Lately I’ve been really trying to trim down my closet – a project that I’ve been working on for some time. This month I decided to tackle my designer bags, and managed to find a few of which I already had alternates in my wardrobe. The one that ended up going this time was my Celine Nano.
I love the Nano style and think it’s absolutely beautiful, but I still have other accessory “holes” I’d like to fill, and I have limited closet space (and a budget as well!). The great thing about designer bags? You typically can get close to what you paid or sometimes even more. I actually made a small profit on my Nano even after fees (I typically sell my bags through a third party like a consignment shop to avoid the hassle of eBay), due to all the price increases that have occurred.
Farewell my friend
Once I have it in my mind to get rid of an item, I’m pretty determined. I’ll typically commit firmly and just pack it up in a box before I can change my mind. There was a moment when I was boxing up my Celine that my heart quaked a bit, but in the end the little accountant who lives and unfortunately only periodically emerges from my brain won out.
My new Nano replacement? It’s actually from Talbot’s!
Purchased last holiday season for something like 75% off, my Talbot’s crossbody like the Celine is full leather, has a few little pockets and even has an adjustable strap. It had been lingering in the back of my closet for almost an entire year and since I’ve brought it out, I’ve been using it constantly.
It holds about 20% less than my Nano due to its thinner profile.
And overall I’m very happy with it! I don’t regret selling my Nano at all, and plus it was a huge savings.
By the way, Talbot’s bag is no longer sold but if I were in the market for an excellent crossbody today, this would be my pick, for sure!
Have you ever replaced any bags from your wardrobe? Doesn’t it feel good to get rid of “stuff” and find new treasures in your closet?
35 Comments
Groupthink7
November 16, 2012 at 7:25 amHi Katherine,
I try to purge my closet. However, when I sell items, I later regret it because I see that they come back in style but in a kind of cheesy, cheap way. You must admit, no one is making anything like they use to.
Ammu
November 16, 2012 at 7:30 amThat Celine bag is gorgeous!
I rarely sell items anymore, given the absence of consignment stores in India and the hassle of EBay. but I do give away items regularly. Just passed on a beautiful mustard leather bag from Belen Echandia to a close friend. I just wasn’t using it enough. Thought about getting rid of it for a while and now that i have, I love seeing how happy it makes my friend.
E
November 16, 2012 at 8:15 amI like crossbody bags and purchased one from coach 3 months ago. But now I am having a second thought about it and would love love to have this PS11 bag in navy blue color. I tried it on at Nordstrom and I loved it.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/313011
Andrea
November 16, 2012 at 8:50 amHi Kat. Which consignment store(s) do you like and use in the Bay Area? Thanks.
C. Michol
November 16, 2012 at 10:10 amSeconding this. Would love to know which Bay Area consignment stores you sell to and buy from!
Katherine
November 16, 2012 at 10:51 amHi there!
In SF I have used Cris before: http://www.crisconsignment.com/
My favorite and hassle free places to do consignment though are http://annsfabulousfinds.com/ and http://yoogiscloset.com/
Yoogi you get paid immediately but a bit less, Ann you get paid 30 days later but a bit more.
Marlene @ chocolatecookiesandcandies
November 16, 2012 at 1:06 pmKatherine, I run an online consignment store too 🙂 I’m based in the UK but I’ve had clients who ship them in from various parts of the world.
Cecilia Teh
November 16, 2012 at 10:27 pmHey Marlene, I should have passed you my Chanel Jumbo and Clutch for consignment when I was in London last month since the shipping from SG to UK is rather expensive. Forgetful me.
sanita
November 18, 2012 at 6:33 amHey Marlene, I have a Prada Saffiano Bag that I’m looking to sell, and I live in London. could you pls email me your details.
Audrey
November 16, 2012 at 9:06 amHey I have that same purse (from 75% off!!) and have been using it all summer. I also got some jean stains on it from my shorts. Do you have any idea how I can remove that? 🙂
Katherine
November 16, 2012 at 10:51 amOh ouch! Did you already try baby wipes and/or the Lexol PH wipes?
Whitney Worthington
November 16, 2012 at 9:09 amWhat a beautiful Celine purse – however that Talbot’s bag is so lovely, very reminiscent of the Coach Legacy collection that is so big this year. I have my eye on a current Tablot’s bag – it has a wool plaid on the front, kind of a flap bag frame to it. Very cute for the holidays. I need to do a purge rather badly!
Aesthetic Alterations
November 16, 2012 at 9:21 amGood for you in being so committed once a releasable thing is identified. I feel I am that strong, which can be proved by the small pile of things I’ve set off to the side for selling. A good reseller seems an excellent way to release bags, as I’m not sure that selling on a forum like eBay as a private seller can begin to recoop the original cost.
Katherine
November 16, 2012 at 10:51 amSo glad to see you are back C!
irene
November 16, 2012 at 11:35 amYour Talbots bag reminds me of the JW Hulme ones. I’ve been very surprisingly loving a lot of Talbots items recently.
I was tempted to get a Nano, but was glad I didn’t buy into the hype, because I didn’t love it THAT much and I want to fill my closet with things I LOVE. I love eBaying things I don’t need anymore but haven’t had time recently.
