In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a confessor who has been collecting handbags for six years, and in that time, she has amassed a collection of 75 bags worth around $300,000. CC 166’s impressively sized collection features bags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Goyard, Saint Laurent, Gucci, and more. While her collection began with a Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag at age 28, these days, she’s strayed from the brand a bit after some off-putting experiences with her SA.
CC 166 says that her Chanel bags are important thanks to their investment value. That and they make her feel proud to own them. CC 166 used to sell bags to fund new purchases, but these days that doesn’t happen as much as each piece is well-loved, but unfortunately, she did once sell a bag that held sentimental value. Read the full CC below, and don’t forget to submit your own!
[sc_cc_callout]The Basics
Age: 34
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Occupation: Lawyer/Consultant
Industry: Healthcare compliance
Salary: $275,000
Household Income: $400,000
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? No
How many bags do you own? 75
What bags are in your collection? Chanel Classic Flaps, Fendi Sunshine and Peekaboo, Prada Crystal Bag, YSL Puffer, several Louis Vuitton and Gucci items.
How much is your collection worth? $300,000
What is your most expensive bag? Small Chanel Classic Flap
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? Chanel. My items from Chanel were investment pieces, and I am proud of them.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 28. Louis Vuitton Neverfull.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? YSL Small Loulou in black with silver hardware.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? A Christian Louboutin Paloma bag I purchased for my wedding. Sadly, I sold it.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? 100%. I do not carry my designer items to work and am thoughtful about what I carry, depending on the environment. If I am going to the mall or shopping for designer items, I will always carry a bag. You are given preferential treatment- right or wrong. I do not carry designer items at work, however. Among friends is OK.
Have your bag-carrying habits changed since Covid? Not really. They have changed since becoming a mother, however! No more mini bags for me!
The Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Monthly
Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury? I buy more often than I should due to sheer boredom!
Which stores do you frequent the most? Louis Vuitton, Saks.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Occasionally. I find Fashionphile has the best quality items.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Occasionally but not as often anymore because I love each of the bags in my collection!
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? Not really. If anything, I feel personal pressure to save more!
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Most of them, yes.
Who influences your buying decisions? YouTube videos, Pinterest. I follow influencers whose style I identify with.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? At times, as long as the SA is not too pushy. It all depends on the relationship. Recently, my primary LV SA has pushed leather and trunks very hard on me for an obviously bigger sale. It’s frustrating and has led me to stray from the brand and try others (like YSL).
Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? I enjoy the hunt – especially good deals/coupons!
Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? Yes. In law school, I needed a bag repaired at LV. I was dressed in my typical outfit – converse, black jeans, and a band shirt. They sat me somewhere and proceeded to help several other people before me. One of the clients even spoke up and told the SA I was here before them and needed to be helped. Needless to say, I did not shop at this location again.
The Money
Who pays for your bags? Me.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? A bit. Around 2k per month.
The Taboo Topics
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No – this encourages gang activity and child labor. People need to recognize that.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Yes – don’t we all?!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? Sold a bag? I’ve not done anything too crazy.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Sometimes, yes. It’s under control now, though!
The Rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I do love good cognac!
Anything else you would like to include? Make sure to save your money and never buy too much on credit that you can’t pay off every month!
