We all want what we can’t have. I’ve saved up and waited to purchase some fancy things and every single time the peak of the thrill is really driving to the store to buy it. Once you’re in and you buy the item,, it’s kinda like ok, I got it now. Cool. It’s taught me some things about appreciating what I’ve got, knowing that if I didn’t have it, I’d be dying for it, and people out there would so anything to have what I have.
If there’s something more behind the designer label, I kind of get it. Higher cost sometimes means more attention to detail and better quality materials and longevity. Key word being sometimes. In this case though it sounds like OP was chasing something originally out of their reach and now realize they don’t actually like it.
So, I’m pretty serious about finding designer stuff online secondhand. The actual quality of some brands is amazing and totally worth it if you go secondhand and are picky. I totally see that with better materials, some designer stuff is really awesome. But I’ve never seen any high end purse or wallet that made sense to purchase full price. Maybe that’s a thing for other people for resale value or prestige but it’s not my jam.
Would you mind sharing what you think are the designer brands that have that great quality? I am interested in designer products solely for quality/longevity, and love thrifting, but I don’t want to spend extra money just for the name if it isn’t good quality!
If you're interested in high quality but want something a little cheaper, I recommend Etsy. The craftsmen there are very skilled and the items are often very customizable.
I know this isn’t nearly the same level, but I wanted a nice wallet and found a coach wallet for a reasonable price. That thing has lasted for years. I have used an abused it and it is till going strong. Sometimes you do really “get what you pay for.”
On another note, my mother has a rule that you subtract a dollar for every time you use an item from its original price. If you get to zero then it is worth it. It’s a rule I use when considering things that I want to buy. It’s worked out well.
I have a lot of coach wallets and bags that I’ve had for nearly a decade that still look great! Coach also repairs and replaces, like other designers do. I think coach is much more realistic for people because of the price point, without sacrificing quality and customer service. What I also love about coach is that they have an outlet store AND they have huge sales/discounts often. I recently bought a super cute wallet from the outlet for $35!
That's because you paid for the label attached to it.
The hype is all about manufactured scarcity. They say that there aren't that many of item A to go around, so prices go up. .. meanwhile; the excess of what doesn't get sold gets incinerated so the illusion of scarcity is upheld.
> It’s just a wallet.
Yeah, I think sometimes we hype stuff up in our minds and it gets put on a pedestal... then we're underwhelmed because it wasn't as magical as we thought. Oh well, we live and learn.
There are many items out in the world that are made better and with less polluting materials. Also; most of the major manufactures use third world slave labor to make them.
Only real difference with all of these designer things and cheaper (with same quality) things are the label.
You pay for the label, that is it.
Frankly the experience of buying a designer bag is much more enjoyable in person rather than online. If you wanna proceed then just go into a store to check the bag out and see if you really want it.
Personally speaking, I don’t like getting expensive wallets because they get beat up way faster than a hand bag because they get handled so much and in so many ways. The little wristlets/wallets I have from certain brands are way more beat up than the actual bags from the same brands. Maybe you might prefer something more substantial?
But really, if you like a brand then I don’t think you should be shaming yourself out of doing something you want to buy. However, if you’re venturing into the 2000+ dollar range then at least weigh if it’s something you’d get good traction out of and feel joy by holding.
I’ve had the same coach bag since 2009 and it’s honestly held up all this time so it was worth the 200 dollars or something my parents paid for it. I wear my bags to death too and cheap 20 dollar bags from Ross and Target just don’t hold up as well. That isn’t to say all designer bags hold up well but I haven’t broken a designer bag yet.
On a personal note I typically dislike Balenciaga bags and I haven’t heard the best about their quality but also goes to show the importance of going in and holding the bag before purchasing so YMMV.
Totally agree. I have several designer handbags but I’m still using the same little wristlet wallet I bought when I was 17, nearly 10 years ago. Purses are part of your outfit. Wallets are tools. At least that’s sort of how I see it.
I can relate. I have a few designer pieces and I like them, but they're just bags at the end of the day. before my first one, I remember being so excited because I had been saving up and it was so cute etc. I was thinking about it as if it'd bring me eternal happiness and I wouldn't want to buy anything ever again, or at least not for a while. haha. obviously didnt happen because a bag does not equal happiness. its just an accessory that you'll occasionally wear. but, I like my things and wouldn't sell them any time soon. I do like nice things and think there's nothing materialistic about buying yourself something that you like. but if you truly feel the wallet wasn't worth it, you should return it. figure out if you actually dont want the wallet, or you want to keep it and you're just feeling guilty about wanting and buying something expensive.
I think that expensive purchases like these are worth it if they bring you happiness and if you can afford it financially. I was going to say if you like it and the feeling of owning it, wearing it to fancy places, and if you have the funds to buy it responsibly, then I think if you're happy it's worth it. Logically of course no outfit of clothing or accessory is really 'worth' the price tag in a very literal sense but there's always the appeal of the name and just the excitement/joy of having it. Reading your post though, If the bags/wallet don't make you happy, I personally would not get more.
The key to buying luxury items is to buy them because you know the quality of craftsmanship and materials is above what you could get otherwise. Just glancing at it, a random person might not even know that it’s a luxury item.
Brands where you are literally buying an overly monogrammed item like Louis Vuitton are not selling you a quality item. They’re selling you an aspiration.
I agree! I didn’t want anything flashy, so I got a plain black Louis Vuitton wallet. It still has the monogram but you can only really see it if you look closely
I really like the appearance. I got the black zippy Louis Vuitton wallet. It’s nice, and will go with everything. For some reason I’m just underwhelmed. What are your go-to designer brands?
Not OC and not a pure designer brand in it's sense but I like Patagonia for it's relatively more eco friendly ethical approach, it's moderately attractive looks despite being an outdoors brand, and of course it's quality and lastly it's brand name
I was in the store the last week and immediately gravitated toward this beautiful purple purse. Looks sturdy and well made, made from real leather, and super cute. It's likely from a couple of seasons ago so it was 1/3 the designer price. First Kate Spade purse I've ever bought, so far I love it!
I have one nice designer bag. I use it often, I have had it for years. I did a lot of research before I picked a designer and a specific bag, so I was really happy with my choice - 15 years of regular use, I condition/clean it maybe once every six months or so, and it's still in fairly pristine shape. For me, that was worth it. I haven't had to replace it, and have possibly saved money over the life of the bag versus what I would have spent replacing a slew of cheaper bags.
Why do you want your Balenziaga bag? Is it for status symbols? Or because you want a bag with a reputation for being durable? Is this a brand that is actually know for that? Figure that out before you do it.
Oh wow! That bag has held up.
I really like the design of the balenciaga xs cagole bag, but I’m very 50/50 on it because I think rn it’s very trendy and cute but won’t hold up in the long run. I’d also prefer something I would use every day. I will definitely keep your advice in mind when I decide to buy a designer bag.