Katherine
November 16, 2012 at 12:30 pmOh I love JW Hulme, what a compliment!
Irina
November 16, 2012 at 12:18 pmYou’re brave:) It’s so hard to part with things for me! Mostly because it takes forever for me to buy something…You should have tried to sell it here first!:))
Katherine
November 16, 2012 at 12:31 pmHi Irina, that is a great suggestion, thank you 🙂
Marlene @ chocolatecookiesandcandies
November 16, 2012 at 1:08 pmI’m with you about purging your wardrobe if certain items no longer tickle my fancy. Recently, I sold my Hermes Evelyne and put the money towards a far cheaper bag – LV Speedy 35cm. The former is still TDF but unfortunately, it’s just waterproof nor big enough to carry my camera gear.
Katherine
November 16, 2012 at 1:31 pmI didn’t realize that you replaced your Evelyne with the Speedy! I can totally see your waterproof needs.
tippy
November 16, 2012 at 4:21 pmI am so tempted to ask where you’ll be selling your Nano but I won’t because I totally don’t need another black bag! lol. I love purging my closet because it can really be therapeutic! Plus I love the idea of making room for newer things and allowing me to have the “extra” funds to do so. I’ve never really regretted anything that I’ve sold but I also make a rule for myself that if I sell something, I’m not allowed to buy anything like it again. This has helped define my sense of style over the last two years.
Katherine
November 16, 2012 at 6:50 pmThat’s a great rule Tippy! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Amy
November 16, 2012 at 6:49 pmI am pretty lucky that the opposite happens to me: my mom and sister are always sending me their handbags they don’t use anymore (the perk of being a little sister!), so I haven’t had to clean out that portion of my closet.
Over the years, I’ve gotten a lot pickier when it comes to the clothes I purchase. For everyday items – like work wear basics and denim, I don’t splurge – just because I work in a creative agency and extremely long hours, so everything I wear needs to be comfortable and flexible for commercial shoots and client meetings. My weekend and party outfits are another matter, and lately, I haven’t really regretted any of my purchases. Sadly, I cannot say the same about my shopping habits from ages 21 to 26! 🙁 Somewhere out there, a young one is sporting those too-short dresses, too-short everything.
Katherine
November 16, 2012 at 6:59 pmI hear you on the comfortable work clothing. And lucky you for your older sister! I get some of my mom’s old things too 🙂
philip go
November 16, 2012 at 11:07 pmI really want to sell some of my designer wallets as well as bag because I don’t much space (because I just have too much stuff) and I need cash (to get a something new haha). Like you, I really don’t want to sell them on ebay. I was wondering if you could recommend a website that buys/consigns designer accessories?
Katherine
November 17, 2012 at 9:01 amHi Philip, try this place – http://yoogiscloset.com/
Sandy
November 16, 2012 at 11:18 pmJ W Hulme has the Mini Legacy bag that looks pretty darn similar to yourTalbots bag. I love my Legacy bag and it’s made in the USA 🙂
Eva
November 16, 2012 at 11:54 pmCan’t wait to see what you’ll buy next with the money you got from the Nano! 😉
Anouka
November 17, 2012 at 1:04 amYes, getting rid of old stuff (clothes, books, accessories, whatever) has a cleansing effect on me. It’s letting go of the past, the old and making room for the new, the future. I’m not a hoarder. As soon as new things have come in, I’m looking for old ones to go out. And I like the idea of someone else being happy to acquire my old possessions and looking after them.
LUXESSED
Audrinajulia
November 17, 2012 at 2:20 amHi! Is this your Nano you’ve just purchased early this year? You’re so brave not being attach. Already experienced doing it once and have teary eyed solding it but I know I just made the right decision since the bag is not being use more often. your Talbot’s crossbody is a pretty replacement plus I love the color of it.:)
<3,
Angie
audrinajulia@gmail.com
Katherine
November 17, 2012 at 9:02 amYes it is…I love the Nano (still do!) but just needed to make more space in my closet..
Rola
November 17, 2012 at 9:46 amI am looking for a cross body style or long strap bag nowadays. I have a couple in the closet, but I have had them for ages. I am very interested in Mulberry Lily, maybe it will be a gift from me to me at Christmas.
Mai
November 19, 2012 at 5:21 pmhey katherine,
have you already sold your celine bag? i have a friend who’s been looking for that exact bag…i know you said you usually just sell to consignment shops, but if you would be interested in selling to her, could you let me know?
thanks!
Katherine
November 19, 2012 at 6:31 pmHi Mai I sold it a while ago – sorry!
Diva In Me
November 22, 2012 at 10:50 amWow! Amazing how you can just get rid of your Celine Nano when my friend actually just bought 1 in Cobalt Blue last month =D Glad that you are working towards your dream home =P
I recently gave away my Guess? Handbags. I use to have tonnes when I was working for Guess? Fashion and I kept them well even though I don’t use them as much anymore. I found a few homes for the bags. I’m sure they are better off with someone who will really use them.
http://www.diva-in-me.com