In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a collector in her early 50s who owns more bags than her age in years…wow! A collector for around two decades, this confessor has amassed a large collection but names a few favorites like her Chanel tote, which also happens to be the priciest bag she’s ever purchased.
Hailing from England, it’s also not surprising that this collector frequents Mulberry, siting two Bayswater bags as favorites in her collection. This confessor’s love for bags goes beyond just acquiring them; rather, she enjoys the act of shopping as a whole. Read the full CC and take a look at pictures from CC 131’s collection now!
[sc_cc_callout]The Basics
Age: 52
Gender Identity: Female
Location: England
Occupation: Medical Secretary
Industry: Healthcare
Salary: $20,000
Household Income: $80,000
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? No
How many bags do you own? 59
What bags are in your collection? I have too many to mention, not all are designer, but my most notable ones are
- Chanel Tote, black with gunmetal chain
- Prada Nymph bag
- D&G Miss Sicily in cashmere suede
- Balenciaga City
- Mulberry Bayswater
- Mulberry Belted Bayswater
- Gucci Bamboo Tote
- Fendi 2Jours in raffia
and a few others!
How much is your collection worth? I’m not sure as I find value goes down if they are used, and mine are all used, I don’t just look at them!
What is your most expensive bag? Chanel tote
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? They are all important as I remember buying them and where they were bought.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? In my 30s I think a Luella Bartley Suzi bag.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Not at the moment
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? They all do whether they were expensive or not!
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Sometimes if someone is a bag lover they just admire my bag but if not they can sometimes not understand why I would spend so much money on them. I know the history of some of the houses like Louis Vuitton and Chanel and it’s that together with the craftsmanship that makes them special. Other people don’t appreciate that but think nothing of spending huge amounts say on going out every week or going on holidays etc we all choose what we spend our money on so I say please don’t judge. It is nice when they are admired and there’s a mutual appreciation of handbags.
Have your bag-carrying habits changed since Covid? No
The Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Two or three times a year if I’m lucky!
Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury? No, if it makes you happy why not?
Which stores do you frequent the most? I’ve used MyTheresa a bit, and Mulberry, but mainly I look online after seeing beauties in magazines like Elle.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? No, I don’t trust online sellers, I’m sure there are genuine ones for sale but personally I wouldn’t trust them now as been caught out in the past.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Sometimes, I have sold on eBay with the receipt as I keep all receipts.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? No, I don’t feel they would make me money!
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 like looking, feeling textures, seeing products is so much better than online. It’s the whole social enjoyment of shopping, having lunch, chatting, dressing up in a nice outfit. I’m not a shopaholic and I’m very economical with my clothes.
Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? No
The Money
Who pays for your bags? Me or my husband
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Not really, some bags are just out of my reach!
The Taboo Topics
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Yes, years ago but never again, it’s not fair on the designers and all the work that goes into a product such as a bag. It’s usually made by people who are in poverty too.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? No, thankfully he supports my enjoyment of handbags!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? Can’t think of anything.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction?
The Rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? No just handbags!
Anything else you would like to include? Love your bag, enjoy life as we only get one, and never ever feel guilty!!
