In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a collector working in healthcare as a nurse who has been collecting bags since the early days of her career. CC 222 smartly budgeted for her education, and because she avoided acquiring debt, she was able to pay for a Prada shoulder bag with her first big job promotion.
Since that very first bag, CC 222 has curated a strong collection of bags, including her Holy Grail: a Chanel Classic Flap. Not only was that Chanel her Holy Grail, but it was sentimental after working so hard as a nurse. While CC 222 enjoys the whole process of selecting a new item, she mostly shops online and states that she’s eyeing a Celine Classic Bag or a Lady Dior next!
Read the full CC below, and don’t forget to share your own with us!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 41
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Sanford, NC
What is your occupation? Nurse manager at Duke
What industry do you work in? Healthcare
Your annual salary? $100,000
Total Household Income? $280,000
Are you a PurseForum member? No
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? Several but 6 main designer bags.
What bags are in your collection?
- Jumbo Chanel Flap Black Caviar GHW
- Light Pink Dior Saddle Bag with Navy and White Strap
- Houndstooth Large Dior Book Tote
- Prada Shoulder Bag
- Marni Green Crocodile Shoulder Bag
- Stella McCartney Gold Falabella Bag
- Edie Parker Black Gold and Marble Clutch
How much is your collection worth? $20,000
What is your most expensive bag? Chanel Double Flap Jumbo
Do you ever regret any of your bag purchases? If so, which ones and why? No
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? My Prada shoulder bag for my first big job promotion. I was really smart with school and never acquired any school debt. I’m about to get my 2nd Masters degree. I’m proud of the fact that I was so smart with school payments that I could invest in designer bags.
But also my husband is a sweetie and surprised me with a few. But I work hard and can afford to buy my own bags too.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? I’d love a Celine Classic Bag or a Lady Dior.
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? I have it! My Classic Flap. My husband was such a gem getting that for me!
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? I guess my Chanel since it meant a lot that after so much time cleaning up shit… literally… I could have a dream item. Nurses deserve it!
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? No. I do not value myself at all on material items. I treat people with kindness and respect always! I actually hate seeing women with nice items acting very entitled and rude. It’s a really bad look and exemplifies the fact that you are materialistic. Calm down! You are not better than anyone!
How do you take care of your bags? I have a nice closet that I have my bags in. I look up info online on how to take care of my bags.
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Once a year.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? Online because I don’t find what I like in stores usually.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Resellers like JuliaRoseBoston, NicoleCripeStyle, Vestaire, and some of the amazing Saks and NM sellers.
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? No.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? @juliaroseboston and @nicolecripestyle
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Yes!! On Poshmark and at local Raleigh resellers like @DressRaleigh
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? Not yet.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No. I do not let anyone influence me.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Absolutely. I do a lot of research before buying a very valuable bag.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? Nope! I follow my senses and usually it becomes a trend. I was obsessing over Saddle Bags and Baguettes and about a year later they were cool again. I cursed myself for not making a purchase sooner. This happens a lot to me. Same thing with Loewe Flamenco Bags.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Only used a couple on Instagram but they were amazing.
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Yes. It’s not about the acquisition… it’s about the fashion vibes and coming across that perfect item. It’s the compliments you get in North Carolina because you are doing something so different than everyone else. It’s about being seen for a true fashion sense.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? Perhaps. I was in 2 Chanel storse in Italy and the fact that I was with my son and husband may have lead to presumptions. But I honestly do not care. I’m the one buying the items….
What are some factors that may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? The person that carries it. Or what the brand represents. I’m not carrying any Balenciaga… cause Of Kim K and their crazy sexual child ads. BYEEEEE!
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? Not a brand but a bag…any brown and tan Louis Vuitton. It’s sooo basic. It’s literally the bag they hand out at the NC DMV to each southern gal. NOT interested!
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? Me and sometimes my husband.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Yes, probably $7K a year if I’m not paying for school.
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No!!! Well, in high school at the Orange County fair there was a guy selling fake stuff and I got a fake LV wallet and a fake Gucci hat. Both are long gone.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Never, that’s embarrassing.
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? A friend questioned it but I responded with the fact that I work hard, covid SUCKED for nurses for years and why not?! Some people spend their money on biweekly giant ass nails and tarantula eye lashes… I save my money for bags and fabulous vacations.
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? Nope, I can afford it.
Let’s get personal…
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? Fabulous travel. I’m obsessed with planning amazing trips.
What is your greatest fear? My child getting sick.
Which living person do you most admire? Sara Blakely, the CEO of Spanx. She is so amazing and positive and still owns 100% of her company!
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My son! You cannot love anything more that your child.
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? Motherhood. Cliche but truthful.
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? The bags do not make you more interesting or chicer. If you are lacking charm and humor, you just look like a moron who spent all the money to impress others.
