CC 175: The Workaholic

"The Céline Belt Bag. I bought it when I was very, very upset, and it really cheered me up."

In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a collector in her forties who has been collecting bags for over a decade. Like many of us, CC 175 dipped her toe into the world of designer bags with Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas, snagging a Neverfull MM as her first luxury bag. She’s since sold that bag, but her love of collecting has continued.

CC 175 has since explored other brands and notes that her Chanel Boy Bag and Gucci pieces are integral to her collection, though her Givenchy Antigona gets a lot of use as well. Next up, this handbag lover wants to add another Gucci piece into her rotation and has her sights set on a Gucci Marmont or a classic Diana. Read the full CC now, and don’t forget to submit your own!

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The Basics

Age: 45
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Frankfurt
Occupation: Head of Sales
Industry: Industrial Goods
Salary: $60,000
Household Income: $150,000

The Bags

Are you a PurseForum member? Yes

How many bags do you own? 15

What bags are in your collection?

CC 175 Bags

How much is your collection worth? Around $30K I guess

What is your most expensive bag? Chanel Boy Bag, BV Tote (though I got it years ago).

What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? Gucci and Chanel, and I use my Antigona a lot,

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 34, it was a LV Neverfull MM.

Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Yes. I’m eyeing a tweed Gucci Marmont or a Diana.

Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? The Céline Belt Bag. I bought it when I was very, very upset, and it really cheered me up.

Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Yes. My Chanel boy got me into many private clubs and fancy restaurants that were ‘fully booked.’

Have your bag-carrying habits changed since Covid? Kinda. I started using smaller bags.

The Shopping

How often do you buy new bags? Twice a year.

Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury? I started buying less but more luxury items.

Which stores do you frequent the most? Gucci and Neiman Marcus when I’m in the US.

Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? No.

Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? I sold my LV Neverfull and a LV clutch online, quite underpriced.

Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? Only my inner pleasure pressures me. But if I reserve a bag in order to see it in the store I feel like I have to buy it.

Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Yes absolutely, especially when I watched the prices rally last year.

Who influences your buying decisions? PureBlog

Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Not quite. I do like the attention but if I’m gonna purchase the bag I’ll do it no matter what.

Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? I don’t think I received inferior attention, but I was overseen by some sales associates because I don’t dress up in order to go shopping.

The Money

Who pays for your bags? Me, only me. My partner always asks, but I cannot justify making him pay for my bags. They are my investments.

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No. I just set a limit for the purchases.

The Taboo Topics

Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No.

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? I don’t tell him necessarily:) he doesn’t ask.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? I work like crazy if that counts.

Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? No especially not after Covid. I never buy stuff just because it’s on sale. I buy special items.