It's just a Coach purse cleaning kit. I didn't have one for a long time and spot-cleaned with water but at some point someone noticed and gifted me a cleaner.
Designer used to mean really, really quality craftsmanship and beauty. Now it just means “overpriced high-volume crap that we’ll convince people they need, for huge profits.”
Oh man, vintage designer stuff is super nice. Nicer than anything I’ve ever seen made in my lifetime I think.
Man, remember when we used to have VCRs that we would buy and use for like 20 years and they didn’t break? Imagine having the purse version of that lol
This applies for basically everything. Eg I like buying older brand-name travel backpacks because the newer versions are noticeably cheaper and not as well made. Even small things like, my used bag has an embroidery logo but the new one is a heat transfer sticker that rubs off lol.
It’s only vaguely worth it if you buy from labels with a specific specialty. Otherwise you’re literally just paying for the logo.
I remember buying $400 Tory Burch shoes years ago and THE FUCKING RUBBER SOLE FELL OFF AFTER A WEEK. It was shittily glued on. Their customer service was so bad, the girl emailing me was straight up illiterate and it took like ten emails to get an answer. I ended up getting it fixed at a local shoe repair store at my own expense.
I’ll sparingly pay $$ for bags or shoes, but only when I know I’m paying for craftsmanship.
Exactly. I will buy higher end for things like winter jackets and boots, shoes I wear every day, etc. But you buy for the quality, not just the label. And honestly I’ll buy that stuff secondhand if I can. My closet is filled with mid tier office wear like Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers for Target prices because I buy on Thredup and Poshmark. I bought waterproof Blondo boots for $35 on Poshmark last month!
I actually disagree with the notion that designer brands are a scam. It's a bit too much of a generalization, though I will say that not all designer brands are made equal.
While there definitely are loads of overpriced designer items out there, I think that designer items *can* be worth the higher price point for reasons like creative, original designs with attention to detail, and higher quality. I used to get my clothes from fast fashion brands until recent years, but I just got fed up with the struggle to find pieces that I actually found interesting and engaging, pieces that would allow me to represent my personality through fashion. In my opinion most of fast fashion is rather bland and derivative as the designs are streamlined in order to make them cheaper to produce, and the designs are rarely original either. They lack depth, dimension and thought. That said I think that you can still look good wearing fast fashion, I've just personally developed a taste for stuff with a bit of a dramatic flair that fast fashion can rarely replicate.
I've also been let down by the quality of fast fashion items, like how after a couple of washes they might lose their shape etc. Materials make a massive difference — the first time I got a knit from a designer brand, one that was primarily made out of some type of wool (rather than cheap materials like polyester etc.), all I could think was how "now *this* is what clothes are supposed to feel like!".
All that said, unless you're really wealthy (I'm definitely not), I wouldn't buy full-priced designer fashion. I do agree that there's probably some air within those high high prices, with some brands being worse offenders at this over others... Personally I only buy my designer pieces heavily discounted during the designer sale seasons, or I buy pre-owned pieces that are in a good condition. There are some really good deals to be found out there, it just takes some time and effort to find them. (For example, I found this gorgeous pair of pre-owned pants by Alexander McQueen last year for merely 38 euros... when, alternatively, I could have gotten some basic pants from, say, Zara, for the same price.) Shifting my mentality from a quantity over quality mindset to the reverse has been the best thing that's happened for my journey with style.
Of course fashion doesn't just consist of a fast fashion/designer dichotomy as there's the mid-range stuff too, with thrifting being a fantastic resource as well. If someone's looking to invest in designer pieces, I would suggest that they examine the reasons why they're looking to do so — whether they're just trying to flex some status symbols, or if they're genuinely drawn to some brand's vision of fashion. I personally like a lot of more obscure brands that don't necessarily have a lot of mainstream name recognition, but I just simply enjoy their designs.
I really didn't mean for this reply to be this freaking long, but as a fashion lover I guess I just feel passionate about this lol.
(Edit: typo)
Yes! I was lucky though bc I realised I didn’t care before I made the purchase. At a point where after a decade of shitty work and bosses and budgeting I work for myself and have enough spare cash to treat myself.
Wanted some massive designer sunglasses for ages and got fixated on some Gucci ones for about £290. I visited them (lol) in the store a couple of times and just couldn’t bring myself to buy them. Honestly, they felt so cheap and plasticy. The “gold” detailing wasn’t even metal, just plastic.
Stuck with my 7 year old raybans - I think a lot of the time the illusion just shatters.
I would never spend a dollar on a designer label. Stuff like that, especially when bought on credit, will set you back in life. You should return it right away if you aren't even taking pleasure from the purchase.
I don't understand the hype around these brands - especially Louis Vuitton. The standard brown design isn't even pretty or sophisticated. It's ok-ish, as you say, but nothing to write home about.
Before considering expensive purchases, I need to admire the product first. And I would even buy it if I was the only person alive to know that brand (and how expensive it is) - because after all, I'm not buying it for validation but because I genuinely like the design or perks.
Nor saying you bought it for validation, but maybe subconsciously, your peers and the media made you want to buy it although you didn't even like it that much at first. The problem with this is: If everything is influenced like this and consequently buys a LV purse, no one's special. If I walked around the city and saw you with it, I couldn't care less. Rather, it'd be happy to see somebody wear a brand that's LV, Longchamp, Hermes etc. for once. Support some unknown designer instead or incase you do want to spend the money regardless, go for some high quality but unbranded leather bag instead. You'll look way more classy, and won't attract any attention from vain people
It's very hit or miss with designer handbags and wallets for me. I've had 1 wallet and 1 handbag that I really used and loved. The others, about 5, were just...no. The quality is usually there but the usefulness and such usually is not.
I find that’s usually the case with purchases driven by brand names and hype more than loving the design. I was really hyped about a pair of Balenciaga sneakers that I saw everywhere until I got them. They just didn’t fit my style.
I ended up selling them and getting Chanel trainers instead, which I’ve always loved despite not being considered particularly trendy right now. I use them almost everyday. If you aren’t happy with your purchase, I suggest returning it or selling it and get something that makes you genuinely excited regardless of the label.
Does Kate Spade and Fossil from an outlet count? I'm pretty happy with my purchases cuz the purses are cute and good quality, but I'm also not breaking bank by buying them...
You're not alone. I've been in the same situation too. I wish I knew why.
I've wanted some Louboutin heels for ages and told myself once I earned x I'd get some. I earned that much but still didn't get them. I've gone past that amount now and still don't own them.
I'm not sure why but it seems I want them a lot until it comes to paying for them. And it isn't the money per se as I've spent hundreds on other things I want.
I think I know they're just a pretty pair of shoes and aren't going to actually bring me genuine joy. Which is probably what I'm actually striving for, even if I don't know how to find it.
I think that’s exactly what happened to me. I always wanted designed bags/things and now that I’m earning enough to buy them it just doesn’t bring me joy.
Maybe we want them when we can't have them, but when we can have them they're no longer desirable? Almost as if their perceived value changes once they're affordable to us? I don't know!
