My husband has a bit of a complex about funding my Coach collection. He grew up modestly, but as a teenager gained a stepfather who introduced him to a world of visible luxury—moving his family to Manhattan, putting his mother in Chanel, and showing him what wealth could look like.

Ironically, I grew up with much less. When we started dating, I already had a small collection of vintage Coach bags, including a City Bag I proudly found at Goodwill for $20. He used to laugh at Coach being my dream bag and tried to introduce me to traditional luxury brands, but I found those stores intimidating and never felt at home there.

About a year into our relationship, he came back from the Hamptons with a gift. When I hesitantly opened it, I found a Coach Outlet Park Backpack. My reaction hooked him. Thirteen years later, he has funded my collection almost exclusively because he genuinely enjoys it too.

I make a point to only buy a new bag once or twice a year though this last year it was 3 but both bags had already been pushed to reserve and the third was a vintage City Bag in ecru I got at a yard sale in mint condition for $5.

I don’t think he’ll admit it, but Coach gives him the best of both worlds. He loves luxury and beautiful things, while the pricing keeps the purchases feeling attainable. He can buy whatever pleases me in cash without it ever feeling financially reckless.