Conspicuous Consumption
Posted by Gail | Filed under Debt Traps
I was on set the other day when a little birdie told me that one of my co-workers was planning on buying a pair of very expensive shoes. It’s some brand I didn’t recognize, but the price tag was huge. How huge? “A mortgage payment’s worth.” Wow!
People are always making fun of me because I’m so unaware of brands. I just don’t get it. If you can get a nice handbag for $130 why would you spend $1300 just to have a brand name?
North Americans buy it all. It doesn’t matter what it is or how much it costs, we buy it. From the school of If You Build It They Will Buy comes the Happy Hacking Keyboard, made to order and hand-coated with Urushi lacquer using a special brush made from the hairs of virgins and then powdered with gold dust. Price: $4,440. Then there’s the Diamond Crypto Smartphone, which carries a price tag of $1.3 million. And if a Timex just won’t cut it, you could always go for Vacherin Constantin’s Tour de l’Ile priced at $1.5 million.
The Hermès “Birkin” bag retails for $37,000. Too rich for your blood? Then how about the moderately priced Yves Saint Laurent “Muse” bag for a mere $1,300. Not for us common folk, you say? Well, I worked with one woman who had several handbags for which she’d paid over $600 a piece. She had no emergency fund, no savings, no money set aside for her kids’ future education, but she had thousands of dollars in handbags. So maybe it isn’t only people who have more money than brains who waste their money on stupid crap. Broke people do it too.
You can choose to smell rich. Dab a little Chanel No 5, priced at $1,850, behind your ears and you’ll make a great impression, or so the fashion world would have you believe. Or bring a little Joy to your world for a mere $800.
If you think girls are the only consumer-crazed kooks, think again. Boys love their toys. One broke boy with whom I worked had an entertainment outfit that had set him back $30,000. He had to work really hard at spending that kind of money since the cost of electronics have fallen drastically over the last decade, and the most popular HD-TV retails for under $2,000. But he was determined, so he was successful in spending a barrel of money where a pail might have achieved much the same end.
But by far my most favorite example of It’s Expensive So It Must Be Great is Kopi Luwak at $600 a pound or $50 a cup. “Kopi” is the Indonesian word for coffee. “Luwak” is the local name of the animal that eats the raw coffee beans and then defecates the beans, which are then gathered by locals and sold to people who love to spend money.
Hey, you might want to sip your Kopi Luwak as you nibble on your “von Essen Platinum Club Sandwich,” which holds the title of the world’s most expensive sandwich at almost $200. Made with Iberico ham, poulet de Bresse, white truffles, quail eggs, semi-dried Italian tomatoes and 24-hour fermented sour dough bread, this sandwich is available only at Cliveden’s Waldo Restaurant in Berkshire, England. Those Europeans: so show-off-ish. Head to New York and you can have the bagel to beat all bagels. The Westin Hotel’s truffle bagel sells for $1,000. Topped with white truffle cream cheese and goji berry infused Riesling jelly, the price does include tax.
We spend over $600 billion on new and used vehicles each year, another $100 billion on electronics, $110 billion on fast food, $82 billion on clothes, and $50 billion on beauty products.
We have a term for our rampant consumerism: “Conspicuous consumption.” It’s the far right of the “keeping-up-with-the-Jones” our parents tried in the 50’s. Apparently we didn’t learn anything from them. And it has cost us big-time. Now we are in debt to the tune of trillions, we have bought more stuff on credit than there is money in circulation and we have not a pot to pee in.
But we have a nice pair of shoes!
July 17, 2009 at 8:30 am
Oh boy I must be very cheap…$1300 for a purse no way…but I wouldn’t even spend $130 ! (although I do have a few that were $13 or less). Gail you are not alone in the “don’t know the Designer Label club” a friend bought a purse for $400 because it was a designer label and on at 60% off…she never used it, when I asked her why she said it didn’t go with anything she owned and was a bit too gaudy! I know a man who is driving a very expensive car, its worth more than my house…he is selling his home because he can’t meet his mortgage payments…I guess for some image is everything,lol.
