1 - The Stay at Home Mama
The Basics
Age - 28
Gender Identity - she/her
Location - NYC
Occupation & Industry - Stay at home mama
Individual Income - $0
Household Income - a little under mid six figures
Inside The Rep Closet
The Reps
Are you a LR newsletter subscriber?
Yes
How did you find Luxury Reps?
Google Search
Were you familiar with reps before LR?
Nope!
How many bags do you own?
Currently have 19
How many are auth, how many are rep?
13 auth, 6 rep (I sold a bunch)
How much have you spent on reps?
probably over $5k I can’t keep track … sorry it’s the “mom brain”
What is your most expensive bag?
would have been my auth small CF but now it’s that small white Valentino tote
What are the most important brands or pieces in your collection?
my speedy 25 which was the first luxury gift I received and is now 11 years old! Back then it was $700 Speedy 25 (2011)
What bag did you first fall in love with, and when? Did you end up buying it?
when I was in HS I was obsessed with LV. I literally dreamed of having a shopping spree there. I wanted the alma (bb wasn’t around yet) so I guess I technically fulfilled my teenage dreams.
Any particular bag that holds a special sentimental value?
This auth Versace (before they were bought by Michael Kors) has seen a lot of wild nights in the city. It was my go to bag and the lambskin is so supple. Versace Crossbody
Is there a specific bag you are looking to purchase next? Or have you reached purse peace?
Yes, I’m part of the Hermès cult and a Birkin & Kelly on my list(rep or auth I just love the silhouette). And no, I am very very far away from purse peace but I have been able to throw myself on “ban island” for a few months here and there.
Do you feel like your bags change people’s perceptions of you or how you’re treated?
Pre-covid I would say yes. You definitely were looked at differently or treated “better”. As of now, I don’t think it applies towards me anymore because I’m a mom with a toddler who is going through terrible twos. They’re more distracted with her than what I’m wearing.
Have your bag-carrying habits changed since the pandemic started?
I used to not care what fits or doesn’t fit in a bag. Now, I have to put into consideration the items I need to carry as well as my husband’s … yes I have to carry his wallet and keys in my bag despite them having larger pockets than us. I use separate bag as a diaper bag & usually will have a smaller crossbody I can use to easily access keys, wallet, etc.
The Shopping
How often do you buy new bags?
I used to buy myself two auths each year. I didn’t really buy too many reps before LR but once I did it became a bi-monthly thing. Now it’s based on if there’s a good sale or it’s something I truly love and cannot stop thinking about.
Has your shopping habits or overall attitude towards luxury changed over the years?
1000%! I really don’t care what someone is wearing or what I’m wearing as well. I went through a roller coaster of shopping way too much to staying away from overbuying.
If you have purchased auth in the past, do you still plan to continue?
Yes, but only if I go away on vacation in Europe.
Do you ever buy second-hand bags?
I have a few times! The only one I still have is the first second hand bag I bought. Fendi By The Way
Do you sell old bags to pay for new purchases?
I’ve sold a few with Rebag, Fashionphile, and What Goes Around Comes Around to fund new bags.
Do you ever feel societal pressure to purchase more bags?
Not necessarily, but there are way too many pretty items I see here on LR that make me go crazy!
Who influences your buying decisions?
Me, myself, and I
The Money
Who pays for your bags?
I do secretly
Do you set aside a budget for your bag (or fashion) purchases?
I don’t but that’s a great idea to do!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to afford a bag?
Well, I sold a vintage Chanel CF just to fund a bunch of 187 & god factory purchases but then Chanel had a price increase. I look back thinking I could have gotten more to fund more…
Do you think your shopping is ever a problem? Have you ever felt like you were struggling with a shopping addiction?
This made me laugh out loud. The title of my confessional is based off the movie/book Confessions of a Shopaholic. As a visual, I’m like Astrid from Crazy Rich Asians (I’m 5’8” as well and Asian decent) hiding all her purchases from her husband around the house. And if he notices something new I play it off that I found it in my storage or my college friend in Asia sent it over to me. The hiding my purchases part is clearly not right and there are times I really shouldn’t be shopping. I did calm down but I could have stronger will power not to be tempted.
The Rest Of It
Any other hobbies or passions?
I only have my peloton as a hobby. There used to be so much such as traveling, trying new restaurants, beauty, fashion, all things luxe. But I’m too tired … like really tired. I average on about 4-5 hours of sleep a day. Maybe when my daughter gets older it will change but I have convinced myself cleaning and cooking can be a hobby too.
Anything else you would like to include?
This group brought a lot of joy for me. I was able to connect with some wonderful people. I’m a very private person and will not associate myself with forums or strangers but it’s changed drastically since 2020. I’m grateful to all the people I’ve been able to associate with (although we are not close). The discord groups I was/am part of make me feel less alone. It’s exhilarating being able to talk about topics that I am interested in with people who are open-minded.
I hope this confessional was somewhat entertaining or brought you a little joy just as how LR was to me.
