In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a 30-year old collector with a penchant for Dior and Bottega Veneta. This collector’s love for bags began with her very first handbag, a Longchamp Le Pliage. Since then, this confessor has amassed an impressive collection of bags, including some of the most coveted pieces of the moment, from designers like Dior, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, and more.
This confessor is a smart shopper who understands the value of paying yourself first and not buying a bag unless you can truly afford it. Because of this mentality, she’s not done anything too crazy to snag a new bag. COVID has definitely impacted her collecting, and it has not only afforded her more funds to make purchases but has also caused her to become more experimental with her choices. Read the full CC now, and don’t forget to submit your own!
[sc_cc_callout]The Basics
Age: 30
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Singapore
Occupation: Tech Sales
Industry: Technology
Salary: $360,000
Household Income: $360,000
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
How many bags do you own? 17
What bags are in your collection?
- Lady Dior medium, iron gray
- Lady Dior small, bubblegum pink
- Dior Studded Diorama from Cruise 2018 collection medium, burgundy
- Chanel Mini Coco Handle in chevron calfskin, navy
- Chanel Classic Flap large, black
- Chanel Square Mini, bamboo green
- Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie, white
- Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch, gold chain/clay
- Bottega Veneta Chain Pouch, silver chain/linoleum
- Bottega Veneta Arco Tote, ice cream
- Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette, kiwi
- Proenza Schouler Hava bag, wheat
- Balenciaga Neo City Nano, all black
- Fendi By the Way Bag Small, gray blue
- Fendi Monster Backpack
- Fendi 3Jours Tote, dove gray
- Saint Laurent Kate Tassel Mini, velvet black with Swarovski crystals
How much is your collection worth? USD $45,000
What is your most expensive bag? I spent the most on my Mini Coco Handle from Chanel. This was the first or second season that Chanel had this bag in its collection. I went to a Chanel boutique at Marina Bay Sands during lunchtime after a stressful morning at work and bought one that has a lizard skin handle.
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? I love all my bags equally.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? Not sure Longchamp counts as a designer bag, but I had a baby pink Le Pliage bag in high school which I absolutely adored.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? I’m not looking to purchase any bags for a while. I have been renting out and trying to sell some bags in my collection.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Fendi 3Jours bag in dove gray was the first ever designer bag that I bought for myself in Fendi boutique in Florence. It was not a cheap purchase at the time, and it meant a lot to me to be able to buy a designer piece for myself.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? I notice people noticing my watch more than a bag, but people stare at a Bottega chain pouch. IYKYK
Have your bag-carrying habits changed since Covid? I carry smaller bags more often, and I also experiment more with different styles.
The Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Whenever I find a bag to love and myself an excuse.
Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury? I’ve been spoiling myself way more. I’m not spending money traveling or going out, so more money goes to everyday luxury.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Dior and Bottega Veneta
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? I buy second-hand bags as much as possible. When I find something that I like, I check every website to see where I can get the best deal/cashback, from Vestiaire Collective and Fashionphile to Mytheresa.com.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Yes. This year I sold a Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Bag in tapioca and a Givenchy Antigona bag. I sell them on Vestiaire Collective.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No, and I hate the idea of societal pressure.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? My Chanel and Dior bags have definitely increased in price since I purchased them. I think their classic pieces are as good as gold.
Who influences your buying decisions? Me
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? No
Why do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? I see fashion as an opportunity to be unique and express myself.
Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? I hope not.
The Money
Who pays for your bags? Me
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Yes. I have a monthly investment plan, and I’m allowed to spend only whatever is left after I invest and save. It’s about $1,500 monthly.
The Taboo Topics
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? No
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? It’s usually a sign that I can’t afford it if I have to worry about the price tag.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? No
The Rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I like shoes as much as I like bags. I also love to sail.
Anything else you would like to include? Pay yourself first before paying for a bag!
