In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a handbag lover hailing from Australia who has been collecting bags for almost an entire decade. This confessor is a true bag lover at her core, and her collection spans multiple brands, containing pieces from some of the luxury world’s top handbag players like Louis Vuitton and Goyard. She’s even got a few cult-favorite pieces like Givenchy’s beloved Pandora and Celine’s Classic Box Bag.
This down-to-earth collector believes that loving bags shouldn’t change other people’s opinions of you, and we should be careful not to judge others so quickly based on their likes (amen, sista!). This handbag lover is a wise shopper who is careful not to make purchases too quickly, especially since she’s not a reseller. Rather, she plans to hold onto her bags for life, as they all have a sentimental value of some sort to them. Read the full CC now and check out bags from CC 133’s collection. Also, don’t forget to submit your own to read your confessional here next!
[sc_cc_callout]The Basics
Age: 32
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Sydney, Australia
Occupation: Project Coordinator
Industry: Building
Salary: $55,000
Household Income: $55,000
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? No
How many bags do you own? 8+ (Do SLG’s count?)
What bags are in your collection?
- Bottega Veneta Pouch in Fondant
- Celine Medium Classic in Black
- Givenchy Small Antigona in Black
- Givenchy Mini Pandora in Black Embossed Croc
- Goyard GM St Louis Tote in Black/Black
- Loewe Medium Basket Bag in Tan
- Louis Vuitton NeoNoe in Monogram Canvas/Black
- Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis in Monogram Canvas
How much is your collection worth? $18k-ish
What is your most expensive bag? My Celine Medium Classic.
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? I don’t discriminate! I’ve chosen handbags that I love and enjoy and can’t see myself parting ways with any of them.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? My very first designer handbag was the Givenchy Antigona and I believe I was 24 at the time.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? I am dying for the Dior Mini Lady Dior in black with gold hardware!
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? All my bags have some sort of story or sentiment behind them. I don’t believe one is more special than the other…and here I am sounding like my parents when I ask them who their favourite child is!!!
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Yes. Absolutely! For one, my family and most of my friends still don’t get it. I’ve also been judged when out on dates as someone who is superficial or, potentially, a golddigger. Whilst I understand at first, people are quick to form their opinions, it really is a case of “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, and I really don’t care how people choose to spend (or not spend) their money.
Have your bag-carrying habits changed since Covid? Generally, no. I always feel more comfortable having my life essentials with me anyway (hand sanitizer, eye drops, wipes, tissues, first aid, etc) and that hasn’t changed. I’m probably more conscious about where my bag sits and give it a wipe down at the end of the day, but that’s about it.
The Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? If I want a bag and I’ve slept on it for at least 3-4 months and I still want it, and have the money for it, I’ll get it. It’s a lot of money for me, so I’d like to take my time and make sure I really love it and that it will stay with me until the end.
Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury? No, not at all.
Which stores do you frequent the most? I don’t believe I am loyal to any one brand or store. I like to shop around and look at my options. I’m also a bit of a bargain hunter, so I’ll always look around to see where the best deal is (where applicable)!
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? No. I’ve always wanted to invest in vintage pieces, but there’s always that small part of me that questions whether it’s truly authentic or not. Clearly I have trust issues lol!!!
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? No. I always like to think that I pick classic/timeless pieces (obviously subject to personal opinion), but I always choose things that are my style, and within my budget…and neutral tones!
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No. I like what I like and if it feels right, I’ll buy it. I don’t believe that a bag represents my “status” or anything like that.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? I didn’t at first – I bought them because I love them, but seeing all these price increases makes me think that they are (or maybe that’s just something I tell myself to make me feel better lol)
Who influences your buying decisions? I’m not going to lie! If I see someone with a handbag that has been paired well with an outfit, it may sway me to get one of my own. Whether that’d be Pinterest, Instagram or in the wilderness, I’m not influenced, I’m inspired!
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? No, not really.
Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? Sounds cheesy, but it feels so damn good to be able to buy nice things for myself and enjoy them and use them and look at them and know that I worked/saved really hard for it.
Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? Yes I have (my background is Asian). It has happened a couple of times, but my many other shopping experiences have been completely blissful. I really do think it depends on the Sales associate, rather than a store or brand. They could be having a bad day or have something going on privately, I don’t take it personally.
The Money
Who pays for your bags? Me.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? I don’t have a bag fund as such, but I do have a “spending fund”, in which I use to buy “treats” for myself. How much I set aside depends on my circumstances, and my priorities are always changing too.
The Taboo Topics
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No. Handbags aren’t a necessity in life, it’s a luxury/guilty pleasure. I’d still be the same person with OR without designer handbags, so I don’t feel a need to have something for the sake of it, because it does not define me.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? No
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? I haven’t – I’m boring lol
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Yes but that guilt doesn’t last long. Once I’m using it, it all magically disappears, but I’ve never made a purchase I couldn’t afford/save for.
The Rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I enjoy cars, a good holiday and a good time with friends and family. I actually appreciate the more simple things in life, believe it or not. Nothing beats a good laugh!