July 17, 2009 at 8:34 am
I had wanted a certain designer’s bag for a long time.
My husband had surprised me with one for my birthday, picked it out himself. It is absolutely perfect and I was thrilled to death.
Turns out, I was embarassed to use it because it screamed conspicuous consumption!! People would ask if it was real and then I would be embarassed all over again. As well, I was worried that it would get scratched or stained if I used it too much.
I have sinced got over that embarassement and use the purse often because I do love it, but I never forgot.
With so many copies of brands in the market, most things have lost their cachet.
I guess the joke was on me.
July 17, 2009 at 8:50 am
I once had a friend who bought an $800 purse and would carry the receipt in her wallet to prove that it was in fact real to anyone who asked. I found this incredibly sad and incredibly telling of why she purchased the purse.
July 17, 2009 at 9:03 am
I fall in a different, MUCH less expensive category of “love knock-offs”. (purses and sunglasses in particular) I’m not trying to pretend they are real – whenever I am complimented on my “Chanel” wallet or “Gucci” handbag, I ALWAYS reveal they are fakes.
I think the knock-offs meet my good deal criteria for purchase. I have a hard time passing up a sale! Since I found TDDUP, this has had to be a conscious focus.
July 17, 2009 at 9:06 am
Jeez Gail, not sure about this post. Isn’t the point to buy things you can afford, regardless of the actual price? If I can afford an $200,000 ferrari, what’s wrong with me buying it instead of a ford? (Disclaimer: I drive a ford). There is nothing wrong with having a bosch dishwasher, a miele fridge, a house in forrest hill, a brooks brothers suit, etc, if you can afford it which I’m not sure you emphasized in your posting. The mere act of owning these type of things is not in itself a bad thing. I’m not going to apologize for aspiring to have name brands (even on the small scale I live on, such as not substituting noname pop for my beloved coca-cola). Not everyone with nice homes and brand name clothes is one foot away from financial armaggedon.
July 17, 2009 at 9:10 am
When my husband and I got married in 1988 we went to Hawaii for our honeymoon (huge extravagence but we could well afford it and it’s the only trip we have ever been able to take together…so we are glad we did it) anyhoo…while there we went into a Gucci store…it was January so they were having an inventory sale…I bought a Gucci purse for 120.00 U.S. (about 180.00 cdn at the time)…to this day I still have it…it is a genuine item but no one has ever complimented it or even noticed it’s a gucci…BUT if I carry around a Zeller’s special I am inundated with compliments…LOL…just another example that price tag doesn’t equal style…save the money and put that in your economical purse…LOL..
July 17, 2009 at 9:11 am
I am astounded at the youth movement to indulge in brand name madness. I have 10 and 12 year old girls that just “have to have” Lululemon and Aritzia hoodies to the tune of $100 a piece. They will spend their hard earned personal $ to get them too. I will pay a portion of the cost – what I would deem to be reasonable – but they must cover the rest. Thank goodness they aren’t into the $300 jeans. (yet…)
I can’t help but wonder where the store-full of tweens and teens get their cashola (parents’ credit??) as I pass Aritzia in the mall. I certainly don’t feel I can afford to shop there. Costco is more my speed!
July 17, 2009 at 9:26 am
Thanks for the education Gail! Where did you find the material for this post. I can’t believe people would spend that kind of money but I have always known that each and every one of us wants to feel unique and special and this is how some people need to achieve that goal……I always just wanted to be average if there is such a place in our society for that!
July 17, 2009 at 9:30 am
I purchased a Coach purse in NYC a few years ago at an outlet. I paid around $150 for it. It is a plain black leather purse with a leather tag that says Coach. It amazed me when a young girl (maybe 17) working in a store said she loved my purse…oooh Coach. It’s just a black leather purse..nothing overly special. I thought what has the world come to that teenagers feel they need this stuff so bad. Funny thing too…I also purchased a large “knock-off” Coach purse with their signature C design all over it for $40 (the real one is hundreds and I can’t and won’t pay that) and I get comments on it all the time.
