Coveted Chanel and Hermès Treasures with The Stylish Freelancer

Welcome back to the Closet Confidential series, where we delve into the collections of influencers, community members, and self-confessed handbag enthusiasts.

Today, we’re delighted to be joined by Valeria, also known as @thestylishfreelancer. Valeria is renowned for her impeccable taste and equally incredible content.

The Stylish Freelancer showcases trend insights, styling advice, and handbag color comparisons – all in one chic package.

Image courtesy: @thestylishfreelancer

From coveted Chanel pieces to sought-after Hermès treasures, join us as we delve into Valeria’s world, uncovering the stories behind her favorite bags and gaining exclusive insights into her journey as a style connoisseur.

Let's go back to the beginning – what was your first luxury bag?

My very first bag was a gift — when I was 18, I was gifted a classic LV pochette. It was 2001 and I was 18… I still have that one!

The first I actually bought with my own money was a Chanel WOC — black lambskin with silver hardware. I’ve used it for years. The next one was for my 35th bday, the medium classic flap (also lambskin silver). For me luxury would be having lambskin everything — I am quite a practical person when it comes to bags… so over the years, I’ve swapped some of those for caviar versions.

Is there a bag in your collection that might surprise us?

I haven’t worn it in a million years but I have a vintage satin fuchsia Gucci bag from the Noughties that I still cherish! I don’t really use it but it is a nice memory/token. I also have a few little sparkly ones from random shops in Italy, from my mum mostly. I do have the small size of the infamous Chanel heart… everyone was telling me it would be too juvenile for me but hey, I’ve been loving it since it came out.

Image courtesy: @thestylishfreelancer

Are there any specific bags that you're currently coveting?

I would love a Hermès Pochette — because swift is a delicious leather – or a Constance in Emerald or Jade green. And that green “Kelly” Chanel that just came out is also constantly on my mind! I know it is not the most practical shape (and I am all for usable bags) but the colour is just so good – who would have thought that the beige queen could grow a penchant for this bright colour!

As a devoted Chanel enthusiast, do you see yourself continuing to expand your collection?

Back when I started my collection, I only wanted (and sort of could afford) a black flap and a Clair. I’m grateful I could explore colors and discover what I like – and this community really helped me learn and identify what works for me so I wouldn’t buy “blind” anymore. At the moment, I am very curious to see what the future will bring for the Maison — with the recent news of Viard leaving and the spicy speculations that ensued, who knows what can happen. And while I like to have a one-in, one-out policy… I don’t have anything I think I can part from…, so even if I wanted to add more, it would be very hard. I would love a green classic flap or a lovely dark brown though.

Image courtesy: @thestylishfreelancer

Are there any Chanel bags that you consider 'the ones that got away'?

OMG, I missed the boat on that houndstooth 19… I should have bought it from the store in 2019 but at the time, I was after a beige clair and I made the wrong choice. Also, sold the sought-after top handle caviar mini from 2021 and I still think of her because it was the perfect craie colour.

Image courtesy: Chanel

Now, let's dive into Hermès! What was your very first Hermès bag, and can you take us back to that moment? Did that initial acquisition ignite your passion for the brand?

My first Hermès was a K28 in Noir with palladium hardware — I had never seen one in real life before, can you believe that? I had it all over my Pinterest but yeah, hard to come by and I did not know anyone who owned it. I got mine during Covid, the first H, and the one and only bag I got that was not quota from the store. I always saw the Kelly as THE bag of dreams — the one I thought I would never be able to afford. A real mirage!

It was then — and after meeting so many people via IG and the luxury community — that I started documenting myself on the brand and started loving it more and more. The sizes, the leather, the styles… I’m still very much a bag person (I love other items and accessories but nothing compares to bags for me).

Image courtesy: @thestylishfreelancer

A difficult one! Are you team Kelly or team Birkin?

I think I’m a Kelly girl. I love my one and only Birkin 30 in gold (because gold Togo is the best) but I prefer a structured bag, with a strap. I do see the charm of a b25 but I want options and those tiny handles… I go back and forth every time I see a B25 because who wouldn’t want them all? But then if I really have to invest, I revert to the question “how much would I wear this in reality”? I have started to like the Constance but I have quite a few crossbody with the Chanels in my collection so it’s on the back burner for now.

Image courtesy: @thestylishfreelancer

If you could only keep two Hermès bags from your collection, which ones would you choose, and why are they indispensable to you?

As I only have one Birkin, it would be the gold one and probably the chai Kelly. But the black… omg. And I really love my mini K. So yeah, not a definitive answer! But in truth, as I spend time between London and California, I really use the Birkin only when I’m moving around in a car. The Kelly has a strap, can close (even though it is not super easy…) and overall feels more me.

Image courtesy: @thestylishfreelancer

What’s your most unpopular Hermès opinion?

I have a few:

I think b25 handles are so small…

I would never commission an SO with sides in a different colour, sorry!

Jewellery… is meh.

Enough controversy? 😃

Could you give us an insight into what’s currently on your Hermès wishlist?

A gold K25 (because it IS different than chai!), a dark brown Birkin (maybe ébène or écorce or rouge sellier), and a Constance in green. The one that got away is quebracho – a color on the chart in 2021 that sadly I wasn’t offered or could do as an SO. The perfect beige.

Image courtesy: @thestylishfreelancer

We’re obsessed with your special order Mini Kelly. If you had the opportunity to create another a la carte bag, what would you do differently and why?

I love Nata so much! And chèvre 😃 Just chef’s kiss. The color is brighter and has a lovely sheer, plus the swift gold interior is just delicious.

A new SO… — to be realistic, probably a quebracho or a dark brown mini in chèvre. BUT! If money was no object, I would not dislike a mini Kelly in a black shiny croc!

Image courtesy: @thestylishfreelancer

As a respected figure in the fashion community, you've inspired many collectors. What advice would you give to someone just beginning their journey into luxury?

First of all, Sthaaaap. I feel super lucky to even be considered for this feature. Thank you.

Such a great question, that I’ve been asked so many times in different moments of my collecting.

I started simply hoarding the ones I thought I liked – not knowing much about size, structure, or purpose. I saw a color I liked, I got it.

Which to an extent still drives my choice. The order to begin thinking about a bag and whether it is right for me is as follows:

Identify the style and budget first: does it suit me and can I afford it (somehow?)
Purpose: what will I wear this bag with, does it fit my collection, do I “need” it?
Colour: shade is very crucial for me. I need something that matches most of the stuff I own, and goes with my skin tone and my hair.
Size: I don’t do supermini or super big, but size can make a difference in the balance and shape of a bag and on you when worn. Try it before buying if you can!
Leather: I prefer sturdy and caviar or Epsom, but I try to not let this drive the conversation totally. Some colors though, do look better in specific leather so be careful with that. Gold Togo and Gold Epsom: same color, very different look!
Hardware (that has to go well with the specific shade). I don’t mind the hw, provided it goes well with the shade of the bag. Eg. Pink goes well with palladium, gold on gold for me works best, and so on.

But ultimately, make sure you choose something you love, not because of its value or resale potential but first do some research, see the item if you can, try it on and then once you cannot stop thinking about it for a month, get it.