Fashion

I think the whole high end fashion industry is a form of bullying. A person isn't cool enough or worthy enough unless they are wearing high end clothing and accesories. Look at the way they bash celebrities it they are not wearing the 'right' things.

In my opinion kinda silly.

Never. For a Coach.
To be honest, when I see a Coach bag, I think two things:
•Knockoff?
And
•trying to impress someone/sheep/unoriginal

I could carry Coach if I wanted to but I don't really see the attraction. They just don't "do" it for me--regardless of the price.

I do appreciate good quality bags & wallets. I have a nice Hobo wallet that looks as good today as 7 years ago when I got it.

As for bags, I don't want to "baby" a bag! It has to fit into my busy life and be able to go everywhere. If I get ink or something on a bag, I don't want to give it more than 20 seconds of "awwwww....rats!"

That said, I buy what I like and what works I have bags that have probably ranged from $15-$100. Not a Coach in the bunch.

I like Coach. Their leather products are excellent quality, I have found. I buy what I like and will use. I don't care what others do with their money, unless it affects my life. I do not judge their choices, unless I'm just in the mood to be gossipy and catty and plain ol' messy. I recognize when I am doing this and limit the time that I spend in this place and the people I allow to join me there.

I know people who have purses that cost thousands. Now that seems to be about status but I'm not sure. Purses in the $300 range or a Coach often are about durability. I've had a Coach for years and I love my wallet from there. It's such high quality. So I don't think it's necessarily about status. As someone said, a Coach purse can last for so many years that it ends up being cheaper than constantly replacing cheap ones that fall apart. That's how I look at it now that I've seen how long they last. Same with shoes. I bought some good pairs literally 12 or 14 years ago that look better than ones I got about a year ago. All of them have been worn a lot/equally. The more expensive ones were worth every penny. It amazes me that they look better than the much newer ones.

Btw- hundreds of dollars isn't a lot to many people and their expenditures help keep other people employed...

I think it is personal preference. Yes, some people do see it as a status symbol. For all we know those people are drowning in debt.

I have a couple of Coach purses that I purchased and the reason behind my purchases were that they are top quality leather, will last me forever and very functional for my needs and taste. FWIW.... my Coach purse is over 4 yrs old and still looks new.

My taste is not the Coach, Michael Kors, etc that have the logos all over them... I HATE that and when I see the designer purses with the logos glaring at me.... that screams ego to me.

The only people who would know for a fact that my black Coach bag is a Coach is someone who is very familiar with the brand. It has the designer interior and markings but nothing on the outside screams "Coach".

I don't have a problem (or care ) what people spend on handbags, satchels, etc.............. My problem is people who are buying a $700 purse on credit (or child support funds) and running up debt when they should be saving for their child's college, retirement and making sure they are debt free.

Just my two cents....

I tend not to judge - people in glass houses and whatever.....

I have several Coach purses. They have lasted forever and I love them. My daughter didn't have to go without in order for me to buy them, they were within my budget..... so who is anyone else to even have an opinion on my purse or briefcase (or umbrella.... or city sneakers... lol)?

I don't make purchases in order to make other envious. I actually think Coach is a better brand. It's well put together and durable. I have carried purses from Target that lasted a season... so I would say I would probably spend the same amount of money over the lifespan of one coach purse.

However, if I was not in an income bracket to afford them, I probably wouldn't have made the purchase. I hear Louis Vittan is a fabulous piece of luggage, but it's not in my middle-class bracket. If that were within my budget, though, I certainly wouldn't carry something that was of poor quality just because someone else was going to judge me. I would get what worked for me.

I don't care, whatever floats their boats.

My husband spends hundreds on a pair of shoes, and some people do scoff at that. What they fail to realize, is he also wears the shoes for 5 years or more. Maybe, people are purchasing a status item. However, there is something to be said for buying quality.

It's not my money to worry about, either way.

I carry a Coach purse. Every couple of years, I buy myself one for my birthday. The one I'm currently carrying I purchased when I returned from overseas deployment in 2009. I figured I deserved it.