July 17, 2009 at 9:31 am
I remember going to a ’shee-shee’ upscale garage sale and negotiating the price of a Prada purse down from $20 to $15. It had been used twice. It was certainly of high quality and quite lovely. But I found having to clutch the handles restricted me (I prefer over the shoulder – have both hands free to use type of style purses). So I sold the Prada purse on EBay for a $175 profit (after shipping costs). Sure style and quality are nice – and yes, like Geoff says it’s fine to buy the costly name brands if you can afford it. In my case my funds go to what I consider other more important things (e.g. paying off mortgage, paying for kids’ universities, home maintenance/improvement, etc).
I also remember hiring an image consultant when I was in the corporate world 1000 yrs ago. She charged me $100/hour to look good. She had me get my hair done at a shee-shee salon in Yorkville by a guy name William. Later as I was having my kids’ hair cut by our local Barber, Sam, I asked him the cost to cut my own hair. It was $13 (compared to the $85 Yorkville cost). So Sam cut my hair. The next day I met up with the image consultant who oowed and awed about my hair adding, ‘William did an amazing job!’ so which I corrected and said, ‘Sam did the amazing job.’ By the way, I studied how William and Sam cut my hair, and then figured out how to do it myself. With the savings I in turn transferred the funds into my kids’ RESPs – both kids have since learned to cut their own hair, as has my husband.
Status in the eyes of others in order to raise our self-esteem is one thing – but going into debt because of it, well that’s when the buck stops here for me.
July 17, 2009 at 9:34 am
I had a co-worker who went to France and the highlight of her trip was to buy a Hermes bag. She had saved for it, she knew it was kind of ridiculous to spend this money on a purse, but she adored fashion and handbags and knew that she would treasure this purchase (and the experience/memory of going into the actual flagship store to buy it) for a very long time. At first I thought it was sort of silly and absurd, but to see the joy it brought her, and the intention and purpose with which she went about the purchase (i.e., carefully considering which purse, saving the money over time, “visiting” her selection on-line etc.) and then the continued joy it brought her when she came home, I figured if that’s what does it for ya, more power to her. Like others have commented, I’m pretty happy with more frugal choices-my fave purse if from Payless, but I don’t appreciate the art and esthetics of fashion a whole lot-it’s just not my thing, but it was hers. Other people might balk at money I spend on theatre and concerts, but that’s what brings me joy. The difference I see with this anecdote and some of the other people that Gail described (i.e., the woman with multiple pricey purses and no safety net) is the intention of the purchase. It’s not buying a brand name to show off and collect expensive stuff just for the sake of it.
So, that’s a long roundabout way to say that brand name stuff isn’t necessarily bad. I just think Gail was trying to point out that consuming just for the sake of consuming is what gets a lot of people into trouble.
July 17, 2009 at 9:44 am
I don’t think it is necessarily name brands -it’s buying 10 purses (expensive or not) when 1 or 2 would do b/c of the pressure from advertising, peers, media, etc to have the latest thing and no repeats. I mean take a look at the trash magazines and how they delight in pointing out when a celebrity wears a dress/handbag/jewellery more than once – they pounce all over them and mock them. But does owning 15 designer handbags make us feel better about ourselves, bring meaning to our life? No, it might bring a temporary high, but in the end the void is still there.
Anyway, great post Gail. Here are two great reads regarding consumption and our obsession with stuff:
“Consumed” by Benjamin Barber
“Enough: Breaking free from the world of more” by John Naish
July 17, 2009 at 9:55 am
Geoff: your comments are a great introduction for my little story!
My sister is the ultimate single girl with a taste for VERY expensive things (that she can afford). Her friends invited her to a party and the party theme was “white trash”. She went to the party dressed in $200 jeans, a $50 thong that you could see (her idea of white trash), and a jeweled tank top that was like $100 and that she had deemed to be gaudy!! LOL! Her friends made fun of her so bad and when they set up their plans for their next party, this was the theme “everything you wear (shoes, underwear, EVERYTHING) can not add up to more than $20″. My sister was shocked to find that you CAN find a $2 bra at the dollar store and that Value Village has some good clothing. I roared with her epiphany that you can find nice things outside the mall!
