CC 200: The Brooklynite

In today’s fresh new CC, we’re checking in with an attorney hailing from Brooklyn who has been collecting bags for over a decade and a half. In that time, she’s amassed a large collection of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Fendi, Dior and more. Next up, she has her eyes on the prize. Yes, you guessed it: Hermès…a Kelly! While this confessor has never sold any bags, she’s not opposed to gifting bags that aren’t serving her anymore to family members.

This collector doesn’t typically budget for bags, but her shopping isn’t a problem, and she states that she’s never struggled with an addiction to shopping. She enjoys the entire shopping process as it’s all part of building her collection. While that process usually includes a couple of bags a year, CC 200 also has the travel bug and will often buy more bags when she’s abroad. Read the full confessional below and check out some pieces from CC 200’s curated collection!

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Basic Bio

Your Age? 34
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Brooklyn
What is your occupation? Attorney
What industry do you work in? Mergers and Acquisitions
Your annual salary? $545,000
Total Household Income? $545,000
Are you a PurseForum member? No

Onto The Bags

How many bags do you own? 26

What bags are in your collection?

• Louis Vuitton Capucines in all Python leather
• Lady Dior Pearlescent Gold/Silver in Ostrich leather
• Matte Lady Dior in blue/grey
• Green Fendi Peekaboo
• Chanel Flap Bag in lizard
• Multiple Chanels (Classic Flap caviar black, pink Mini 2.55, black Camera Bag, Black Bucket Bag in chevron, grey Flap, gold velvet Boy Messenger, emerald Chanel 19, safari green WOC)
• Prada Panier in pink gradient
• Gucci Hobo
• Celine Cabas
• Celine Belt Bag in two tone burgundy
• Celine Soft Cube bag
• Celine Teen Classic Bag in amazon
• YSL Sac Du Jour
• YSL Kate Crossbody
• LV Neverfull
• LV Speedy
• LV Eva Crossbody
• LV Keepall Bag

How much is your collection worth? Approximately $80K.

What is your most expensive bag? LV Capucines Python

Do you ever regret any of your bag purchases? If so, which ones and why? None, though there are bags I’ve used a lot less over the years.

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 17 (Gucci Hobo)

Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier (fun color)

Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? Hermès Himalaya Birkin in Crocodile

Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Chanel Classic Flap in Black Caviar (it was my first Chanel and the bag I dreamed of growing up. I got it in Italy in 2016 during my first year practicing law. I got it for $3,000 at the time due to favorable Euro exchange).

Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Yes – I get a lot of compliments and attention from people I do not know. I get some judgment from family and friends for how much I spend.

How do you take care of your bags? Very well! I store them in original packaging and dust bags.

On Shopping

How often do you buy new bags? Approximately 3 to 5 a year (unless I go to Europe, in which case I buy 6 or 7 on one trip).

Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? In person- too expensive not to try on live.

Which stores do you frequent the most? Chanel, Dior, LV, Fendi, Prada.

Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? Never.

Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Never.

Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Never.

Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? Sometimes to family members (my mom and younger cousins).

Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No, I buy bags for myself because I enjoy and appreciate them. I’m trying to collect special pieces (unique colors, exotics, seasonal pieces, etc).

Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Yes – they only keep getting more expensive to buy.

Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? A combo of both- I do buy some trendy pieces/seasonal collections, but only those that are unique and I know I will love

Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? No

Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? I enjoy shopping to build my collection.

Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? No (and I am a minority woman).

What are some factors that may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Price (especially comparing current styles to bags I’ve gotten for significantly less).

Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? N/A

On Budgeting & Perceptions

Who pays for your bags? Myself

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No – I just buy them organically, depending on what I like.

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 – I do not have a SO. I like the freedom of doing what I want with my money.

Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? Yes. I explain to them that I own my house, I have a healthy amount of savings and other investments, and I have high future earning potential. As a single person with expendable income, purchasing bags has not prevented me from doing other things in life (international travel, being generous to others, eating well, having fun experiences, etc.).

Some of the judgment may stem from the fact that I work more than most and have a demanding/stressful job and that I could buy fewer bags and have more balance in life with a less intense job. However, I work the way I do because I enjoy my field and need to succeed as a first-generation American. Being able to afford bags is only a perk of the money but not the driving force behind how much I work.

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? Travels (I take two international trips a year that end up costing $40k or so). I would give up purse shopping before giving up traveling.

What is your greatest fear? N/A

Which living person do you most admire? The Obamas

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My family and friends.

What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? It is a tie between Botswana safari, Galapagos Islands, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand.