topic Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments. in Handbags

On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

1Professor — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 13:22:52 GMT

Adore handbags? Seduced by the structure, design, touch, colors of a well-built handbag? Own "several?"

I am a Handbag Lover. I notice and admire the ones other women carry. I adore a handbag show. I change mine often. Every week. Somedays more. However, [INSERT CONFESSION HERE] I have many gorgeous bags that sit unused. Sometimes—for a LONG time.

Among the courses I teach is THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS, where we look at neuroscience, our brains, and why once we get some of the "things" we wanted, well, they no longer make us as happy as we thought (hedonic adaptation or Happiness Fade). Humans are particularly bad at future-thinking and predicting what will make us happy in the far future. {What was I thinking?} Teaching such a courses causes useful self-reflection.

People change. Our values change, what delights us changes, our styles change, the foods and music we enjoy changes. So it is with handbags. If you've got any guilt over having too many handbags, some of which aren't actually ever chosen to be worn, many of us are in your company.

Yet new handbags seduce me. I've changed. I want different styles, no longer choose old classics. So, now I send handbags off to others. Strangers. My rule: 1 new handbag in, 2 new handbags out.

Here's a conversation I had recently with @EdithEllenLily:

@EdithEllenLily wrote:
@Roni18 Parting with my handbags has been very painful for me since mid-August when I started taking them to the consignment shop. I know it's the right thing to do, but it's extremely difficult. It's an admission of which ones were bought but never used -- or those that just didn't work out after carrying them once. For me, it must be done. Good luck if you start sorting through yours and figuring out what to do about them. I am very thankful for @1Professor because she encouraged me to find a consignment shop. It's the best thing for me right now, even though it's completely wigging me out to see them go.
@EdithEllenLily: Courage, dear sister!

I just took some Florentine leather Dooneys (used once) with original tags to consignment. I take great joy in the joy someone else will get from them.

Next week, some Brahmins . . .

You are giving joy.

@1Professor Thank you so much for your kind encouragement. Your words meant a lot to me. I forgot to look at it that way...giving joy to others. Good job to you for continuing to pare down your handbag collection. You have some absolutely beautiful handbags!

I don't regret the handbags I once loved (or thought I would love) leaving at all. Giving them to a stranger, even on consignment, is not very much money back. BUT she's not a stranger. She loves handbags! So do you!

I picture her carrying my once-desired bag and the places it will go. It makes me happy. Then I have room to try out a new style.

I feel badly for the bags (I know, fanciful thinking) that sit in their protective bags in my closet. "Release me!"

Anyone else releasing? Realize your style has changed and SO WHAT?!

Still have many. High-end, or just whimsical. My newest bags that make me happy

are Anuschka:

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

NJgirl 1205 — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 13:40:49 GMT

I guess I am in the opposite category to you. I used to buy quirky, artsy, low to mid range bags largely on impulse. As I have gotten older I prefer the pricier, more elegant classics. So I now have a much more expensive, MUCH smaller collection of bags that I actually love and use.

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

1Professor — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 13:48:53 GMT

@NJgirl 1205: Not opposites, cousins perhaps. Neighbors.

I own and love several classic Louis Vuitton and Gucci and appreciate the fine crafting, the way they carry, their history. I have a Florentine Dooney that is a keeper (others now released).

When my world gets hectic, overscheduled, time-starved, it is the Bags of Whimsy that keep me grounded. I love a classic couture blazer, back pencil skirt, cashmere sweater, pearls and heels—accessorized with a bag of whimsy . . .

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

NJgirl 1205 — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 13:54:55 GMT

Nice to meet you neighbor! I say do and buy what makes you happy! Plus, you have found a solution for those times when you own something you don’t reach for and pass the happiness on to someone else! I do the same with clothes and don’t get me started on coats😉

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

Sweet_Serenity — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 14:00:33 GMT

Here's my experience...

Last week decided it was time to bid farewell to coach vintage bag that never used tags attached pristine condition, first planned consignment store then...