I’m still laughing about that one…
July 17, 2009 at 9:57 am
Um..
If we don’t have a pot to piss in but really expensive shoes – won’t the shoes get ruined?
lol
July 17, 2009 at 10:07 am
Not too long ago, (like, about a month ago!) I bought a $2000 winter coat from Burberry.
My yearly income is roughly $20,000.
Am I crazy?! Some people might think so
But here was the reality:
1. I bought it for myself. I had been looking for a good quality winter coat for about three years, and had $1500 earmarked for the purchase (money that I had been continually setting aside).
2. I love, love, loved the coat once I saw it. I put it on – perfect fit. No need for tailoring, no bulky shoulders. It has a removable fur collar, which makes the coat more versatile (ie. I can wear it in fall and winter without getting too hot/cold).
3. I bought it for quality. I had been studying Burberry for a while now, reading consumer reports, reviews, etc. They make a damn good coat! And its style is a classic one that will carry me through the years.
I can relate to PsychSarah’s friend, and to comments made by Geoff and Lise: if the money is set aside, then why not spend it on some frivolous things we will enjoy?
July 17, 2009 at 10:10 am
I am not a “brand name” shopper, wouldn’t know one from another. if it fits, is comfortable, like the looks of it, I buy. jeans cost me under 40.00. a purse or shoes…under 30.00. not a clothes horse so my closet is almost bare LOL have 2 pair of shoes and 1 purse. when I get the urge, I buy another and donate this one. I guess I don’t get it – you can look great without spending oodles of $$$
July 17, 2009 at 10:12 am
HAHAHAHAHAH!!!
Gail, you might laugh your butt off to know that the kopi (coffee) is DIRT CHEAP in Southeast Asia and it’s ALL marketing down to the very T, for how great and special the supposedly exotic beans are.
They call it dirt in a cup… Kidding, kidding. But it is worth maybe a buck or fifty cents for a big cup.
Oh thanks for the laugh.. .wow… I have tears in my eyes.
I’m with you on not knowing brand names. I know all the major names, I follow ALL the fashion and style stuff, … but when it comes down to it, I cannot fork over $2000 for an Oscar de la Renta silk draped shirt (my current obsession) because it’s… BLOODY $2000!!!!
($1290 American. See the draped silk shirt here..)
I’d rather save the money and travel to Europe for 3 weeks with it this July, which is exactly what I’m doing
My highlight of trips when I travel, aren’t to shop, relax and eat.. it’s to SEE THE CITY and feel the local vibe/flavour.
If I want to relax and eat well, I’ll stay at home. I’m plenty relaxed, and I know how to cook good gourmet-like food for cheap (BF is the king in the kitchen for this)…
But then again, it all depends on priorities
I cannot imagine spending so much money on a piece of clothing, even in my shopaholic days, I never spent more than $100 on an item. I couldn’t stomach it. I felt sick … but if it’s VERY good quality and useful like a winter coat.. then I may think about spending up to $500.
But $1000 or $2000 for a fashion coat? I’d rather search all the thrift stores in the rich areas in the city for a deal.
July 17, 2009 at 10:18 am
Oh and to respond to some comments above, I do agree with geoff that if you have the cash — go for it. But just make sure you don’t leave your emergency fund destitute as a result.
And for the other lady posters talking about bags from Target that they get complimented on, but the designer ones go unnoticed?
It’s because the designs from Target or from any other store are much more interesting than a bag from a designer most people don’t know (like Hermes).
I’d buy an Hermes bag if I could stomach the price and if looking and using it every day gave me an immeasurable amount of happiness.
I will say however, that I DO NOT buy Wal-mart or Target or Payless bags, not because I’m an elitist cow that wants to only buy from “good” stores, but because I don’t like carrying cheap materialed items.
You can buy designer-like bags for much cheaper, in high quality leather for about $100 as a price point.