I love Coach bags because the quality is ridiculously good. They're sturdy and beautiful. And they last. I don't really care about the status (obviously, or I'd be carrying a much newer one).

It's my money. I earned it. I pay all my bills on time and have very little debt (student loan and mortgage). I figure I'm justified in spending on what I like.

ETA: I'm fascinated by the judgy attitudes here. Wow.

Okay....so you only spend $50 on a bag. Well, I spent $225 on mine and it's lasted 5 years. $50x5=$250. So I essentially bought one new bag per year. Bam.

I carry high-end purses. It's not a status thing, I do it because I can and I do it because I prefer the quality of the bag. Many times, they last longer than cheap ones.

I don't think it's horrible unless you can't afford it, but that's really none of my business! As long as you aren't using MY tax dollars to fund it, then how you spend your money is up to you!

:)

Compared to many brand name purses out there, Coach is pretty middle-of-the-road, in terms of cost. I own a few Coach purses and a couple Louis Vuittons. The Coach bags were purchased from the outlet. Anyway, I've had them for literally years and years so they were well worth the money spent and I bought them because of their high quality, not to make anyone envious.

ETA: Also, I don't buy the canvas Coach bags w/ the C's everywhere. I like the solid leather. Lasts longer and doesn't get dirty.

I've never spent that much. $30 seems to be my limit. My tastes change so often and I get bored of stuff easily, so I know not to invest in something I won't like a year from now. Same goes for clothes. I like nice clothes, but I'd rather spend my money on a new tennis racquet or something.

I have no problem with others spending their own $$ on purses. Not my concern. Couldn't care less.

I carried one of my coach purses today. It is over 7 years old. My wallet is a fendi that I bought for well over $100, 23 years ago😊. I would say I got my money's worth.
No, it is not a status thing for me. Know one but me ever sees my wallet and I just like coach purses because I do and I can afford them. I can't believe someone would be envious over a purse or think it is horrible for a woman to spend hundreds on a purse. But hey if someone wants to trade places with me then let's do it. I will only buy cheap purses and my son gets to live instead of dying at 17 days old.
Jealousy really is so ugly.
I hope I don't sound bitter because I really am not. This question just kind of rubbed me wrong😉

Nope I don't dare what people spend thier money on...NONE of my business. For the record I have several purses that cost over 100$
Added I also DO NOT have a coach purse. Don't care for them. My preferences are Juicy Couture, Michael Kors and Frye to name a few

I think if people have the money, let them spend it how they want to. It's their money. They earned it and shouldn't have to justify their purchases to anyone.

No, I would never spend that kind of money on something that was nothing more than a fashion statement. A purse is a bag for carrying stuff. They wear out, break, go out of style, etc...what a waste of money. Give me that money and I'll buy groceries.

oh, i recently FB-ed about this!
i always buy cheap bags. but i'm starting to hate it. i think i'd like to have a good one.
only.....i'm cheap.
i recently looked in the coach outlet, and hated them. they all have COACH screaming from all angles. why would i spend that kind of money to advertise for them? i want my nice bag to announce its niceness with subtle sophistication and sleek good taste, not just because the name is tarted all over it.
so i just bought another $20 summer handbag from tj maxx. it's made from recycled water bottles, so that's a plus. but i don't love it. and i REALLY hate the getting-to-know-you phase of a new purse, which is why i hang onto my cheapies for longer than i should.
but i do think that this autumn i'm going to scrounge up $100 or so (the most my cheap self can bear to think of spending so frivolously) and buy a 'good' one.
khairete
S.
ETA i LOVE that one, cheryl!!

I think it's silly to waste thousands on a purse, but I do understand the middle ground in buying a brand like Coach. I buy that level of quality but on eBay. I'll get slightly used ones there (that always end up looking new) and save a bundle.

I honestly don't want the names plastered all over my purse. I pay more for ones that will last. Has nothing to do with status, just that I use the same purse day in-day out and want something that will hold up to heavy use.

