Today, we’ve got a fresh installment of Closet Confessionals coming your way from Boston, Massachusetts. Today’s confessor is a 26-year-old handbag lover who truly enjoys the entire shopping process. She’s been collecting bags for a few years now, having bought her first bag at 19—a Louis Vuitton Speedy for $500!
CC 219 loves to shop the resale market and has a soft spot in her heart for people like her who enjoy collecting handbags and are able to make it work despite their income.
This bag lover has built a nice collection, with contemporary pieces from Telfar and designer pieces from Louis Vuitton and Prada. However, she makes it all work by following the one-in-one-out rule and states that Rebag’s trade program has been her greatest collecting asset.
Read the full CC now, and don’t forget to share your own!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 26
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Boston, MA
What is your occupation? Sales
What industry do you work in? Paint
Your annual salary? $25,000
Total Household Income? $125,000
Are you a PurseForum member? No
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? 14
What bags are in your collection?
- Louis Vuitton Alma BB in Damier Ebene
- YSL Mini Lou Puffer in black/gold hardware
- Goyard Artois MM in navy
- Kate Spade Sam Bag in black nylon
- Lululemon Belt Bags in pink and black
- Longchamp Le Pliage in Black leather size medium
- Prada Cleo in black medium spazzaloto
- Telfar Medium Shopper in chocolate
- Telfar Small Shopper in cream
How much is your collection worth? $20,000?
What is your most expensive bag? Prada Cleo
Do you ever regret any of your bag purchases? If so, which ones and why? Yes, I bought many of the mini Prada nylon Re-Editions and was never able to sell them at a high enough price to get my money back.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? I was 19, In the summer of 2016 I bought a used Louis Vuitton speedy 25 in Damier Ebene for around $500.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? I would love to find a nice daily bag for under $1,000 like a Prada Galleria in the small size.
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? Yes! I would kill for a Chanel Small Classic Flap in black lambskin with gold hardware. It’s so classic and elevates any outfit and will skyrocket in value!
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Yes! My Louis Vuitton Alma BB my boyfriend bought it for me on Valentine’s Day and we had to literally fight our way into the store to get it because it was so disorganized and crowded. The bag was like a little trophy! And the price increased like 2 days after purchasing it!
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Yes, I think people see a designer item on a person and think they want to show off and be better than everyone. It’s just not the case. Bags are pieces of art, they’re the finishing touch to any outfit. I’d rather spend $1,000 on one nice item than have a bunch of trend bags from TJ Maxx.
How do you take care of your bags? I make sure to stuff them to keep their shape, sometimes I wipe down the leather surfaces with unscented baby wipes. I always keep them in a cool dark space like a closet. They’re my babies!
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Every few months or so
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? I like to shop online just because there’s more secondhand options and lower prices.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Rebag is my number one. I used to shop on Fashionphile but I no longer trust their authenticity. The RealReal is good but it’s BS that all the bags are final sale.
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? Yes! I returned the YSL Mini Loulou crossbody because it’s literally useless. You can’t even fit a phone and car keys in it without struggling to close the magnetic closure. It’s an adorable bag to look at but so not functional.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Yes, on Rebag.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Yes, it’s the only way I can afford to keep this collection. I can only buy a new bag if I get rid of an old one. I utilize Rebag’s Claire Trade feature often because it allows me to put my old bags towards a new one without having to go in person for an appraisal. It’s truly genius!
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? No. I just cant afford to do that, but if I made more money I’d absolutely want to share the wealth to people like myself who strive for greatness in their closet despite their income. We all deserve a little treat!
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No way. I buy my bags for ME.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Yes, especially my Louis Vuitton.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I prefer classic styles.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Not at all lol.
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Yes. I enjoy every aspect of shopping. I’m a shopaholic, iIparticipate in retail therapy; all of that!
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? Yes, Ilook very young and sales associates often don’t treat me as though I’ll be making a purchase. They give me the impression that they think I’m just browsing and thus wasting their time.
What are some factors that may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? If it’s a trendy bag
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? Balenciaga. They’re creeps all the way’
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? Me
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Yes
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Yes
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? Yes, usually its sort of in a joking way because they understand that it’s more of a hobby to me than an addiction.
Have you ever made a significant sacrifice to afford a bag? If so, what was it? No, I’m working class.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? No, I have great willpower.
Let’s get personal…
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I invest in my hair which is super expensive.
What is your greatest fear? Losing my family.
Which living person do you most admire? Angelina Jolie
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? Getting back into the swing of working after the pandemic. I made some strong new friendships and built character.
