Late-Blooming Luxury: A 64-Year-Old Collector’s Journey Into Designer Handbags

A Different Path to Handbag Passion

Most luxury bag collectors discover their love for designer pieces in college or around age 30, when careers stabilize. Many luxury handbag collectors discover their obsession early, but this Closet Confessional follows a far less predictable path.

At 64, this Bay Area woman didn’t purchase her first designer bag until she was 58. What makes her story especially memorable is the role her husband plays in the collection.

The Basics

• Age: 64
• Gender Identity: Female
• Location: Bay Area, California
• Occupation: Employee Benefits Broker
• Industry: Insurance/Finance
• Income: $275,000

The Collection

Are you a PurseForum member? Yes

The result is a collection built with enthusiasm, humor, and a clear sense of personal style.

How much is your collection worth? $125,000

**Are you a PurseForum member? ** A couple of Chanel Reissue 226 Flap Bags in the jumbo size.

**What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection? **How much is your collection worth?

**What age did you get your first designer bag, and what was it? ** A couple of Chanel Reissue 226 Flap Bags in the jumbo size.

**Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value? ** Any of the ones that my husband bought for me. ** Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Dior, Ferragamo No logos, no identifier, other than it is completely handmade. Louis Vuitton Totally Bag, purchased in France

**Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated? In everyday life, it seems two out of three women in the San Francisco Bay Area are carrying an LV. ** The bags her husband has bought for her. And none of my friends carry designer bags. **Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated?

Shopping Habits

How often do you buy new bags? 3-5 a year

Among friends, the bags are less of a signal than a personal pleasure. ** I prefer shopping in the boutiques around the Bay Area, and of course, if I’m traveling, then I must stop and shop. **How often do you buy new bags? I especially love exploring the factory stores in Florence. You can find gorgeous purses that rival the designers, albeit without the logo, for much less than you’d pay in the boutiques.

**Which stores do you frequent the most? Where do you buy used? Florence stands out in particular for factory stores and well-made, logo-light alternatives that appeal to her eye.

**Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases? ** Not really, but occasionally, I barter with my husband and say, “Hey, I’ll get this and I promise to sell this. Where do you buy used? I’m very thankful for his efforts. **Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases?

**Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags? At this point, after owning more than 90 designer bags (most have been sold), I know what my taste is. Her husband usually handles the listing, photos, and logistics. If I don’t “bond” with a bag, I’ll give it a few more months, then try wearing it again and if I’m not feeling it, then it has to go. I don’t do “pity” wears (feeling sorry for a bag that is languishing in my closet).

After owning and selling more than 90 designer bags over time, she feels confident in her taste. ** Not at all. **Do you consider your bag purchases investments? Maybe if I learn to hold on to them for 20 years.

**Who influences your buying decisions? **Who influences your buying decisions? I also have two great SAs at LV and Chanel.

**Are sales associate relationships instrumental to your shopping? ** In some cases. As mentioned above, I have two relationships that I keep up at the boutiques. She values the familiarity and trust that can develop over time, especially when associates understand her preferences well enough to bring out pieces that never make it to the floor.

**Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? **Why do you enjoy shopping, beyond just acquiring something new? Isn’t that what the internet is for? I have a friend who can walk into any store, thrift, or consignment store and spot the most amazing thing to buy. For her, part of the pleasure is finding something that feels just right, whether the discovery happens in a boutique or elsewhere.

**Have you ever felt like you received inferior service at a store or boutique due to your appearance, ethnicity or gender? ** Occasionally, yes, though she does not attribute it to any single brand. Sometimes they are busy, aggravated, or we just didn’t engage. However, there is nothing like an SA that knows you and your taste. When she has a strong relationship with an associate, the experience is much better and more personal. In 2013, my favorite Chanel SA (who just retired) pulled out this lambskin sort of Kelly-looking purse that I had never seen before. **Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? (Now, the bar is quite present in Chanel offerings). Perfect size, shape, weight, and fit for a queen!

The Financial Side

**Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other?

Do you set aside a budget for your bag purchases? No.

Taboo Topics

**What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag?

Do you ever hide purchases from your significant other? No, but he is great at hiding bags and then presenting them on birthdays and anniversaries.

**Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? ** Besides promising to sell a bag to buy a bag?

She also enjoys beauty products and says she is always looking for new makeup.

Other Passions

Any other expensive hobbies or passions? My grandchildren. And like I always say, there is no perfect purse, I’m always searching for new makeup.

Final Thoughts

She values classic silhouettes, clean lines, and pieces that reflect the work and milestones behind her wardrobe choices. As I said, there is no such thing as the perfect bag. That outlook keeps the hobby playful, personal, and open-ended. I love playing the game of “if you could have just one purse….

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