CC 29: This Young NYC Professional Scored His Dream Birkin With His First Job’s Salary

“I almost had a heart attack when I got the call because of how expensive it was.”

Anonymous

30 Comments

Apr 11, 2019

In this week’s Closet Confessional, we meet a 20-something New Yorker whose collection reflects a long-standing love of handbags, a strong preference for timeless design, and a more measured approach to spending after he began earning his own income. Once scoring his first job in his professional field, he treated himself to his lifelong dream of purchasing a new Birkin, which promptly lead to the uneasy sticker shock that many first-time Birkin buyers experience.

Much of his early collection came from generous family gifts, but once he landed his first job in his chosen field, he finally made the leap toward his dream purchase: a brand-new Birkin.

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The Basics

Age: 22Gender Identity: MaleLocation: New York City, NYOccupation: Marketing CoordinatorIndustry: IT/Social MediaSalary: $41,000Household Income: $800,000

The Bags

Are you a PurseForum member? Yes

The result was exactly the kind of thrilling, slightly terrifying moment that makes a major handbag purchase feel unforgettable.

What bags are in your collection?

Hermes Birkin 30 Hermes Octagone Mini Hermes Onimaitou Hermes Trim 24 Hermes Victoria II Chanel Boy Small Celine Croissant Pouch Celine Cabas Gusset Akris Ai Tote mini size Balenciaga Classic City Proenza Schouler PS1 Large The Row Sling 15 Hobo Prada Hobo Coach Dinky Coach Kisslock Coach Hobo bag

Age: 22
Gender Identity: Male
Location: New York City, NY
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator
Industry: IT/Social Media
Salary: $41,000
Household Income: $800,000

What is your most expensive bag? Are you a PurseForum member? I bought it brand new from the store. I almost had a heart attack when I got the call because of how expensive it was. How many bags do you own?

What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? The most important brands in my collection are Hermes and Celine. What bags are in your collection? Also, Hermes’ after sales service is fabulous and ensures your bags will outlive you and your future generations. Hermes Birkin 30, Hermes Octagone Mini, Hermes Onimaitou, Hermes Trim 24, Hermes Victoria II, Chanel Boy Small, Celine Croissant Pouch, Celine Cabas Gusset, Akris Ai Tote mini size, Balenciaga Classic City, Proenza Schouler PS1 Large, The Row Sling 15 Hobo, Prada Hobo, Coach Dinky, Coach Kisslock, Coach Hobo bag I love Celine for their minimalist designs and gorgeous leather options. I am a huge Phoebe Philo fan! How much is your collection worth?

What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? What is your most expensive bag? The day after my ceremony, my mom took me to Barneys and said I can choose whichever bag I would like (obviously under a certain price range). I chose the tote and used it throughout college. My Hermes Birkin 30. I still have it and will never part with it!

Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? I bought it brand new from the store. I was finally able to achieve it after getting my first job, which I’m still working now. I almost had a heart attack when I got the call because of how expensive it was. I feel especially proud since this was a goal that I achieved so early and I am eternally grateful for that.

Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? I was not ready for it, but that made the experience so much more thrilling. In reality, I am the complete opposite in terms of my personality. What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? Also, I like nice bags for their quality, longevity, and the way they look, not the way they make me look. At work, no one really notices since I am in the tech field, most people actually just complement the bag and move on. Hermes and Celine stand out the most to me.

While shopping, I do notice a change in treatment by SAs when I’m carrying my Coach Dinky vs when I am carrying my Birkin, but I don’t really care about it. I just ignore it.

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The Shopping

I appreciate Hermes for the craftsmanship, durability, and after-sales support, which make the bags feel like true long-term pieces. I buy about 1 or 2 per year. Celine is equally important in my collection because I love the clean silhouettes, beautiful leather choices, and practical interior layouts. This allows me to be picky with my purchases and save the most of my money on more important future purchases. But I do love the experience of buying a bag in store, since I buy so little, that experience is still very special to me.

