In today’s installment of closet confessionals we meet a mid-thirties marketing professional who believes in the power of working hard and budgeting harder for what you want! Though this confessor loves luxury bags like the rest of us, she’s not a huge shopper and believes in shopping for quality not quantity. Her attitude towards saving for bags is incredibly admirable and she shares her wisdom and fool-proof formula of saving for everything else first and your bags last. This confessor believes in purchasing bags to celebrate milestones or while on a trip, and many pieces in her collection are tied to special memories in her life. While Chanel is one of her go-to brands, currently she’s saving for her first Birkin bag and has chosen to go the pre-loved route as she’s got her bag-loving heart set on a specific one. Read the full CC below and don’t forget to submit your own.
[sc_cc_callout]The Basics
Age: 36
Gender Identity: Female
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California
Occupation: Director of Marketing
Industry: Real Estate and Investment Management
Salary: $215,000
Household Income: $465,000
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? No
How many bags do you own? 20
What bags are in your collection?
I have recently “cleaned out” my closet and sold bags that I no longer use. I “curated” my collection to keep it minimal and I always think in terms of cost per wear and long-term “investment” value.
As for the contemporary brands:
I use Everlane totes for work and avoid wearing designer bags to work. I have their totes in neutral colors such as beige, black and merlot. I also own a Mansur Gavriel bucket bag flamma in the Medium size but I don’t really use it as much. I have a few Kate Spade bags I use to travel and a Longchamp le pilage medium bag that I use as a diaper bag for my baby girl. I have a couple of Furla bags as well.
I save and budget for my designer bag purchases every year. My favorite is Chanel but currently, I am saving up for my first Hermès Birkin bag in 35 cm. I will go preloved since I have a specific color and hardware I am looking for.
My current designer bag collection is as follows:
– Chanel M/L classic flap in caviar leather with gold hardware
– Vintage small beige classic flap (single flap)
– Vintage vertical jumbo (with 24 carat gold hardware!)
– Vintage small red classic flap (single flap)
– Mini Coco Handle in chevron SO BLACK (my latest edition!)
– Louis Vuitton mini pochette in damier azur
– Louis Vuitton accessories in damier ebene
– Louis Vuitton keepall bandoulier 45 in monogram
– Louis Vuitton vintage Alzer 70 trunk
– Louis Vuitton Speedy 30
– Chanel vintage clutch bag
How much is your collection worth? Around $38,000
What is your most expensive bag? I would say the most expensive bag is my Chanel M/L classic flap which I got at the Rue Cambon store in Paris after graduating from business school. Actually, it was a gift from my husband. The Louis Vuitton Alzer 70 currently retails for more than $10,000 USD but since mine was vintage, I got it for less than that.
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? Chanel M/L classic flap is meaningful because a) it was my first Chanel bag and b) it was a gift from my husband during our first Paris trip together after I got my M.B.A. so it was a nice way to celebrate a big milestone together.
Chanel mini coco top handle so black in chevron is also special because it was also a gift from my husband after I reached another milestone for my health.
I would say I also love my vintage LV trunk because I had always wanted to use it as a decoration piece in my closet. I’ve traveled internationally with my bags and have such unique, fun memories attached to them. I also have bought SLGs at Chanel boutiques around the world to remember each international trip.
Currently, I am on my Hermès journey and hope to add the Birkin bag to my collection.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? I am not sure if Coach counts as one but I got my first Coach bag in college and was obsessed about it for a few years. If that doesn’t count, the first real designer bag was my Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 that my mom bought for me when I got my first real job after college. We got it at the LV store on Rodeo Drive (lol!)
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? YES! I have decided to add a Birkin 35 to my collection. For the longest time, I thought I wanted a Kelly bag but I think that can wait and would love to add a vintage Kelly. After much consideration and research, I think a Birkin bag will be a great addition. It’s a great work tote and the craftsmanship is second to none not to mention the brand history and so forth. I am definitely looking to go preloved because I have decided on the color, type of leather and hardware and don’t want to wait until I am “offered” exactly what I want. In the meantime, I will still shop for scarves, jewelry and shoes at Hermes but I don’t want to compromise on what I want for my Birkin bag.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? As mentioned above, it’s my Chanel M/L classic bag and Chanel mini coco top handle. They symbolize major milestones achieved so far.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Yes and no. I do not carry designer bags to work or talk about them because people assume you love brands and logos just because. I study the history of these brands and truly appreciate what they offer. I love Chanel bags because I love the way they look and also they are super durable (have not had any issues that others have lately). I also budget, save and invest and do not go into debt for these. I think people get the wrong idea that you are “superficial” or “showing off” or “aren’t good with money” but for me, that’s far from the truth. I own real estate, invest in stock and save and budget. I build my designer bag funds to save up for what I want. I do research by watching Youtube videos and reading Purseforum posts and everything. Nothing is impulsive for me. It’s usually months of saving and researching.
