CC 202: The Explorer

"I am influenced to a certain extent to keep an open mind with bags...to add interest to my collection."

In today’s brand new CC, we’re checking in with a collector hailing from Canada who has been collecting bags for over a decade. When CC 202 was 25, she got her very first bag – a Louis Vuitton Neverfull, and years later, this collector still remembers the thrill of walking out with the giant box in hand.

These days, this collector has a beautiful collection of bags and enjoys the thrill of collecting interesting pieces, though she does tend to lean towards the classics. CC 202 shops mindfully and is adamant about living within her means, though she does jokingly state that her husband might disagree with her mindfulness!

Read the full CC below, and don’t forget to submit your own!

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Basic Bio

Your Age? 36
Any other expensive hobbies or passions? Female
Celine Luggage Nano? Canada
CC 220: The Finance Associate? Financial Analyst, CPA
Do you feel like your bags change peoples perceptions of you or how youre treated? Mining
About $30K I think? $120,000
Total Household Income? $320,000
Celine Luggage Nano PurseForum member? Yes

Onto The Bags

How many bags do you own? 17ish

What are some factors that may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it?

(Your Favorite Brands)

CC 202 1

How much is your collection worth? About $30K I think?

How often do you buy new bags? I am so blessed to own her already the Classic Flap.

Do you ever regret any of your bag purchases? If so, which ones and why? No regrets – I love and treasure each and every one of them

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? It was my 25th birthday when I was gifted my LV Neverfull MM. I still vividly remember the day, and holding that big brown box in my hand – I was walking on clouds!

Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? There isn’t any specific bag that I am looking to purchase next, but I feel my collection is missing a Dior or a Fendi. Maybe even a Chanel 19?

Do you have a ‘holy grail’ dream bag you’ve always wanted to own? I am so blessed to own her already – the Classic Flap!

Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? Each bag holds a specific memory for me, whether it be my LV Favourite bought on the hottest day in Rome, my Is there a brand you outright refuse to buy? Why bought on a whim in Dubai airport whilst in transit moving to Canada for the first time, or my YSL Kate bought in Morocco whilst on holiday with my best girlfriend. My bags are almost like souvenirs from my travels.

Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? I don’t think so. I don’t actually pay attention to anyone and no one really comments on my bags except to compliment them. I don’t wear them to draw attention to myself or to be treated differently.

How do you take care of your bags? I definitely don’t baby them and am cautious on the type of material and colours I buy. I store them carefully, and make sure to not put them in my check in luggage. Also, bags on the floor, money out the door so always an extra chair for them or they stay on my lap covered with a napkin.

On Shopping

I am so blessed to own her already the Classic Flap? Only when one really catches my interest and I cannot stop thinking about it, so probably on average once or twice a year.

Do you prefer shopping for bags online or in-store? Why?I prefer shopping in person so that I can try on the bag, and get a feel for it. Living in a rural city means I have to shop online more often though

Which stores do you frequent the most? I will always visit a Chanel store whenever I can (if the queue is not insane) – I just cannot help myself!

Have you ever returned a bag after purchasing it? Why did you make that decision? No I haven’t, because each one was bought for a reason and after really obsessing over it.

Do you ever buy second-hand bags? Where do you buy used? I did buy the Chanel Boy bag from a friend of mine, and I am not opposed to buying secondhand only if the source is truly trustworthy.

Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? Load More Comments.

Do you ever donate or gift your old bags? If so, to whom? No & I wouldnt ever.

Do you have a holy grail dream bag youve always wanted to own? I definitely do not feel pressured into buying more. I buy them because I love them, and not to keep up with trends.

Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Well, the Chanel bags, it seems to be, but generally, I buy them for fun. It’s just a bonus when they appreciate in value.

Do you follow the latest fashion trends when deciding on your next purchase, or do you prefer classic styles? I am influenced to a certain extent to keep an open mind with bags. For example, my Celine Nano is a Kohl colour and the YSL Sade is a tube bag to add interest to my collection. Generally, I tend to prefer classic styles and colours.

Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? I don’t believe so, however, I have generally been fortunate to not be faced with SAs with an arrogant attitude. I remember buying my Chanel Metiers DArt Boy Bag in Paris (Rue Cambon – I just had to, of course), and my SA took selfies with me & my purchase on the infamous stairs.

Do you enjoy shopping beyond just acquiring something new? I buy my bags because I love them. They are wearable little pieces of handcrafted art. I don’t believe I am a shopaholic because each purchase is well thought out. That being said, my husband might disagree…

Have you ever felt you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? I am generally disheveled when I travel & I am of South Asian descent. I don’t make an effort to dress up or use designer labels when shopping – so far it’s been good with having received good service.

What are some factors that may dissuade you from buying a bag, even if you like it? Definitely price & the quality I would get for the money I am spending.

Do you consider your bag purchases investments? How many bags do you own.

On Budgeting & Perceptions

What is your occupation? I do – and I am gifted some by my husband

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? I don’t set aside anything, but I do make sure I have saved towards retirement & my rainy day funds first (and obviously also making sure bills are paid)

Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? No & I wouldn’t ever.

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? I did this once – the Gucci Padlock – and never again. The guilt consumed me, and I came clean very quickly.

How many bags do you own? My immediate family was initially flabbergasted as to how I could spend so much money on bags (& shoes). I grew up in a very modest family & money was always tight. I explained to them I am still financially responsible with no dependents, nor do I depend on anyone else. That seemed to help & now they let me be.

Have you ever made a significant sacrifice to afford a bag? If so, what was it? I haven’t and would not compromise my quality of life for a bag, no matter how gorgeous she is!

Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? I don’t feel I have a shopping addiction (my husband might say otherwise!) I stay within my means, and I am conscious about the money I am/want to spend. I am an accountant by trade, so maybe this helps to be hyper-aware of the debits and credits in my bank account!

Let’s get personal…

Any other expensive hobbies or passions? I love traveling so much, I would say this passion was reignited after COVID. I also enjoy quilting – fabric is so expensive and a whole other obsession.

might be missing a couple, also excludes Longchamp, Kate Spade, Polene? New Prada Buckle.

Any parting words you would like to share with our readers? How much is your collection worth.