I was given a budget by my fiancee (fair enough) on purses - no more than $40 for a purse. I have bought some high end purses for a steal (under budget) before and they LAST! Why do I like Coach and other expensive brands? Because they last - the hardwear is designed for daily use and to last for at least 10 years. I was gifted a Juciy Coture and this is the most durable bag I currently own. I had a Coach, but it got stolen by a former housemate of mine, that bag lasted 5yrs and hardly looked used at all.

If you think about what you are buying it is worth it. My Coach cost 500 but I bought if for 150 a season later. All black leather classic shape and plain silver hardware - clean, simple and classic - worth the extra because it should still be gorgeous 10yrs later.

I don't care what people spend their money on, but I would never spend large sums on a purse. But I'm weird. i don't even have a diamond. I told hubby to put the money into savings instead.

First of all, I don't really think of Coach when I think of *really* high end purses...granted they are expensive BUT there are a bunch that are way morevspendy than Coach.

Second, I do not give ANY thought to anyone else' bags! How is that any of my business? I do not think it is right to judge others! How do you know what someone can and cannot afford? I mean, come on! Maybe that beautiful bag that woman is carrying was a gift? An anniversary present? Or maybe she saved up her own money for years to buy it? Who knows!!

So, to answer your questions: No, I do not think it's horrible if someone is carrying an expensive bag! And No, I personally do not spend tons of money on my purses...but with that being said, IF I wanted to I would and it wouldn't be for any other reason than I wanted it b/c I wanted it! It difenitely wouldn't be to make someone envious for crying out loud...and by you saying that tells me that you have a pretty low opinion of others!

I don't care about what other women spend their money on. I have 3 beautiful bags that always make me feel like I belong wherever I am. Two are hand-me-downs from one of my sisters, a large black Coach tote and a smaller gray wool Kate Spade. Both are timeless classics that I can wear with anything. For summer I have a fuschia Kate Spade that I bought for myself at an outlet, with a discount, as a combined birthday and mother's day gift for myself. I get complements on that bag all the time - it's stunning.

My FT job is in an industry where looking successful is important. And I also teach and tutor part time, going into homes where people can afford to spend $130 an hour on SAT prep. I'm not going to show up looking like some poor church mouse sporting a Wal-Mart hand bag - it reflects poorly on me and my company if I don't look like I belong in those neighborhoods, kwim?

The thing with nice bags is that unlike shoes, which wear out, and clothes, which you can outgrow, stain, tear and wear out, a quality bag that you take care of can last years and years and years.

For me it's not about making anyone else envious - most people in my crowd spend far more on bags than I do - it's about feeling like I fit it and belong among my successful, stylish peers, colleagues, and clients. It sends a message of "you can trust me, I'm one of you."

Nope, i don't think it's horrible at all, but that's because I do own $100+ purses. I carry my purse stuffed full of, well stuff, EVERY day. Most of my purses were gifted to me, but I do buy my own occasionally. I don't carry it for "status," I use it because it's good quality and they last (my current purse has been "in use" on and off for about 5 years now - pulling double duty as a diaper bag and a laptop bag).

As many others have said, who are we to judge what others spend their money on?

I don't, but I just am not into fashion. I dislike clothes shopping and have to force myself to do it when I have nothing to wear. Maybe living where I do has something to do with it as well (I have heard Utah is near the bottom of "best dressed states", lol). Nobody I know really cares about name brands/designer stuff etc. So if someone were dressed in something really high-end, I would not even notice, although I might notice whether they were "put-together" (whether they were wearing designer or Old Navy, it would not even register with me).

I guess if people have the money to spend on a purse, then whatever. We all have our things we are willing to spend money on... I probably spend way more on food than a lot of people but I like to cook (and eat!) and I do prefer more gourmet fare, I guess you would call it. That sounds snobby but that is what we like. So my money goes to pricier food rather than designer duds, I have had some people think that is ridiculous as I could save a bunch of money and eat baloney sandwiches etc but I choose not to, ya know?

