In today’s brand new CC, we’re checking in with a collector hailing from Canada who has been collecting bags for over a decade. When CC 202 was 25, she got her very first bag – a Louis Vuitton Neverfull, and years later, this collector still remembers the thrill of walking out with the giant box in hand.
These days, this collector has a beautiful collection of bags and enjoys the thrill of collecting interesting pieces, though she does tend to lean towards the classics. CC 202 shops mindfully and is adamant about living within her means, though she does jokingly state that her husband might disagree with her mindfulness!
Read the full CC below, and don’t forget to submit your own!
[sc_cc_callout]Basic Bio
Your Age? 36
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Canada
What is your occupation? Financial Analyst, CPA
What industry do you work in? Mining
Your annual salary? $120,000
Total Household Income? $320,000
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? 17ish
What bags are in your collection?
- Chanel Medium Classic Flap
- Chanel Metiers D’Art Boy Bag
- Chanel Classic WOC
- Chanel Boy WOC
- Celine Luggage Nano
- Celine Trio
- YSL Kate
- YSL Small Sade
- Gucci Padlock Shoulder Bag
- LV Neverfull MM Damier Ebene & GM Monogram
- LV Alma BB Epi Leather
- LV Favourite Damier Azur
(might be missing a couple, also excludes Longchamp, Kate Spade, Polene)
How much is your collection worth? About $30K I think?
What is your most expensive bag? Definitely my Chanel Classic Flap.
Do you ever regret any of your bag purchases? If so, which ones and why? No regrets – I love and treasure each and every one of them
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? It was my 25th birthday when I was gifted my LV Neverfull MM. I still vividly remember the day, and holding that big brown box in my hand – I was walking on clouds!
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? There isn’t any specific bag that I am looking to purchase next, but I feel my collection is missing a Dior or a Fendi. Maybe even a Chanel 19?
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? I am so blessed to own her already – the Classic Flap!
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Each bag holds a specific memory for me, whether it be my LV Favourite bought on the hottest day in Rome, my Chanel Classic WOC bought on a whim in Dubai airport whilst in transit moving to Canada for the first time, or my YSL Kate bought in Morocco whilst on holiday with my best girlfriend. My bags are almost like souvenirs from my travels.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? I don’t think so. I don’t actually pay attention to anyone and no one really comments on my bags except to compliment them. I don’t wear them to draw attention to myself or to be treated differently.
How do you take care of your bags? I definitely don’t baby them and am cautious on the type of material and colours I buy. I store them carefully, and make sure to not put them in my check in luggage. Also, bags on the floor, money out the door so always an extra chair for them or they stay on my lap covered with a napkin.
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Only when one really catches my interest and I cannot stop thinking about it, so probably on average once or twice a year.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why?I prefer shopping in person so that I can try on the bag, and get a feel for it. Living in a rural city means I have to shop online more often though
Which stores do you frequent the most? I will always visit a Chanel store whenever I can (if the queue is not insane) – I just cannot help myself!
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? No I haven’t, because each one was bought for a reason and after really obsessing over it.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? I did buy the Chanel Boy bag from a friend of mine, and I am not opposed to buying secondhand only if the source is truly trustworthy.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? No fortunately not.
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? No, each one is like my baby, so they stay with me.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? I definitely do not feel pressured into buying more. I buy them because I love them, and not to keep up with trends.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Well, the Chanel bags, it seems to be, but generally, I buy them for fun. It’s just a bonus when they appreciate in value.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I am influenced to a certain extent to keep an open mind with bags. For example, my Celine Nano is a Kohl colour and the YSL Sade is a tube bag to add interest to my collection. Generally, I tend to prefer classic styles and colours.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? I don’t believe so, however, I have generally been fortunate to not be faced with SAs with an arrogant attitude. I remember buying my Chanel Boy WOC in Paris (Rue Cambon – I just had to, of course), and my SA took selfies with me & my purchase on the infamous stairs.
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? I buy my bags because I love them. They are wearable little pieces of handcrafted art. I don’t believe I am a shopaholic because each purchase is well thought out. That being said, my husband might disagree…
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? I am generally disheveled when I travel & I am of South Asian descent. I don’t make an effort to dress up or use designer labels when shopping – so far it’s been good with having received good service.
What are some factors that may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Definitely price & the quality I would get for the money I am spending.
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? I uhm and ah over Dolce & Gabbana, but I do not have any outright refusal.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? I do – and I am gifted some by my husband
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? I don’t set aside anything, but I do make sure I have saved towards retirement & my rainy day funds first (and obviously also making sure bills are paid)
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No & I wouldn’t ever.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? I did this once – the Gucci Padlock – and never again. The guilt consumed me, and I came clean very quickly.
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? My immediate family was initially flabbergasted as to how I could spend so much money on bags (& shoes). I grew up in a very modest family & money was always tight. I explained to them I am still financially responsible with no dependents, nor do I depend on anyone else. That seemed to help & now they let me be.
Have you ever made a significant sacrifice to afford a bag? If so, what was it? I haven’t and would not compromise my quality of life for a bag, no matter how gorgeous she is!
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? I don’t feel I have a shopping addiction (my husband might say otherwise!) I stay within my means, and I am conscious about the money I am/want to spend. I am an accountant by trade, so maybe this helps to be hyper-aware of the debits and credits in my bank account!
Let’s get personal…
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I love traveling so much, I would say this passion was reignited after COVID. I also enjoy quilting – fabric is so expensive and a whole other obsession.
What is your greatest fear? Suddenly losing a loved one.
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? Live within your means and buy the bag only because YOU want it, not because you want to fit in.