With that being said, I would definitely say avoid carrying designer bags to work because they do have an impact on how you are treated. Even if you are the head of the department or a partner in a firm, it may not be good for the team morale and/or could give off the wrong impressions. It’s unfortunate but people do judge for the wrong reasons.
The Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? I try to do it once a year but in the last 3-4 years, I would say I bought 2-3 bags per year. However, moving forward, I would like to do that once a year or once every 2-3 years especially after I buy my Birkin.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Chanel, all the way.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Absolutely! I love Fashionphile and Yoogi’s Closet! They are my go-to!
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Not to pay for new purchases but to clean up – I’ve sold my Marc Jacobs bags, Prada and Kate Spade before.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? Not at all. I buy them because I love them and I want them for myself. I don’t buy for others or to impress others. Quite frankly, no one around me is into designer bags anyways so I tend not to talk about them at all. I also always think about cost per wear and opt for classics. I avoid trendy pieces and buy classic pieces I can wear for many years to come and ones I can possibly hand down to my daughter. Classics always win in my book!
I don’t follow trends. I am at a point in my life where I think about long-term value of things and not what’s “hot” or “trendy” at the moment.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Yes. I know they are different from real estate investing or stock and so forth, but they are investments in a way that I may put a lot of money into one item BUT I can use it for many years to come while the value of the bags go up. I may buy something for $5,000 today and use it for next 5-10 years and by that time, it would be more than double, given the price increase trend. I know that if I need money immediately, I can always sell one of my designer bags. This is a topic that’s a bit controversial and people have strong opinions but honestly, I always think about cost per wear and how long I will have it and what it will be worth at the end of that so for me, it’s an investment.
Who influences your buying decisions? YouTube! haha I love Minks4all, Sophie Shohet and Cassie Thorpe! They are so informative, cool and real! I also always look at PurseForum boards to get people’s opinions! I love bag chat groups on Facebook as well. I tend to narrow down my choices to 2-3 and then ask for opinions.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? I didn’t think so before because I was always buying in European countries but I would say as I started shopping more in the States, SA relationships are important because they definitely have helped me to track the bags I want! Right now, I am building relationships with Chanel and Hermès SAs.
Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? I usually have a major milestone attached to my purchase so it’s a celebration and a symbol of a major accomplishment. I don’t really shop much, to be honest. I believe in buying less but better.
Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? I have not. To be honest, I’ve always had positive experiences at all the boutiques I’ve been to around the world. I just smile and am extra polite to the SAs and I noticed their attitude changes when I am clear about what I want because I am there not just to browse but also to purchase. I don’t think they can be rude to a smiling customer who also treats them with respect and common courtesy. I’ve always had pleasant experiences.
The Money
Who pays for your bags? Mostly, my husband haha 🙂 He’s a keeper. But I also saved and bought some of them myself.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? 100% Absolutely. This is important. I have my “luxury fund” where I put in $$ every month when I know what bag I want to add next to my collection. DO NOT GO INTO DEBT buying designer bags. You should save money only after all your essentials are paid for PLUS investing/saving and everything. I try to set aside $500-1,000/month.
The Taboo Topics
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Nope. I hate fake bags. If I can’t afford them, I don’t buy them. I also don’t buy these bags to show off or make a statement. They are for me to enjoy, love and care for. I could honestly care less about what people think.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Nope. We share our finances and are transparent about everything we bring in and buy.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? Hmmm, I would say right now I am not shopping at all and doing my own “no buy” challenge and putting extra money into my Birkin fund.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? I would say I have had times where I was buying a lot just for the sake of it or because things were on sale and usually that’s when I am extra stressed about things. However, as I got older, I got that under control because I have more financial responsibilities and need to save for the future for the family and all.
The Rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? Honestly, buying and collecting designer bags is my most expensive hobby and my true passion.
Anything else you would like to include? I love this community of fellow luxury bag addicts with no judgment and I see people being truly happy for each other so I love that. I would say, always try to save up for your next bag and do NOT fall into trendy pieces. Instead of buying a mediocre bag for $1,000-$2,000, save that for a classic from Chanel or Hermès. You will wear them for many, MANY years to come.
Also, it’s good to know your audience and avoid talking about these in a professional setting to keep the focus on your work and your accomplishments.
Try to save for a big purchase for a major milestone or buy them in countries you travel to – that makes them that much special!!!
I love how she classified Prada with Michael Kors and Kate Spade LOOL.
I get a slight flavor of superiority complex here. “not sure if Coach counts as designer…” and “I was always buying in European countries”….and “I noticed their attitude changes when I am clear about what I want because I am there not just to browse but also to purchase.” and “Instead of buying a mediocre bag for $1,000-$2,000….”. She rubbed me the wrong way. Trying to come off as sensible but really wanting to sound superior to the average Jane.
