Today, we’re checking in with a collector in her 30s who shares her insane collection of vintage bags with us! CC 248 began collecting bags in her late 20s, and in the five years since, she’s curated a collection of many rare vintage bags from Louis Vuitton and Fendi. Her collection includes cult favorites like Louis Vuitton Multicolore and Denim, plus some of the rarest Fendi Baguettes there are.
When CC 248 first began her collecting journey, which she states has been one of the most special journeys so far, it all began with a classic LV Monogram bag. Since then, she’s really refined her tastes, honing in on her true love: vintage bags!
Read the full CC and get a look at CC 248’s stunning collection below!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 30’s
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Leesburg, VA
What is your occupation? Finance
What industry do you work in? Volkswagen
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $200,000
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? 41
What bags are in your collection? I started my purse collection in the beginning of 2020. Close to nobody understood my COVID pandemic hobbies, between plants, handbags, and perfumes I stayed busy and focused. Between Louis Vuitton filling my nostalgic Y2K desire for LV Monogram everything.
2023 came around and I stumbled across a lot of amazing resellers forums, accounts, and blogs. And I decided to give one of them a try. I lusted over her impressive collection of vintage Fendi baguettes for a whole year, and never turned back. Between LV and Fendi, I would have to say my taste evolved, my heart gravitates more towards vintage pieces. Especially the graffiti, denim, watercolor, and multicolor days for LV. And as for Fendi there isn’t much I wouldn’t love, but I have a sweet spot for anything with fun colors, textures, sequins/beads for Fendi!
How much is your collection worth? I find the worth of any object is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it. But if you ask me I will explain my long division girl math.
What is your most expensive bag? My beaded rabbit fur baguette with lizard trim.
Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it? No, I never have regretted a bag purchase, if I fall out love I sell or move it on.
Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? Sometimes, I feel I should at times, but then can’t bring myself to sell or let go of any. I have sold 2 or 3 in the past because I didn’t love it anymore.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? Late 20’s, and it was the Louis Vuitton monogram Graceful MM.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? I have collector/hoarding/addictive personality and always on the hunt for a new bags, when I see it I just know it has to be mine.
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? I don’t know, it changes daily.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? The one my hubby got me, Balenciaga black with silver hardware cargole small. It’s my favorite.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Sometimes, but honestly most people have no idea what they are even looking at, and just admire from afar (especially vintage Fendi).
How do you take care of your bags? When I’m done using each bag, I retire the strap inside the handbag, to persevere the shape, and stuff the inside of the bag to holds its shape.
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Depends what I stumble across, sometimes 2-3 per month and sometimes none for months.
How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? My taste in handbags has definitely evolved over the years, it went from predictable classics to vintage exotics with different textures, colors, and materials.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? I enjoy shopping either way, but what changed my habits is the dirty price increases by these brands. Quality wasn’t backing it up.
Which stores do you frequent the most? I don’t go into the stores anymore, but when I do, it’s to Neiman Marcus to see my fragrance gal.
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? No, I’ve never returned a handbag.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? I only buy pre-loved handbags, either with my IG reseller ladies or on bigger websites (The Real Real, Vest. Collective, Fashionphile, eBay etc)
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? I have to family & friends.
Do you feel that social media or influencer culture pressures you to buy more bags or certain brands? No.
Do you consider your bag purchases financial or emotional investments? Neither, I consider them all to be happiness in a bag! As long as I get to trot them around with me everywhere I go.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I tend to go the opposite direction when it comes to trends. What I’ve noticed in the past is when a trend for a print or color begins vintage goes up for those prints and colors. It honestly makes sense for me to look at those things after the hype dies down, and then prices go back down.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Only at Neiman Marcus with my fragrance sales associate, she is always available to send me samples, and links to purchase, very easy going relationship, love her!
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? I enjoy the act of shopping when I’m in my PJ’s with a glass of wine scrolling for vintage handbags.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? When I first started shopping at Louis Vuitton store near me a few years back, I was so excited I didn’t even realize what anyone thought of me while I was trying on the bags/buying my bags. I still don’t ever think about it because I’m overwhelmed with all the pretty bags.
What factors may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? The price 100%.
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? Gucci, because nothing ever makes me think “take my money”.
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 quiet luxury handbags are boring and blah. I love quiet luxury coats and clothing though.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? I do!
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No, I just make sure to handle all the important things, and after that I buy what I want. I don’t really set aside any amount of money.
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No
Do you use financing or payment plans (like Afterpay or Klarna) for bag purchases? If there’s 0% why not.
Do you think owning luxury bags helps you in professional or social situations? How so? No, it just makes me feel that much happier.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Have you ever lied about the cost of a bag to avoid judgment? No
Do you ever resell bags on platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective? No
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? Yes my friends and family don’t really get it, but I get it and love it, so I will continue. And I usually respond with a rhyme or joke to change to make light of my hobby that they like to call an addiction. Lol
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? No
Let’s get personal…
What is your greatest extravagance? My watch
What is your greatest fear? Losing the people and pets I love and cherish the most.
What is the trait you most admire in others? Strength and perseverance.
Which living person do you most admire? My Omi.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My cats.
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? My handbag journey has got to be my most fun and favorite as of yet.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Living in peace and harmony with the ones I love most, but with lots of happiness and money & fabulous BAGS!!
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? Life’s too short to carry a plain purse.
Are you and Carrie Bradshaw related ? Cause I’m loving all of you Baguette #iconic
ME TOO!! Such a fun collection!
Love the purple suede Fendi!!!!