Imagine...

[Eva Elisabeth]

Didn't even one/some of the Edwards' servants quit because they feared the house would collapse from the weight of Mary's trunks stored on the second floor?
Mary was certainly a shopping addict, and not the only First Lady or VIP affected. E.g. think of Imelda Marcos' famous collection of 3,000 shoes.

Laurie, I share your feeling "less is more" (and prefer "quality before quantity"). However - as Frederick the Great said: "Let every man seek heaven in his own fashion"!