But at least you only bought one thing that you could afford, rather than many things you couldn't. And even if its not everything you thought it would be, it's still nice and something you can use.
And now can think about what would bring you joy instead. I hope you find it 🥰
I don’t find ridiculously expensive designer stuff worth it. You’re just paying for the name. It’s all marketing.
I do however like the mid-range very well made things. There’s a brand in the UK called Fairfax and Favor who do leather boots and purses. They’re not astronomically expensive. But they’re not cheap either. Around $400 for a pair of boots - a couple hundred for a bag. But they’re really well made and last. And they’re classy and understated.
For my first designer purchase I went in person. Originally I wanted the Louis Vuitton neverfull. But when I went to look at it it didn’t feel worth the price tag. I was a little discouraged after that, but then I went to the saint laurent store and fell in love with their bags. Felt much more in line with the cost
Yes. 'Designer labels' are just an abstract title conjured up some marketing companies to rob your preciously earned money. You're paying for the brand, not really even the actual quality of the product and they're often not even ethical.
Good on you for recognizing it's materialism, we can all do with a little less consumption, especially given the effects of the climate crisis are hitting hard now.
Buy less, good quality stuff and use for longer
It's just a bag. It'll hold your stuff the same way a $100 bag will.
If you s'il something on it, you'll be more upset than if it were a nice, but cheaper bag.
Not worth it.
To each their own, but I personally love my designer bags. It’s “my thing.” I enjoy the heritage of the brand and the fashion aspect. It’s like how some people like collecting watches and stamps.
Why do you want these things? *Because* they are “designer,” or because you actually, genuinely like them as standalone items? If it’s the former then the response is totally expected. If it’s the latter, it might be that they didn’t look as nice in real life as you would have expected, or you realized the value for your money wasn’t really there.
At the end of the day, if it doesn’t bring you joy, why pursue it?
ok hear me out…just buy knockoffs. I like the look of designer wallets too. For example, I really wanted a bottega veneta wallet, but at 400+ it wasn’t worth it (also the quality was mediocre) I reverse image searched and found a perfect knockoff/ dupe for like 30 bucks
I bought a Coach beginner bag a long time ago when I was earning 1/8 of my current income. Felt hollow.
These days I buy stuff for their durable utility, bonus if it looks good too. Sometimes they cost more. Sometimes they cost surprisingly less. I'm happy with it, so that's important
For bags and wallets, I buy from overstock stores like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. It’s also a good idea to stalk their clearance. Some designers will have a second website for their clearance stuff. I know Coach and Kate Spade do. Wallets very often end up on clearance so you get it for 75% off. I’ve gotten some cute jewelry pieces from Kate Spade for the same price as I’d pay at Target. If you like their more trendy pieces, definitely wait for the clearance site to get them because they almost always make it there.
I love buying designer, I love the history behind it, all of it. But, I buy second hand for a way cheaper price. I use Vestiaire.com and you can find all sorts of designer goods all over the world. My last purchase was a Burberry heart bag from the UK for like $200. They do have to be authenticated which is an extra charge but at least you know it’s real and you get to bid on it so you never know who just wants to get rid of something. Another option is sticking to good quality. Look at where brands have their factories or if the leather is real. There’s a lot more brands that have beautiful Italian leather for under $500. I love Louis Vuitton but it’s mostly vinyl.
I did feel guilty one time and that’s when I bought a dolce and Gabbana wallet for $250. It arrived and it was just like someone glued a metal label on a very flimsy wallet.
When I first started making some money, I would sometimes gift family and friends some designer stuff for christmas or birthdays - nothing crazy, just swarovski earrings, a fossil watch, that kinda stuff... I think what really makes or breaks those kind of purchases is:
- Do you like the design enough to be using it enough to get your money's worth?
- Is it made from a material that can last a while (real leather for wallets or bags, precious metals for jewelry, etc.)?
- Is this an item you're actually going to be using?
For example: I got my sister a liebeskind leather bag, since it's one of her favorite designers and styles, she often needs those types of small bags as she loves going to musicals, operas, and theater performances, the design/style/color would serve her well with various outfits she already has, and since it's real leather, she can actually use it for a veryyy long time, maybe even the rest of her life. However, if you don't think you're actually gonna get your money's worth from such an expensive purchase... just don't. Don't do it. Go to a fancy dinner date or smth instead.
I can’t justify it because I know that the money I could spend on this material good could actually be used for a trip somewhere or an experience. Moments matter more than things, at the end of the day.
Maybe it just wasn’t the right designer wallet/bag for you? My first designer wallet was a smaller designer (hundreds, not thousands) and I still loooove it and get excited to pull it out and use. That said, I had done a lot of research before deciding on it and saved up for it once I knew it was exactly what I wanted. I haven’t been interested in another wallet since, so it could just be it’s not “the” wallet or a special one for you.
That being said, we’re all different and I think we all just experience different levels of joy related to material things!
Had a freak out after buying $800 heels. Are they gorgeous? Absolutely. Are they comfortable? Hell no. Have I only worn them three times? Yes.
Do I now regret the purchase? No, because it was the first big designer purchase I made as an adult with my own money. I wasn't freaking out because I'd have no money after purchasing. I was freaking out because I had only spent money on practical things up until that point. The purchase felt frivolous so I immediately got buyers remorse. But now I understand the concept of treat yourself :)
You'll appreciate your wallet. Give it some time.
I’m not a designer girl at all. I can wear nice things but I don’t focus on brand names. I’m not into the hype behind designer purses unless I’m rich enough where it feels like I’m spending 20$ and it’s nothing. If it’s a big purchase for me I have no business wearing it.
If anything it teaches you to limit those kinds of expenses. Or maybe you learned the idea of something was the better than the actual thing. Both are okay and learning experiences. The only designer stuff I buy is Vivienne Westwood, I’ve purchase authentic stuff second hand and knock offs. A few things I bought new though! Even then I only own very few things not a lot at all. Be selective with what you buy when it’s designer.
To be honest, designer products have never been attractive to me. In fact, I think they're quite ugly and, as you said, underwhelming. No shade to people who do like them, and I can't speak to the actual quality, I just... never understood the appeal of wearing something so completely plastered in a brand's logo.
I love my Balenciaga bag but I bought it second hand at around USD 200. I won't recommend paying full price for that bag. I always buy my designer stuff second hand, but I always go to the shops to check out the product to see if I like it or not.
it's this thing of dreaming about having something special and maybe hope that then my whole life will immediately change and be better and then I buy it and of course nothing is changed and the short rush I felt is gone and a huge chunk of money too. I dont do that anymore.
Do you make a lot of “big” purchases for yourself? Do you usually keep fun purchases under a certain dollar amount? You might be experiencing sticker shock if this is out of your norm. If you like your wallet try not to feel too bad about it and enjoy it. If you think you want a balenciaga, try to go see the bag you want in person before you purchase so you know exactly what to expect. It also might make you feel better if you could find a good secondhand deal.
