We’re back with a brand new edition of Closet Confessionals, and today, we’re getting a look at the collection of CC 251, who’s been collecting bags for over 4 decades! This Long Islander has acquired a nice collection of bags spanning brands like Chanel, Prada, Bottega Veneta, and more.
Though her collection is currently taking up too much space, with downsizing remaining a priority, she’s currently eyeing the Loewe Flamenco Chain Purse. While her collection includes current fan favorites like the Bottega Veneta Andiamo, the bag that has the most sentimental value is a decades-old Coach bag that belonged to her mom.
Read the full CC below!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 59
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Long Island, NY
What is your occupation? Nurse Practitioner
What industry do you work in? Healthcare
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $300,000
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? Too many > 15.
What bags are in your collection?
- Chanel
- Louis Vuitton
- Prada
- Fendi
- Bottega
- Gucci
- Proenza
- Goyard
- Coach
- Senreve
- Demellier
- Sezane
- APC
How much is your collection worth? $20K
What is your most expensive bag? Chanel Double Flap Jumbo.
Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it? Absolutely, if buyers remorse, I return or sell.
Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? Yes, lack of space.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 15 years old – a Gucci camera bag.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Loewe Medium Flamenco with the donut chain.
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? No
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? A decades-old Coach bag that was my mom’s.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Yes and yes I want them to.
How do you take care of your bags? I store them in a glass-paned cabinet.
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Every 3-4 months.
How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? More recently, embracing mid-luxury contemporary bags.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? Both but mostly online because it’s convenient.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Neimans and Saks.
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? Of course due to buyers regret— too expensive, too small, too big.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Yes from Fashionphile and Rebag.
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? Yes, I’ve given a few bags to bottomless closet.
Do you feel that social media or influencer culture pressures you to buy more bags or certain brands? Absolutely, I’m very easily influenced.
Do you consider your bag purchases financial or emotional investments? Financial.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I try not to be trendy.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? No
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Absolutely, I love retail therapy.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? Never.
What factors may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Price.
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? Balenciaga, I have 1 small Bal City but I would never buy that brand again.
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’m totally embracing quiet luxury.
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? Never
Do you use financing or payment plans (like Afterpay or Klarna) for bag purchases? I used that when I was younger
Do you think owning luxury bags helps you in professional or social situations? How so? Absolutely, they are very effective confidence boosters
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Have you ever lied about the cost of a bag to avoid judgment? Always to both questions.
Do you ever resell bags on platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective? Yes to Fashionphile and Rebag
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? My family and friends have no idea.
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 handbags
What is the trait you most admire in others? Restraint
Which living person do you most admire? Julia Roberts, love her ethos regarding her personal style and lifestyle.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? I haven’t met him yet.
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? My most favorite trip was Italy pre-Covid. Best time of my life.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Me always being able to afford what I want when I want.
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? I love this community where I’m embraced and I can embrace other handbag lovers.
Loewe Flamenco bag is always a fantastic choice.