I’ve always been drawn to minimal design, and those two brands fit my taste especially well. My favorite stores are Barneys, Saks, Macys and Hermes. I mostly shop online for clothes but I like to go to local malls if I’m traveling outside of the city to find good deals! What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? Macy’s is the classic American department store where you can always snag up bags from Coach for an amazing price.

I got my Celine Cabas Tote as a high school graduation gift from my parents when I was 17. Hermes is the epitome of luxury, and their stores are just as beautiful as their products.

Do you ever buy second-hand bags? The day after my ceremony, my mom took me shopping and told me I could choose any bag within a certain budget. I’ve been looking into second-hand a lot more recently. I selected the tote and used it all through college. You can get vintage or gently used bags for amazing prices. But it is super important to do your research and pay for authentication services to make sure you’re not getting a counterfeit. It’s practical, stylish, and still one of my favorite bags.

Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? I sold so many bags in my collection last year. My Hermes Birkin means the most to me because it was a long-term goal. I wish I hadn’t bought them in the first place since I sold them at a loss, but it is better to sell them rather then let them collect dust in the back of my closet. I finally bought it after getting my first job, and I paid for it entirely myself. I even sold a few to friends and distant relatives too.

Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? For me, it represents a real accomplishment, especially because I reached that goal so early in my career. I rarely keep up with trends and found my own personal style that I am comfortable with. I like making my own unique looks and work on my wardrobe myself without having any outside influence. Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? I think buying classic bags are the best way to go. Some people assume that because I carry more expensive bags, I must be snobby or high-maintenance, but that’s not who I am at all.

Do you consider your bag purchases investments? I think classic bag styles are best at keeping their value. I like dressing well because it feels respectful, and I’m drawn to quality, longevity, and design. Certain bags don’t hold their value so well, and I learned that the hard way while selling some of my collection. At work, most people barely notice beyond a compliment or two.

Who influences your buying decisions? I don’t really allow anyone to influence my buying decisions. I have noticed that sales associates can respond differently depending on which bag I’m carrying, but I try not to take that personally.

But I don’t think anyone has a direct influence on my buying decisions. I tend to just buy a bag I like and then base my outfits for it around that. How often do you buy new bags? But I will say that some negative comments about my expensive bag-buying habits have caused me to buy more under-the-radar designs. I buy about one or two bags per year.

Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? They are key to having a good sales experience. Since many of my bags have been gifts from my parents, I’m able to be selective when I do make a purchase. But having a good relationship is important at any store you go to just in case you need to get a bag that is extremely limited, or for pre-orders. That makes the experience feel more intentional and special. My first internship was actually from a reference my SA at Celine gave me. I’m eternally grateful to her for that. Which stores do you frequent the most?

Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? I enjoy shopping because of the experience of buying something that you know you’ll use and love forever. My favorite stores are Barneys, Saks, Macy’s, and Hermes. Shopping is an enjoyable experience and therapeutic for me. I also like checking out malls when I travel outside the city because I sometimes find good deals. I am by no means an shopaholic though. I rarely window shop, mainly because I want the experience to remain special. Saks and Barneys are great for variety and sales, while Macy’s is a classic place to find Coach at a better price point. It also makes for great cardio to keep me in shape!

Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? Hermes is in a category of its own; the stores feel as polished as the bags themselves. This plays a huge role in my shopping experience. Do you ever buy second-hand bags? It is extremely unfortunate that treatment like this still exists, and there is still a long time until it gets any better. I’ve learned to ignore it and just do what I intend to do which is shop for the things I want and get out of there. Where do you buy used? Although, I now shop at the same places where SAs recognize me or know me well, so I rarely experience any sort of unfair treatment. Yes, I’ve become much more interested in the second-hand market.

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The Money

Who pays for your bags? Most of my bags have been gifts from my parents. I usually browse sites and resale shops that carry vintage or gently used pieces.

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No, I don’t set aside any budget since the prices of the bags I want varies. Authentication is important to me, especially with higher-end bags. However, I do put a certain amount aside for my savings and that is strictly not used for any luxury handbag purchases. Three of my Hermes bags were bought pre-owned, and I love them because they’re discontinued styles I wouldn’t have been able to buy new.

