In this installment of our juicy Closet Confessionals we meet a medical professional in her 50s who just scored her very first Birkin Bag. While some of us choose to meticulously plan out our purchases she loves to shop sort of spontaneously, and if she sees a bag and likes it, it’s hers. Life has taught her a lot, and she seldom gets bothered by what other people think of her—this attitude carries over into her fashion choices as well. She’s a hard worker and has hustled to get everything she has, which allows her to shop mostly without guilt as she’s only spending her own hard earned cash. Read the entire CC below and be sure to submit your own!
[sc_cc_callout]The Basics
Age: 55
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Czech Republic
Occupation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Physician
Industry: Medicine
Salary: 200.000 Euro
Household Income: 200.000 Euro
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? No
How many bags do you own? Way too many lol. Over 20
What bags are in your collection?
- Louis Vuitton Delightful PM
- Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis Monogram Reverse
- Louis Vuitton Petit Noe in Damier Azur
- Louis Vuitton Toiletry Pouch 26 in Monogram
- Celine Trio Cobalt Blue
- Celine Python Frame Bag Black
- Valentino Python Rockstud Clutch
- La Perla Python Ada Bag Black
- Bally Top Handle Leather Bag Black
- Goyard St Louis PM all black
- Alberta Ferretti Lambskin Bucket Bag in Bright Red
- Alberta Ferretti satin clutches – blue and black
- Hermés Birkin Togo 35 black GHW
- Moschino Pink Top Handle Bag
- Prada Nylon Tote
- A collection of Baldinini bags, a very popular Italian brand in Central and Eastern Europe
- Some Michael Kors totes and clutches
- Coach crossbody bag
- Louis Vuitton Keepall 45 Monogram Eclipse
- Lots of unbranded bags from different places all over the world. One of my favorite is a brown bucket bag I got from an artisanal workshop in Sri Lanka in 2011.
How much is your collection worth? Over 30.000 EUR
What is your most expensive bag? My Birkin which I got just last week. It is my first Birkin and it is absolutely stunning, the smell of the leather is DIVINE. The Birkin was purchased directly from my local Hermes store without previously shopping much there, I only got a scarf and few home accessories. Also it only took about 6 months for the bag to arrive.
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? My Louis Vuitton Delightful PM, a bag I got for Christmas 2012 from my 2 sons. Also my Goyard bag that I got from my son in August 2019, he bought the bag for me in NYC.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? Prada Nylon Tote in my early 40s. I got the bag during a summer vacation in Italy. Most of my bags have been acquired during family trips or have been gifted to me by my loved ones.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Not really, I am more of an impulse buyer. When I see a bag that makes my heart sing I just go for it.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? My Louis Vuitton Delightful PM, a bag I got for Christmas 2012 from my sons. It is my most used bag, even though it is not particularly formal. I just love wearing it. Also my Goyard bag I mentioned previously.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Yes and no. As lots of people I work with come from an international environment, I get a lot of recognition for my bags. However, I feel like people in the Czech Republic do not care as much about fashion in general. Also, whenever I go to a nice restaurant or browse at higher end stores in Prague, I tend to get a lot of attention, which I appreciate.
The Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Whenever I see one I like. I am not a planner, I like to be spontaneous. It’s this simple. 🙂
Which stores do you frequent the most? Probably Louis Vuitton. I absolutely adore HARRODS in London, whenever I’m in the UK I always go to Harrods.
I also enjoy shopping at outlet malls for clothing, there is a lot of them across Europe. When I go to The States, which does not happen that often, once every few years, I always go to Ross, those deals are just amazing! Back in 2016 I bought over 20 dresses from nice brands such as DVF, MK and Ralph Lauren in Hawaii for less than 200 USD!
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? No. Neither have I sold any of my bags. Sometimes I give them to my mum or my friends.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? No.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No. I am not interested in such stuff. In my life, I have been through a lot, including an abusive relationship of 15 years, so no, I do not care what anyone thinks or pressures me to do. I have grown into being confident and independent in what I am doing, this applies to my fashion choices as well.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? My Birkin yes, otherwise no.