I got what she meant. TPF really promotes the premier designers so sometimes I also feel like Coach, Kate Spade, etc might not really be considered “real” designer brands here. Not bc I’m too good for them but TPF might feel that way!
I find it’s funny. The buying in European countries trick only work with a non EU residents. And I could find a classic bag from 5 designers below $2000 easily. Of course, Mulberry, Chloé, YSL, Valextra… might not in her range of designers bag.
I hear what previous comments are saying about some comments rubbing the wrong way – I felt a bit of that as well. However, I’ve also found that if I spend the majority of my time in certain forums others’ opinions and takes on different designers can rub off and become “the norm”. Imma give the benefit of the doubt and say I don’t think she meant to offend.
Also, for OP, Coach counts! Terminology-wise it sounds like Coach was your first contemporary designer bag and LV was your first premier designer bag. 🙂
Sorry for being off topic but it really bugs me when people who aren’t members of the forum post CCs. I know this is probably stupid but it just makes me not want to read the CC at all.
Yes, I agree. It’s one thing if they never go to TPF at all, but to go in and benefit from the advice shared there but never contribute…they shouldn’t be profiled in CC. It reminds me a little of the people who go into the locally owned store, pick the brains of the owners and staff for advice about a product, then go home and order it from Amazon to save $5. I hope PB takes notice and makes sure that CC number 100 is from a regular TPFer.
I also found this one slightly off-putting overall. People who are struggling to save to buy a designer bag usually don’t have Moms shopping for them on Rodeo Drive or husbands buying them bags as presents while they’re on holiday in Europe.
I’m curious why it bugs you if they aren’t members of the forum? Are forum members more knowledgeable re: bags? I’m trying to understand since I’m not a member. (If this reads as confrontational that is not my intent. I know words can be misinterpreted. If I could ask you in person you would know that I’m sincere). ?
All good Ann! I think it’s because there’s just a sense of camaraderie with forum members, it feels almost unearned when it’s just some random who pops in from time to time. If you’re a member it just feels like you’ve taken the extra step. That’s how I feel anyway! Also I hope this doesn’t come across as confrontational either, I’m just explaining how I feel?
I understand. What few comments I’ve read everyone is supportive, kind and respectful. It feels like friends getting together to discuss their love of bags. And the best part is I haven’t seen any bickering. ?
Kinda agree. She did say “I also always look at PurseForum boards to get people’s opinions!” so can one look on PurseForum boards without being a member? I always have to log in…
You can look at them but you can’t comment or get notified when there’s new activity. It’s just a personal preference but I’m always more interested in what fellow PFers have to say!
I really liked this CC, I fully resonate with OP. Maybe it’s because I work long hours and really hard for my money I’m also really careful with which bags I spend my money on. Totally in agreement that you should really save to get the bag you really want and not get sidetracked by less desirable but less expensive pieces. For her it may be Chanel , for others it may be a different bag but I 100% agree on the underlying philosophy. I just take it as she probably made some decisions she regrets now and she’s just sharing what she wouldn’t do today, I don’t think she meant to offend.
I appreciate her trying to be sensible but perhaps easy to lecture people on saving a ton of money when her husband buys most of her bags for her.
Not sure why the husband buying her bags is relevant, the philosophy of not going into debt to fund for handbags is still a sound one. She’s very fortunate to have a generous husband and receiving gifts is a bonus, it doesn’t mean that otherwise she would go into debt to buy handbags.
Very relatable read for me because i also do extensive budgeting and research on the next bag to purchase and try to limit those impulsive purchases. No to temptation and like her i am a chanel lover too. I can truly relate to buying her first hermes birkin in the preloved market because i just did that and im just waiting for her to come home now. My first birkin even if she is not brand new and came from the store I know i will treasure her for years to come. i know how that feels like because it took me so long 14years to finally do it. Guess i was stupid during my younger years because i always wanted to buy 1 bag from each brand. I also have milestones attached to my purchases so i have plenty of bags that have sentimental value.
I wonder what is true here. She saves up but then her husband buys most of her bags? She also makes plenty of $ to not save for too long. Also if she uses very low cost bags for work, where does she use all these bags?
Weekends and evenings, probably? I do the same thing as OP, use an everlane tote for work, and i save my nice bags for dinners with friends or going out on the weekends. There are lots of other opportunities to use them.
She has a baby and who is doing any of that for the past year in the pandemic?? Or are we talking about the before times? Lol I haven’t touched my nice bags in a year. No need to take them to pick up groceries or to walk around the block.
I think it’s pretty obvious that she is talking about before pandemic, I’m assuming her expansive collection was not just accumulated over the last 12 months. She’s in her mid 30s so she’s had ample time to curate a collection before the pandemic and having a baby.
lol. she’s not going into debt bc her husband pays for most of her bags. *eyeroll*
Very nicely articulated.
Very nicely articulated.
I’m confused when she says her husband buys most of her bags for her. They’re married so it’s really her money too…. is it just that he chooses them himself?