CC 276: The Tech Exec

Today we’re heading to LaLa land, to chat with a tech executive who’s been collecting designer bags since she was 17. Like many of us, her very first bag was a Louis Vuitton Speedy 25, which she got in Paris—what a dream! Still, CC 276 doesn’t attach much sentimental value to her belongings and believes that bags are just emotional investments, not financial ones.

This mindset has allowed CC 276 to downsize her collection, selling bags that no longer serve her in favor of something that will. While she’s begun to stray away from Chanel and towards Hermès, this collector does find peace when her collection hovers around 20 bags. Read the full CC and check out pictures of CC 276’s stunning collection below.

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Basic Bio

Your Age? 34
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Los Angeles
What is your occupation? Executive
What industry do you work in? Tech
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $650,000
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes

Onto The Bags

How many bags do you own? 15

What bags are in your collection?

• Hermès Birkin 25
• Hermès Kelly 25
• Hermès Constance 24
• Hermès Picotin 18
• 2x Chanel Classic Flaps
• Chanel 22
• Chanel Mini
• Gucci x Disney Crossbody
• LV Neverfull
• LV Mini Palm Springs
• Dior Book Tote
• Dior D-Lite
• Mini Lady Dior (beaded special edition & my fav!)
  and various others

How much is your collection worth? $75K

What is your most expensive bag? Hermès Birkin 25 in vert yucca, I think? My special edition mini Lady Dior was also up there, so it’s a tie between those two.

Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it? Absolutely! I sell it on and get something I know I’ll love. My Constance isn’t “me” so I just am going to get a Classic Flap which is more my vibe for a shoulder/crossbody bag.

Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? I like to keep it under 20, so I’m not too cluttered and I’m intentional about what I wear.

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 17 and a LV Speedy in Paris!

Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Hermès Birkin 25 or 30

Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? I think I own all the ones I wanted, so I feel really lucky.

Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Nope, I’m not too sentimental about my stuff.

Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Yes, especially when I was in my early 20s, people judged me differently. I also find it fascinating that people always think my husband buys my stuff – it’s 2025!

How do you take care of your bags? I store them in my closet with dust bags.

On Shopping

How often do you buy new bags? When I fall in love with something, maybe 3-4x a year?

How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? I’ve purchased more Hermès and quietly removed some Chanel Classic Flaps that I was collecting for collecting sake and it got just “too much”. Feels good to have fewer, more focused bags.

Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? In-store, I like the experience

Which stores do you frequent the most? Chanel, Hermès, Saint Laurent, Elyse Walker, Saks, Nordstrom, J Crew, Alo.

Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? Yes – I bought a blue bag at chanel that was way too electric!

Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Nope, I learned my lesson the wrong way here. I like new bags and being the only one that has owned something.

Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? No

Do you feel that social media or influencer culture pressures you to buy more bags or certain brands? Not anymore but a few years ago yes…!

Do you consider your bag purchases financial or emotional investments? Emotional, stocks are investments not bags.

Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? No

Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Yes

Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Yes I love shopping it’s my hobby!

Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? Yes, in Milan and it was horrible. Not sure why but maybe my age? I was younger studying abroad and just ended up buying a bunch of things anyway to piss the associate off.

What factors may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Sales Associates or price.

Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? No

Do you ever rent designer bags? If so, from where? Yes, Virelle I’ve tried.

How do you feel about the concept of “quiet luxury” vs. “loud luxury”? I buy what I love, I don’t really care.

On Budgeting & Perceptions

Who pays for your bags? How do you feel about the concept of “quiet luxury” vs. “loud luxury”? Myself

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? It’s in our annual operating budget so when I see one I just buy it.

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? Yes, from a professional standpoint helps set the tone. I always say my outfits including accessories are my armor.

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Have you ever lied about the cost of a bag to avoid judgment? No

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, I just say it’s not their money so they don’t have to worry about it!

Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Yes absolutely it something I addressed in therapy.

Let’s get personal…

What is your greatest extravagance? My handbags, traveling, and Dodgers season tickets

What is your greatest fear? Losing my husband

What is the trait you most admire in others? Fearlessness / not caring what others think

Which living person do you most admire? My boss is pretty amazing

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband and best friend

What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? My husband and I buying our first house and moving to our dream location.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being with my husband and cats, with not a care in the world or a place to be.

Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? I love being part of this community and encourage everyone to buy what you LOVE and not what is “in fashion.”