In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a bag lover in her 40s whose collecting journey began with a limited-edition Louis Vuitton Cerises bag. Ironically enough, twenty years later, that very first bag is relevant all over again, though CC 259 has been on quite the collecting journey over the last two decades.
CC 259 has built a beautiful collection of bags spanning some of the luxury world’s most-wanted brands (and bags). Her favorites include icons like the Chanel Boy and 19 bags, plus the Hermès Picotin and Kelly, a Dior Lady, and so much more. A self-proclaimed emotional shopper, this collector’s bags holds a lot of sentimental value, tying back to vacations and other experiences.
Read the full CC below, and don’t forget to submit your own!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 45
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Bellevue, Washington
What is your occupation? Self-Employed
What industry do you work in? Real Estate, Finance
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $350,000
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? Lost count.
What bags are in your collection?
- Hermès: Kelly, Constance, Lindy, 24/24, Picotin, Della Cavalleria, Garden Party, Evelyne, Arcon
- Chanel: Boy, 19, Mini Flap
- Gucci: Dionysius, Guccissima, and more
- Fendi: Baguette
Dior: Lady Dior - Louis Vuitton: Alma, Twist, Neverfull, Pochette Metis
How much is your collection worth? $200K+
What is your most expensive bag? Hermès Kelly
Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it? Yes, sometimes it’s functionality or I rethink the color…I just sell it or trade with one of sisters.
Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? Yes, keeping the classics and what fits my daily lifestyle
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 25, Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Cherise bag and Pochette.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Hermès Birkin.
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? I would like to custom design my very own Hermès Birkin or Kelly one day.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Yes, I get my bags when I’m traveling or to celebrate an achievement/milestones and sometimes gifted by my husband.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? I don’t think so – at work most of my coworkers are male; in public most people don’t know and really don’t care, as for my friends – we travel and shop together so we share opinions about the design/style/quality.
How do you take care of your bags? Dust bag when not in use, leather cleaner and conditioner if needed, drop off to boutique for professional cleaning, refinish, or restore when need to…
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? I browse around special holidays, anniversary, birthdays, etc for new styles, take my sweet time to make decision to purchase…sometimes I buy a couple of items a year sometimes none all year – currently eyeing the new LV × TM collection, maybe will get a piece to add to collection by Valentine’s.
How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? Colors and styles have evolved to be more neutral and classic as I aged, size has changed over the years too…gotten smaller and smaller and carrying less and less.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? In store, feel the quality and see the true color and how it actually looks on.
Which stores do you frequent the most? I like to shop at the department store or mall with all the boutiques inside, one stop browsing.
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? Yes, I came in for an exchange …the piece was already scratched when I opened the packaging.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? I don’t buy second-hand handbags.
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? Yes, I’ve donated and gifted quite a few pieces over the years to local charities for fundraising events, the girls in my family, even Goodwill.
Do you feel that social media or influencer culture pressures you to buy more bags or certain brands? The more I see on social media, the less I want to buy…I don’t want to have the same bag as everyone else.
Do you consider your bag purchases financial or emotional investments? Emotional, all emotional.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? At this time, looking for more functional pieces…if it doesn’t fit my phone chances are not going to buy it even if it’s cute or rare.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Yes, my rep notifies me when items comes in or available for purchase…and since they already know my favorite color, my usual style and taste – saves a lot of time
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Yes, retail therapy…hobby, shopaholic – very guilty.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? Sometimes, when I go to new store or new rep while I’m traveling…most of the time dressed down and carrying a Book Tote.
What factors may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Customer service.
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? I couldn’t think of a brand that I refused to buy, I refuse to buy faux fur or fake material…
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 love quiet luxury, all about quality…and no one needs to know
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? Me, if gifted – my husband, family, or friends
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Not really, some years I don’t buy any.
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No, I don’t see why anyone needs to buy counterfeit when we have high-quality pieces here in the US; I would be happier with Kate Spade or Coach than any other knockoff.
Do you use financing or payment plans (like Afterpay or Klarna) for bag purchases? No
Do you think owning luxury bags helps you in professional or social situations? How so? No
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Have you ever lied about the cost of a bag to avoid judgment? Yes, my hubby doesn’t really know how much Hermès costs.
Do you ever resell bags on platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective? Yes
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? Yes, always have an excuse…but they last forever.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Yes, and yes…I know the cost of some of these bags could be someone’s mortgage…just need to make more money to makeup for the spending
Let’s get personal…
What is your greatest extravagance? My last trip to Turkey or my upcoming trip to South Korea?
What is your greatest fear? Aging
What is the trait you most admire in others? Generosity
Which living person do you most admire? My great aunt, gives selflessly
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband besides my mom
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? Love Europe – Spain, Italy, Greece, France, England
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Spending time with family.
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? It’s not about the bag; it’s the experience of deciding which bag you choose to buy on that trip or which one to bring with you to mark that journey.
I liked this confessional!
The title pic is dreamyyyyy! like, I’m literally drooling looking at it!