I am very particular about certain things and purses and shoes fall into that category. However, I buy what I like. If I see a $30 purse at Sam Moon I like, I buy it. I have it hanging in my closet next to a Louis Vuitton.

I think to each his/her own and buy what you can afford. I have found, however, that some handbags can actually be considered an investment. If properly cared for they can bring you a return, even after years of gentle use and good care.

You only live once...If you like it and you can afford it, buy it!

I love great bags, awesome shoes and beautiful suits!! They are such better quality than the lower end products. Seriously, my purses absolutely repel dirt and never look worn 3-5 years later. I'm in scientific sales so it's important that my wardrobe stands up and looks nice...it is not a status thing at all.

For me, I like simple. My limit for purses is usually about $75 and it needs to be something both *special* (within my simple tastes, cute but not trendy) and relatively utilitarian. I think the most I've ever spent on a purse was $55 and it was special, during a once-a-year girls weekend with a dear sister, so part of what I bought was the memory of that time. I've used that purse for the last 3 years and haven't bought one since.

Some people like big name purses and fashion-- and good for them. I try really hard not to judge about how much someone spends, because it could be their once-a-year splurge on themselves or a gift from friends or family. It's not how I would choose to spend my money, really, but then again, I'm not really into fashion.(No one would be envious of anything I buy, unless you are a gardener coveting my Bogs.)

I do think some expensive bags look ridiculous, but I'm not the one carrying it, right? ;)

As for the amount of money-- I think it's important to be a good steward with one's finances, regardless of how much one has.

I didn't buy the $325 black Coach I created a version of my own. I looked at the bag and recreated one in a green leather. It was my first experience working with leather and it came out right nice. Now people want to know where I got it.

There are several other leather bags I want to make but that will be as time permits. So my average bag may cost around $70 with me doing the labor.

My saying to each his own in the purse, clothes and other high end endeavors.

The only thing about buying a quality bag is that it will last longer than the $35 one.

the other S.

I don't treat my purses (shoes, clothing, ...) nice enough to pay that much money for them. I'm pretty hard on them. I will pay for good quality, though, but not a name.

1 - I would never buy a purse that expensive.
2 - I have never bought a purse for more than $20. The last one I got was at a garage sale for $2.
3 - I couldn't care less if women want to drop that kind of money on a purse.
I think it's stupid, but maybe they think it makes them look "rich." I don't know.
L.

Twin:

The most I've spent on a purse is $150. I still have it. I still use it. It's not a Coach, it's a DKNY - it's 3 years old and still looks GREAT! I get compliments on it when I go out.

For me? A purse is NOT about
* status
* making people envious

A purse MUST be practical. It MUST work for me. This purse does.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/dkny-HANDBAG-nylon-zipper-satchel...

If they have the money to spend on it - fine. That's their business.

There are quality bags/purses out there....Cole Haan, Michael Kors, heck - even Vera Bradley purses can be expensive....and they can be cheap! The purse needs to work for you and your lifestyle.

Hope this helps!

If their budget allows them to spend that amount of money on a purse, then they have just helped provide money for many peoples jobs when they buy the purse.

I love purses. I spend money on my purses. Its not a status thing I just like pretty purses and I use them for years.

I don't look down my nose at those who buy inexpensive purses, why should someone look down on me because I spend some money on mine? Purses are my one weakness.

I'm not one for expensive bags, but hearing them described as works of art makes me understand it better. I love getting different perspectives from this site!

My vice is purses... So I have a lot of nice purses. That is what my husband buys me for birthdays and Christmas sometimes. I have 2 huge tupperware storage bins (14 gallons) full of purses. All of those range from a $5 deal on broadway in New York to a steal on a Cole Haan and a couple of cheaper Coach bags. I keep all my really nice stuff in my closet, sentimental coaches and dooneys from my husband to the ones my mom has given me (2 chloes, 1 valentino, 2 guccis, 1 louis vuitton.) I think as long as we are not scraping by and spending money on purses rather than food on the table it is up to us. I really only need 2-3 more to complete my collection (because that is what it is). I will not be buying them anytime soon though. I don't see them as a status symbol but rather works of art... A good bag will last you YEARS....

