Closet Confessionals

CC 146: The Louis Vuitton Lover

"I love their limited-edition bags. I only buy limited-edition LV bags because they are more unique."

In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a collector in his mid-20s who has amassed a pretty enviable collection of bags in the 8 years since his journey began. A social worker hailing from the Bay Area of California, CC 146 lusts for Louis Vuitton and enjoys snagging some of the brand’s limited-edition bags. Though his collection really began with the MCM backpack that was given to him as a gift from his parents at 18, it is a Louis Vuitton bag that holds the most sentimental value, as CC 146 purchased it for himself when he graduated college.

Like many of us, CC 146 has a ton of bags on his mind, but this year he hopes to foray further into the Hermès world. Currently, CC 146 is not big on budgeting and does believe that his shopping can be a problem at times, but like many young collectors, these views may change over time. One thing shines through, and that’s CC 146’s passion and zest towards the world of luxury bags! Read the full CC now, and be sure to submit your own!

[sc_cc_callout]

The Basics

Age: 26
Gender Identity: Male
Location: Bay Area, CA
Occupation: Social Worker
Industry: Healthcare
Salary: $70,000
Household Income: $70,000

The Bags

Are you a PurseForum member? Yes

How many bags do you own? 20 Bags and 2 Luggages

What bags are in your collection?

How much is your collection worth? $34,000

What is your most expensive bag? My most expensive bag would probably be the Petite Malle from LV. I purchased it pre-loved from the RealReal for $3,000 then tax etc. I wanted the Petite Malle for such a long time but could not justify the $6K price tag so I opted for a pre-loved one.

What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? The most important brand in my collection would be LV. I love LV and I love their limited-edition bags. I only buy limited edition LV bags because they are more unique.

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? My first designer bag was a backpack from MCM my parents got me for my 18th birthday! I literally begged them to get it for me. I remember it was on sale for about $800 back then and I bugged them for about a week nonstop about it.

Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? I have a lot of bags on my mind but the bags I want to purchase this year would be a pre-loved Easy Flap Reissue in green tweed from Chanel, LV Paint Bucket Bag (don’t know what it’s called but I saw it in the fashion show), the Hermès Garden File 28 and the Hermès Herbag 31.

Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? I’d say it would be my LV Triangular Messenger because I bought it for myself when I graduated college. I had been collecting LV SLGS but that was my first LV bag and even though I’ve purchased other bags before, I always wanted an LV bag but could not justify the price. So when I graduated, I treated myself.

Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Definitely! I feel like people define your economical status with what bag you carry and this even goes for shoes you wear or what car you drive. I dislike it when my coworkers think “I’m rich” just because I’m carrying a luxury bag.

Have your bag-carrying habits changed since Covid? Not really! I actually use my bags more because I need to carry hand sanitizer and lotions.

The Shopping

How often do you buy new bags? Not as much as I use to but maybe 2-4 times a year.

Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury? No not at all! I still love to shop and go to the mall when I have free time (wearing a mask)! I still love all the luxury items and dream to own more!

Which stores do you frequent the most? I go to LV at least 3 times a month visiting my favorite CA and Neiman Marcus (it has a Chanel inside).
Do you ever buy second-hand bags, and if so, where do you buy used?

Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? I do! I stalk Fashionphile and the RealReal! I’m eyeing this Chanel Easy Flap Reissue in tweed green but I’m waiting for the price to go lower.

Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? I’ve sold many bags to Fashionphile and even shoes and SLGs. Bot necessarily to fund a new bag but just to get rid of items I don’t use.

Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No! I honestly buy what I want and what I think is attractive and will go with my style and lifestyle. I don’t like trendy bags at all.

Do you consider your bag purchases investments? It’s only an investment if it’s LV, Chanel, or Hermès! Other brands don’t hold their value.

Who influences your buying decisions? Me, myself, and I and sometimes my friends.

Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Definitely! I always text my SA if I am dropping by! They give me treats, goodies, and gifts as well! It’s such a friendly relationship. My favorite SA would be my Tiffany SA and my LV SA. Funny they were both my SA from Burberry (different locations) and then transferred to Tiffany and LV and now I haven’t had a Burberry SA for 2 years.

Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? I guess it’s the thrill of it all. I love the adrenaline rush of purchasing a new item. It just makes me feel great about myself. It also gives me time to socialize with my friends and take my mind off work.

Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? No, I always get great service whenever I am shopping! I get nervous when I am shopping at Hermès! They definitely judge customers.

The Money

Who pays for your bags? My parents only bought me two bags from my collection and the rest were me.

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Not really! All my purchases were thought of but also very spontaneously purchased.

The Taboo Topics

Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? OH HELL NO! I despise counterfeits.

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? NO! I’m single and if I did have an SO I wouldn’t hide it because it’s my hard-earned money, not theirs.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? Nothing besides working, HAHA.

Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Probably but I don’t have any plans on solving it soon.

The Rest Of It

Any other expensive hobbies or passions? Other than shopping, I love to travel the world purchasing new luxury items in each country I visit, cooking, and of course trying new restaurants.

guest

1 Comment
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments