In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet a PurseForum member in her fifties who has been collecting bags for around three decades. What began with a Michael Kors suede bag gifted to her by her mom quickly became a lifelong love, and CC 278 finds true joy in collecting bags.
She loves the whole collecting process and believes her bags are purely emotional investments. CC 278 shops because she really loves bags, not because she feels addicted to the thrill of buying them. She’s never parted ways with any of her bags—in fact, she’s lost count of how many she owns.
Read the full CC below and don’t forget to submit your own!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 58
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Fairfax, VA
What is your occupation? Writer
What industry do you work in? Publishing industry
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $300
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
Onto The Bags
How many bags do you own? Lost count long ago…
What bags are in your collection? Dior, Gucci, Chloe, Fendi, Coach, Michael Kors.
How much is your collection worth? I’m not a math person.
What is your most expensive bag? Probably my large Chloé Marcie bag or my Dior Saddle Bag.
Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it?Never. I am so happy after each purchase.
Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? Well, we are relocating in a few years, and packing up my closet truly scares me.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? I always shopped with my mom and she bought me a Michael Kors suede bag when I was in my early 20’s.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? I have been reading about the LV Ellipse bag and am looking for that.
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? The Fendi Peekaboo
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? My Dior Saddle bag. I saw it in a shop window and it was exactly what I was dreaming about. My husband bought it for me on the spot.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Not really, but I do love it when people tell me they love my bag.
How do you take care of your bags? I store them in their dust bags. I try to keep them clean and avoid getting caught in a rainstorm!
On Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Several times a year.
How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? It has certainly grown, that’s for sure.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? I do both. If I see a bag on display in a store, I check it out. I did order my Chloé bag online because I was looking for a specific, hard-to-find color.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.
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? I do have one Gucci I bought used from a small store that no longer exists.
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? I do not. I have kept everything.
Do you feel that social media or influencer culture pressures you to buy more bags or certain brands? No, but I have found new brands I eventually seek out.
Do you consider your bag purchases financial or emotional investments? I buy what I love. I have no plans to resell them, so it’s all emotional, I suppose. Shopping and fashion are my passions!
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I do keep up with the trends and certainly look for what’s hot that season.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? No.
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Of course! I love to be in the stores and see what’s out there. I’m not always in a position to purchase.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? I don’t think so.
What factors may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Well, price most certainly. Also, is it too big? Too small? Do I love the color? Will I love it a month from now?
Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why? No
Do you ever rent designer bags? If so, from where? I have not tried that.
How do you feel about the concept of “quiet luxury” vs. “loud luxury”? I can do both. Depends on my mood.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? My husband always gifts me bags.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Not really.
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Well, never an outright counterfeit, but lookalikes, yes.
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. My mom always carried a fabulous handbag, and that’s how I grew to appreciate them.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Have you ever lied about the cost of a bag to avoid judgment? Never
Do you ever resell bags on platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, or Vestiaire Collective? No
Have your friends or family ever criticized your bag-buying habits? If so, how did you respond? My sister lives a good designer bag, so she never says anything negative. I don’t have too many friends who follow fashion, so I don’t think they really even notice my bag.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? I have told myself recently that enough is enough at this point, but it’s really a storage issue, not an addiction issue.
Let’s get personal…
What is your greatest extravagance? Expensive bags.
What is your greatest fear? That anything bad would happen to my son.
What is the trait you most admire in others? Being able to stay calm in most situations.
Which living person do you most admire? My husband – for putting up with me all these years and my sister who really never gives up trying to do something new.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband – we met at age 17 and never let go. My husband and my son are the two greatest blessings I could ever dream of having in my life.
What is your favorite journey you have taken so far? I am not the most well-traveled person, but we did go to St. Croix for our vow renewal 4 years ago, and it was perfect.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Anything I am doing with my husband and my son. Even if we are just at the park, walking our dog.
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? Don’t let anyone make you feel like your interests or feelings aren’t valid. We all have things we love and if it brings you joy, that’s all you need and no one else’s opinion should matter.