I actually think it's pretty disgusting. I also think it's over the top to spend hundreds of dollars on shoes or jewelry or a single article of clothing. It's obviously not my money so my opinion doesn't matter, but I have an inner eye roll & shake if the head when I see it.

I buy expensive purses whenever I find them at the Goodwill store. I will sometimes pay as much as $20 for a Coach, Prada or Luis Vuitton. I would never spend $100 on a purse, but I will pay $100 for a pair of yoga pants from Lululemon.

I don't, but I don't care what other people do... you never know the reason that people buy the things they buy or have the things they have (unless they tell you about it I guess...). I don't make assumptions about people based of the value or quality of their purse.

I spend that much on a handbag.

No, I don't think that it is horrible at all. I don't view myself as a fashionista and I do not believe that I am spending that much. As a matter of fact, i think that they are a bargain. I buy Brighton handbags because I like them. They are the right weight, they usually don't scratch, and they are durable.

I carry the same bag every day for 1-2 years. I always calculate the price of items on a per day basis and spend the most on the things that get the most use. Therefore, my bag costs pennies per day.

I've tried more expensive bags that were too heavy or didn't last. Cheaper bags that I hated because they had too many confusing pockets or didn't last. The cheaper bags ended up being More expensive calculated on price per day - and I had to go shopping. (I ain't got time for that!)

I do know women that buy for status. Well, that doesn't work for me because I have no idea which brands are "good"- I just buy a brand because I've been happy with it. Price doesn't matter.

I don't buy purses that cost that much.
There is no need to.
If I buy something like that it is because I like it and I don't care what others think. I don't buy things according to keeping up with the Jones' or to make others envious.
I have designer bags. Most were gifts. Or from what I had before I had children.

I know a woman, that buys all designer brands, in clothing and purses.
No one cares.
But she is not rich. She lives in a very shabby worn down home and has 2 kids and the husband is not rich in job either.
What the others do say is "how can she afford that.... ?" because, she is obviously a clothes horse for label brands, but is not of the income level, to do it.

I am just glad, my daughter is not hung up on brands.
So many of her classmates, are.

I think there's a reason why there is a wide spectrum of clothing and accessories, based on budget. People buy things based on what they need, and based on what they can afford to spend comfortably.
To each one's own I guess...

I don't but it's not in my budget. But hey if you have it and that's what you want then go for it. It's just like people with shoe collections. I would not do it but I know a lot that do and they don't make their familys go without.

I will not spend more than $30 on a purse. The one I currently use is from american eagle, lol. It think it's such a waste of money to spend hundreds on a purse that will just get dirty and not last all that long anyway.

OMG, NO! A purse is a purse. And to Laura R......if they have that much money to spend on a purse, then they could be doing a lot more with that money to help someone in need. However, most (not all!) of the women who spend their money that way, unfortunately, would never think of helping anyone else. I always look up to the movie stars who make millions and donate a good portion of it. We can only hope the women buying the Prada bags, etc....do the right thing in society........then, and only then, do they have my respect.

I do not spend much on handbags--about $40. However, if someone wants to buy real designer bags, I don't care but please do not buy one for me and please do not ask to borrow money from me when you have spent your money on a real designer bag.

They justify it by saying it will last forever. But, I do not want to have any handbag forever.

I can see a person with bad feet spending $100 plus for real leather comfort shoes. That is for HEALTH!

I think it is totally nuts. All these women are buying into this fashion culture that is totally unnecessary and spending too much money! It's crazy. My purse was made by my friend who is an amazing crafty sewer...it's so cute and stylish in a artsy/hipster kind of way. And it was $35. Probably the people who like Coach purses would think it was hideous whereas I think those purses are hideous (and overpriced).