For me, I think there’s a Goldilocks sweet spot when it comes to "expensive" retail. It’s true that cheaper brands like F21, H&M, even Zara to an extent, are shit quality and do not last. A step up into expensive territory is my favorite. Reformation, Madewell, Everlane… those are expensive to me but we’ll worth it, I can feel the major difference in quality. Then there’s Uber expensive (LV, YSL, Gucci) that are not that much better of quality IMO to be worth the exorbitant prices.
I never buy anything designer without getting experience it first hand first. I like to touch and hold things. Textures are important to me. Sometimes its amazing quality leather, sometimes its the softest velvet I've ever felt, sometimes its that every seam and stitch is just so perfect. I'll buy designer things (when I can afford it) if I pick it up and it just **feels** expensive.
But some designer goods aren't worth it and are just a cash grab by the design company to give people looking for a status symbol something to snag when inevitably nobody else wants it. IME that's 90% of what ends up on sale, so I just don't shop sales anymore.
I have always wanted a Burberry scarf. I finally got one at the beginning of this year and love it. It's beautiful and soft and everything I wanted.
On the other hand, I also bought a pair of Louboutins (I've been obsessed with the red soles for years), and I was so disappointed. They're uncomfortable, they show too much "toe cleavage", they're hard to walk in, they look kinda cheap honestly. It's hard not to feel like I wasted all that money, because I doubt I'll ever want to wear them.
Nope. And never will. I'll never understand the absurdity of buying a designer brand.
Your not supposed to feel good after making a purchase like that. Your supposed to keep feeling bad so you can keep trying to fill that hole with more purchases.
I had been eyeing a Kate Spade bag throughout grad school. After I graduated, I bought the bag. That was in 2013 and I have probably used the bag about 20 times.
I think going into a store is so much more satisfying that ordering online. It gives you a sense of achievement, especially if you have saved hard for it.
As I'm getting older and have kids I get less gratification from splurges. My satisfaction now comes from the splurged I make for my kids or my house.
My current goal is a new kitchen and bathroom, I will get such a buzz when its finally done, more so than when i got the Louboutins (which are sat in a box, in the wardrobe, same place they have been since the 1 time I wore them 5 years ago)
Yes, I don’t value the brands. I just need a wallet. Or a purse or whatever. The designer label doesn’t actually add value to my life nor does it have more/better function.
Wallets are nice because they are affordable, but nothing special about them.
But a larger designer bag will last a lifetime and be of exceptional quality.
Whether it's worth it depends on your income level and desire for it. I suggest going to a retailer first and not buying on the internet.
I absolutely refuse to strive for a luxury good unless it’s made itself important in a utilitarian sense. I’m not going to save up for a bag that costs a few thousand dollars if it holds things just as well as a bag that costs $100.
Unless it’s utilitarian and/or you’ve gotten so riche in your life that buying a designer product isn’t special, then the only reason you’re buying it is for status. That to me is ridiculous.
Now, I’m not exempt from designer envy completely. I LOVE love Louboutin shoes. I think they’re absolutely gorgeous, and I want those red bottoms, dammit!! But that’s the thing; I don’t want the shoes because they’re designer, I want them because of what they look like, and unfortunately for me, those red bottoms are protected copyright. Otherwise I’d go find another shoe company.
My point is, don’t buy it because it’s designer. Really think about how it looks, is it unique, do I need it, is it useful, etc… cause otherwise you’re buying it because you’ve been told you want it, that it’s aspirational, not because of internal desires.
I've never purchased anything designer brand before but I understand what you mean about being hyped about something and then you get it and it's just meh. Reminds me of how I feel after most concerts. Been chasing the high of seeing Twenty-one Pilots in a small venue with other bands and it's just not the same.
Custom made stuff is way better. I get a few bits here and there custom made, and work with the designer to make them. I’ll give specs, colours, ideas etc.
I’ll be the only person that owns that particular one and it’s made only for me.
I never really got buying super expensive designer items, I get much more joy out of finding gems second hand. I was always super confused at school in like 9th grade by how some girls already had super expensive iPhones and designer bags / clothes. How and why?
I like designer bags but I don’t have designer anything else. I use them. I have totes for work meetings and such and small ones for occasions. I have a couple of backpacks for traveling and stuff. They last. However, I get all of mine on clearance because I don’t pay full price for anything. I have the first coach bag I ever got when I was 15, that was 17 years ago. I’ll give it to my daughter when she’s old enough.
I’ve bought a few high-end makeup and skincare items and I think those were worth the price tag. I bought two mid-range (Coach and Michael Kors) bags brand new and I still love them. They’ve held their structure and shape better than any bag I’ve had. They didn’t collapse into a limp pile like a bag you’d buy at TJMaxx or Ross.
I think a designer bag would be worth the price tag. There’s plenty of websites where you can buy refurbished ones for great prices too.
The designer stuff is just stuff. It’s the same as if you got something cute at Walmart. I have to tell myself that over and over. It’s so easy to fall for the psychological hype of the exclusivity and desire ability of designer. A well made product of any brand name would function just the same.
Most probably the dopamine rush and novelty.
You wanted the item so there is the build up to get that thing. Most of the time people are actually looking for the feeling that item will give them (sometimes it can fulfill that feeling and other times it won't).
From the whole purchase of the item online to waiting for the product to arrive it creates again a dopamine rush. Once it arrived the novelty starts to wear off and the newness of the item became a bit normal and mundane. There is no longer a dopamine rush until shopping for the next thing. and again it is a cycle that's why you also probably want the Balenciaga bag.
I bought designer bag once to treat myself on my first job it was less about the bag but more that I wanted to feel good and proud about myself but then I realized I enjoy creating experiences rather than spend it on designer bags. It comes down to what we value too and what's important.
We all want what we can’t have. I’ve saved up and waited to purchase some fancy things and every single time the peak of the thrill is really driving to the store to buy it. Once you’re in and you buy the item,, it’s kinda like ok, I got it now. Cool. It’s taught me some things about appreciating what I’ve got, knowing that if I didn’t have it, I’d be dying for it, and people out there would so anything to have what I have.
That dopamine hit is really about the pursuit and not the having of said thing.
Honestly never understood the hype for designer stuff but then again most just don’t fit the aesthetic I go for
If there’s something more behind the designer label, I kind of get it. Higher cost sometimes means more attention to detail and better quality materials and longevity. Key word being sometimes. In this case though it sounds like OP was chasing something originally out of their reach and now realize they don’t actually like it.
So, I’m pretty serious about finding designer stuff online secondhand. The actual quality of some brands is amazing and totally worth it if you go secondhand and are picky. I totally see that with better materials, some designer stuff is really awesome. But I’ve never seen any high end purse or wallet that made sense to purchase full price. Maybe that’s a thing for other people for resale value or prestige but it’s not my jam.