The Taboo Topics

Have you ever purchased a counterfeit because you couldn’t afford a designer item? I don’t believe in counterfeits and I think buying a cheaper bag for the look is better than buying a counterfeit. Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? But counterfeits are just not the way I roll.

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? I sold a number of bags last year, including ones I had received as gifts and others I purchased myself. I am open and honest about my spending with my family and friends and they are, for the most part, supportive of it. Some of them lost value, which was a lesson learned, but I’d rather sell what I no longer use than let it sit unused in my closet.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? I have never done anything crazy to afford one. I’ve used consignment platforms, online marketplaces, and even sold a few bags to people I know. It was the specific leather, color, and hardware that I wanted. Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? We drove there in the morning, got my bag, and drove back! It was a fun little road trip and brings great memories!

I don’t follow trends closely, and I prefer to build my own style around pieces I genuinely love. Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? There was a time in my life where I would excessively buy bags for the sake of owning them. Classic bags make the most sense to me because they’re easier to wear, easier to keep, and less likely to feel dated. I was so young and there was no reason for me to have so many expensive bags. Do you consider your bag purchases investments? I stopped buying completely for a few years and then began to sell off my collection. At one point, I had almost 40 bags. In some cases, yes.

The Rest Of It

Any other expensive hobbies or passions? Classic styles from brands like Hermes and Chanel tend to hold value better than others, and I like knowing that there may be resale potential later on. I love investing in jewelry and love wearing it even more! I have added a lot of fine jewelry pieces to my collection and plan to add more in the future. I’ve also learned that not every bag performs the same way, so I try to be thoughtful about what I bring into my collection. I keep up with gold and platinum price fluctuations and purchase from local jewelers and artisans. Though I do own a few designer fine jewelry pieces too. Who influences your buying decisions?

These are great reads. I don’t let many people influence my purchases. So far, I think that this is one of the best collections in terms of quality designers and rareness leading to a successful investment. This guy really knows how to pick out a bag.

I do look to certain public figures for style inspiration, but I don’t buy a bag simply because a celebrity carried it. I feel like we have the same. Except i dont have a birkin yet but that is my next handbag goal. If anything, I’m more likely to choose a design I love first and then build outfits around it. I have double number of your bags with broader range of brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Valentino, Burberry, Givenchy and Gucci. Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? Hoping and crossing my fingers i can finally add a birkin to my collection soon.

When it’s asked “how much is your collection worth” do people use the current market price of their handbags or the price that they had purchased it? Good relationships with sales associates matter, especially when you’re looking for something limited or specific.

Good point.

22 years old, $41k salary, with $800k household income? My Birkin purchase depended in part on having a strong relationship with my Hermes associate. For $41k you can barely afford RENT in NYC, let alone a Birkin LOL. Usually I like these articles, but this one is kinda disingenuous and dumb.

I also value those relationships because they make the shopping experience more personal and can be helpful in other ways over time. There are numerous ways to apply for apartment lotteries in Manhattan where young professionals manage to secure apartments with incredibly affordable rent. I have a friend who lives in Hell’s Kitchen paying less than half of what a two bedroom goes for and she got it by way of an apartment lottery about five years ago. Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new?

I actually like that someone is upfront about how they afford their bags – i. I enjoy the overall experience. I like the transparency.

Um… it’s a confession. Buying something you know you’ll actually use and appreciate can feel rewarding, no matter the price point. I don’t see what’s wrong with living with their parents (as long as everyone is happy) and the question is asking for “household income” which means if they’re living together, the household income should be a sum of everyone’s earning, right? Shopping is also relaxing for me and gives me a chance to focus on myself for a while. It’s called “confession” for a reason.

Everyone gets to live their own life the way they want. I don’t window-shop much because I like keeping it special when I do go out to buy something.

Probably he packs sandwiches, walks to work, and spend all his salary on bags? I wouldn’t judge. It’s his life after all.

Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? He obviously lives with his parents whom make a lot of money. As a gay person of color, I’ve had experiences where I felt I was treated differently, and that’s always disappointing.

Also, his parents buy him nice things. This is quite common parental behavior, it’s just that some parents have a bigger budget then others.

I tend to return to places where staff know me and treat me well, which makes the experience easier. His parents could very well have worked their way up in society and are more than capable of teaching their children the value of money.

I’m sorry but this article is beyond disturbing. Who pays for your bags? IMHO, he should be saving $ so that he can actually move out of the house!

Most of my bags were gifts from my parents, but since early 2018 I’ve been paying for my own purchases. And points out he has 3 other Hermes bags… At 22. Of which he paid for only 1. Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? (B) Made his brother drive 100 miles to acquire a chanel boy bag. I don’t use a strict bag budget because the price range varies so much.

Did I mention he is 22?! I dont mean to roast the kid but wow…

Instead, I manage my finances carefully and make sure I’m not spending too much in a short period of time.

It’s his first job, hence a starting base of 32, not 40. My whole point was making mature financial adult decisions vs whatever this is. I also keep a separate savings account that I don’t touch for luxury purchases.

Ok… on a takehome salary of $32k in NYC, he’d be barking mad to move out and start paying rent in one of the most expensive cities in the US.

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

So the many people who started with humbling beginnings in such cities are “barking mad” as well? Wow.. alright then.

And I beg to differ. I don’t believe in counterfeits, and if I can’t buy something authentic, I’d rather choose a different bag altogether. Yes, he now has 20 instead of 40 handbags AFTER family and friend intervention but I believe his living situation and lack of adult responsibilities (rent, food, utilities, children, etc) is merely enabling his high end shopping expenditures.

Don’t be disingenuous. I’m talking about this person in particular, not everyone who lives in NYC.

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? Please re-read what I wrote word for word.

I don’t have a significant other, and I’m open about my purchases with family and friends.

Please. Just stop.

To be fair, it doesn’t seem like they ask the participants about their living situation but I can see why some more details would be better for readers to understand. Although I’m sure it is safe to assume that this person lives with their parents.

Most of them are supportive, even if the price tags sometimes surprise them.

I don’t see how it’s disingenuous? What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag? He clearly states multiple times that his family has gifted him bags, plus if he’s living at home I’d assume that most of his $41k could go towards fun money. What part is disingenuous lol?

I wouldn’t call anything I’ve done crazy, but I did once have my brother drive a long distance with me to pick up a Chanel Boy bag.

I’m certainly not a miserable person lol. At 22 years of age, he is including him income along with the PARENTS income? I wanted a very specific leather, color, and hardware combination, and it was worth the trip to get exactly what I wanted. I’d rather read articles about people who actually work and save for their stuff, like most of us here

Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? This one truly lacks any sort of genuineness and isn’t as transparent as other confessionals.

My thoughts exactly! I would never, ever criticize someone for having been fortunate enough to have been brought up in a well-off family and gifted bags, but these articles would be more meaningful if finances were further broken down!

Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction? The purpose of this is to be transparent, but it’s not. Yes, there was a period when I bought too many bags simply for the sake of having them.

I really liked that cc29 doesn’t let trends influence his style and that he sticks to his own. Overall it was a great read.

I eventually realized that approach wasn’t sustainable, especially for someone so young.

I think some commenters are missing the boat when they expect the confessor to détail every aspect of their life. Seriously – asking people to list mortgages/living arrangements??? I stopped buying for a few years, then began selling off pieces and reducing my collection.

Side note: While this confessor is young, we should bear in mind that some folks might post a more « average » income, yet have chosen to take a pay cut or make a career change (just an FYI).

Any other expensive hobbies or passions? These confessionals aren’t meant for people to try to poke holes but (I think) are meant to find some commonality among our various stories or be exposed to new perspectives.

Agreed people know how to take the fun out out of everything and sounds like people want an itemized tax statement and a notirized occupancy form. Just weird.

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