Would you downsize after moving?

[mrs.JC]

Hi TPFers.. so, I'm no stranger to selling off bags I no longer use, but after moving from an area where everyone and their mother carries a designer bag to a quiet Midwest city, I've started to feel self conscious about using my designer bags. I get stared at a lot and it makes me uncomfortable. Due to the combination of different fashion climate and Covid changes (I work from home now and don't take my luxury bags to work), I feel a need to downsize.... a lot.

Is it crazy for me to sell off most of my collection because of this? I'm talking 20+ bags. I have three Chanel flaps (a jumbo and two mediums), two Gucci (Soho Disco and a Neo Messenger) and various LV (3 NF, 3 Speedy B, 1 Speedy, Neo Neo, 2 PM, Trevi PM, Reverse OTG, 3 PA, PSM), two Balenciagas.. I've sold off a bunch of my contemporary bags already. My giant (to me), mostly unused collection now just sits on my shelf, making me feel sad and anxious.

Would you sell? I still love my bags and would use them if I didn't feel so weird. Has anyone else experienced this? Should I hold on in case we move again? We will probably be here for five more years, maybe longer.

Thanks in advance...

 

[lalame]

I would and have, in this scenario. But only sell what you really don't think you'll use... it's not doing you any favors just sitting in a closet. My system was going down to 1-2 pieces of each type of bag, eg 1-2 totes, 1-2 flap bags, 1-22 satchel bags, etc. I think moving is always a nice way to start a clean slate and reevaluate things you don't need anymore. Chances are in 5 years you STILL might not want to wear some of your bags because they might seem dated by that time.

 

[Loriad]

I am also in a quiet Midwest city. No LV for 1.5 hours. I keep growing my collection and wear it. It's for me and I don't care what others think so don't let it feel weird!!! U could regret getting rid of things!

 

[AmeeLVSBags]

I wouldn’t sell! If you feel uncomfortable wearing in your face designer, use the not so obvious ones like your Balenciaga for every day. If you really want to downsize, keep one of the duplicates you have and sell the rest, but keep your Chanel’s.

 

[MCBadian07]

I personally would not sell - I have given bags to my sisters if I don't use them. I would maybe sell off items you haven't used in years?
Also, wear bags for yourself! I know it's very difficult right now since we can't travel, there are others that have less and struggling through this pandemic, and you live in a quieter city/town, but our bags make us really happy which is for our mental health, and should not be cause for anxiety/stress.

 

[ShoppingInSeattle]

I would not sell either. Many of the bags you listed are classics and if you wanted to re-purchase them in a few years it would cost you a fortune (God knows how much more those Chanels will go up!). I don't see very many designer bags where I live either, but it doesn't bother me -- carrying a special bag, even just to run errands, gives me a sense of joy. Since you're a TPFer I'm guessing you must feel the same, so I say you should use them! Maybe the looks you're getting are envy

 

[BleuSaphir]

No I would not sell either to downsize either. You might regret selling stuff you realize it wasn’t a big deal after all.

 

[880]

If you may only be in the area 5 more years, don’t sell premier bags that you love; it would be too costly to replace them. Buy a few simple bags or a premier bag without a logo or brand embellishment, or just wear the ones you own, logo against your body. Many contemporary bags are quilted or have chevron or some form of monogram. I’ve often been struck by the vast differences in how locals dress even within a single country, so I do have different types of things I wear in different places. I love H, chanel and bottega, but I don’t wear them much outside major cities. DH feels so long as it’s appropriate (in terms of level of formality), one should wear whatever you want, but he doesn’t wear logo goods. Forgot to add, I’ve moved in the past for DHs various jobs (much of my wardrobe went unused) but I didn’t sell.

 

[rose60610]

Since you moved to a "quiet Midwest city", is the city small enough where the average person might not recognize most designer bags? There's a good chance that those who make you say: "I get stared at a lot and it makes me uncomfortable" may be looking at you because you are, indeed, "new". It's up to you if you want to sell. I have a number of Chanels, and at the rate their prices increase, I'd be hesitant to sell those before other brands. If you really love the bags, I suggest keeping them. Moving to a different environment is often an upheaval. Take time to settle in and then determine how you feel. I wish you good luck and hope you enjoy your new city. Keep us informed of your decision and it'd be great to learn how you like your new home. Best wishes!

 

[XoDena]

Absolutely not! I buy my bags for myself and to make myself happy. I could care less what some stranger thinks about me wearing a designer bag. That’s not to say I flaunt my bags either and recognize that there are definitely times the LVs and Chanel’s need to stay at home.

Also with the price increases that LV and Chanel love to have and the fact it’s getting harder and harder to secure most LV items, if you sell you may really end up regretting g it in the long run

 

[lemondln]

I would sell only bags that I no longer feel the same way I used to be. If the city is less loud, people probably don't even notice your designer bags. So wear it whenever you feel like it.

 

[UpTime]

Thanks for bringing this up. I also feel overwhelmed lately with having 20+ designer bags. I get mad at myself but on the other hand, I love them. I revisit my closet for the purpose of seeing if there is anyone I can let go and often I can't decide. But I would now that I start to use them one by one to get the "practical feeling" and I would keep those I feel 100% "right". Those I feel something is off, I will sell. For example, my DA Neverfull PM: although the size is perfect for my frame and its space is enough for me to carry all my daily belongings, I wish the handle could be an inch longer so it would go on my shoulder more comfortable. So, the conclusion, sell it.

But, I wouldn't sell it just for people around me though.
Hope you find a solution for yourself.

 

[cjj]

I understand so well. I relocated from Washington DC to Florida (job transfer) to an area that was once a swamp and where wild pigs ran free. Talking an hour (on really GOOD days) to get to Tampa. Nearest beach is an hour and half away at least. Women dress in gym wear or shorts, tank and sloppy ponytail, men is shorts, tanks and flip flops and unshaven. Dressing up is capri's and a tank or a sleeveless long dress and flip flops. I see NOTHING designer here. But I'm ADDING to my collection because I love luxury stuff and don't care what others think, do or say, lol. DO YOU! If you're not going to wear them, sell them. But don't sell them just because of what you see others wearing/not wearing. Nope. Wrong reason IMHO.

 

[pursekitten]

Curate your collection to include only things that truly spark joy and make your heart sing. Wear the pieces you keep and be happy. Forget what other people think.

I ended up hauling most of my clothes, shoes, and bags from Florida to Utah a few years ago only to downsize the pieces that didn't make me feel like a confident goddess within a year. For bags, I only kept one of each style and/or color that thrilled me. The rest went on to bring other people joy and that felt so good.

Best wishes on your journey!

 

[ccbaggirl89]

I would. The move is bringing change and you recognize that. You'll be the same person but with a fresh outlook and perhaps you want to curate your collection to reflect your new environment and working conditions, too. You can always add back in new or different pieces to suit your new lifestyle. It's refreshing to get rid of things - too much can bring anxiety and letting go of even a few will help that ease.