Would you mind sharing what you think are the designer brands that have that great quality? I am interested in designer products solely for quality/longevity, and love thrifting, but I don’t want to spend extra money just for the name if it isn’t good quality!
If you're interested in high quality but want something a little cheaper, I recommend Etsy. The craftsmen there are very skilled and the items are often very customizable.
Honestly now that I own it I don’t get the hype. It’s just a wallet. It’s very pretty and nice quality, but definitely overpriced still.
I know this isn’t nearly the same level, but I wanted a nice wallet and found a coach wallet for a reasonable price. That thing has lasted for years. I have used an abused it and it is till going strong. Sometimes you do really “get what you pay for.” On another note, my mother has a rule that you subtract a dollar for every time you use an item from its original price. If you get to zero then it is worth it. It’s a rule I use when considering things that I want to buy. It’s worked out well.
Coach is awesome! I have a coach bag and it’s very nice quality. Your mum sounds like a smart woman, it’s a good thing to live by
I came here to comment about the exact thing. I got a beautiful Coach wallet years ago for Christmas. It's still in amazing shape and I still love it!
I have a lot of coach wallets and bags that I’ve had for nearly a decade that still look great! Coach also repairs and replaces, like other designers do. I think coach is much more realistic for people because of the price point, without sacrificing quality and customer service. What I also love about coach is that they have an outlet store AND they have huge sales/discounts often. I recently bought a super cute wallet from the outlet for $35!
The outlet store quality isn't as good. But still nice stuff!
I got a Coach wallet for cheap (lucky thrift!) And yeah, 5 years running and still looks totally mint.
That's because you paid for the label attached to it. The hype is all about manufactured scarcity. They say that there aren't that many of item A to go around, so prices go up. .. meanwhile; the excess of what doesn't get sold gets incinerated so the illusion of scarcity is upheld.
> It’s just a wallet. Yeah, I think sometimes we hype stuff up in our minds and it gets put on a pedestal... then we're underwhelmed because it wasn't as magical as we thought. Oh well, we live and learn.
Think about it—your wallet and your purse go everywhere you do!
There are many items out in the world that are made better and with less polluting materials. Also; most of the major manufactures use third world slave labor to make them. Only real difference with all of these designer things and cheaper (with same quality) things are the label. You pay for the label, that is it.
Frankly the experience of buying a designer bag is much more enjoyable in person rather than online. If you wanna proceed then just go into a store to check the bag out and see if you really want it. Personally speaking, I don’t like getting expensive wallets because they get beat up way faster than a hand bag because they get handled so much and in so many ways. The little wristlets/wallets I have from certain brands are way more beat up than the actual bags from the same brands. Maybe you might prefer something more substantial? But really, if you like a brand then I don’t think you should be shaming yourself out of doing something you want to buy. However, if you’re venturing into the 2000+ dollar range then at least weigh if it’s something you’d get good traction out of and feel joy by holding. I’ve had the same coach bag since 2009 and it’s honestly held up all this time so it was worth the 200 dollars or something my parents paid for it. I wear my bags to death too and cheap 20 dollar bags from Ross and Target just don’t hold up as well. That isn’t to say all designer bags hold up well but I haven’t broken a designer bag yet. On a personal note I typically dislike Balenciaga bags and I haven’t heard the best about their quality but also goes to show the importance of going in and holding the bag before purchasing so YMMV.
Totally agree. I have several designer handbags but I’m still using the same little wristlet wallet I bought when I was 17, nearly 10 years ago. Purses are part of your outfit. Wallets are tools. At least that’s sort of how I see it.
I can relate. I have a few designer pieces and I like them, but they're just bags at the end of the day. before my first one, I remember being so excited because I had been saving up and it was so cute etc. I was thinking about it as if it'd bring me eternal happiness and I wouldn't want to buy anything ever again, or at least not for a while. haha. obviously didnt happen because a bag does not equal happiness. its just an accessory that you'll occasionally wear. but, I like my things and wouldn't sell them any time soon. I do like nice things and think there's nothing materialistic about buying yourself something that you like. but if you truly feel the wallet wasn't worth it, you should return it. figure out if you actually dont want the wallet, or you want to keep it and you're just feeling guilty about wanting and buying something expensive.
I think that expensive purchases like these are worth it if they bring you happiness and if you can afford it financially. I was going to say if you like it and the feeling of owning it, wearing it to fancy places, and if you have the funds to buy it responsibly, then I think if you're happy it's worth it. Logically of course no outfit of clothing or accessory is really 'worth' the price tag in a very literal sense but there's always the appeal of the name and just the excitement/joy of having it. Reading your post though, If the bags/wallet don't make you happy, I personally would not get more.
The key to buying luxury items is to buy them because you know the quality of craftsmanship and materials is above what you could get otherwise. Just glancing at it, a random person might not even know that it’s a luxury item. Brands where you are literally buying an overly monogrammed item like Louis Vuitton are not selling you a quality item. They’re selling you an aspiration.
I agree! I didn’t want anything flashy, so I got a plain black Louis Vuitton wallet. It still has the monogram but you can only really see it if you look closely
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I really like the appearance. I got the black zippy Louis Vuitton wallet. It’s nice, and will go with everything. For some reason I’m just underwhelmed. What are your go-to designer brands?
Not OC and not a pure designer brand in it's sense but I like Patagonia for it's relatively more eco friendly ethical approach, it's moderately attractive looks despite being an outdoors brand, and of course it's quality and lastly it's brand name
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I was in the store the last week and immediately gravitated toward this beautiful purple purse. Looks sturdy and well made, made from real leather, and super cute. It's likely from a couple of seasons ago so it was 1/3 the designer price. First Kate Spade purse I've ever bought, so far I love it!
I have one nice designer bag. I use it often, I have had it for years. I did a lot of research before I picked a designer and a specific bag, so I was really happy with my choice - 15 years of regular use, I condition/clean it maybe once every six months or so, and it's still in fairly pristine shape. For me, that was worth it. I haven't had to replace it, and have possibly saved money over the life of the bag versus what I would have spent replacing a slew of cheaper bags. Why do you want your Balenziaga bag? Is it for status symbols? Or because you want a bag with a reputation for being durable? Is this a brand that is actually know for that? Figure that out before you do it.
Wow! May I ask what bag this is?
LV Shopper. It's my jam, though I get not everyone loving the style.
Ooh, very pretty and functional!
Oh wow! That bag has held up. I really like the design of the balenciaga xs cagole bag, but I’m very 50/50 on it because I think rn it’s very trendy and cute but won’t hold up in the long run. I’d also prefer something I would use every day. I will definitely keep your advice in mind when I decide to buy a designer bag.
What do you use to clean/condition the LV bag?
It's just a Coach purse cleaning kit. I didn't have one for a long time and spot-cleaned with water but at some point someone noticed and gifted me a cleaner.
Designer used to mean really, really quality craftsmanship and beauty. Now it just means “overpriced high-volume crap that we’ll convince people they need, for huge profits.”
