In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a lawyer on the verge of 30 who has her purse priorities all lined up. This confessor began collecting bags at the age of 23 and it was love at first first purchase! Her very first bag, also happens to be one of her most sentimental, and it’s a bag she still used and carries to this very day.
Though in her younger years this confessor dreamed of owning a bag from every major designer, as an adult this luxury lover realties the importance of the classics and now choses to only purchase from certain brands. With that being said, this collector also considers her purchases to be investments, making the brands she frequents even more important. Read the full CC now and don’t forget to submit your own!
[sc_cc_callout]The Basics
Age: 29
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Southern California
Occupation: Lawyer
Industry: Legal
Salary: $110,000
Household Income: $110,000
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? No
How many bags do you own? Around 20
What bags are in your collection?
- Hermès Aline
- Chanel Gabrielle Large
- Chanel 2.55 Mini Tweed
- Chanel Medium Boy
- Chanel Boy Brick
- LV Classic Monogram Petite Malle
- LV Reverse Monogram Giant Boite Chapeau Souple
- Dior Lady Medium
- Dior Diorama WOC
- A few other brands like Goyard, Gucci, Bvlgari, Prada, etc
How much is your collection worth? About $50,000.00
What is your most expensive bag? Probably Chanel Boy, I haven’t check the recent price increase for some of my bags. Though the LV Petite Malle was the most costly one for me when I bought it in 2015.
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? Chanel Boy Brick because it’s the very first designer bag I bought. I remember debating between the Classic Chanel and Boy Brick but I opted for the Boy Brick because of its seasonal/limited appeal and vintage look.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 23 years old. It came after a several grand scholarship for students doing well during their first year of law school. I remember using my scholarship that year to buy my very first Chanel Boy Brick.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Either a Classic Chanel Bag or Hermès Picotin. I am trying to build my profile for a Kelly, but the constant increase for Chanel is swaying me to get the Chanel Classic first.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? That Chanel Boy Brick! I still love that piece to this very day. I take it out once in a while and a lot of people would ask me about it.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Undeniably yes. I only use my designers when I go out of shopping. I do not carry it for work to avoid any judgmental comments or thoughts. It’s hard not to judge someone based on their outer appearance. It’s human nature right? Lol
Have your bag-carrying habits changed since Covid? Not very much…I like spacious bags so most of my bags besides the WOCs can hold all my essentials from hand sanitizer to my bulky wallet. My rule of thumb is…if the bag can’t hold my phone, I will not buy it.
The Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? It used to be 2-3 per year, now only 1. I tend buy more when traveling. When I was young, my goal was to collect one single style from all the major designers. When I almost reached that goal, my adulting self told me to just stick with something I can use for many years to come…bags that don’t look hideous even when I am 70 years old. So I opt for Chanel and Hermès now.
Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury? Yes, I shop a lot less! Though I guess this saves my budget for something more grand.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Chanel. I have to admit, Chanel’s quality isn’t so great comparing it to prior years. However, I don’t feel like I am buying a depreciating good with Chanel!
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Never…not to be weird but I prefer the smell and packaging of new items.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Yes, I am currently clearing my closet with brands that do not hold value and quickly become outdated like Versace, D&G, Salvator, Miu Miu etc. I sell them on eBay or to Neiman Marcus.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? Nope, more so deter.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Definitely!
Who influences your buying decisions? I, me, and myself lol
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Nope…not even for Hermès. I want to try and see if my portfolio is strong enough that they would offer me the bag based on my purchase history. If not, then I will build a relationship with an SA. I still got time 😉 Maybe I am an introvert so I prefer shopping with an SA.
Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? Definitely in my early 20s. I am no longer a shopaholic. Maybe it’s my age, I’m more into saving money for other investments instead of maxing bills on shopping.
Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? I am an Asian female so that should answer it?
The Money
Who pays for your bags? Only myself and sometimes my beloved sister. No significant other to spend on me.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? I usually wait for bonus to buy a bag now.
The Taboo Topics
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Never! I strongly believe in intellectual property rights. Lol
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? I currently don’t have anyone to hide from. I would like my future significant other to respect my financial independence as well.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? I am not a spontaneous type of person. I think a lot before I make my decisions. I never spent more than 1/2 an hour to buy any bag. That is from walking into the store and out with a bag in my hand.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Nopeeee
The Rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? Shoes!
