CC 123: The new Yorker

In today’s installment of closet Confessionals, we meet an early-thirties new Yorker whose love for bags is strong and palpable. This confessor began his collection at 25, and though he’s only been collecting bags for 6 years, he has already realized his dream of getting a Birkin. That Birkin 40 is his most-prized piece, it’s not only functional and a great design, but it was his dream bag for over a decade.

Living through COVID in new York has changed this handbag lover’s habits, as, like lots of of us, this collector mostly reaches for his smaller bags now. Additionally, the pandemic has changed how this confessor shops, considering that social outings happen a lot less now. A down-to-earth collector who loves bags, he now shops a lot more thoughtfully, choosing to think like Marie Kondo and only keeping/buying things that genuinely spark joy. read the full CC now, and don’t forget to submit your own!

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Cele elementare

Age: 31
Gender Identity: Male
Location: new York
Occupation: Designer
Industry: Banking
Salary: $120,000
Household Income: $260,000

Pungile

Are you a PurseForum member? da

How lots of bags do you own? 7

CC 123’s a lot of prized Piece: The Birkin 40

What bags are in your collection?

Hermès Birkin 40

Louis Vuitton Keepall 45

Louis Vuitton Saumur 35

Fendi Peekaboo XL

Givenchy Mystic mini

Valentino Joylock large

Balenciaga Day Messenger

How much is your collection worth? I paid about $20,000.

What is your a lot of expensive bag? Hermès Birkin 40.

What are the most crucial brands or pieces in your collection? the most crucial piece would be my Birkin 40, and not just because it’s the most expensive one. It has been my dream bag for over a decade. I love the design, and it’s the most functional bag for me. I never thought that dream would come true one day.

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? At the age of 25, I got a vintage Keepall 45. I even used it as a day bag in the beginning. big bags were in vogue back then.

Is there a certain bag you are seeking to purchase next? I would love an Hermès Constance, not sure about the size yet, but absolutely in Green.

Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? My Valentino Joylock. I gotten it at the Barneys in San Francisco while I was on a trip with my husband. It’s sad that Barneys no longer exists.

Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? Eu nu cred acest lucru. The advantage of living in new York is that people have very different styles and value lots of things other than designer bags. I get compliments all the time, but I don’t think they all know (or care about) the brand or the value of the bag. When new Yorkers are great to you, it indicates they ARE nice, no matter how you dress or what bag you carry. but I do notice that when I carry my Birkin, people in the know will stare at it a bit longer.

Have your bag-carrying routines changed considering that Covid? Yes, I used to carry large bags a lot of of the time, now I reach for my Givenchy Mystic tiny a lot more often because I don’t really want to stay out for too long, and I also take a lot more short walks in my neighborhood, so all I need are essentials. but a big bag like my Birkin 40 is still very functional to carry all my masks, hand sanitizer, and a water bottle. I sold some mid-size Chanel and Dior bags as I simply didn’t need them anymore.

CC 123’s a lot of used Bags of the Moment

Cumparaturi

How often do you get new bags? I only make a purchase when I feel like I need a different one for some functional reason, or I just fall in love with the design. I try to make that once a year only.

Has the Coronavirus pandemic changed your shopping routines or overall attitude towards luxury? I absolutely shop less now! LAUGH OUT LOUD! I’ve been downsizing considering that the pandemic. I just have to when I spend this much time at home. especially now I rarely go out during weekdays, so do I need a lot more bags or shoes or clothes? like Marie Kondo, I now only keep things that spark happiness for me!

Which stores do you frequent the most? When I go to a physical store (rarely these days), I like to browse in Saks. but I shop online a lot of of the time.

Do you ever get second-hand bags? Where do you get used? a lot of of my bags are second-hand. I always fall in love with discontinued styles. and certain bags look better when they are vintage. I often browse all the second-hand websites, from eBay to Fashionphile.

Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? I sell bags when I don’t use them that much anymore, and I hate seeing them sitting in my (already-too-small) closet. I have sold them on eBay and to Fashionphile.

Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase a lot more bags? No. I get them for myself to use, not to impress anyone.

Do you consider your bag purchases investments? No, bags are not financial investments unless youare a Birkin dealer.

Who influences your getting decisions? Eu insumi.

Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? No because I shop online a lot of of the time.

Why do you take pleasure in shopping beyond just acquiring something new? As a designer, I appreciate beautiful things and high-quality material and craftsmanship. They give me joy.

Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? I’ve never had a bad experience in new York. a lot of SAs are very welcoming. I take pleasure in just chatting with them. Some are quieter; they don’t want to “bother” you that much. I had gotten one or two judgy looks from some snobby SAs at Bergdorf Goodman a long time ago, but they were never disrespectful to me. I want to point out that people at Dior are very, very great in general, I get complimentary samples for just walking around, they would offer me drinks even when I’m not getting anything. I also had terrific experiences at Hermès, once I got a excursion at the men’s store even though I was in t-shirts and shorts and with a 2-dollar tote bag on my shoulder. Paris is a whole different story tho.

Banii

Who pays for your bags? Pe mine!

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? Nu.

The Taboo Topics

Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? Nu.

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Nu.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? I wouldn’t do anything crazy for a bag.

Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? I think I had a shopping addiction, but I’m growing out of it now. I think it’s a lot more crucial to have the ideal pieces that work for you and last longer. quality over quantity, for sure.

The rest Of It

Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I love collecting perfumes, but it’s not really an expensive hobby.

Anything else you would like to include? I have to say this to some people out there: please don’t keep the plastic on the hardware! Don’t let the bag wear you!