In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a bag lover from Brooklyn with a love for Loewe and a strong sense of self. CC 246 began collecting bags a decade ago, snagging one of the era’s biggest It-bags—the PS 1. Since then, CC 246 has curated a lovely collection of bags, including two Loewe Puzzle Bags, a bit of Dior, and some Saint Laurent.
This bag lover has refined his style with age, learning to be more conscious with his purchases and selling bags that don’t suit him. Since downsizing his collection and selling off a good chunk of old bags, CC 246 has found a place of purse peace.
While bags and shopping (especially sample sales!) have brought joy to this collector, his attitude towards it all is incredibly down-to-earth. CC 246 appreciates what he has and is smart about his purchases, shopping only within his means. Read the full CC below, and don’t forget to share your own!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 35
Your Gender Identity? Male
Where do you live? Brooklyn
What is your occupation? Accountant
What industry do you work in? Real Estate
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $120,280
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? 9
What bags are in your collection?
- Ateliers Auguste Monceau Black
- Loewe Puzzle Large – Tan
- Loewe Puzzle Medium – Black
- Bottega Venetta Cassette (men’s version) – Dark Green
- Dior Zipped Pouch with Strap
- Proenza Schouler Large PS1 – Black on black hardware
- Forever Fendi Fade Camera Bag – Black
- Saint Laurent North South Shopping Tote – Dark Green
How much is your collection worth? Gosh I don’t know. My guess, based on today’s market value, probably 10k? My bags definitely do not hold value.
What is your most expensive bag? Loewe Puzzle Large – Tan. But I bought this back in 2017. I think this set me back 2,400 at the time. I haven’t spent that much on a big since.
Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it? Yes, I’ve bought bags that were on sale just for the sake of them being on sale. But I edit my closet every season. I’ve learned to let them go and be more conscious with my choices.
Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? As of right now, no. I think my current collection is perfect. I use all the bags in rotation.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? Proenza Schouler Large PS1. I was 25 at the time. I got my first big boy bonus and decided to splurge. It is my oldest bag in my collection. My heart still skips a beat every time I see that bag. It’s probably the best choice I ever made for my style.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? As of right now, I’m at bag peace.
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? For me, it was the Loewe puzzle bag in tan, which I have in my collection now. I know most people have Chanel or Hermès at their holy grail. Fortunately for me, those do not align with my personal style/taste. Otherwise, I would be in big trouble.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Proenza Schouler Large PS1. My first designer bag and probably most used as well, even though it’s probably worth nothing at this point.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Definitely. Not just bags, but the whole outfit. I would like to think I have pretty good style. I’m generally well treated in stores and no one has given me any attitude yet. But if I’m going to be honest, I’ve gotten more compliments on my coats than my bags.
How do you take care of your bags? I use and abuse them. They will go on the floor if they have to. I must get my money’s worth.
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? In the past, once a year. But I have since calmed down since I sold off a good chunk of my collection.
How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? My requirements for my bags have changed. Back then, I needed bags to be able to carry a work laptop. Since I don’t have a work laptop anymore, my bags have gotten smaller and more casual. And I feel like my personal sense of style has changed now. I’m a lot more refined and less adventurous than my younger self.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? In store. I need to touch and try everything. I hate having to go out of my way to return stuff.
Which stores do you frequent the most? There isn’t a specific store. Not going to lie, it’s got to be sample sales. I love 260 sample sales. And Woodbury outlet.
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? I have not.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Yes, TRR in the days. Not so much now. They’re the worst.
Oh and Fashionnphile.
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? If I can get a few dollars out of them, I would rather sell to Fashionphile.
Do you feel that social media or influencer culture pressures you to buy more bags or certain brands? Yes, I see so many bags on IG. But I’m getting better at saying no.
Do you consider your bag purchases financial or emotional investments? Only emotional investments. Some of my bags represents a memory. As for financial investments, absolutely not. SP 500 is a financial investment.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I think I have enough classics. My next purchase will probably be a trendy piece. Or a classic with a twist.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Not at all. I shop where I can save a few bucks.
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? The thrill of finding a deal. But that has taken a back seat as well.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? I have not, but my sister has. When she told be about the Saint Laurent store on Champs-Élysées, I was so mad for her. If I was there with her, I’d have raise hell.
What factors may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Price. I live within my means.
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? Dolce & Gabbana. Their views on family are absolutely abhorrent.
Do you ever rent designer bags? If so, from where? N/A
How do you feel about the concept of “quiet luxury” vs. “loud luxury”? Too much of anything is too much. It’s not a crime to have a mix of both.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? MEEEEEEE
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Yes! I set aside a budget for “extracurriculars”
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Nope
Do you use financing or payment plans (like Afterpay or Klarna) for bag purchases? Nope
Do you think owning luxury bags helps you in professional or social situations? How so? Definitely not professional. I work in a t-shirt and jeans office. Social, not so much either. My friend group is a fashionable one.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Have you ever lied about the cost of a bag to avoid judgment? God no. He doesn’t get to judge and use the bags as well.
Do you ever resell bags on platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective? Yes. Fashionphile is my go-to place.
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? My mother. But she has since gotten over it. Don’t ask a question you don’t want to know the answer to.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? A little bit. Sometimes I need to reel it in.
Let’s get personal…
What is your greatest extravagance? I want to say shopping, but overall, I think I’m a pretty responsible person.
What is your greatest fear? Not having enough to retire with.
What is the trait you most admire in others? Honesty. I hate fake people.
Which living person do you most admire? AOC.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband.
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? It would be a toss up between Paris and Copenhagen. I love shopping in Paris. I love the vibe of the city. However, Copenhagen always inspires me to upgrade my home. The aesthetics and design is next to none. Scandinavians have the cleanest and best decor and I always feel inspired to update my home.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? What I currently have. A husband who loves me, a beautiful home, a job that offers work life balance, and the ability to travel a few times a year, even though I fly economy basic. I guess if I had more funds to buy business class tickets, that would be the ultimate true happiness.
I HEAR YOU on Dolce & Gabbana and I’m always surprised that people don’t list them under that “never buy” question. I am regularly drawn to the Miss Sicily because it is VERY much my style, but every time I get close I just can’t pull the trigger and give those jerks my money.
same here. They are also a very racist brand and will not get my dollars. Love his PS1 it looks stunning! it has patina-ed so beautifully
You guys read my mind! It’s WILD how many horrific, bigoted, racist things they’ve co-signed on and said over the years but people still stan for that brand.
You did a good deal in 2017. Now you Puzzle bag is worth in 4000. The quality of the leather makes it to be an atemporal bag.
does anyone know why men’s handbags and accessories are almost always silver?
Asked the BF and some guy friends and they said it’s a more neutral color and versatile, as opposed to gold which is often perceived as too ‘blingy’, making it easier for brands to sell to male patrons compared to gold and other colors like rose gold.
He has good taste in bags and I appreciate that he included photos. It’s interesting that there is no LV in his collection.