In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we’re taking a look at one of the most insane collections of Vintage Fendi Baguettes we’ve ever seen! CC 192 is a self-proclaimed vintage enthusiast who shops almost exclusively secondhand. While Fendi has her heart, in the nearly two decades since she’s been collecting bags, she’s also acquired some lovely Chanel pieces and has a penchant for vintage Louis Vuitton Denim too.
An Australian expat living in Tokyo with her family, this collector cites her family’s journey living there as one of the greatest journeys of her life. A nice benefit to living in Tokyo has been the access to some truly incredible vintage stores, and CC 192’s collection is one not to be missed! Read the full CC and discover the many beautiful Baguettes below!
[sc_cc_callout]Basic Bio
Your Age? 40
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Tokyo
What is your occupation? Vintage Enthusiast
What industry do you work in? N/A
Your annual salary? $80,000
Total Household Income? $160,000
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? 40ish
What bags are in your collection? Mostly an insane collection of vintage Fendi baguettes. I’ve been collecting them for two years and have amassed a small hoard I keep very close to my heart.
Other than that, I have some vintage Chanel and Louis Vuitton pieces – I particularly love the Marc Jacobs denim series from the LV archives. But it’s really all about the Fendi fever here!
How much is your collection worth? I have absolutely no idea. I guess it would be worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
What is your most expensive bag? It would have to be a vintage Chanel caviar Classic Flap in black, in size small. They go for around $9,000 these days.
Do you ever regret any of your bag purchases? If so, which ones and why? Never. And if I don’t 100% love something, I sell it on to someone who will.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? I was 22, and my parents gave me a Chanel lambskin WOC as a gift.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? I’m always hunting for more beautiful Fendi Baguettes. I’d love to own one of the special Fondazione Lisio for Fendi bags.
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? As above! There is a Fondazione piece I’ve been eyeing, but it’s way out of my budget right now.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? My husband and kids gave me a beautiful vintage Chanel mini bag with a giant CC clasp for my 40th birthday. That one is pretty special.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? I don’t think so. My non-bag obsessed friends don’t get it, and anyone who does get it just admires the craftsmanship of the vintage beauties.
How do you take care of your bags? I just store them well. With my Baguettes, I remove the strap when not in use and stuff them upright with tissue paper. I try to keep everything in a dry environment, but I keep it pretty low maintenance.
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? I’m constantly trawling for vintage bargains. Sometimes I will be buying weekly; other times, there is a lull in the market, and I won’t buy anything for weeks.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? Online. It’s easier, and every parcel is like Christmas morning to me 😂
Which stores do you frequent the most? Usually, the many vintage stores in Tokyo, but I love to pop into the new giant new Fendi store in Tokyo for a sticky beak.
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? No, I’ve never returned anything to the store, but I’ve sold things I’d fallen out of love with.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Almost exclusively! I shop locally in Japan, but sometimes I will find great deals on US-based marketplaces and resellers, as well as eBay.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Absolutely. I have an Instagram page dedicated to my collection, and I sell some of my collection there when things no longer spark joy.
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? I’ve done a giveaway on my Instagram page once, and I’ve given bags to my mum as gifts.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? Nope.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? No. Handbags aren’t an investment. They’re beautiful things to enjoy.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I don’t follow trends, but I’m not wedded to classics either. I go with what catches my eye and speaks to me. I do love a classic Chanel piece in my collection, but all my other bags tend to be ones with crazy colours and textures.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Not for me, as I don’t tend to shop in-store. But I understand how it would be important for some, particularly if trying to secure a hard-to-find piece.
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? I don’t consider it an addiction; it’s more of a hobby. An addiction implies a lack of control to me. I do feel like I’m in control of my shopping, so I don’t think it’s an addiction. It’s certainly something that brings me joy, though!
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? I don’t love shopping in certain high-end stores because it can feel like you’re looked down on, but if I’m honest, I think I’m probably projecting my own insecurities when it comes to that. Sales Associates have always been professional with me – some colder than others – but never in a way that made me feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.
What are some factors that may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? The price!
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? No, there is no one I outright refuse to buy. I probably wouldn’t buy a new Balenciaga with everything that has happened recently, but that’s not to say it’s a forever ban. People and brands learn and evolve.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? I do.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No, I don’t set money aside but I buy mindfully, and I make sure all essentials are paid for first. I also sell from my collection to fund new purchases, if needed. I used to have a “one in, one out” rule, but that became unsustainable.
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? No.
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? Yes. They have questioned the need for so many things. It’s fine. People don’t get it, and they’re allowed to question it. But at the end of the day, it’s my money, which I work hard to earn, so the final say is mine.
Have you ever made a significant sacrifice to afford a bag? If so, what was it? No.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? No.
Let’s get personal…
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I am really into fitness and exercise, which isn’t too expensive, and while I love to travel, it’s on hold right now with two small kids, so not at the moment.
What is your greatest fear? Something bad happening to one of my children.
Which living person do you most admire? My mum. She’s a superhero but is too hard on herself. We are a family of immigrants who left our country as refugees. She and my father – at barely 30 years old – left everything they loved except one single suitcase and did it in a way that ensured my brother and I were physically and mentally protected from the trauma. My father passed away recently, so I can’t include him technically in this answer, but they are both incredible.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My boys – the two little ones and the big one!
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? Literal journey! I’ve loved relocating our family from Australia to Tokyo. I love seeing my kids grow and learn in a different culture.
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? Buy the bag!