I have this yellow bag from a no-name Italian designer, and the leather is BABY SOFT, in a gorgeous buttercup yellow and I cannot imagine buying 15 or 20 bags for the $120 I spent on the ONE bag, because 15 or 20 cheap bags are not my thing — I hate the feel of plastic leather.
Plus, am a minimalist. I don’t like owning a lot of stuff, and the little stuff I do own, will be of the very best quality for the very best price
See my post for how I became a minimalist here.
July 17, 2009 at 10:23 am
In response to some posts, I have to say that I think it IS wrong to live an extravagant lifestyle even if one can afford it. I think that if a person has more $ than they need to support a reasonably comfortable existence, their responsibility to their global community is to share the wealth with people who need it to survive. I think many people in wealthy cultures live their lives in very small circles drawn tightly to themselves and don’t feel any sense of connection to everybody else outside of it and that is not the way we’re designed to be. This is not a judgement of anyone, but it’s something to think about if you haven’t.
July 17, 2009 at 10:23 am
My friend bragged on Facebook about her very expensive high end jeans that she bought–I honestly wouldn’t have known they were that much if she hadn’t told me. I think that’s when consumerism bothers me most–when the point of buying the expensive thing is to let everyone KNOW how expensive it is, so they can be duly impressed. Of course, if you can afford it, and that’s what turns your crank, so be it.
DH bought me a beautiful and expensive watch for our anniversary….I love it and wear it everyday, but cringe everytime I get a scratch on it. Kind of wish it were less pricey so I wouldn’t feel so bad.
July 17, 2009 at 10:31 am
I went through a “labels phase” in my early twenties, so I can relate. Thankfully I never spent that much – maybe $60 on a handbag or designer perfume (to me that was a lot). I think it stemmed from wanting to feel like I was accomplishing something in my life – if I could afford this stuff then I must be doing well. Now I get my sense of accomplishment from seeing how far I can stretch my dollars. I still sometimes look for labels on clothing, but now it’s used clothing at a thrift store. Can anyone tell the difference? Nope
July 17, 2009 at 10:40 am
My husband and I made a purchase in November 2008 that we are very proud of… a car. The thing about that car is that we paid $625 at an auction. My husband wanted a second vehicle that he could drive back and forth to work as he has a 45 min. drive each way and didn’t want to put the kms. on our newer vehicle. We have since put 4 new(er) tires on it and changed the alternator. The tires and rims were purchased at an auto wreckers but I believe the alternator was new. My hubby installed the alternator himself. Even with the tires and alternator is was less than $1000. There is no rust on the body. It is a ver cute car! It does not have air conditioning, no power anything, but it serves the purpose. It still runs well and he has put over 16 000 kms. on it!
July 17, 2009 at 11:03 am
I have always felt that “looking good” and “put together” was so much more important than how much I paid for an item. I have taught my teenage girls the same thing. We can look good but we don’t have to go broke doing it. Why has society made it that the more money you spend on an item the better it is and the better looking you are?
I routinely shop at thrift stores. I consider it a treasure hunt and always find “designer” label stuff, but at one tenth of the cost. Not that I am looking for those names, I just happen to come across them. I like one particular label because it fits well and looks good on. I would NEVER buy it at retail because it is way too much and would skew our budget and the whole purpose we have right now is to get rid of the rest of our consumer debt, have enough saved for our childrens education and enough for us to retire comfortably in about 10 years.
I had a need recently to purchase some “new to me” clothes for work. I got three beautiful tops, three matching skirts and three dresses all for under $80. Three of the items have a “designer” name on them. Can you tell that I bought them at a thrift store? I highly doubt it! I continually get complimented on how I look, but I believe it is because I look well put together, rather than how much I spent (or didn’t!) on the outfit I am wearing.
$37,000 on a Hermes bag? Not in this or any other lifetime!
July 17, 2009 at 11:09 am
My parents just spend $800 on a floor lamp.
That’s half this semesters tution.
Priorities.
