using their nicer bags for fear of ruining it. I can totally understand it because these items can be costly. What I find helpful is that if you make it a point to use it, over time, you might not worry about damaging it as much and in turn, be more willing to wear it out more often. I also took on the mindset that with every scratch or wear, the item becomes more personalized to you. It holds memories of the adventures you may have gone on. I try my best to stop saying a scratch will ruin it and make it imperfect because they're just objects and it happens naturally. Most of these bags will outlive us anyway, and what then? We won't care at that point

I also find buying pre-loved makes items easier to use because the price is (usually) less than retail.

As for the Hay Snakeskin Rogue 25, it's lovely! The pebbled leather is quite sturdy. If you're afraid of ruining the snakeskin handles, you can shoulder carry it, which is my personally preferred way of carrying Rogue 25s. I know you'll still be touching the snakeskin this way but there's not really a way around never touching them haha. If you're worried about the suede, you can apply a water repellent spray to it. I usually only put thin items in the suede pockets so they don't really dirty that quickly from my experience.

Yes, I agree. Buying used bags makes me way more likely to use them and not feel so bad because I can always say hmm maybe that little scratch was there when I bought it and just noticed now.

 

[vickenator]

Does anyone else struggle with using their “special” bags? I find myself not using my items that are special, or that I find extra pretty, or more luxurious, with the excuse of “I want to save it for a special occasion,” or “I don’t want to ruin it.”
In particular, I have a Rogue 25 in the color hay (a nice yellow shade) that has snakeskin handles. DH gifted it to me, and occasionally wonders why I don’t use it. I feel so silly for responding with that I don’t want to ruin it! The other bag I have a mental block with using is my LV totally with vachetta handles.
I think in 2020, my biggest goal is going to be to remember that it’s ok to use things whenever I want to, because I didn’t buy them to just shove them into my closet for protection! Whether it’s my special bags, makeup, shoes, or particular clothes. Gonna try to do better to shop my collections and actually use the things I love.

Not sure if someone's suggested this already, but you might consider putting scarves on the handles (I know they have a fancier name but I forgot it) if you're worried about messing up the snakeskin.

I have boxes and boxes of bags and need to do a major purge; none of them are luxury items, though many are special to me for one reason or another, but I need to rehome them to someone who will actually use them. I remind myself of the old saying: "A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for."

 

[gr8onteej]

Use the bag. Let everyone see it. Too much money is spent to let them sit in a closet that does not care about or appreciate it. In the end, it’s a handbag. Share that beauty with the world.