CC 241: The Collector Who Treats Her Bags Like Art

In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet CC 241, a completely bag-obsessed collector from San Francisco who has been collecting handbags for over two decades. It all started with a fateful vintage Gucci bag she bought for herself at 18, and it’s been a love affair with bags ever since.

While CC 241 is deeply obsessed with bags, it’s not just wearing them that brings joy, but the entire bag-buying and shopping experience that fills her cup. While she admits to looking at bags almost daily and following influencers on social media, she’s worked to get to a place where she only buys bags once or twice a year. She loves playfulness, and her collection is an eclectic mix of styles and brands.

Read the full CC below, and don’t forget to submit your own!

Basic Bio

Your Age? 40
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? San Francisco, CA
What is your occupation? Unemployed
What industry do you work in? Biology/Healthcare
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $250,000
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes

Onto The Bags

How many bags do you own? 57

What bags are in your collection?

GUCCI:

• Bottega Veneta Paper bucket bag
• Bottega Veneta Perforated leather bag
• Louis Vuitton Watercolor bandouliere blue keepall XS bag
• Louis Vuitton Sunrise pastel Marshmallow PM bag
• Louis Vuitton Artsy monogram bag
• Givenchy Antigona micro bag
• Givenchy Graffiti pouch bag
• Ferragamo Raffia Tote Bag
• Loewe Raffia Fold Tote
• Loewe Medium Basket Bag
• Burberry Portrait Pouch Bag (Studded)
• Fendi Trunk Phone Bag

How much is your collection worth? $100,000

What is your most expensive bag? Chanel 19 maxi flap bag

Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it? Yes! I try to return the bag. I usually love everything I buy, but the past several years, I have been having a lot of bag quality control issues. Sometimes, the store will let me exchange the bag, but by that time, it will be sold out or unavailable. I’ve had bags sent back to be repaired, no questions asked, but other times, I’ve been ignored or was told I was out of luck. This is terrible customer service and has deterred me from buying from several brands. When quality issues become a pattern, I avoid buying from those brands. If the item was damaged, and it arrived to me, I would want a refund. A faulty or defective bag instantly gives me buyer’s remorse.

Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? Yes, all the time. Space, maintenance, money, ease of styling, ease of use. I love bags though! I love everything about them…the look, the story, the style, the materials used, the construction. I love researching bag history, the style names, watching social media posts and videos about bags I’m interested in. I love hunting for bags online, trying to find the best price. Then when I get the bag, I love putting items in the bag, accessorizing and personalizing the bag, finding a place for it in my home. Then actually using the bag! It’s definitely a whole process that I enjoy.

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? I was 18. I got my first credit card and bought a 1950’s Gucci vintage bag. I still remember it being top 5, the softest tan leather bag I ever felt with a red and green stripe. It was also hot stamped with the previous owner’s initials. I have never seen a bag like it since. It definitely was a gateway to more vintage Gucci bags, and eventually a lifelong way of life.

Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? I would like a Birkin bag in size 30, gold hardware in a fun blue, green, yellow, or white color. I was shocked to have been offered a Birkin 30 in gold. Unfortunately, I ended up selling the bag because I felt it looked too masculine because it had palladium hardware. I’m not sure if my Hermes journey will continue though.

Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? A green crocodile Birkin 30 with gold hardware. I also would love it in black crocodile.

Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? All my bags hold sentimental value. I have a photo album with my current and past bags. I like to look at them like art. I maintain my bags often, so my hands have touched every part of them. Also, I use my bags daily, putting my personal items inside them when I go out. They are my life companions!

Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Yes of course. I would like to imagine people enjoy the bag and outfit I put together. I’ve had strangers come up to me to admire my bag, and sometimes even thank me for carrying it out into the world. There are some negative perceptions too, but I choose not to focus on them.

How do you take care of your bags? I make sure they are clean. I’ve scrubbed some bags with mild soap and water if they were filthy purchased second hand. One thing I can’t deal with are strong odors. I was using Coach leather care products for years, but switched to Cadillac products recently on Amazon. I went to the Coach store to purchase leather care products, but was surprised at how small the bottles got for the price.

On Shopping

How often do you buy new bags? I’ve been trying to be really good at not buying more. Twice a year now? I look at bags, and new styles online daily though.

How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? I moved from the East Coast to California 9 years ago, so I started getting more interested in raffia, and basket bags. My style transitioned from a 4 season lifestyle to 2 seasons at best. I like more playfulness, more color, animal motifs, floral, prints and embellishments. Alessandro Michele at Gucci was an exciting time. He transformed Gucci from a sexy, classic, but relaxed style to a quirkier aesthetic with animals, pearls, crystals, lace, and fun prints. I was all for it. I’m still a fan of Frida though. Her designs are timeless.

Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? I like in-store shopping, because nothing beats looking and feeling the merchandise IRL. I’ve become picky about what materials are used and the construction of the bag. Sometimes it’s hard to discern from the limited photos and descriptions on websites. I’ll look for videos of people with the same bag and watch them talk about and model the bag. It’s nice to go out and talk to people though. I enjoy chatting with the sales rep and creating relationships.

Which stores do you frequent the most? Gucci. I wish there was a Loewe store near me though.

Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? Yes. I’ve been having issues with newer Fendi bags. The edge glazing has been an issue on 5 Fendi bags I got. They were all shipped from the Fendi store, so I didn’t see the bag before purchasing. I was surprised to see some newer baguettes with top edge glazing, when previously they had a folded in leather edge. Im assuming it is to cut manufacturing costs down. There were a handful of Louis Vuitton pieces with glazing issues that repaired or replaced for free. Looking forward, I’d be hesitant to buy a bag with lots of edge glazing. A folded, finished edge looks better too.

Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Yes. Love TheRealReal, and eBay. I would scroll for hours on eBay for treasures in like new condition in college. I should’ve been studying. I sell and buy on TheRealReal almost exclusively now. I love their monthly buy more save more promotions, site credits, and customer service. I put things into my Obsessions list on the site, and obsess until the price is right.

Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? Yes. I ask my friends and family if they’re interested first. I keep my bags in great condition, so they know it’s been cared for.

Do you feel that social media or influencer culture pressures you to buy more bags or certain brands? Yes. Lately I’m falling for suede bags, but I really just want to caress the softness in a non-creepy way. I’m definitely not hard to convince by social media, especially if it’s an influencer I trust. The ‘quiet luxury’ trend is not as fun, but I understand it’s appeal. I’m leaning into wearing less logos. It’s also easier to style too. When I carry a logo bag, I try to wear more low key shoes and accessories. I don’t feel the need to be flashy for others. If I want to be flashy, I’ll do it my own way.

Do you consider your bag purchases financial or emotional investments? Yes to both, but not really. I enjoy reselling bags that don’t work for my lifestyle. I may or may not recoup my costs. At the end of the day, I consider it an experience that gave me enjoyment in my life.

Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? Yes to following trends. You kind of have to. Years ago when high rise skinny jeans became the trend, I cried because I knew I’d miss my baggier, low ride, flared jeans. I kept them all, but no one wears them anymore. I could wear them now, if I only fit in them. To counter high skinny jeans, I had to invest in more cropped shirts and tops. Then one needs the specific shoe styles to go with this silhouette. At this point, the bag needs to go along with the look…might as well! It’s an exhausting process because fashion never stops. Sometimes I dream about having one bag and what that would have to be to encompass an entire wardrobe and lifestyle. Does it exist? Classic styles are nice, but sometimes you want something fantastic.

Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Yes, they keep me informed about new items or promotions. They are there to assist you with coming into the store easier, finding and choosing items, helping with after purchase care, and even shipping items to friends or family who are far away.

Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Yes. A lot of thought and detail goes into shopping. I want to be very specific on how a new item will function in my lifestyle before purchasing. I look for “holes” in my wardrobe that I’m missing, pieces that I rarely wear that would benefit from a new addition. If i I bought it, I want to use it as much as possible.

Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? Yes. My first negative experience was at a major department store. I was in my twenties, but I probably looked like I was a child…still no excuse to receive inferior service. I asked to try on a pair of sunglasses, but the sales associate refused to let me try them on because I didn’t look like I’d buy anything. Instead, the sales associate helped another shopper who came after me. When I complained, I was ignored. I was so outraged, I went upstairs to customer service and asked to fill out a complaint form. The customer service desk was reluctant to assist me with even this request. It was very confusing because it didn’t even occur to me why I was being treated so poorly.

What factors may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Price and function. There are tons of bags that I like. That’s not the issue. I’d rather invest in cryotocurrency now, make more money, and buy more bags with it later.

Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? Fendi. I never had quality issues before, but haven’t been happy lately. I won’t buy their newer seasons because of the experience I’ve had.

Do you ever rent designer bags? If so, from where? No.

How do you feel about the concept of “quiet luxury” vs. “loud luxury”? I  think it’s a matter of personal taste. People can do whatever they want with their style choices. Personally, I like the combination of quiet and loud luxury.

On Budgeting & Perceptions

Who pays for your bags? Myself.

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No. If I have the money, I’ll choose between a list of bags in a specific price range that I’ve been eyeing for days, weeks, or months. Sometimes, I’ll panic buy and deal with the financials later. Money is a tool, and the right bag can be the best decision ever.

Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Yes. Counterfeits are getting better and better. If there is a style of bag in a color that I like, and it’s not available for me to buy…then yes, a dupe or counterfeit bag would fit the bill.

Do you use financing or payment plans (like Afterpay or Klarna) for bag purchases? No. I avoid credit.

Do you think owning luxury bags helps you in professional or social situations? How so? Yes. I have met new friends over the years with a similar bond to fashion and bags. Now there are international online social bag groups, social media channels, livestreams, forums, etc. with people that talk about bags non-stop. I love the comradery. In professional situations, I feel more confident. A lot of thought went into myself and how I present myself to the world.

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Have you ever lied about the cost of a bag to avoid judgment? No. Usually people are happy for me.

Do you ever resell bags on platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective? Yes. I highly recommend. Worst case scenario, you keep the bag. Best case scenario, you get cash for a depreciating asset.

Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? No. I get compliments on my bag buying habits. I dont criticize other people’s hobbies. It’s just unfortunate it does cost a lot. It’s an expensive hobby.

Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Yes. I definitely could have invested the money, but it’s the experience that I chose instead. I’m definitely cutting back on the spending. I feel that people are spending less lately, but splurging more on treasures that can do it all…day to night, sunny and rainy, makes them joyful, and lasts a very long time.

Let’s get personal…

What is your greatest extravagance? Time.

What is your greatest fear? Losing my mind.

What is the trait you most admire in others? Empathy.

Which living person do you most admire? My mother.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband. He understands me and loves me.

What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? I love driving to Tomales Bay and eating oysters. You can’t go wrong. No cooking necessary either.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Knowing my friends and family are happy too.

Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? Life is short. If you cry over a bag, don’t worry. Life will provide you with more.