In today’s installment of closet Confessionals we’re introduced to a Philadelphian who inherited a love of bags from her mother. though her collection runs deep and includes pieces from some of the most beloved luxury brands, her purchases are well thought out and budgeted for. shopping for new bags overseas allows this 30-something to take advantage of VAT tax returns, though she isn’t shy about shopping the secondary market either. Her most significant purchase was a pre-loved Birkin, which she admits is what “broke the ceiling”. This confessor still shares her love of bags with her mom, and hopes to one day pass it along to a younger generation as well. read the full confessional below and be sure to submit your own.
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The Basics
Age: 39
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Occupation: finance Director
Industry: consumer Products
Salary: $165,000
Household Income: $200,000
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? Yes
How numerous bags do you own? 100+
What bags are in your collection?
The few that come to mind…
Hermes Birkin 35
Chanel 2.55 Reissue Flap bag
Vintage Chanel Flap Bag Lambskin
Chanel Deauville tote Large
Gucci Soho Disco
Gucci supreme Backpack
LV Neverfull GM (Monogram, Damier, Damier Azur)
Dior vintage Saddle Bag Trotter
Dior Studded Lambskin lady Bag
Goyard St. Louis (GM & PM)
Celine Phantom Luggage Tote
Vintage Fendi Zucca Crossbody
Fendi Peekaboo
Saint Laurent Sac Du Jour
How much is your collection worth? $150,000+
What is your many expensive bag? The Birkin, I purchased it pre-loved for $8,000 but it was the bag that broke the ceiling for me. once I purchased that bag, it became simpler to purchase bags that were above $1,000. I was literally shaking from the shock and delight of the purchase. I always set that bag as one of my “bag goals” and I was able to finally get to a place in my life that I could obtain it.
What are the most essential brands or pieces in your collection? I think it ebbs and flows depending on my mood. As I get older, classics seem to call to me Chanel, Dior, LV. The Neverfull is a staple for work, I can carry everything I need in that bag. It’s difficult and resilient as well – I have learned recently to be kinder to my bags. My mother always taught me never to leave them on the floor and to condition my bags so the leather/material lasts longer. Gucci is my go-to fun bag, I have a few in my collection – totes, take on bags or crossbody that really fit everyday usage. For special occasions I turn to Chanel or Dior to really pull together my look. The Hermes is for very special occasions. I do try to rotate as often as I can. I probably need to revisit my collection and think about the ones I probably ought to let go of but each bag has some sentimental importance to me.
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? Gucci is the one that concerns mind at first, I was in my early 20s. I purchased a web Boston bag with strap and matching purse in Italy on a trip with my family. We were flying out of Rome and that was where my mother convinced me to “treat myself” so I purchased the item there. because then I always try to have a matching purse for my bag…it’s my thing.
Is there a particular bag you are wanting to purchase next? I’m always on the lookout for something different, but I think it depends on my mood. I have a list of bags that I try to slowly knock off (if I can afford to). The Chanel WOC has always been one on my mind but I have a Gucci and Dior WOC so it isn’t a should purchase at this time. For the price point, I would rather have a Chanel young boy (which is also on the list). I practically purchased one in Florence last year but when I tried it on, I was not “in love” with it. The Hermes Kelly is on my list, I am just waiting for the best color combination to show up in outstanding pre-loved condition. Lastly, I’ve been looking into the Faure Le page line or bags, specifically the daily Battle. sadly with COVID, I will not be able to travel to France anytime soon.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? all of my bags have a sentimental value to me, which makes it hard to let go of them. I will say if I had to choose another besides the Birkin it would be the Damier Azur Neverfull. I just got my perk from a new job I started, it was in nyc and working for a big cosmetics company. I felt like I deserved a new “work bag” so I walked into the LV and made the purchase. It felt really good. Of course on a trip to Mexico I had to purchase a matching purse – the Origami Damier Azur was calling me!
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? In the Northeast, I don’t think it does because numerous professionals in the NY/NJ/PA/CT area have good things. I lived in Greenwich, CT for 7 years so having a Birkin was normal there. It’s incredible because the women there would just walk around in gym clothes but you would see their accessories and could tell they had disposable income. I do think in traveling abroad people will treat you differently but that is probably because they are trying to sell you a timeshare, haha!