July 17, 2009 at 11:14 am
I am not a fashionista…I don’t think I could be even if I wanted to, not just for the money, but I don’t fit into a size 2, 8, or even 12! I shop only at plus size stores, and not that often because of the prices…I have found the end of the season is the way to go and I wait for the 50-75% off the last ticketed price is purchases. Last month I purchased a pair of capris pants for $10 – it summer wear (last I checked it is summer time!) but they were already clearing their store for the winter gear! I also needed the $10 pants, If I don’t need them, I don’t go near the store because I will always find something I “need”. I have looked at WalMart and Zellers, but the clothes they carry in my size don’t always hold up beyond a few washes…I find myself brag about the deals not the expensive items…
July 17, 2009 at 11:23 am
Blame it on hip-hop (rap music for you older folks)! Ha ha. I wish I was entirely joking, but unfortunately I’m not. Most of the songs, especially on the radio, are the ultimate product placement because rather than being in the background of a scene (like in a movie) where it draws little notice, it’s actually part of the lyrics that get stuck in your head!
Example:
Artist – G-Unit (which includes 50 cent)
Song – Stunt 101
“Seven series BM, Six series benz
Twenty-four inches, Giovanni rims
All on one wheel when I’m on one of them
Ma, that boy out there actin a fool that’s him
They say I’ve changed man, I’m getting paper, I’m flashy
They like me better when I’m f*****d up and ashy
My royalty check’s the rebirth of Liberace
Stunt so hard, everybody got to watch me
And I don’t really care if it’s platinum or white gold
As long as the VS bling, look at that light show
In the hood they say Fifty man your sneaker look white yo
Just can’t believe Reebok did a deal with a psycho….”
And of course, they don’t go with the cheap stuff, so that’s how teens know about the expensive stuff already. I didn’t even know what Louis Vitton was until a couple years ago (ok, I’m a guy so that’s one excuse). Because of the culture and background of hip-hop, which started off as a voice for African American frustrations, it has now become a bragging ground about who is better and that is achieved by parading around in the big names that “mere mortals” cannot afford. In other words, today’s hip-hop has created a culture where cool has to be bought, and so not terribly surprising that there’s a surging demand for brand names.
July 17, 2009 at 11:48 am
I am lucky to be surrounded by other people who question the need for lots of expensive “stuff.” We could undoubtedly afford outrageously priced items (but only because we are pretty sensible and do lots of saving instead!).
Five years ago, my friend brought me a cloth purse from Thailand. It was absolutely the most useful bag I have ever owned. I use it everyday. Recently, it has started to fray. I had been looking to replace it with something a bit more neutral, but still as functional.
After searching for about a year, I bit the bullet and sewed my own copy of the bag. The friend who originally gifted the bag to me has asked for a copy too! Despite the fact that she owns significantly more expensive bags, neither of us has been able to find a simple black bag that suits us perfectly (until I made it myself!).
July 17, 2009 at 11:51 am
I love my coffee (coffee flavoured coffee!!). For Christmas my wife gave me a few ounces of Kopi Luwak that she got a better price on. After tasting it, I can say it does taste different, and could become a wanted flavour, but having it for special occasions every few years will be the best it will do in this house. Back to the house brand, and thinking of the money I’m not handing to Tim Hortons.
July 17, 2009 at 11:51 am
For years I had more ‘money than brains’ and my investments show it!!
Now, I’ve barely a “pot to pee in” but my mortgage has, this month, been paid off. Maybe I can find a pee pot at a garage sale LOL!
My purchase decisions are, now, made by asking myself whether I’d rather have the item I’m eyeing to buy or lunch in Italy to where I’m travelling next year. The decision is usually easy, although I just attended a family wedding where the emotions involved complicated comparisons.
July 17, 2009 at 12:16 pm
In China, I’ve seen t-shirts mass produced in factories. They are often made of the same material and cut, the only difference is the logo/tag pressed on the front of the shirt. Does Nike, Adidas, and DKNY make you feel different about buying that t-shirt? =) All the same thing, but depending on the brand, they are priced differently! That’s the low end kind of stuff, but at the end of the day you get what you pay for in North America. If it is a very nice Burberry Coat, if one can afford it, why not? But I know for sure I would never spend over $200 for a purse or $2000 for a coat, unless I really really NEEDED it.
