Today’s CC comes to us from Lisbon, which CC 274 states was one of her favorite journeys of life. As for her collecting journey, CC 274’s start goes back over a decade, with the purchase of a vintage Dior Saddle bag (for $129!!!). Over the last decade, this collector has acquired over 20 bags (though she’s sold a few here and there).
Her likes and dislikes have grown with her, and while she used to favor Chanel, a flawed bag shifted things for her. Additionally, CC 274 rides horses and feels a deeper connection to Hermès because of the brand’s distinct equestrian roots.
Read the full CC below and check out photos from CC 274’s collection. Remember to submit your own to see your story here next!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 40
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Lisbon, San Diego, NYC (multiple homes)
What is your occupation? Marketing and Sales Agency Director
What industry do you work in? Real Estate Private Equity
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $200.00
Are you a PurseForum member? No
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? 20+
What bags are in your collection?
- Hermès: Birkin 35, Kelly 35, 24/24 29, Herbag 31 Pegasus, Constance Slim, Evelyn 29, Grooming Bag
- Chanel: Classic Flap, 2.55 WOC, Seasonal Flap
- Dior: Vintage Saddle, Diorama WOC, Lady Dior, Two book Totes, Vintage from the 80s
- Bottega: Bang Bang
- Ferragamo Hug Bag Medium
- Beach Bags, and Walmart Wirkin
How much is your collection worth? Close to $100,000 but depending on where you buy your bags (boutique vs resale).
What is your most expensive bag? Birkin 35 and the runner – up is 24/24 in Barenia Fabourgé ($10,500 at the Hermès boutique I paid).
Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it? No
Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? No
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? Dior Saddle Bag bought on the RealReal for $125 at 29.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Hermès Della Cavalleria Elan
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? I already own it and it’s my Birkin.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Dior Saddle was my first bag, my Birkin is a gift from my husband.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? No
How do you take care of your bags? I stuff them with pillows and keep them in the closet in dust bags. I clean them as needed and don’t scratch them.
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Whenever I feel like it but maybe 1-2 a year. I slowed down on that.
How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? More Hermès, less Chanel. My last Chanel I bought at the boutique had a flaw, and it turned me off their bags. I connected with Hermès more because I also have a horse and I ride. Their equestrian side speaks to me.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? In store because I want to try them on before I buy
Which stores do you frequent the most? Hermès in Lisbon
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? No
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? The RealReal, FirstDibs, Fashionphile
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? Yes
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? Not financial but emotional and fashion.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I prefer to buy what speaks to me.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Yes
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Yes I love building a wardrobe that speaks to me. I buy and I keep my bags and enjoy them for years to come.
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? Having too many similar bags. I like Della Cavalier, but I question if I need yet another bag in my closet. And I’m concluding that for now I just have enough.
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? Balenciaga. Ugly. Gucci is just not my style.
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 have both and I enjoy them equally.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? Myself and husband
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? No
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, but the truth comes out lol.
Do you ever resell bags on platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective? Yes, I sold a Gucci bag I didn’t grow to love.
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? My husband. Yet he buys me bags anyway, like my Birkin, Stella McCartney, Lady Dior…
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 Birthday gift to myself – an Hermès Arcue Petite Luna watch
What is your greatest fear? Not sure
What is the trait you most admire in others? Ability to achieve goals no matter what.
Which living person do you most admire? My husband
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? My move to Lisbon.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Living between Lisbon, NYC and Costa Rica and having horse properties in addition to city apartments.
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? Don’t apologize for loving luxury. We live once
In Portugal you have a very good life with 200 000€ per year. Some years ago, you could buy a very good house with garden and pool in a good location with a little more than half a Million Euros. What’s happening with people here always doubting about the income? She didn’t buy 100k€ in bags in one year, that’s obvious or is it so hard to understand? Get out of your square and realize that the cost of living is totally different in Portugal vs the US.
She has a great bag collection but her total household annual income is only $200 ?? That’s really taking household budget management to the next level!
Maybe $200k!
I love that she admits to having a “Wirkin”.
Fun seeing outfits with the bags!
Clearly her income of $200.00 is a typo as she owns multiple homes, and her handbag collection is worth over $100K.
sometimes internationally they use the period instead of a comma so maybe it’s 200,000.
I did reach out to clarify!
Why do you even ask that question – it’s so intrusive and tacky. I hope she was giving a “not your business” answer. I know I would type in: None of your business.
First, my comment was tongue in cheek. I figured it was a typo or maybe a joke by the author. Second, nobody is required to provide an income, you can just skip the question entirely. Third, I live in Europe and know full well that some use a comma instead of a period when it comes to currencies (they have different types of quotation marks too).
Always enjoy reading these. Wouldn’t bother me to share my income, but my age, now that’s a different thing!
I’m sure she have 200 millions 😆