In today’s latest feature, we meet a highly accomplished attorney from Brooklyn who has cultivated a remarkable bag collection for over 15 years. Her assortment includes prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Fendi, and Dior, to name a few. However, her current focus is on a highly coveted Hermès bag – the Kelly. While this collector has never sold any of her bags, she happily gifts those that are no longer serving her to her family members. Although she doesn’t typically allocate a budget specifically for bags, her shopping habits are under control, and she has never experienced an addiction to shopping. Rather, she thoroughly enjoys the entire shopping experience, as it contributes to the growth of her collection. On average, she acquires a couple of bags per year. However, when she’s traveling abroad, her passion for shopping often leads her to purchase additional bags. Read on to discover her complete story and explore a selection of her carefully curated collection!
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Basic Bio
Age: 34
Gender Identity: Female
Location: Brooklyn
Occupation: Attorney
Industry: Mergers and Acquisitions
Annual Salary: $545,000
Total Household Income: $545,000
PurseForum Membership: No
Onto The Bags
Number of bags owned: 26
Collection Value: Approximately $80K
Most expensive bag: LV Capucines Python
Regrettable bag purchases: None, although there are bags that have been utilized less frequently over the years.
First designer bag and age of acquisition: Gucci Hobo at age 17
Next bag on the wishlist: Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in a vibrant color
Dream bag: Hermès Himalaya Birkin in Crocodile
Bag with sentimental value: Chanel Classic Flap in Black Caviar, which was her first Chanel purchase and a long-held aspiration. She acquired it in Italy in 2016, during her initial year of practicing law, for $3,000 due to favorable Euro exchange rates.
Perception of bags’ impact on others’ perception or treatment: The collector receives numerous compliments and attention from strangers. However, she faces some judgment from family and friends regarding the amount she spends on bags.
Bag maintenance practices: The bags are meticulously cared for, stored in their original packaging and dust bags.
On Shopping
Frequency of new bag purchases: Approximately 3 to 5 bags annually, with the occasional increase to 6 or 7 bags when traveling to Europe.
Preference for online or in-store shopping: In-person shopping is preferred to facilitate trying on the bags and making informed decisions.
Frequently visited stores: Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Prada.
Bag returns: She has never returned a bag after purchasing it.
Purchasing second-hand bags: She has never bought used bags.
Selling old bags: She has never sold her old bags to finance new purchases.
Donations or gifting of old bags: Occasionally, she gifts older bags to family members, such as her mother and younger cousins.
Societal pressure to purchase more bags: No, her bag purchases are driven by personal enjoyment and appreciation. She aims to collect unique pieces, including special colors, exotic materials, and seasonal releases.
View on bags as investments: Yes, as their prices continue to rise.
Preference for latest fashion trends or classic styles: She enjoys a combination of both, incorporating trendy and seasonal pieces into her collection while also favoring timeless and classic styles.
Influence of sales associates on shopping decisions: No notable influence.
Enjoyment of shopping beyond acquiring new items: She derives pleasure from shopping to enhance her collection.
Experiences of inferior service due to appearance, ethnicity, or gender: No, despite being a minority woman.
Factors that may deter a bag purchase: Price, especially when comparing current designs to bags purchased at significantly lower costs.
Brands she refuses to purchase: None.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Financial responsibility for bag purchases: Self-funded
Budget allocation for bag purchases: No specific budget, as she acquires bags organically based on personal preferences.
Purchasing counterfeits due to affordability constraints: She has never purchased counterfeit items.
Concealing purchases from a significant other: Not applicable, as she does not currently have a significant other. She appreciates the financial independence to spend her money as she pleases.
Criticism from friends or family regarding bag-buying habits: Yes, she explains her financial stability, homeownership, savings, and other investments to counter criticisms. As a financially independent individual with disposable income, she emphasizes that her bag purchases have not hindered her ability to explore other aspects of life, such as international travel, generosity towards others, fine dining experiences, and enjoyable pursuits. Some judgment may stem from her intense and demanding job, and the potential for a more balanced lifestyle with fewer bag purchases. Nonetheless, she is driven to excel in her field as a first-generation American. The ability to afford luxury bags is merely one of the perks that come with her hard work.
Significant sacrifices made for a bag purchase: None
Perception of shopping as a problem or struggle with addiction: No
Let’s Get Personal…
Other expensive hobbies or passions: Traveling, with two annual international trips that require approximately $40K in expenses. She would willingly forgo purse shopping before giving up travel.
Greatest fear: Not applicable
Living person most admired: The Obamas
Greatest love of life: Family and friends
Favorite journey thus far: A tie between the Botswana safari, Galapagos Islands, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand.
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