Waking up with less items in my closet

Maybe it is time we take stock of what we have purchased over the years. Running this blog for more than four years and counting has left me questioning life in general.

I always had a penchant for all things expensive and luxe. The latest bags from every season filled up a void in my cupboard. Peeking into my closet, I knew which bag would suit which occasion and paired with the right shoe.

Six months ago, I was forcefully separated from my burgeoning bag collection due to some unforeseen circumstances. Efforts to reclaim them remain futile and I have live to accept the fact they shall never be mine again. 

You may have noticed my dilemma faced in running Bag Brag while licking my wounds. 

Call it a blessing in a curse, I have learnt to work with the "less is more" mantra; I chose to buy a Kenneth Cole bag over Kenzo, got a five finger discount on my mother's vintage Aigner clutch and reconnected with my denim Calvin Klein sling bag for work.

Moreover, I went through a period where my only expenditure was for food alone. No new shirts for work, nor clutches for dinner (though I still lust after an Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster clutch). 

That does not mean that I am out of tune from the fashion world. I still know what Karl Lagerfeld is up to these days but I am less motivated to whip out the plastic when new colours of the Chanel Classic bag is in store. 

I work with what I have; the bare minimal in my wardrobe, ransacked my mother's closet and even explored my friend's boudoir for items.

I am not on a budget, and money isn't the issue here. The issue here is the realisation of what we wear and carry can be simplified and we do not have to follow trends so closely. It is okay to wear pastel colours when neon colours are in. It is okay to be two seasons behind. 

My day job as a fashion writer for a local weekly (Gasps! The irony) taught me that no one is going to put you in jail for wearing a Gucci dress from 2007. 

You just got to find what works for you and stick to it.

I'm one who believes in looking good when stepping out of the door. And it is safe to say the want to look good does not automatically grants us an all access pass to splurge on clothes and accessories that will only be worn less than five times.

I still shun those who have little taste or class by wearing anything dirty, done in poor taste, tacky, shabby, tatty and worn out. 

Looking good is about looking polished, clean, well put together and most importantly, fresh.

For me, I have been photographed to death in my black checkered shirt at countless functions and I'd still wear it again at any given
opportunity.

Putting aside my ego, pride and want for more gave me a new perspective in life that looking fashion forward cost me more than my salary. 

I will not judge you over your new Birkin purchase even if you already have 10 in your closet. And I will continue blogging about the latest trends in bags.

What I am doing now is to be at peace with myself that I will never have a bag collection as fabulous as my readers and I am okay with that. 

Lots of love,
B of Bag Brag. 

p/s: And I will not look down on those who carry designer inspired bags bought from Padini, Nose, etc... But please don't starve yourself over a designer bag. Speaking from experience, it is not worth it.