Who influences your buying decisions? Me, myself and I. LOL
Sometimes I look at fashion magazines, also my relatives are quite into fashion, so we share our views, which to an extent influences me.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Absolutely not. I mean, I am in the shopping for the bags, not to make new friends. I do not consider such relationships genuine as it is only for the profit and nothing more. I do appreciate if SAs are friendly and welcoming, but that’s where it ends.
Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? I love fashion and each of my bags has special sentimental value. Sometimes I name my bags, too. For instance, my Petit Noe has a very cute nickname in Czech, which would translate into something like “cute baby on the go”.
Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? I am a successful, European middle aged women, so the answer is no. If they were rude to me, who would they be nice to then? However, I have seen SAs being very rude to some Asians or younger clients. That is obviously wrong, but it is what it is…
The Money
Who pays for your bags? Mostly me. I have been given some bags by my dear ones, too.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No.
The Taboo Topics
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Yes, when I was younger, I had no clue about fakes. I just went and bought a Louis Vuitton bag I liked, knowing it was fake but did not knew any better nor had the funds to buy the genuine product at the time. That was 15+ years ago and I have not bought a fake item ever since. The bag lasted few months and then I threw it away.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? No. I have no-one to hide them from, one of the many perks of being single!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? Nothing really, unless you would consider me working 6 days a week as “crazy” in general haha.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Sometimes I do shop a lot. But it is my money that I have worked hard for, so it is my choice and then I have to live with the consequences.
The Rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I have a collection of fur coats. I am aware that many may dislike this, but it is something that I enjoy. I have been collecting fur coats since very young age, then stopped for a long time. Now I usually treat myself to one fur coat a year for the past 10 years.
I love traveling with my two sons who are now in their 20s but still find time to go travel with me. I also enjoy nice cars, currently have 2, a sporty Jaguar for the summer and an Alfa Romeo SUV. Last, but not least, I have a small collection of diamond jewelry, since, as many of you know, diamonds are a girl’s best friend ;).
Anything else you would like to include? Just always be aware of your own worth, of who you truly are. Because only if you are truly yourself can you positively impact others.
At one point in my life I had to start all over again, from scratch, and here I am. All it took was to stand up on my own legs and work my ass off.
Also I am sorry about any grammatical mistakes I may have made as English is not my first language.
I truly enjoyed this one. CC 52 projects an air of self assurance that is admirable. It’s clear that she’s worked hard and appreciates what she has in life without losing sight of what is important. I’m happy to hear she’s not in an abusive relationship anymore. Also, I never would have known she wasn’t a native English speaker.
Agreed! She sounds like she’d be an interesting person to grab a coffee (or a cocktail) with.
CC 52, you are a true inspiration!
CC 52 is such a goal!
So very sweet that you have two doting sons. And I agree about Harrods – it’s an opulent dream, and it’s very hard for me to pick my favorite section.
PB, please publish more international CCs!
I appreciated her honesty re: her life and the struggles she endured. In her adversity, her tenacity to rise up and exceed, shows her strength of character. I admire anyone who pushes back from the struggles in their life and accomplishes their goals. Her story was worthy of being told and I hope that she continues to enjoy her success!
Loved Every single Word. She Is true to herself . Being Happy Is the only One Reason we do what we do. Thanks for sharing.
“Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? I am a successful, European middle aged women, so the answer is no. If they were rude to me, who would they be nice to then? However, I have seen SAs being very rude to some Asians or younger clients. That is obviously wrong, but it is what it is…” WOW!!!
She spoke the truth. She’s a European middle-aged woman who probably dresses in expensive clothing. So yes, she probably is treated well in stores because SAs think she’s going to buy something. And she also acknowledges that SAs have been rude to Asian customers or younger clients. If I go into a luxury store and I’m not dressed in designer, I’m either followed or ignored – because I’m a black woman. And I’m not afraid to say it. I’m sure that makes some people uncomfortable, but as the woman featured said, “It is what it is.” Stop pretending it doesn’t happen.
Exactly, it is NOT what it is, it is something where attention needs to be brought! Racism is unnecessary, it stinks, and it ruins people’s days!