Shopping at my Publix lightbulb came on!

Mary woman who works at Publix, strong desire gifting the bag to her.

Special gift bag carefully wrapped proceeded onto the store.

Mary, was over the moon excited! She held it close to her touching expressing

her appreciation for the gift, never had such a lovely handbag.

She hugged me tightly, said she would always cherish it.

Experienced a very special moment. Made my day!

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

1Professor — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 14:24:12 GMT

@Sweet_Serenity: Best handbag story EVER!

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

QVCkitty1 — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 14:41:45 GMT

@Sweet_Serenity wrote:
Here's my experience...

Last week decided it was time to bid farewell to coach vintage bag that never used tags attached pristine condition, first planned consignment store then...
Shopping at my Publix lightbulb came on!

Mary woman who works at Publix, strong desire gifting the bag to her.
Special gift bag carefully wrapped proceeded onto the store.

Mary, was over the moon excited! She held it close to her touching expressing
her appreciation for the gift, never had such a lovely handbag.

She hugged me tightly, said she would always cherish it.
Experienced a very special moment. Made my day!

I love this story !!

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

EdithEllenLily — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 14:42:45 GMT

@1Professor I hope our conversation helps others to realize they are not alone in their handbag shopping -- and perhaps it will give them ideas on how to pare down!!

Interesting about the science part. I so wish I could take your course!!

Each month since August I think 'what handbags would people like to buy this month' and then I bring them into the shop. I'm mulling over the options for the December consignment.

Still, when I drop them off and walk away, I am totally wigging out that they are gone!! I'm not sure how to deal with that aspect. It makes me bummy!

But it needs to be done. And I will keep doing it until my handbag collection is where it needs to be.

Thanks for writing about this perhaps not so uncommon topic.

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

Lisa Y — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 15:03:13 GMT

@1Professor

Hi. I am a handbag lover and your post could have been written by me. Knowing that other women feel as I do about our bags makes me feel good. I often give my bags to my mother and sisters, so I know they are getting loved and used. I’m thinking of selling some of my Dooneys if possible and putting the money toward my son’s future education. (He’s a sophomore in HS). Every little bit helps. I’m trying not to buy more bags, and discovered that shopping in my closet has been fun. (Oh, I forgot about this one!)

Thanks for your post and happy holidays! 👜👜👜🎒🎒🎒

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

phoenixbrd — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 15:30:22 GMT

@1ProfessorI have an opposite story. I will see a bag I covet and don't purchase. Then for years I will continue to hunt down that bag regretting that I didn't buy it. The Anuschka original Enchanted Forest Fairy expandable shopper is a bag I've continually looked at for years. Why didn't I just purchase it when I first saw it. Very few items seduce me, and I've learned that the compulsion to purchase an item fades into the distance, but a few have remained with me for years. I share your love of classic dressing, but I enjoy adding a little edge or whimsy, that bag is perfect. Periodically I search to see if someone is selling one. Evine reintroduced the bag but not the same as the original shopper, I don't think Anuschka is the quality product it was ten years ago.

I am releasing clothing and shoes and it is a challenge but I'm making progress feeling a sense of freedom. My rule is similar to yours, bring one item into the closet I must release three. I rarely make new purchases. Unfortunately, that bag still haunts me.

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

1Professor — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 15:30:08 GMT

@phoenixbrd: Ah, sweet persistent regrets!

Was the Anuschka forest fairy handbag like one of these??

Utterly enchanting. I also teach multicultural folktales and fairy tales, so adore the fantasy.

[Both available for sale now, one on eBay.]

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

hicindy2 — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 16:14:11 GMT

@1Professor That was a great post !!

I always try to keep the rule: one in, 2 out.

Nothing has a "forever home" in my closet.

Lots of casual things go to Goodwill and the Mr. HC's church, however, my "better" (but heavy) leather bags and nice coats (that live in the back seat of the car) and the wool and linen suits I wore for work generally go to:

DRESS for SUCESS in Sacramento

Here is their philosophy...

