Today, we meet a passionate handbag lover who has been collecting bags for over 3 decades. Her love affair with bags began as many do, with a classic Chanel Bag gifted for her high school graduation. Since then, she’s amassed a stunning collection of bags, including more than a dozen Classic Flaps, Hermès, Dior, and more.
Her love for bags is more than just the bags—it’s about the entire process—going in-store and trying on the bag, chatting with her SA, and even finding those hard-to-track-down items. While CC 252 has struggled with her shopping habits at times, using bag-buying as a way to cope, these days, she’s incredibly grounded in how she shops.
Read the full CC below, and don’t forget to share your own!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 52
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Dubai, United Arab Emirates
What is your occupation? Audit and Business Controls Manager
What industry do you work in? Wealth Management
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $500,000
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? 40
What bags are in your collection?
- Hermès Mini Kelly gold GHW
- Hermès Mini Kelly rouge H GHW
- Hermès Constance 18 étoupe PHW
- Chanel Classic Flap (20 colors in total)
- Dior Miss Dior Bag
- Dior Saddle
- LV Petite Boite Chapeau
- Fendi Baguette (4)
How much is your collection worth? I cannot quantify the worth. They’re all priceless to me.
What is your most expensive bag? Mini Kelly based both on the purchase price and on the market resale value. I stopped purchasing Chanel bags after the price spiraled upwards and outgrew the actual value of the bags.
Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it? I definitely did until lately. I was always finding excuses to purchase variations of the same handbag based on color or material releases. The wake-up call was the significant price increase policy of the main brands I favored.
Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? I have already started to downsize it gradually. I sold some of the handbags and gave quite a few of them to my daughter.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? My first designer handbag was navy blue mini classic Chanel GHW. It was a high school graduation present from my uncle.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? A Kelly 28 gold in swift leather GHW.
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? A Birkin 30 niloticus black PHW. My hubby loves the Birkin itself but is categorically opposed to my choice of leather. The debate is still open but my heart skips a beat every time I dream of it.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? All the designer handbags my mother passed on to me. I have a vintage collection of YSL, Dior, Celine and Loewe I cherish till this day.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? I am somewhat treated differently by the sales force and acquaintances My inner circle of friends and my acquaintances know of my passion for handbags
How do you take care of your bags? They undergo spa treatments regularly courtesy of my adorable hubby. His passion is bespoke shoes and has a love affair with leather so he pampers my handbags.
I also store them in their dust bags in a special closet. Seeing all these pictures and videos of handbags lying naked on shelves all over social media gives me the heebie jeebies. Ladies, please take care of your bags!
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? There is no timeline for my purchases but lately they have been more meaningful. I mainly reward myself for achievements or to mark special milestones. My husband also indulges my passion on special occasions like birthdays, Christmas and Mother’s Day.
How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? The passion is still as strong but my choices are more careful, educated and conscious. I do not believe in buying at all costs and weigh carefully prices v/s finishing and material quality.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? That’s a no brainer for me. Nothing beats the feel of a handbag. I have to check the weight, practicality and quality of a handbag before purchasing it. It’s all about « feeling the connection ». Many times I get all worked up about a particular handbag only to change my mind once I see it in store.
Which stores do you frequent the most? I wander weekly in the biggest mall in Dubai and more often than not I walk into Hermès. Not necessarily to make a purchase but to chat with my SA and to compare notes on the latest colors, accessories and handbags.
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? I did return an Hermès bag that I felt was dwarfing me (I am quite petite). Jaws dropped when I did which I found very amusing. My serial shopping frenzy days are over and I am wiser (and older). My bags have to be an extension of me and reflect my individuality.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? I am very weary of buying second hand bags with all the high end knock offs floating around. I truly believe it is very difficult to authenticate without proof of provenance (keep your invoices people) with all the respect due to resellers. I only ever bought a second-hand from an acquaintance and only after cross-checking the invoice with the serial number.
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? I often gift some of my bags to family members and close friends but I can’t describe them as old. I believe in sharing and putting a smile on loved ones faces. I mainly gift my daughter, my favorite sister in law and my best friend who is not as blessed as I am financially. Our children are adults and we don’t have any financial commitments unlike other people I care about so if I can make a tiny difference then « why not ».
Do you feel that social media or influencer culture pressures you to buy more bags or certain brands? Not at my age. I have developed my own style and identity long before social media took over the world. I seldom identify with the spokespersons (and their style) for the brands they try to push on social media which makes me either shy away from the item or the brand altogether. I buy what I like and what suits my style not what is worn by x y or z.
Do you consider your bag purchases financial or emotional investments? My bags are definitely emotional investments. They’re either meaningful gifts or purchases made with hard earned money well spent. I never buy for investment, I only buy out of love.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? Most of my purchases are classic styles although I gravitate towards trendyish attire. Some crushes are for trendier bags but given the price tags nowadays, these purchases are much less frequent.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Bless them, yes and a thousand times yes. They recognize and value my loyalty and love of the brand and in turn are very helpful. I treat them nicely and understand the constraints the « maisons« place on them which earns me their respect. Don’t take out your frustration on an employee following rules and guidelines. Being nice, considerate, patient and above all reliable goes a long way: never waste your time and theirs if you are not serious about making a purchase. My SAs and I are now on first name basis and I am treated to updates and pictures of the family.
