In today’s installment of closet Confessionals, we head to Boston to chat with a nurse practitioner who has been collecting bags for a decade and a half now. The purchase that started it all was a Gucci Diana bag that this lover of the classics snagged when she was 26. Now, she has amassed a collection of 20 designer bags spanning some truly remarkable brands, with favorites from Chanel and Dior.
This uninfluenced, unapologetic collector believes in buying what she likes and what truly works for her. While she does admit that COVID isolation and a hard year led to more bag purchases than normal, CC 142 hopes to one day set a bag-buying budget and feels like she has finally reached PursePeace. However, one positive aspect is that now CC 142 is a lot more likely to purchase second-hand for sustainability reasons, which is something we can all continue to aim to be better at. read the full CC below with pictures of some stunning Chanels too!
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The Basics
Age: 41
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Boston, MA
Occupation: nurse Practitioner
Industry: Healthcare
Salary: $180,000
Household Income: $180,000
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? No
How many bags do you own? 20 designer and 7 contemporary.
What bags are in your collection?
1997 black Chanel Jumbo Flap with 24k gold and large CCs in lambskin
1991 white Chanel Quilted small single Flap
Lady Dior mini extra black matte
Medium lady Dior silver chrome and blush pink (vintage 2007)
Vintage Dior Saddle Bag rasta edition
YSL Envelope large – blush and black
Chanel extra Mini
Chanel Mademoiselle satchel plum (2004)
Chanel medium CF pink
Chanel Jumbo CF red
Chanel boy Bag black
Chanel Rectangle mini Flap metallic purple
Chanel adjustable strap Square mini Flap – bubble gum pink
YSL Uptown tote patent leather (vintage) and newer model
YSL Bubble Bag
MCM neon pink backpack
The rest are Kate spade and Tory burch bags which I love equally
How much is your collection worth? $40,000
What is your most expensive bag? Chanel Jumbo CF
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? My Dior extra black patent mini is my favorite bag. I love the edgy juxtaposition of a very feminine bag.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? 26, a Gucci Diana bag.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? The Fendi first clutch is to die for.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? My vintage Chanel bag, which was made the year I graduated high school. I love the iconic Chanel from the 90s which I fell in love with back then.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? yes people who don’t enjoy luxury pieces are unable to get past the idea that we don’t wear/buy them to impress others but to bring ourselves joy and happiness.
Have your bag-carrying habits changed since Covid? No. I’ve always loved small to medium-sized bags and that hasn’t changed.
The Shopping
How often do you buy new bags? during the first year of covid I bought 6 bags which is an extreme year but it was due to boredom. On average 1-3x year.
Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury? I’m more likely to purchase second-hand for sustainability.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and Saks.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? I spend too many hours on Fashionphile, Yoogis closet or vintage Armoire.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? sometimes but rarely. I love all my bags for different reasons. [But occasionally] Fashionphile.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No because I buy what speaks to my individual style and I prefer classic and timeless pieces.
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? No. I am acquiring a taste for more vintage pieces from Chanel and Dior. The craftsmanship of the newer versions doesn’t compare.
Who influences your buying decisions? Me.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? No.
Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? enjoying the journey that a bag has traveled prior to me adding to its history.
Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? No.
The Money
Who pays for your bags? I do.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No but I am working on doing that someday.
The Taboo Topics
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Not intentionally but I ordered a Saddle Bag online 20 years ago before I had a lux experience that I suspected might have been fake so I got rid of it.
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? I’m divorced so that’s a no but when I was married my husband couldn’t complain since bills were paid prior to exuberant purchases with my own money.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? I have purchased bags I really loved in ok condition at lower prices with plans to make a project out of them with leather surgeons who do incredible work.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? I used to think so but I think I’ve found purse peace after yearning for a white purse most of my life.
The rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I love shoes, makeup, and clothes.
Anything else you would like to include? You only live once. Do what makes you happy. Don’t let anyone tell you how to enjoy your hard-earned money.
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