"What would you wear to a job interview? That is exactly the type of clothing we are looking for to distribute to our clients. Your fabulous suits and other professional apparel could furnish another woman with the confidence to enter or return to the workplace, make a great first impression and land a job that could change her life."

This is a cause dear to my heart since I went thru the maze of a male dominated industry (commercial banking).

Since I am retired, I also help polish up resumes for women going back to work and do mock interviews with young people.

Wish I could take your class too !!

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

phoenixbrd — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 16:29:49 GMT

@1Professor Those are lovely, but if you google Enchanted Forest Fairy expandable shopper you will see details and quality that no longer exists on Anuschka bags. They would be stunning though for your class (sorry, no enabling allowed)!

Love your class curriculum!

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

1Professor — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 16:34:47 GMT

@phoenixbrd wrote:
@1Professor Those are lovely, but if you google Enchanted Forest Fairy expandable shopper you will see details and quality that no longer exists on Anuschka bags. They would be stunning though for your class (sorry, no enabling allowed)!

Love your class curriculum!

@phoenixbrd: Found it! Just gorgeous!

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

hicindy2 — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 16:45:47 GMT

@phoenixbrd and @1Professor

Evine does have the Magical Fairy at markdown today:

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

phoenixbrd — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 16:52:29 GMT

@hicindy2 Thank you for the post. If you google Forest Fairy expandable shopper, you will see what I'm dedicated to purchasing. I know I will have to buy it second hand, but even at that, it is not ever listed for sale. If I owned it I would never sell it!

Thank you so much for your kindness to think of me.

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

phoenixbrd — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 16:55:45 GMT

@1Professor Yes, you found it! I hope you will contact me if you ever see it for sale. It is a heart throb for me and has been for years. Anuschka waters down the design and details each time they come out with a new "fairy". The lastestversion kindly posted by @hicindy2 demonstrates the decline of Anuschka....just compare the two bags.

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

phoenixbrd — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 17:09:44 GMT

@1ProfessorIf you ever have the opportunity to purchase one of the expandable shoppers from Anuschka from the artistic heyday of this company....you won't regret purchasing. I have the shopper Two for Joy and it is work of dedication and art. It will never be a release from my closet and if I ever get the opportunity to purchase Forest Fairy it will be another treasure. This level of craftsmanship sadly no longer exists with this company.

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

1Professor — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 17:30:45 GMT

@phoenixbrd wrote:
@1ProfessorIf you ever have the opportunity to purchase one of the expandable shoppers from Anuschka from the artistic heyday of this company....you won't regret purchasing. I have the shopper Two for Joy and it is work of dedication and art. It will never be a release from my closet and if I ever get the opportunity to purchase Forest Fairy it will be another treasure. This level of craftsmanship sadly no longer exists with this company.

@phoenixbrd:

Found this version of Two for Joy, ADORE it! (I am generally a big bag gal. And a bird lover.)

Re: On changing our minds and handbag consignments.

1Professor — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 00:55:41 GMT

@hicindy2 wrote:
@1Professor That was a great post !!

I always try to keep the rule: one in, 2 out.

Nothing has a "forever home" in my closet.

Lots of casual things go to Goodwill and the Mr. HC's church, however, my "better" (but heavy) leather bags and nice coats (that live in the back seat of the car) and the wool and linen suits I wore for work generally go to:

DRESS for SUCESS in Sacramento

Here is their philosophy...

"What would you wear to a job interview? That is exactly the type of clothing we are looking for to distribute to our clients. Your fabulous suits and other professional apparel could furnish another woman with the confidence to enter or return to the workplace, make a great first impression and land a job that could change her life."

This is a cause dear to my heart since I went thru the maze of a male dominated industry (commercial banking).

Since I am retired, I also help polish up resumes for women going back to work and do mock interviews with young people.

Wish I could take your class too !!

@hicindy2: We are practically neighbors! I live in the East Bay.

Dress for Success is an excellent idea! I shall search for one nearby.