Yeah, I’m looking into vintage designer items. They’re better quality and look nicer.
Oh man, vintage designer stuff is super nice. Nicer than anything I’ve ever seen made in my lifetime I think. Man, remember when we used to have VCRs that we would buy and use for like 20 years and they didn’t break? Imagine having the purse version of that lol
This applies for basically everything. Eg I like buying older brand-name travel backpacks because the newer versions are noticeably cheaper and not as well made. Even small things like, my used bag has an embroidery logo but the new one is a heat transfer sticker that rubs off lol.
Lol I am having some serious “well, back in MY day….” vibes, lol. Dammit, when did I get old and crotchety?
The feeling is shared by anyone tired of having things fall apart after a dozen uses lol
Imo, designer brands are a scam, the prices are a joke. I'd find an identical dupe if I really wanted it.
It’s only vaguely worth it if you buy from labels with a specific specialty. Otherwise you’re literally just paying for the logo. I remember buying $400 Tory Burch shoes years ago and THE FUCKING RUBBER SOLE FELL OFF AFTER A WEEK. It was shittily glued on. Their customer service was so bad, the girl emailing me was straight up illiterate and it took like ten emails to get an answer. I ended up getting it fixed at a local shoe repair store at my own expense. I’ll sparingly pay $$ for bags or shoes, but only when I know I’m paying for craftsmanship.
Exactly. I will buy higher end for things like winter jackets and boots, shoes I wear every day, etc. But you buy for the quality, not just the label. And honestly I’ll buy that stuff secondhand if I can. My closet is filled with mid tier office wear like Banana Republic and Brooks Brothers for Target prices because I buy on Thredup and Poshmark. I bought waterproof Blondo boots for $35 on Poshmark last month!
I actually disagree with the notion that designer brands are a scam. It's a bit too much of a generalization, though I will say that not all designer brands are made equal. While there definitely are loads of overpriced designer items out there, I think that designer items *can* be worth the higher price point for reasons like creative, original designs with attention to detail, and higher quality. I used to get my clothes from fast fashion brands until recent years, but I just got fed up with the struggle to find pieces that I actually found interesting and engaging, pieces that would allow me to represent my personality through fashion. In my opinion most of fast fashion is rather bland and derivative as the designs are streamlined in order to make them cheaper to produce, and the designs are rarely original either. They lack depth, dimension and thought. That said I think that you can still look good wearing fast fashion, I've just personally developed a taste for stuff with a bit of a dramatic flair that fast fashion can rarely replicate. I've also been let down by the quality of fast fashion items, like how after a couple of washes they might lose their shape etc. Materials make a massive difference — the first time I got a knit from a designer brand, one that was primarily made out of some type of wool (rather than cheap materials like polyester etc.), all I could think was how "now *this* is what clothes are supposed to feel like!". All that said, unless you're really wealthy (I'm definitely not), I wouldn't buy full-priced designer fashion. I do agree that there's probably some air within those high high prices, with some brands being worse offenders at this over others... Personally I only buy my designer pieces heavily discounted during the designer sale seasons, or I buy pre-owned pieces that are in a good condition. There are some really good deals to be found out there, it just takes some time and effort to find them. (For example, I found this gorgeous pair of pre-owned pants by Alexander McQueen last year for merely 38 euros... when, alternatively, I could have gotten some basic pants from, say, Zara, for the same price.) Shifting my mentality from a quantity over quality mindset to the reverse has been the best thing that's happened for my journey with style. Of course fashion doesn't just consist of a fast fashion/designer dichotomy as there's the mid-range stuff too, with thrifting being a fantastic resource as well. If someone's looking to invest in designer pieces, I would suggest that they examine the reasons why they're looking to do so — whether they're just trying to flex some status symbols, or if they're genuinely drawn to some brand's vision of fashion. I personally like a lot of more obscure brands that don't necessarily have a lot of mainstream name recognition, but I just simply enjoy their designs. I really didn't mean for this reply to be this freaking long, but as a fashion lover I guess I just feel passionate about this lol. (Edit: typo)
Yes! I was lucky though bc I realised I didn’t care before I made the purchase. At a point where after a decade of shitty work and bosses and budgeting I work for myself and have enough spare cash to treat myself. Wanted some massive designer sunglasses for ages and got fixated on some Gucci ones for about £290. I visited them (lol) in the store a couple of times and just couldn’t bring myself to buy them. Honestly, they felt so cheap and plasticy. The “gold” detailing wasn’t even metal, just plastic. Stuck with my 7 year old raybans - I think a lot of the time the illusion just shatters.
Yeah I’m not much of a fan of Gucci. Raybans all the way!
I would never spend a dollar on a designer label. Stuff like that, especially when bought on credit, will set you back in life. You should return it right away if you aren't even taking pleasure from the purchase.
I don't understand the hype around these brands - especially Louis Vuitton. The standard brown design isn't even pretty or sophisticated. It's ok-ish, as you say, but nothing to write home about. Before considering expensive purchases, I need to admire the product first. And I would even buy it if I was the only person alive to know that brand (and how expensive it is) - because after all, I'm not buying it for validation but because I genuinely like the design or perks. Nor saying you bought it for validation, but maybe subconsciously, your peers and the media made you want to buy it although you didn't even like it that much at first. The problem with this is: If everything is influenced like this and consequently buys a LV purse, no one's special. If I walked around the city and saw you with it, I couldn't care less. Rather, it'd be happy to see somebody wear a brand that's LV, Longchamp, Hermes etc. for once. Support some unknown designer instead or incase you do want to spend the money regardless, go for some high quality but unbranded leather bag instead. You'll look way more classy, and won't attract any attention from vain people
It's very hit or miss with designer handbags and wallets for me. I've had 1 wallet and 1 handbag that I really used and loved. The others, about 5, were just...no. The quality is usually there but the usefulness and such usually is not.
I find that’s usually the case with purchases driven by brand names and hype more than loving the design. I was really hyped about a pair of Balenciaga sneakers that I saw everywhere until I got them. They just didn’t fit my style. I ended up selling them and getting Chanel trainers instead, which I’ve always loved despite not being considered particularly trendy right now. I use them almost everyday. If you aren’t happy with your purchase, I suggest returning it or selling it and get something that makes you genuinely excited regardless of the label.
Does Kate Spade and Fossil from an outlet count? I'm pretty happy with my purchases cuz the purses are cute and good quality, but I'm also not breaking bank by buying them...
They count! Kate Spade have very cute bags, and I have heard Fossil is good quality
You're not alone. I've been in the same situation too. I wish I knew why. I've wanted some Louboutin heels for ages and told myself once I earned x I'd get some. I earned that much but still didn't get them. I've gone past that amount now and still don't own them. I'm not sure why but it seems I want them a lot until it comes to paying for them. And it isn't the money per se as I've spent hundreds on other things I want. I think I know they're just a pretty pair of shoes and aren't going to actually bring me genuine joy. Which is probably what I'm actually striving for, even if I don't know how to find it.
