In today’s installment of wardrobe Confessionals, we’re inspecting in with a high-end enthusiast in her early forties, whose like for bags began with the purchase of a coach bag at age 20. like so many other tPF members, this tPFer ultimately graduated from coach to other high-end brands, ultimately making her method as much as her holy grail: The Birkin. This confessor is down to earth as well as a wise shopper, acknowledging the privilege she has to purchase these items, which is something we can all be more mindful of—appreciating what we have!
Though in her early twenties, this confessor when opened a department store credit history card just to be able to purchase a coveted Louis Vuitton bag, these days she would never. Rather, confessor 134 makes sure her purchases are organized as well as ruminated on. Her collection includes some truly enviable essential pieces, however our preferred bag from CC 134’s collection has to be the Gucci Bee Bag that this confessor’s mom gifted as a tribute to her late daughter. checked out the full CC below, as well as don’t fail to remember to submit your own!
Share Your own Confessional!
The Basics
Age: 43
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Sacramento, CA
Occupation: Human Resources
Industry: higher Education
Salary: $70,000
Household Income: $200,000
The Bags
Are you a PurseForum member? No
How many bags do you own? 10
What bags are in your collection?
Hermès Birkin 35
Hermès Evelyn PM – 2 different colors
Hermès De Pansage Groom Tote
Chanel Jumbo Flap
Gucci Marmont Crossbody
Gucci camera Bee Bag
Goyard St. Louis carry in PM as well as GM
How much is your collection worth? $20,000
What is your most costly bag? Hermès Birkin 35
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? The very first would be the Chanel Jumbo Flap. It was my ultimate dream bag as well as I helped 2 years to put money aside to pay for it. It felt like such an achievement for me to be able to purchase that bag.
The next is the Hermès Birkin. My family’s monetary circumstance had improved greatly as well as I was in the setting to make this purchase. It was a total dream come true as I had been longing for the bag for many years as well as years. I was almost in disbelief that it was lastly mine.
What age did you get your very first designer bag, as well as what was it? A black, leather coach hobo when I was about 20 years old. like many tPF members, coach was my gateway drug.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Recently, I’ve been very, extremely picky with bags that I purchase. I want products that I will want permanently therefore I am more drawn to Chanel as well as Hermès than ever. I truly don’t want to go with selling bags that I no longer want. For my next purchase, I’d like one more Chanel flap in grey. I’d likewise like an Hermès Kelly 28 in black or gold.
Any specific bag that holds a special emotional value? Besides the ones mentioned above, my mom gifted me the Gucci Bee Bag as a birthday gift years ago. It’s devoted to my child who passed away. She dressed up as a bumblebee her last Halloween with our family.
Do you feel like your bags modification people’s perceptions of you or exactly how you’re treated? In my community, there are not a ton of people who walk around with high-end bags. So I assumption when I wear mine (which I do everywhere), it gets noticed. My Hermès Evelyn is my daily bag for errands. I when used my Chanel jumbo flap to the shopping center as well as somebody across the method shouted “nice bag.” Ha ?
I likewise feel like when you walk into a store bring such pieces, you are treated in a different way as they understand you are a serious shopper.
Have your bag-carrying habits altered since Covid? Not really. I have had sanitizer squirt over my daily bags. ? If that had occurred to the Birkin or Jumbo flap, my heart would have been broken.
The Shopping
How frequently do you buy new bags? It truly depends. In years past, I would state perhaps when or twice a year. however they were more mid-price bags such as YSL as well as Gucci. In the last year, as my monetary circumstance has improved, I purchase if I truly want the bag – I’ll believe on it, do my research, as well as make the purchase.
Has the Coronavirus pandemic altered your buying habits or general mindset towards luxury? I was able to purchase my Birkin pre-loved during the beginning of the pandemic. I felt extremely guilty as I understood many people were losing their tasks as well as would struggle. however I worked so difficult as well as so long for this, I might not pass up the chance to do so. however at this point, I like what I like as well as will continue to buy what works for me.
Which stores do you regular the most? Hermès as well as Chanel.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? Yes! Absolutely! I have no qualms about buying pre-loved. I feel like it’s a sustainable method to reduce waste. Also, it’s a truly great method to purchase bags that are no longer in production or difficult to find.
Do you offer old bags to pay for new purchases? I definitely utilized to. I have offered off bags, shoes, jewelry. I believe at this point my collection is where I want it to be as well as I don’t have anything I don’t want. Now, particularly since purse values have risen so much, I would not offer my bags in fear of not being able to purchase it once again because of high prices.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? No, I don’t. I would not, buy a bag unless it’s something I truly desired as well as it makes sense for my budget plan as well as my style.
Do you think about your bag purchases investments? Not up until now. The Chanel Jumbo Bag that I bought 5 years back has doubled in value. It’s truly difficult to ignore at this point. however I would not spend my money on a bag just since I feel like the cost would go up later.
Who influences your buying decisions? I’m guilty of being influenced by influencers! I have specific YouTube vloggers that I like as well as follow. So obviously their style as well as aesthetic are similar to mine. So I definitely take their purchases into consideration.
Are sales partner connections instrumental to your shopping? I have a lovely SA at an Hermès outside of California who I have bought things from. other than that, I don’t have any type of SA’s I have ties to.
Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just obtaining something new? For me, I feel like it’s a sense of accomplishment. You covet something for so long. You work difficult as well as save for it. It’s the fruits of your labor. It’s a fantastic feeling.
Have you ever felt like you got inferior service at a store or shop because of your appearance, ethnicity or gender? For me, I feel like it’s a sense of accomplishment. You covet something for so long. You work difficult as well as save for it. It’s the fruit of your labor. It’s a fantastic feeling.
The Money
Who pays for your bags? My extremely generous hubby as well as myself.
Do you set aside a budget plan for your bag purchases? Not really, however if I have an upcoming trip somewhere where I understand I can save money such as Paris or Honolulu, I’ll prepare as well as save, set a budget plan for myself.
The Taboo Topics
Have you ever bought a counterfeit since you couldn’t pay for a designer item? No. however I have a funny story. When I was 18, I was gifted a fake Ferragamo bag from one of my relatives who just recently traveled to Asia. I used it to a elegant dinner as well as the strap just broke out of nowhere. It was hilarious as well as humbling at the exact same time! It taught me a truly great lesson paying for high quality products that were developed to last.
Do you ever hide purchases from your considerable other? No, my hubby is extremely generous. He does not buy high-end products for himself, however will always motivate as well as buy me what I want. I’m extremely fortunate.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to pay for a bag? nothing truly crazy, however in my early 20’s I truly desired an LV Looping bag. It was a big purchase for me. I opened up a department store credit history card just to make the purchase. I would never do that now.
Do you believe your buying is ever a problem? have you ever felt like you were having a hard time with a buying addiction? No, never. I have full manage of my purchases. as well as if push came to shove, I would not hesitate to offer a bag if there was a household emergency of some sort.
The rest Of It
Any other costly hobbies or passions? traveling is my #1! I likewise like nice designer sneakers as well as costume fashion jewelry from Hermès as well as Chanel. I have just recently started making purchases from Cartier, which I recognize can be a dangerous habit.
Anything else you would like to include? buy what you want! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You work difficult for your money, spend as you please!