Closet Confessionals

CC 148: The Collector Aiming for a Birkin 30 for Her 30th

"I love researching new styles, finding out what colors are available...and the satisfaction that comes with obtaining the elusive item."

In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a handbag collector who began collecting bags wtih the purchase of her first designer handbag. That purchase, a Prada Galleria, helped commemorate CC 148’s very first adult job, and also jump-started this handbag lover’s collection. These days, this lawyer, who hails from Austin, Texas, has amassed a beautiful collection of bags.

This collection includes pieces from Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and more. Recently, CC 148 began the process of streamlining her collection, selling off or giving away bags that she no longer used. Despite being a proponent of the secondary market as a means to rehome bags, CC 148 isn’t a big fan of purchasing pre-loved for herself. These days, this collector has her eyes set on a Birkin 30 to celebrate her 30th. Read the full confessional below and don’t forget to submit your own!

[sc_cc_callout]

The Basics

Age: 29
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Austin, Texas
Occupation: Attorney
Industry: Law
Salary: $250,000
Household Income: $450,000

The Bags

Are you a PurseForum member? Yes

How many bags do you own? 7

What bags are in your collection?

How much is your collection worth? Probably around $20-25K.

What is your most expensive bag? My Chanel Small Classic Flap for sure! I bought it the day before the price increased a thousand dollars! It was really expensive for me even before the ridiculous prices they go for now!

What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? My favorite bags are both of my Dior bags as my fiance bought them for me! It was so sweet of him to really accept me for who I am and what I love. He thinks handbags are just “containers” but I love them dearly and he supports my addiction 🙂

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? I bought my first designer bag when I got my first adult job out of college! It was a Prada Mini Galleria tote in this gorgeous robin’s egg blue shade! I don’t have it anymore since it became impractical for everyday use since it wasn’t big enough to fit my phone. It was a great bag for the time being and I loved it so much!

Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Yes..trying to go for the coveted Birkin 30 for my 30th birthday!

Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? My Diorama that my fiance bought for me for my birthday is really special. He had just spent 26 hours driving from Texas to California and despite being half-dead from exhaustion, bought me the most beautiful and special handbag I had been eyeing. That bag has gone through so much and it’s still in gorgeous condition. I’ll never get rid of it!

Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Definitely. I grew up in a really wealthy community where I always felt left out. My parents are divorced and we barely scraped by because my mom wanted my sisters and I to get a really good education that was offered in that really wealthy community. Ever since, I’ve been dying to sort of, compete? with the rest of the people who I grew up with in that community. I definitely know they treat me with more respect now that I can afford to have and wear really nice bags.

Have your bag-carrying habits changed since Covid? A bit. I’m really paranoid about covid and I haven’t been going out much. I’ve recently sold a few of my other handbags that I wasn’t really using (Speedy B25, Coco Handle, Trendy, Chanel 19), and just want to keep a curated collection of smallish bags. I’ve also gotten really into jewelry lately since I get to see and enjoy those pieces throughout the day as opposed to my bags which I get to enjoy when I go out!

The Shopping

How often do you buy new bags? Pretty frequently, probably 3 or 4 times a year!

Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury? I’ve been really lucky to have a stable job that pays really well. When I’m bored or stressed, I definitely indulge in a lot of retail therapy and that includes a lot more fine jewelry and luxury handbags.

Which stores do you frequent the most? Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom, Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton.

Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? No. I really appreciate those who buy and love second-hand bags. I don’t know what it is about me but when I know someone had used it and marked up the bag before, I can’t fall in love with it. It just doesn’t feel right to me. I have purchased from Fashionphile in the past but they always go right back.

Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Sometimes! When I have a bag that’s just been sitting pretty for a few months, I’ll usually gift it to my mom or to my sister. If they don’t want it, I’ll sell it on and buy something new for myself 🙂 I’ve sold bags through Facebook groups and to Fashionphile.

Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? Not really. My current social circle doesn’t give a flying F about luxury handbags. It makes me feel self-conscious at times to have expensive handbags but then I remember they love luxury watches..and wine..and cars, etc! I love what I love and they love what they love. I think sometimes we cross-influence each other but I spend $ on bags because I find them to be lovely!

Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Nope. I buy them because I love them and I use them. If I don’t use them and sell them on, I usually take a loss.

Who influences your buying decisions? Influencers!! Man, they have really influenced my buying decisions the past few years.

Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? I’d say yes for some brands. I have an AMAZING relationship with SAs from Chanel, Cartier, and LV. For some reason, I really just haven’t found the right SA with Hermès. I find joy in shopping and tie those good memories into the actual item itself, so when an SA interaction feels bad, I won’t buy it!

Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? The chase is so much fun! I love researching new styles, finding out what colors are available, chatting with internet friends about products, and the satisfaction that comes with obtaining the elusive item.

Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? Yes! I distinctly remember a time when I went into a boutique and asked to see a specific product in a specific colorway. I had just finished a riding lesson and I probably smelled and looked awful. (Sorry!) In any case, I was wearing the same handbag in a different color and just wanted to compare colors to see if I thought my mom would like one too. The SA who was helping me made a snarky comment about how the “authentic” item is just made with such quality craftsmanship and proceeded to side-eye my bag. What!? Mine is also authentic.. I just happened to purchase it from another boutique. She kept rolling her eyes every time I said something and kept commenting about how expensive these items are and how exclusive they are. I was so peeved but I couldn’t find the courage to confront her so I left. I’ve never gone back to that boutique and never ever will!

The Money

Who pays for your bags? Most of the time I do! Sometimes I get them as gifts from my future hubs!

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Not really. I just know that I’ll end up spending a good chunk of money on them haha.

The Taboo Topics

Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Nope!

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Sometimes I downplay how hard I had to work to find the bag but never how much it costs.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? Went to law school for 3 years and passed the bar exam!

Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? No. I thankfully make good money where I can cover my purchases. I won’t buy something I don’t like and don’t need.

The Rest Of It

Any other expensive hobbies or passions? Horseback riding, Napa trips, and fine jewelry!

guest

2 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments