Today we’re chatting with a collector hailing from Boston, who began collecting bags when she 27. In the last two decades since she got her first Louis Vuitton bag, CC 209 has amassed a collection of Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès too.
Her collection includes a Hermès Birkin, which is the one true holy grail that CC 209 never dreamed would be possible to own, but sure enough, she was able to add it to her collection. Next up, this collector would like to add a Kelly to her rotation, and she states that since the pandemic, she’s gravitated towards pre-loved bags.
Read the full CC below and don’t forget to submit your own!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 47
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Boston, MA
What is your occupation? Quality and Regulatory Compliance Manager for Clinical Lab
What industry do you work in? Healthcare
Your annual salary? $100,000
Total Household Income? $200,000
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? 20
What bags are in your collection? Hermès Birkin, Hermès Evelyne, Hermès Garden Party, Hermès Rugby, Lady Dior, Chanel Classic Flaps, variety of LV and Gucci. I love my MJs and Rebecca Minkoff still though.
How much is your collection worth? $75,000-$100,000
What is your most expensive bag? Hermès Birkin
Do you ever regret any of your bag purchases? If so, which ones and why? Speedy, I love the Bandouliere version, so I have that in my collection now. I just never like the top handle style which is surprising because I do love my Birkins. I carry my Birkins to work.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 27. LV Montorguiel
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Hermès Kelly in 25
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? I always wanted the Birkin. I believe I shared my story here.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? My first Birkin. I never thought I could ever afford it. Never in my wildest dreams.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Maybe. But I don’t let that affect me. I carry my bags whenever I feel it. Wherever I go, I don’t carry it to please people or to show around. I carry it for myself. I carry my bags to work, with friends, to events, to the grocery. It doesn’t matter to me. If I feel like carrying one of my pieces, I don’t consider anyone. Just me and the weather.
How do you take care of your bags? I don’t particularly baby them, but I also do not trash them. I make sure they do not lose their shape.
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Last few years, with the pandemic, I’ve been loving preloved bags. No “new” bags for the last 4 years.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? In-store.
Which stores do you frequent the most? LV and Gucci.
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? Been buying most of my items second-hand bags for a few years now. I have sources from Japan and the Middle East.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Learned to do that in 2021. I never used to. But now I had to sell a few of the pieces that do not meet my lifestyle anymore. I sell them on FB groups or my own selling platform.
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? Yes absolutely.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? Nope.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? No. But I’d like to believe I can sell them if I need to. That’s why I’ve been gravitating towards Hermès and Chanel lately.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? Classics.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? No. Never. I did love my Gucci SAs at Natick Collection and Nordstrom Braintree.
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Yes absolutely. It’s the joy that comes from buying when you’ve reached a milestone, no matter how small that milestone is. I’m not a shopaholic; I’m pretty much a bag person only. I don’t have expensive shoes or clothes.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? Yes! When we went to Rodeo Drive, no one wanted to assist me. I don’t know if it’s my outfit or because I was with my 3 kids.
What are some factors that may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Snotty SA. For now, the prices are getting ridiculous. Even resale prices are crazy.
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? None. I think there’s always something bad to be said about all brands, so no.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? Me. My husband does not complain.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Not necessarily.
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Never. I actually still enjoy my vintage Coach.
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? No,
Have you ever made a significant sacrifice to afford a bag? If so, what was it? Coffee daily or bag? Bag always.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Never.
Let’s get personal…
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? Not really expensive, but I love facials.
What is your greatest fear? My kids and husband dying.
Which living person do you most admire? My sisters. They’re amazing, strong, and resilient women.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband. And of course, my kids.
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? Going to ALBERTA, Canada with my daughter.
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? Enjoy what you have. Do not let anyone dictate your style. Your smile radiates and makes you more beautiful than ever.
