Today, we’re having a conversation with a bag collector from Boston who started her collection at the age of 27. In the past 20 years since acquiring her first Louis Vuitton bag, CC 209 has built up an impressive set of bags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermès. Her assortment consists of a coveted Hermès Birkin, which she never thought she could own but managed to add to her collection. Her next endeavor is to add a Hermes Kelly to her rotation as her preference for pre-loved bags has grown since the pandemic. Read the full interview below and make sure to submit your own!
Basic Background
– Age: 47
– Gender: Female
– Location: Boston, MA
– Occupation: Quality and Regulatory Compliance Manager for Clinical Lab
– Industry: Healthcare
– Annual Salary: $100,000
– Total Household Income: $200,000
– PurseForum member: Yes
Bag Collection
– Total bags owned: 20
– Featured bags: Hermès Birkin, Hermès Evelyne, Hermès Garden Party, Hermès Rugby, Lady Dior, Chanel Classic Flaps, assortment of LV and Gucci. Favorite bags include pieces from MJs and Rebecca Minkoff.
– Collection Worth: $75,000-$100,000
– Most Expensive Bag: Hermès Birkin
– Bag Purchase Regrets: The Speedy – Despite carrying her Birkins to work, she doesn’t favor the top handle style of the Speedy. Opting for the Bandoulière version, she now includes it in her collection.
Bag Experiences
– Age of First Designer Bag: 27. LV Montorguiel
– Next Wish List Bag: Hermès Kelly in 25
– Holy Grail Bag: Always the Birkin.
– Special Sentimental Bag: Her first Birkin – something she never dreamt of affording.
– Bags and Perceptions: While they may change people’s perceptions of her, she carries them purely for herself and doesn’t let others’ opinions affect her.
Bag Care
– Gentle Care: She doesn’t particularly baby her bags but ensures they maintain their shape.
Bag Shopping
– Bag Shopping Habits: Embracing preloved bags recently amidst the pandemic. No new bags in the last 4 years.
– Preference: In-store
– Favorite Stores: LV and Gucci
– Bag Returns: Never
– Second-hand Purchases: Has been getting second-hand bags from sources in Japan and the Middle East.
– Selling Old Bags: Started selling pieces that don’t match her lifestyle anymore. She uses platforms like FB groups and her own selling platform.
– Donations: Yes
– Societal Pressure: None
– Investment View: No, but she aims to be able to sell them if needed. Preferring to invest in Hermès and Chanel.
Fashion and Bag Shopping
– Trend Follow: Classic
– Sales Associate Relationships: Not instrumental in decision-making
– Shopping Enjoyment: The joy of buying after reaching milestones, no matter how small.
Personal Insights
– Sacrifices: Prioritizing bags over daily coffee
– Fears: Family’s safety
– Greatest Love: Her family
– Admiration: Her sisters
– Favorite Journey: Trip to ALBERTA, Canada with her daughter.
Parting Words
– Final Advice: Embrace your style and let your smile radiate.
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