In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals we meet a self-proclaimed bag-obsessed HR exec who received her very first Gucci back at age 12. A favorite piece of hers is a vintage A-Frame Gucci bag that reminds her of her grandmother, so it’s safe to say that her love of luxury comes from within. Now well into adulthood, this 50-something confessor knows what she likes, and as a free-spirit, she’s inclined to buy what suits her and only uses influencers as a way to review how a bag can be used or worn. The secondary market is an important bag-buying tool for this confessor, who admits to getting tired of bags quickly. Though she is not opposed to buying (and selling!) bags on the secondary market, this bag lover still frequents department stores and boutiques, purchasing new bags several times a year. As a person of color, this confessor has experienced the unfortunate realities of racial profiling in this country, and she highlights her experiences receiving inferior service at times. Read the full CC below and don’t forget to submit your own!
[sc_cc_callout]The Basics
Age: 56
Gender Identity: Female
Location: California
Occupation: Chief Human Resources Officer
Industry: Healthcare
Salary: $195,000
Household Income: $265,000
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
How many bags do you own? 30
What bags are in your collection? Chanel, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Dior, YSL.
How much is your collection worth? $60,000
What is your most expensive bag? Vintage Chanel
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? Limited edition Marc Jacobs for LV Bag -14 of 50
Near Pristine vintage lambskin Kelly- Large
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 12 – Gucci
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? A runway piece. I have a new never worn Chanel Flower Power Flap on the way. In the large size.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? My vintage A-Frame Gucci reminds me of my grandmother.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Yes, I find people either treat you better or treat you like how did you get that. Being Black I see it a lot.
The Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? Several times a year.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Neimans or Nordstrom. Lately I’ve been going directly to Chanel’s boutiques.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Yes, The RealReal and Fashionphile mostly. However I recently used Ann’s Fabulous Finds and Yoogi’s.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Occasionally. I usually sell because I’m fickle and get tired of them quickly which is why I like to purchase pre-loved. I have used Fashionphile, The RealReal and Yoogi’s.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No I’m just what they call a bag whore so any excuse will do…lol.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Only a couple. Those are the ones I have no plans to sell because I’d like to pass them to my daughter. I feel if I can get 60-75% of what I paid I’m happy. Anything more is a gift.
Who influences your buying decisions? I am a free spirit, I buy what I like. I usually use influencers to review the bags options. I honestly find them sincere especially those that are buying Hermes every month.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Hasn’t been for me. I’ve found if you are likeable they treat you very well.
Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? Stress relief and I love the thrill of the hunt.
Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? Yes. Especially being Black. Some SAs act as if they own the store and how dare you be there. I’ve had situations where I have been waiting and a white lady will show up and they will immediately assist her and claim to not have seen me.
The Money
Who pays for your bags? I do.
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? No.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? All the time!!!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? I’ve not had that experience yet.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? Yes. yes. I’ve forced myself to venture into other projects and disassociated myself with Facebook groups and store websites
The Rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I love furniture restoration.
Anything else you would like to include? Purses are wonderful but be smart in purchases.
I understand her “frustration” re: walking into a store and being completely overlooked. This happened to me in a small Chanel boutique. The two Chanel SA’s couldn’t bother to look up from their phones, when I came in. I glanced around the store and then stood at the counter waiting for one of them to assist me. It’s hard to miss me since I’m 5’10” and finally after 5 minutes I obnoxiously asked if I was “invisible and if not could I be shown a bag”. However, apparently I was invisible because another, perhaps regular customer came in, and they rushed to assist her.
It sounds like CC81 has a really unique collection, which makes her short answers frustrating. I wish she had expanded more on what bags she has, what drew her to them, and how she obtained them.
If there can be a follow up post that would be great. It’s hard to know what to share. She’d probably be happy to share more detail
Did anyone else catch her tongue in cheek response regarding influencers who buy Hermes every month? 😉