This week’s confessor gets right down to it, and we like that! There is no fluff when it comes to what she buys and what she likes, including unwanted judgement from others based on her purchases. She has a cap on the amount she will spend on a single bag purchase and prefers to shop online, so the store experience and sale’s associates don’t matter for her.
With a collection that mostly features Chanel and Louis Vuitton (with one vintage Gucci bag mixed in), this week’s confessor has her eyes on another Chanel bag to add to her collection next. Pragmatism and shopping are the ideal combo, and we love this confessor’s view on life, bags, and family!
[sc_cc_callout]Basic Bio
Your Age? 51
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Atlanta, GA USA
What is your occupation? Executive Assistant
What industry do you work in? Manufacturing
Your annual salary? $70,000
Total Household Income? $160,000
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? 8
What bags are in your collection?
- Chanel Coco handle
- Chanel Maxi double-flap
- Louis Vuitton OnTheGo GM
- Louis Vuitton Artsy
- Louis Vuitton Cluny MM in Mono
- Louis Vuitton Alma BB
- Louis Vuitton Speedy 35
- Gucci Vintage Boston
How much is your collection worth? ~ $20,000
What is your most expensive bag? Chanel Maxi Double Flap
Do you ever regret any of your bag purchases? If so, which ones and why? Although I love my Speedy 35, I wish I had purchased the Speedy 30 Bandoulière.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 40
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Chanel Medium Boy Bag in Chevron Print
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? Yes, my Chanel Coco Handle.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Yes, my Louis Vuitton Artsy. It was my first luxury designer handbag and a gift from my husband for leaving the workforce to take care of our daughter full time.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Some family members have made unkind remarks about my luxury purchases. Outside of family, no one has ever treated me differently.
How do you take care of your bags? I store my handbags in the dust bag and clean them as needed. I have also sent to Leather Surgeon for spa service.
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? One to two times a year
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? I prefer online shopping
Which stores do you frequent the most? Neiman Marcus
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? Yes, I returned an LV Delightful because the strap started wrinkling almost immediately. I also returned an LV favorite because it was too small.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Yes, I purchased my pre owed Chanel from Fashionphile
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? No, if I do sell the money goes into my daughter’s bank account.
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? Yes, I gifted all of my non-luxury designer handbags to family members.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No, I don’t because I’m the only one in my circle that cares about buying luxury handbags.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Yes I do, only in the sense that I have sold for more than what I originally paid.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I prefer classics all the way!
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? No, not at all.
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Not at all. Shopping at one time was a pleasant experience and a perfect time to catch up girlfriends. It’s no longer enjoyable for so many reasons. So I just online shop and only visit stores for a pickup.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? Yes, once at Nordstrom because I was dressed in a baseball cap, t-shirt and sport shorts. I was recovering from surgery so comfort was key. I was out shopping because my father wanted a new brim hat to wear during his chemotherapy sessions.
The sales associates refused to wait on me. Finally after about 15-20 minutes, a manager acknowledged me and assisted with my purchases.
He was very embarrassed, kind and apologetic.
What are some factors that may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? I ask myself if I can see myself carrying it 5 years from now. If not, I don’t buy it.
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? I refuse to buy Bottega Veneta and Goyard. The Goyard print is unattractive and Bottega screams ‘80 and over’.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? Both my husband and me
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Yes, I have to budget. I don’t set aside a certain amount, I just don’t allow myself to spend over $5,000 per handbag.
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Yes, because I didn’t know it was a counterfeit. Once I discovered it was a counterfeit, I made it my aim to have purchase authentic goods from the boutique or online.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Never!
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? Yes, I just respond ‘I don’t count your coins, so please don’t count mine’.
Have you ever made a significant sacrifice to afford a bag? If so, what was it? Never.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Yes, I did struggle after the loss of my father. I knew I was out of control when I came home with two different BMWs, two years apart. That was a wake up call for me.
Let’s get personal…
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? No other expensive habits or hobbies. My passion is spending every weekend with my loved ones. I traveled extensively for 20 years, so now that traveling is behind me (have no desire to travel recreationally unless it is a family vacation with the little one) I’m very content with using my money for luxury purchases.
What is your greatest fear? Disappointing the people that I love. I never want to do or say anything to hurt someone that I love and care deeply for.
Which living person do you most admire? My mother. She cared for a family of 12 on my father’s one income. She taught us how to survive on our own with borrowing and begging! Most importantly, she and my dad taught us how to love and how to share!
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My daughter. To be responsible for a life is the greatest gift we could ever be blessed with. I hope and pray I am doing right by her! I shower my husband with praise everyday for giving me such a beautiful blessing.
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? Motherhood and baptism
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? Be a giver! There is no greater happiness than giving. Also, be kind to everyone you meet.
You just might save someone’s life!
