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!
[sc_cc_callout]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?
- Chanel Medium Boy Bag
- Gucci Dionysus
- Gucci Chain Wallet
- Gucci Jackie
- Prada Re-Edition 2005 Saffiano Leather
- Céline Box Bag
- Givenchy Antigona
- Céline Belt Bag
- YSL Envelope Bag
- YSL Kaia Bag
- Dior Bobby Bag
- Mulberry Bayswater
- Bottega Veneta Tote
- Burberry Tote
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.
The Rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I’m addicted to a skincare and supplements.
I used to shop for clothes when im angry or upset before. Bad idea. It will cheer you up shortly but as becky bloomwood said in the movie confessions of a shopaholic “the cycle goes again”. I may like the stuffs i bought for awhile but eventually a few months i will get tired of it so i end up giving it to charity. When it comes to my bags though or designer purchases i dont buy on impulse anymore i take a really long time researching now.
Great article, I also sold my LV Neverfull!
Looks like she already bought the tweed Gucci marmont. I don’t like the marmont in general but this looks so unique, will probably go so well with a total black outfit. Well done girl.