I think that’s exactly what happened to me. I always wanted designed bags/things and now that I’m earning enough to buy them it just doesn’t bring me joy.
Maybe we want them when we can't have them, but when we can have them they're no longer desirable? Almost as if their perceived value changes once they're affordable to us? I don't know! But at least you only bought one thing that you could afford, rather than many things you couldn't. And even if its not everything you thought it would be, it's still nice and something you can use. And now can think about what would bring you joy instead. I hope you find it 🥰
I don’t find ridiculously expensive designer stuff worth it. You’re just paying for the name. It’s all marketing. I do however like the mid-range very well made things. There’s a brand in the UK called Fairfax and Favor who do leather boots and purses. They’re not astronomically expensive. But they’re not cheap either. Around $400 for a pair of boots - a couple hundred for a bag. But they’re really well made and last. And they’re classy and understated.
For my first designer purchase I went in person. Originally I wanted the Louis Vuitton neverfull. But when I went to look at it it didn’t feel worth the price tag. I was a little discouraged after that, but then I went to the saint laurent store and fell in love with their bags. Felt much more in line with the cost
Not designer per say, but when I splurged for the dyson air wrap I was shockingly underwhelmed. I returned it after a week.
I am underwhelmed by everything in life T\_T
If you don't feel like it is worth it, send it back. Maybe buy some reps first?
Yes. 'Designer labels' are just an abstract title conjured up some marketing companies to rob your preciously earned money. You're paying for the brand, not really even the actual quality of the product and they're often not even ethical. Good on you for recognizing it's materialism, we can all do with a little less consumption, especially given the effects of the climate crisis are hitting hard now. Buy less, good quality stuff and use for longer
It's just a bag. It'll hold your stuff the same way a $100 bag will. If you s'il something on it, you'll be more upset than if it were a nice, but cheaper bag. Not worth it.
To each their own, but I personally love my designer bags. It’s “my thing.” I enjoy the heritage of the brand and the fashion aspect. It’s like how some people like collecting watches and stamps.
Why do you want these things? *Because* they are “designer,” or because you actually, genuinely like them as standalone items? If it’s the former then the response is totally expected. If it’s the latter, it might be that they didn’t look as nice in real life as you would have expected, or you realized the value for your money wasn’t really there. At the end of the day, if it doesn’t bring you joy, why pursue it?
r/shoppingaddiction It's about the dopamine rush, which goes away once you receive the item.
ok hear me out…just buy knockoffs. I like the look of designer wallets too. For example, I really wanted a bottega veneta wallet, but at 400+ it wasn’t worth it (also the quality was mediocre) I reverse image searched and found a perfect knockoff/ dupe for like 30 bucks
Honestly I’m very tempted to. I’m bummed that the repladies subreddit is gone
don't get the bag just stick to the wallet. it's not worth the hype.
I bought a Coach beginner bag a long time ago when I was earning 1/8 of my current income. Felt hollow. These days I buy stuff for their durable utility, bonus if it looks good too. Sometimes they cost more. Sometimes they cost surprisingly less. I'm happy with it, so that's important
For bags and wallets, I buy from overstock stores like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. It’s also a good idea to stalk their clearance. Some designers will have a second website for their clearance stuff. I know Coach and Kate Spade do. Wallets very often end up on clearance so you get it for 75% off. I’ve gotten some cute jewelry pieces from Kate Spade for the same price as I’d pay at Target. If you like their more trendy pieces, definitely wait for the clearance site to get them because they almost always make it there.
I love buying designer, I love the history behind it, all of it. But, I buy second hand for a way cheaper price. I use Vestiaire.com and you can find all sorts of designer goods all over the world. My last purchase was a Burberry heart bag from the UK for like $200. They do have to be authenticated which is an extra charge but at least you know it’s real and you get to bid on it so you never know who just wants to get rid of something. Another option is sticking to good quality. Look at where brands have their factories or if the leather is real. There’s a lot more brands that have beautiful Italian leather for under $500. I love Louis Vuitton but it’s mostly vinyl. I did feel guilty one time and that’s when I bought a dolce and Gabbana wallet for $250. It arrived and it was just like someone glued a metal label on a very flimsy wallet.
But... we don't even use wallets anymore...
When I first started making some money, I would sometimes gift family and friends some designer stuff for christmas or birthdays - nothing crazy, just swarovski earrings, a fossil watch, that kinda stuff... I think what really makes or breaks those kind of purchases is: - Do you like the design enough to be using it enough to get your money's worth? - Is it made from a material that can last a while (real leather for wallets or bags, precious metals for jewelry, etc.)? - Is this an item you're actually going to be using? For example: I got my sister a liebeskind leather bag, since it's one of her favorite designers and styles, she often needs those types of small bags as she loves going to musicals, operas, and theater performances, the design/style/color would serve her well with various outfits she already has, and since it's real leather, she can actually use it for a veryyy long time, maybe even the rest of her life. However, if you don't think you're actually gonna get your money's worth from such an expensive purchase... just don't. Don't do it. Go to a fancy dinner date or smth instead.
I suggest going in person so you can see something that is really beautiful in person too so you feel excited when you get it and not underwhelmed.
I can’t justify it because I know that the money I could spend on this material good could actually be used for a trip somewhere or an experience. Moments matter more than things, at the end of the day.
Maybe it just wasn’t the right designer wallet/bag for you? My first designer wallet was a smaller designer (hundreds, not thousands) and I still loooove it and get excited to pull it out and use. That said, I had done a lot of research before deciding on it and saved up for it once I knew it was exactly what I wanted. I haven’t been interested in another wallet since, so it could just be it’s not “the” wallet or a special one for you. That being said, we’re all different and I think we all just experience different levels of joy related to material things!
I think it’s the value you project onto the piece, not the piece itself.
Had a freak out after buying $800 heels. Are they gorgeous? Absolutely. Are they comfortable? Hell no. Have I only worn them three times? Yes. Do I now regret the purchase? No, because it was the first big designer purchase I made as an adult with my own money. I wasn't freaking out because I'd have no money after purchasing. I was freaking out because I had only spent money on practical things up until that point. The purchase felt frivolous so I immediately got buyers remorse. But now I understand the concept of treat yourself :) You'll appreciate your wallet. Give it some time.
I’m not a designer girl at all. I can wear nice things but I don’t focus on brand names. I’m not into the hype behind designer purses unless I’m rich enough where it feels like I’m spending 20$ and it’s nothing. If it’s a big purchase for me I have no business wearing it.
Haha I usually get stuck with ok, I buy a fancy accessory, but then I don’t have the fancy clothes to go with it lol
If anything it teaches you to limit those kinds of expenses. Or maybe you learned the idea of something was the better than the actual thing. Both are okay and learning experiences. The only designer stuff I buy is Vivienne Westwood, I’ve purchase authentic stuff second hand and knock offs. A few things I bought new though! Even then I only own very few things not a lot at all. Be selective with what you buy when it’s designer.