The Shopping
How often do you purchase new bags? 1-2 times a year. I typically purchase one on a trip abroad to take advantage of the VAT.
Which stores do you frequent the most? Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel
Do you ever purchase second-hand bags? Where do you purchase used? yes – I am not a snob to pre-loved. Living in Greenwich there was a plethora of pre-loved bags through consignment stores which was great. I slowly built my collection from the stores there – they were authenticated and in outstanding condition! It was practically like it was worn once or twice and then tossed aside. I also love vintage looks which seem to be coming back, i.e. Dior Saddle bag, Gucci Jackie.
I also visit Fashionphile, Rebag and Vestiaire Collective.
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? I would love to, but they all have sentimental value. It’s on my list of things to do in my spare time (which fortunately now with “sheltering in place” has increased)
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase much more bags? No
Do you consider your bag purchases investments? To some extent they are, I plan on eventually selling some of my collection and leaving my personal favorites to my nieces or nephews.
Who typically influences your purchasing decisions? My mother…she is a fashionista and had started my love of handbags. We still have the collection of trainer bags that were so popular in the 90s (and are back in style thanks to J Lo!). She is my sounding board when I am thinking of making a big purchase. She celebrates great finds (she loves vintage bags as well) and is my most significant critic of purchases that make no sense.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? It is not a should have and because I make purchases traveling difficult to really maintain. However, if I do meet an associate that I like I will reach out to them for future purchases. It makes the shopping experience so simple. I’ve kept in touch with a Gucci associate from the Las vegas store in Cesars Forum who is great and anytime I am searching for something particular she gets back to me. In Venice too there was an outstanding associate that not only hailed a water taxi for me and my family but walked us in the rain (provided umbrellas we could keep) to the taxi. Again, we spent 3 hours in the store and walked out with some great purchases but he really went above and beyond. I have his number for the next time I visit, if Italy re-opens in the near future.
Why do you delight in shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? I grew up with a mother who loved to shop so I guess its our favorite past-time. I love finding deals and distinct pieces to compliment my personal style and collection.
Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? yes – there were numerous times I walked into a store and was ignored because I was not dressed a certain way, etc. which was sad because they just let that potential purchase walk out the door.
The Money
Who pays for your bags? Me.
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? yes – typically my perk is what I use to expand my collection
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? No, I typically cut the price label by 30% but I want to try to be as truthful as I can. He knows its my hard earned bonus.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? nothing really…I try to budget appropriately.
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? While I admit to shopping much more – lately with COVID I have been succumbing to online shopping much more than ever because there is nowhere to go but stay at home – I don’t think of it as an addiction.
The rest Of It
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? traveling with my husband and family – I love the Caribbean, France, and Italy. I always plan a trip to the beach and another for adventure. I was expected to go to Ireland this year but sadly that got cancelled. I’m looking forward to when we can travel again.
Shoes are my other love! I am a sucker for the Gucci loafers and sneakers. I just purchased a pair of the LV Run Away sneakers – curious to see if they are worth it.
Watches are something I inherited from my dad – he collects them. I purchased a Cartier tank a few years ago and love the classic, stylish look of the watch. I also have a Bulgari Serpenti view that I found in Mexico at the Boutique. It’s so distinct and beautiful – its much more a bracelet than watch.I am still searching for the designer digital view of my dreams. I am an Android user so Apple view won’t work out for me, I found a pleased medium with the Garmin Vivo but am so jealous of my brother’s label digital view – sadly it is just so big on my wrist!
Anything else you would like to include? When you read this you probably think I am either crazy for the amount of bags I have or have tons of disposable income. The reality is like everyone else I work hard and budget accordingly. I’m a very humble person. I don’t brag about my things like a lot of people that I know.
I started my collection as soon as I began working and made enough money to afford it; much more importantly its a shared interest with my mother and keeps us connected. To this day, we love to call each other to get each other’s opinion on something we saw online or share a purchase. It’s our “hobby” if you will. one day I hope I can have that same connection with my niece (or child if that is in the cards).