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? I love shopping! It’s my passion. I have to admit that I enjoy buying for others, family members and friends alike, more than for myself. It’s more a challenge than an addiction in my case. I am the go to person who will find the out of stock hot item of the moment. The thrill of the search is my addiction.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? A long time ago, I was underdressed and didn’t carry myself with the confidence that came with age and experience. I was ignored by the whole staff of a high end boutique in a fashion worthy of a scene right out of « Pretty Woman ». I naively thought I could pop in and buy a birthday gift right after the gym.
What factors may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? The number of a-listers of a certain category and (lack of) style, influencers and wannabes carrying it compounded with the number of its knock offs circulating on the market.
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? I have vetoed Chanel when V Viard took the helm and destroyed the essence of the brand. Ugly new designs and poor quality throughout for outrageous prices. I hope the brand will recover from her pseudo-creativity.
Do you ever rent designer bags? If so, from where? No. I never considered it as an alternative and wouldn’t know who and where offers this service because most of my bags are classic and versatile bags so the need didn’t arise.
How do you feel about the concept of “quiet luxury” vs. “loud luxury”? I prefer quiet luxury because it is understated but puts the accent on quality materials and amazing craftsmanship which gives it a greater appeal to me. Big ostentatious logos are quite off putting: there’s simply too much going on there.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? Both my husband and myself but I have a comfortable buying power because he takes charge of our expenses and lifestyle. My earnings are mine to spend freely and he understands and nurtures my passion for handbags.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? I used to spend a good chunk of my monthly income on fashion and bags. I don’t budget anymore because the handbags I lust after are the object of a waitlist and I am patiently waiting for my turn.
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Never have I ever and never will I purchase a counterfeit. It just feels so wrong on all levels. Just thinking about the conditions in which most of these bags are manufactured should prevent anyone from such purchases.
Do you use financing or payment plans (like Afterpay or Klarna) for bag purchases? If you can’t afford it don’t buy it. Payment plans are for emergencies or essential necessities. I like to believe I have my priorities straight and would never overstretch myself to indulge. But I have to admit that I was never in a situation where I didn’t have the full payment for a purchase.
Do you think owning luxury bags helps you in professional or social situations? How so? Maybe socially in the country I reside in. It was detrimental when I first joined the institution currently employing me where work is purely merit based and where my designer handbags were the source of misconceptions about my capabilities when I first joined. I was perceived as an entitled and spoiled woman trying to play « career woman »
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Have you ever lied about the cost of a bag to avoid judgment? I don’t worry about being judged because I have a career and am financially independent. Nevertheless, I have delayed sharing purchases twice simply because of the price tags of both handbags. My husband was very supportive on both counts, one of the handbags being his all time favorite to date.
Do you ever resell bags on platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective? I can’t part with a handbag unless I am gifting it to my daughter or someone I am close to. I never sold a single one of them, I love my handbags and can’t part with them unless it’s for someone I care about.
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? I have been criticized openly by one of my sisters in law but it stemmed more from ignorance than maliciousness. Her mentality and culture are the absolute opposite of mine. My hubby gave her a piece of his mind and told her to mind her own business. I explained later on that my bag-buying habits were funded by my own comfortable income for the most part. The gold-digger label was no more.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? For a brief period of time, reached a point where I purchased a handbag per week. I had family problems and was compensating with an unhealthy routine of serial shopping. A friend of mine stepped in and put things back into perspective. She encouraged me to go to therapy even scheduling the first appointment on my behalf.
Let’s get personal…
What is your greatest extravagance? The yearly family one week vacation I take every June. It’s an all out, gastronomy trip with my husband where five star hotels, limousines and Michelin starred restaurants are a must. It is planned a year in advance and is a perfect occasion to showcase my handbag collection.
What is your greatest fear? Losing my husband as I would be losing the other half of me. We are totally in sync and it’s rare to witness that in other couples.
What is the trait you most admire in others? Honesty. I had more than my fair share of backstabbing and hypocrisy which made me appreciate and value it above all. I might not like your opinion but I will always is respect it.
Which living person do you most admire? Every woman who stands up for herself, doesn’t let anyone put her down and is not afraid to pursue her dreams whether they pertain to a career or starting a family.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband and my daughter equally. They both give unconditional love in different ways I can’t but reciprocate.
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? My journey to self discovery. It was emotionally charged and painful sometimes but well worth it. I see and value things and people including myself differently. It definitely made me stronger.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Him and I on our couch side by side reading or discussing our day.
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? Keep your priorities straight and chose your handbags wisely. A classic would go a long way and always favor quality above all.
She contradicted herself with respect to selling her bags.
I caught that too and wonder if she realizes she may have misspoke.
Yes, I caught that discrepancy however this lady has an amazing collection and outlook on what she likes and she definitely knows her own style!
Great read!