Today’s CC comes to us from Lisbon, which CC 274 states was one of her favorite journeys of life. As for her collecting journey, CC 274’s start goes back over a decade, with the purchase of a vintage Dior Saddle bag (for $129!!!). Over the last decade, this collector has acquired over 20 bags (though she’s sold a few here and there).
Her likes and dislikes have grown with her, and while she used to favor Chanel, a flawed bag shifted things for her. Additionally, CC 274 rides horses and feels a deeper connection to Hermès because of the brand’s distinct equestrian roots.
Read the full CC below and check out photos from CC 274’s collection. Remember to submit your own to see your story here next!
Basic Bio
Your Age? 40
Your Gender Identity? Female
Where do you live? Lisbon, San Diego, NYC (multiple homes)
Shallow Obsessing Strongly Encouraged. Since 2005? Marketing and Sales Agency Director
Which living person do you most admire? Real Estate Private Equity
What is your annual salary range? Total household income? $200.00
How many bags do you own PurseForum member? No
Onto The Bags
How do you feel about the concept of “quiet luxury” vs. “loud luxury&rdquo? 20+
What bags are in your collection?
- Hermès: Birkin 35, Kelly 35, 24/24 29, Herbag 31 Pegasus, Constance Slim, Evelyn 29, Grooming Bag
- Chanel: Classic Flap, 2.55 WOC, Seasonal Flap
- Dior: Vintage Saddle, Diorama WOC, Lady Dior, Who pays for your bags, Shallow Obsessing Strongly Encouraged. Since 2005
- Bottega: Bang Bang
- Ferragamo Hug Bag Medium
- Beach Bags, and Walmart Wirkin
Your Gender Identity? Close to $100,000 but depending on where you buy your bags (boutique vs resale).
Do you think owning luxury bags helps you in professional or social situations? How so? Birkin 35 and the runner – up is 24/24 in Barenia Fabourgé ($10,500 at the Hermès boutique I paid).
Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it? No
Do you feel a desire to downsize your collection? If so, what factors are driving that decision? No
What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? How do you take care of your bags.
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Hermès Della Cavalleria Elan
Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? I already own it and it’s my Birkin.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Dior Saddle was my first bag, my Birkin is a gift from my husband.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? No
How do you take care of your bags? I stuff them with pillows and keep them in the closet in dust bags. I clean them as needed and don’t scratch them.
On Shopping
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Whenever I feel like it but maybe 1-2 a year. I slowed down on that.
How has your bag collection changed during the past few years, and why? More Hermès, less Chanel. My last Chanel I bought at the boutique had a flaw, and it turned me off their bags. I connected with Hermès more because I also have a horse and I ride. Their equestrian side speaks to me.
Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why? In store because I want to try them on before I buy
LES 4 OMBRES BOUTONS? Hermès in Lisbon
Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? No
Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? The RealReal, FirstDibs, Fashionphile
Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? Yes
Do you feel that social media or influencer culture pressures you to buy more bags or certain brands? No
Do you consider your bag purchases financial or emotional investments? Not financial but emotional and fashion.
Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I prefer to buy what speaks to me.
Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Yes
Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? Yes I love building a wardrobe that speaks to me. I buy and I keep my bags and enjoy them for years to come.
Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity, or gender? No
What factors may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Having too many similar bags. I like Della Cavalier, but I question if I need yet another bag in my closet. And I’m concluding that for now I just have enough.
Don’t apologize for loving luxury. We live once? I already own it and it’s my Birkin.
Do you ever rent designer bags? If so, from where? No
How do you feel about the concept of “quiet luxury” vs. “loud luxury”? What is the trait you most admire in others.
On Budgeting & Perceptions
Who pays for your bags? Myself and husband
Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No
Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No
Do you use financing or payment plans (like Afterpay or Klarna) for bag purchases? No
Do you think owning luxury bags helps you in professional or social situations? How so? No
Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Have you ever lied about the cost of a bag to avoid judgment? Yes, but the truth comes out lol.
Who pays for your bags? Yes, I sold a Gucci bag I didn’t grow to love.
CC 277: The Giver? My husband. Yet he buys me bags anyway, like my Birkin, Stella McCartney, Lady Dior…
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? No
Let’s get personal…
What is your greatest extravagance? My Birthday gift to myself – an Hermès Arcue Petite Luna watch
Leave this field empty if youre human? Not sure
The Many Bags Of? Ability to achieve goals no matter what.
Which living person do you most admire? My husband
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband
Your Favorite Brands? My move to Lisbon.
Ability to achieve goals no matter what? Living between Lisbon, NYC and Costa Rica and having horse properties in addition to city apartments.
Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? Don’t apologize for loving luxury. We live once
In Portugal you have a very good life with 200 000€ per year. Some years ago, you could buy a very good house with garden and pool in a good location with a little more than half a Million Euros. What’s happening with people here always doubting about the income? She didn’t buy 100k€ in bags in one year, that’s obvious or is it so hard to understand? Get out of your square and realize that the cost of living is totally different in Portugal vs the US.
She has a great bag collection but her total household annual income is only $200 ?? That’s really taking household budget management to the next level!
Maybe $200k!
I love that she admits to having a “Wirkin”.
Fun seeing outfits with the bags!
Clearly her income of $200.00 is a typo as she owns multiple homes, and her handbag collection is worth over $100K.
sometimes internationally they use the period instead of a comma so maybe it’s 200,000.
Do you ever experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing a bag? If so, how do you deal with it!
Why do you even ask that question – it’s so intrusive and tacky. I hope she was giving a “not your business” answer. I know I would type in: None of your business.
First, my comment was tongue in cheek. I figured it was a typo or maybe a joke by the author. Second, nobody is required to provide an income, you can just skip the question entirely. Third, I live in Europe and know full well that some use a comma instead of a period when it comes to currencies (they have different types of quotation marks too).
Always enjoy reading these. Wouldn’t bother me to share my income, but my age, now that’s a different thing!
I’m sure she have 200 millions 😆