I had to pause when I read those words… the blatant lack of compassion is disconcerting in a somewhat interesting CC. In this day and age, ignorance is not an excuse, let alone APATHY. How great that this woman can be in a privileged as a SUCCESSFUL, EUROPEAN MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN. But it is NOT acceptable and “it is what it is” for the plethora of people receiving the brunt-end of SA rudeness. Because of what, ageism and racism? As someone who *is* considered younger and Asian, I was pained by that statement. It seems she is well aware of her “self-worth” but not the worth of others. I don’t see the so-called positive impact she can bestow to others, as she is so wrapped up in herself in her fur coat bubble. She acknowledges the plight of others and the wrongness of it, but is accepting of this treatment as a norm, as it doesn’t affect her. And no, the statement “it is what it is” is VERY offensive, because it normalizes a discriminatory practice that should not be taking place.
Dear Jessa,
Let me start by saying that I certainly did not mean to offend anyone by my comment about Sales Associates treating some customer better than others, as for me saying “it is what it is” does not mean “I approve of SAs being rude towards young or Asian people”. Please note my intention was to illustrate my awareness of different clients being treated in different manner, nothing more or northing less.
Thus I have to strictly disagree with your interpretation or, if I dare to say, assumption based on the ending of my answer. I wonder how you came up with all this. Do you know me personally or how else did you draw such conclusions, such as the ones that I do not positively impact others or that I live “in a fur coat bubble”?
You have full right to disagree with my affection for fur coats, BUT backing up your judgement of my personality and label me as apathetic, borderline racist, with this, does not seem to be very rational. Perhaps I would suggest to read more critically and not necessarily look for something in the text that is not there.
Further to that, if you proceed to other parts of the CC, you can read that I do not consider relationships with SAs genuine as they are based solely on profits, ..which is part of the problem why SAs are very often dismissive of certain demographic groups.
Last but not least, I would like to state that I 100% do not approve of discriminatory behaviour and if I do witness anyone treated inadequately I always try my best to help them. This is something that has nothing to do with my answer to the question in the CC, but is rather an answer to the claims that have been raised in the comments section.
All the best,
Helena
Oh the oft-used “you don’t know me personally” defense. Sometimes a person shows enough of herself in her writing. You said you don’t care what people think of you but this response says otherwise? When you say stuff like “I love my fur coats” and “it is what it is”, be prepared for some reactions.
Jerri, It’s important to give the CC some margin of error. What’s the point in fighting hatred with more hatred? It isn’t her first language after all, and small nuances are used incorrectly. Remember these lovely members of our community have confided in us. Stop it with the unnecessary pedantic policing on what is essentially one humble person’s opinion and demonstrate kindness to make the change you want to see in this world.
Also try learning her native language and write a perfect piece yourself. Give us a break.
I respectfully disagree that my comment was hateful. But thank you for your perspective nontheless.
Thank you for your feedback Jerri. I certainly see your point and agree with the fur coat parts, which I believe I made very clear in my previous comment. I do not agree with the ‘it is what it is part’, as it certainly was not meant as ‘it’s agist and racist but I don’t care’ but I am aware that it may have been misunderstood, or perhaps the expression is misunderstood by me.
However, I was baffled by the comments of Jessa, as these are rather irrational and indecent.
As for why I care in this case when I generally tend not to. I shared some of my views on fashion and life, which everybody has full right to agree or disagree with, to get some feedback on me as well.
I appreciate reading all the comments, negative and positive, especially when they are constructive criticism.
This one in particular has caught my attention and very much would appreciate some feedback as it seems to be put on a very personal
level and do not really see any connection there as to what any of the above stated comments by me make so clear to Jessa that I cannot impact other people positively.
Helena, you didn’t need to explain but I do appreciate your elaboration on your intended meaning. Don’t worry about the high strung silly people out there. I’m Asian and although I was shocked by that phrase you used, I also accepted that perhaps you didn’t know the full nuanced meaning of the phrase.
It is no problem and you certainly shouldn’t be berated by strangers who’ve refused to try and understand you. I think your grasp of English is phenomenal, I know a most of us would never be as fluent in your native language as you are in English. Thank you for your confession, it was a pleasure to read.
