In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet an avid collector who has been collecting bags for as long as she can remember. One of her earliest memories involves carrying her mother’s purse around, and she also vividly remembers the special suitcase she had to go to Grandma’s house.
CC 262 is a true collector, owning over 250 bags. Her collection includes vases from Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and more. This includes some rarities like Chanel’s Limited-Edition NYC 2.55, created especially for the 5th Avenue store’s grand reopening.
Living in rural Kentucky, CC 262’s relationship with bags is a bit complicated, but it’s that introspection that makes it so honest (and relatable). Read her full confessional below, and don’t forget to share your own with us!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 43
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Salyersville, KY
What is your occupation? Attorney
What industry do you work in? Family Law
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $250,000
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? 250*
What bags are in your collection?
- Hermès Birkin
- Hermès Evelyne
- Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap (4)
- Chanel Medium Classic Flaps (2)
- A few more Chanel
- Loads of Louis Vuitton
- Givenchy Antigona (small and medium)
- Burberry
- And I LOVE Coach
How much is your collection worth? More than I care to talk about
What is your most expensive bag? My limited edition Chanel New York 2.55 with charms. It was made for the grand reopening of the newly designed store on 5th Avenue. Also, my Birkin.
Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it? Yes! I live in a very rural and impoverished town. I lived in the largest city in Kentucky and then moved back home with my husband. I think of my Mamaw who said, “I can’t take expensive stuff to church. People are barely making ends meet.” I struggle with enjoying a good bag and dealing with what I see around me.
Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? Quality!!!! Some brands seemed to really up their prices while their quality went downhill. I want a quality leather handbag regardless of the name or label on the bag.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? I was four and I carried my Mom’s little leather bag with her initials. I really thought I was something. I also think this and my ‘Going to Grandma’s’ suitcase were the start of my passion for bags.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? I really have my eye on a Louis Vuitton Capucines. I just haven’t seen the right one enter the market yet.
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? The Chanel cigar case bag from the Cuba collection. I’m going to be honest that this was my favorite collection.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? My great grandmother’s no-name bag. It was big and tacky and I’ll never carry it, but I love it!
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? They do. It’s amazing how many people want to help in a department store when they see an expensive bag. My mother was carrying her Birkin and two guys came up to her. They wanted to know if it was real. I guess you can never tell in Kentucky!
How do you take care of your bags? Dust bags and luxury display boxes in my purse wall. As far as cleaning, I don’t do a whole lot other than use saddle leather conditioner (welcome to Kentucky).
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Once a month
How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? Yes, I’ve slowed down a lot and I have found myself moving toward more contemporary designers based on the region where I live.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? Both..I am a little locked in as far as my hometown. Our closest boutiques are in Nashville. Thank goodness for the telephone.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Von Maur, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Macy’s, Coach, Saks
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? Only one and it was a Chanel bag with a major quality issue. When the inside of the bag has makeup all over it, I think it needs to be returned to the boutique where it was purchased from.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Fashionphile mostly
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? To my Mom, yes. Otherwise, I think I’m a pack rat!
Do you feel that social media or influencer culture pressures you to buy more bags or certain brands? YES!! I have to watch myself because I will buy something that doesn’t make sense for what I do. There are some really great influencers out there.
Do you consider your bag purchases financial or emotional investments? Emotional…I have never sold a bag and gotten out of it what I paid for it.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? Classic all the way! I know it’s cliche, but I absolutely adore Jackie Kennedy.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Yes. Like I said, living in the middle of nowhere I have really good relationships with SAs (even in Hawaii). My SA from Chanel just left and I still talk to him. I appreciate real relationships.
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Yes. I love the experience and the anxiety reducer shopping provides. My job can be high stress at times and shopping takes my mind off of what I see and deal with.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? No
What factors may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Quality
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? Balenciaga… I work in an environment where child predators can roam rampant. I don’t agree with the advertising that was used regarding children. I don’t think it’s cute and it’s a bad way to sell a product.
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 based on the area I live. A lot of women carry fakes that scream this or that brand. I prefer quality and quiet luxury over loud luxury!
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? Me
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Somewhat. I am not going to spend money on a Himalayan Birkin anytime soon and I was burned once with a Kelly (smelled like pot, not good for my profession).
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Never in life!
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? It helps when I go to conferences because people judge your work based on what you can afford which is ridiculous.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Have you ever lied about the cost of a bag to avoid judgment? No..my husband and I are honest with one another about purchases. He buys nothing and I…
Do you ever resell bags on platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective? I only did once and I used Opulent Habits. They were reputable and I appreciated that they were able to sell the ‘Pot Hermes Kelly’.
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? My mom once asked me, “How many bags can you carry?” I learned the behavior from her.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Yes and yes…all the time
Let’s get personal…
What is your greatest extravagance? My husband and travel
What is your greatest fear? Snakes…I despise the year of the snake and I despise when a designer uses snakes.
What is the trait you most admire in others? Honesty. When someone is honest about who they are it’s a complete breath of fresh air.
Which living person do you most admire? My dad for his ability to keep the family coal business going and for his wisdom and insight.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband, Michael and my two Pomeranians (who are not allowed near the bags).
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? Most likely law school. I know I’m supposed to talk about travel, but I went to college, worked and then went to law school in my thirties. It was another world from working as a corporate trainer at Hard Rock Cafe!
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Tranquility, peace, and rest!
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? My life has been one big series of odd situations. I can play two truths and a lie like no one’s business because no one ever believes I was chased down the street by Ben Affleck (I have photographic proof). I have had a wild ride thus far and my bags have been there with me!
These are kinda boring without images.
That charm covered Chanel Reissue? STUNNING!
250 bags!!? Sounds amazing—wish there were a few pic ☹️
Love her! Fun story and interesting about having luxury and living in a rural area with poverty. I want to know why Ben A chased her down the street.