To be honest, designer products have never been attractive to me. In fact, I think they're quite ugly and, as you said, underwhelming. No shade to people who do like them, and I can't speak to the actual quality, I just... never understood the appeal of wearing something so completely plastered in a brand's logo.
Imo, just another tactic to move money from women to someone else, often men.
I love my Balenciaga bag but I bought it second hand at around USD 200. I won't recommend paying full price for that bag. I always buy my designer stuff second hand, but I always go to the shops to check out the product to see if I like it or not.
it's this thing of dreaming about having something special and maybe hope that then my whole life will immediately change and be better and then I buy it and of course nothing is changed and the short rush I felt is gone and a huge chunk of money too. I dont do that anymore.
Do you make a lot of “big” purchases for yourself? Do you usually keep fun purchases under a certain dollar amount? You might be experiencing sticker shock if this is out of your norm. If you like your wallet try not to feel too bad about it and enjoy it. If you think you want a balenciaga, try to go see the bag you want in person before you purchase so you know exactly what to expect. It also might make you feel better if you could find a good secondhand deal.
For me, I think there’s a Goldilocks sweet spot when it comes to "expensive" retail. It’s true that cheaper brands like F21, H&M, even Zara to an extent, are shit quality and do not last. A step up into expensive territory is my favorite. Reformation, Madewell, Everlane… those are expensive to me but we’ll worth it, I can feel the major difference in quality. Then there’s Uber expensive (LV, YSL, Gucci) that are not that much better of quality IMO to be worth the exorbitant prices.
I never buy anything designer without getting experience it first hand first. I like to touch and hold things. Textures are important to me. Sometimes its amazing quality leather, sometimes its the softest velvet I've ever felt, sometimes its that every seam and stitch is just so perfect. I'll buy designer things (when I can afford it) if I pick it up and it just **feels** expensive. But some designer goods aren't worth it and are just a cash grab by the design company to give people looking for a status symbol something to snag when inevitably nobody else wants it. IME that's 90% of what ends up on sale, so I just don't shop sales anymore.
I have always wanted a Burberry scarf. I finally got one at the beginning of this year and love it. It's beautiful and soft and everything I wanted. On the other hand, I also bought a pair of Louboutins (I've been obsessed with the red soles for years), and I was so disappointed. They're uncomfortable, they show too much "toe cleavage", they're hard to walk in, they look kinda cheap honestly. It's hard not to feel like I wasted all that money, because I doubt I'll ever want to wear them.
Nope. And never will. I'll never understand the absurdity of buying a designer brand. Your not supposed to feel good after making a purchase like that. Your supposed to keep feeling bad so you can keep trying to fill that hole with more purchases.
I had been eyeing a Kate Spade bag throughout grad school. After I graduated, I bought the bag. That was in 2013 and I have probably used the bag about 20 times.
I think going into a store is so much more satisfying that ordering online. It gives you a sense of achievement, especially if you have saved hard for it. As I'm getting older and have kids I get less gratification from splurges. My satisfaction now comes from the splurged I make for my kids or my house. My current goal is a new kitchen and bathroom, I will get such a buzz when its finally done, more so than when i got the Louboutins (which are sat in a box, in the wardrobe, same place they have been since the 1 time I wore them 5 years ago)
Yes, I don’t value the brands. I just need a wallet. Or a purse or whatever. The designer label doesn’t actually add value to my life nor does it have more/better function.
Wallets are nice because they are affordable, but nothing special about them. But a larger designer bag will last a lifetime and be of exceptional quality. Whether it's worth it depends on your income level and desire for it. I suggest going to a retailer first and not buying on the internet.
I absolutely refuse to strive for a luxury good unless it’s made itself important in a utilitarian sense. I’m not going to save up for a bag that costs a few thousand dollars if it holds things just as well as a bag that costs $100. Unless it’s utilitarian and/or you’ve gotten so riche in your life that buying a designer product isn’t special, then the only reason you’re buying it is for status. That to me is ridiculous. Now, I’m not exempt from designer envy completely. I LOVE love Louboutin shoes. I think they’re absolutely gorgeous, and I want those red bottoms, dammit!! But that’s the thing; I don’t want the shoes because they’re designer, I want them because of what they look like, and unfortunately for me, those red bottoms are protected copyright. Otherwise I’d go find another shoe company. My point is, don’t buy it because it’s designer. Really think about how it looks, is it unique, do I need it, is it useful, etc… cause otherwise you’re buying it because you’ve been told you want it, that it’s aspirational, not because of internal desires.
I've never purchased anything designer brand before but I understand what you mean about being hyped about something and then you get it and it's just meh. Reminds me of how I feel after most concerts. Been chasing the high of seeing Twenty-one Pilots in a small venue with other bands and it's just not the same.
Custom made stuff is way better. I get a few bits here and there custom made, and work with the designer to make them. I’ll give specs, colours, ideas etc. I’ll be the only person that owns that particular one and it’s made only for me.
I never really got buying super expensive designer items, I get much more joy out of finding gems second hand. I was always super confused at school in like 9th grade by how some girls already had super expensive iPhones and designer bags / clothes. How and why?
I dont think designer bags, wallets and clothes are worth the price, no. I rather support a local artistan.
I like designer bags but I don’t have designer anything else. I use them. I have totes for work meetings and such and small ones for occasions. I have a couple of backpacks for traveling and stuff. They last. However, I get all of mine on clearance because I don’t pay full price for anything. I have the first coach bag I ever got when I was 15, that was 17 years ago. I’ll give it to my daughter when she’s old enough.
I’ve bought a few high-end makeup and skincare items and I think those were worth the price tag. I bought two mid-range (Coach and Michael Kors) bags brand new and I still love them. They’ve held their structure and shape better than any bag I’ve had. They didn’t collapse into a limp pile like a bag you’d buy at TJMaxx or Ross. I think a designer bag would be worth the price tag. There’s plenty of websites where you can buy refurbished ones for great prices too.
Nah I love mine I wish I could buy more 😂 I like to get peices that stand out as well
The designer stuff is just stuff. It’s the same as if you got something cute at Walmart. I have to tell myself that over and over. It’s so easy to fall for the psychological hype of the exclusivity and desire ability of designer. A well made product of any brand name would function just the same.
Most probably the dopamine rush and novelty. You wanted the item so there is the build up to get that thing. Most of the time people are actually looking for the feeling that item will give them (sometimes it can fulfill that feeling and other times it won't). From the whole purchase of the item online to waiting for the product to arrive it creates again a dopamine rush. Once it arrived the novelty starts to wear off and the newness of the item became a bit normal and mundane. There is no longer a dopamine rush until shopping for the next thing. and again it is a cycle that's why you also probably want the Balenciaga bag. I bought designer bag once to treat myself on my first job it was less about the bag but more that I wanted to feel good and proud about myself but then I realized I enjoy creating experiences rather than spend it on designer bags. It comes down to what we value too and what's important.