Helena – I’m a black American woman, and I took your comments exactly the way you explained. You acknowledge that some customers are treated differently because of their race, age or the way they look. I’m guessing that there are some commenters in this thread who if I pointed out that I was treated a certain way in a store because of the color of my skin, they would either deny it, make up an excuse or give me one of those uncomfortable smiles and say nothing, while thinking they’re being politically correct. I’ve dealt with that crap all of my life. You were honest in acknowledging that you are treated a certain way because you’re a well-off white woman. I in no way took that as your being insensitive. If I had stated that, then certain people would probably accuse me of “reverse racism” instead of acknowledging that in many circumstances, white people are treated better. I appreciate your post, and I totally get where you’re coming from. And thank you for being honest.
Hear hear sister
Right, I most certainly took it as if.. I’m privileged and too bad if you aren’t oh well for you! I don’t think this person is racist per say, but clearly if someone else was racist right in front of her, she wouldn’t care and/or wouldn’t say a word. Just as bad in my opinion.
Right, I most certainly took it as if.. I’m privileged and too bad if you aren’t oh well for you! I don’t think this person is racist per say, but clearly if someone else was racist right in front of her, she wouldn’t care and/or wouldn’t say a word. Just as bad in my opinion.
Agreed! “It is what it is…” shocked me and I had to read it twice to believe I read it correctly. This comment is extremely racist and there is no denying or defending her statement!
The phrase can be interpreted two ways, a colloquial phrase that infers there’s nothing you can do about, and the literal interpretation that it is a fact of life, a genuine observation.
I don’t read that comment as racist at all. Instead, to me, it seems that CC 52 is acknowledging her privilege and that, as a white and moneyed woman, she is among the demographics that tends to not have to deal with discriminatory service. I also interpreted the “it is what it is” as acknowledging that discriminatory service exists.
It is several things, including racist. It is also dismissive and discriminatory as though Asian people are less worthy than she. The term “acknowledging her privilege” is so wrong as it is elitist and perpetuates a norm that should not exist, but it does. The only way change will occur is to acknowledge, educate and not ignore that racism is blatantly perpetrated and is fundamentally wrong. Also, to stand by and watch while anyone, regardless of who they are, be treated poorly should upset all of us and inspire change in everyone.
I’m a black woman who has been treated poorly many times in stores all my life because of my skin color. I don’t ever recall a non-black person speaking up for me or coming to my aid, not once. Usually, I’ll just get either an embarrassing smile or a head turned in the other direction. But most non-black people will say nothing. So please get off your high horse about standing by and watching while racial discrimination happens. I did not take her comments in any way to mean that she is dismissive of racism. As a matter of fact, she acknowledges that because she’s a white woman with money, she’s privileged. And you can’t change things that you don’t acknowledge. All of these comments from people accusing her of racism are making me ill, because more than likely not one of you would come to my aid or speak up for ME if I were treated poorly in a store. AND YOU KNOW IT.
oh hey, If you love Sporty cars, take a look at Tesla. 🙂
Loved that she is confident and self – assured. But damn she is racist.
Sorry, I don’t quite see how she’s racist. Please explain.
If you’ve ever been to the Czech Republic, you’ll be struck by how insular the people are there. My DH and I were careful not to dress in the “American Tourist” manner but were approached by a man in a cafe who exclaimed “you’re Americans!” as if he was so tickled to see us. He further explained that we Americans are very friendly, trusting, helpful and that we smile at everyone. Then he explained the Velvet Revolution (google it) and that Czechs are still very mistrustful of each other and aren’t inclined to help each other in times of trouble.
Lest I be accused of any type of labeling, I do want to point out his explanation went a long way in explaining the mindset and mannerisms of the people of Praha, to me anyway.
And I need to mention that when I went into the LV store in Praha, it was full of Asian tourists. I managed to snag an associate, told him which bag I wanted and that I had euros in hand to pay. He told me to come back after 4:00, when the tourist group would be leaving. So no, this white, middle-aged woman certainly got no special treatment at LV.