My only purse indulgences occurred in the last 2 years. I purchased both a fake Coach bag in NYC for $40 and then bought a different real one at an outlet for $150. I can tell you that the fake one has already fallen apart and the real one is very sturdy and gorgeous. I love having this one special purse, so I don’t need to spend more on an LV, Hermes or Gucci. While they are all very pretty, like my husband says, “It’s just a bag.” =)
July 17, 2009 at 12:29 pm
My aunt proclaimed a pearl of wisdom once – you only have one bum! The more you have, the more you have to look after. Truly if people only like you because of your clothing, do you really want to spend more time than you have to with them. It is quite possible to be respectably and professionally dressed without spending a fortune.
July 17, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Ha! I seemed to be getting burned for my choice in coat
The fact is, I feel zero buyer’s remorse. I saved for it. I researched my product. I waited. When the opportunity came, I bought. It also helps that I’m in my mid-twenties, single, no children, pay rent, and have zero debt.
My point is this: if there’s something that you want… work for it. I may have spent a lot on a coat, but others spend a lot on things I just wouldn’t. And I would never, ever go into debt just to own something — which is sort of a funny concept, isn’t it? In that case, wouldn’t the objects of your desire own you?
July 17, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I have not bought to this day a designer name anything (does the GAP count?). If I like the style of the purse I will buy a knock-off (I may or may not know the designer) but I buy it because I like the STYLE not because I’m trying to fool anyone. BTW, I absolutely hate Coach and Louis Vitton, all those Cs and symbols – TACKY!!!
Also, I can’t wear heels so no designer name shoes for me either. Oh well.
July 17, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Talk about not knowing brands…
I needed a pair of simple black ankle boots to wear for fall business-slacks. So I went to my local thrift store and found 2 potential pairs, after trying them both on, I simply couldn’t decide, they were both comfy enough and leather, and under $10, but very different styles. So, I asked a young lady which she preferred, and I bought them. $8 later I had my “new” boots. I hadn’t realized it at the time, but I just bought designer boots! Next time I saw my fashion-ready sister I showed her my newest find and she nearly passed out she was gasping so much…. “PRADA?! Where did you get PRADA?!!!” Thankfully she wears a different size so I got to keep my comfortable, stylish, black ankle boots!
To think I was buying based on COMFORT!
July 17, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Well I bought a $200 dollar deer skin purse a couple yrs back but didn’t last me as long as I hope since I couldn’t keep it clean and outside wore out pretty good while the inside is like new.. I just bought a buffalo purse for $152 [ actual I chossed hubby bought for gift] The guy saids as it age it become shiny while all the scratches will become part of the decor. My 85 yr old Grandma thought I was nuts but she remembered she has a purse over $100 sitting at home since it too expensive to use. I only owned one purse and use it everyday!! I’ve splurge and bought $100 pair of jeans since it has alot of emborderay but for tops I would only speed less than fifty bucks on pants… I would never buy brands since I don’t follow them and don’t really know them either and my family joke is since we have a motorcyle that when we buy clothing with the name on it . I call it that ur BRANDED with advertising their clothing on u.. My hubby laughs about it!
My hubby works in construction and their is a co-worker that buys the $100-$300 dollar pair of jeans & wear them to work. Which one day my hubby had a hole in the knee and the guy gave him a compliment on the expensive jeans he bought but the laugh was on him when hubby told him it’s $40 pair of Levi’s and their ready to be thrown out with the rip!
The guy was shocked since he buys jeans with the rips in them already!
We had a neighbor once that bought plaid shirts at Walmart and hubby had close to the same color shirt on. But he saids he buys it every yr while I told him that spending bit more money on them u wouldn’t wear out so often and have to shop every yr since my hubby shirt last longer since the material is thicker! I only spend $10 on his t-shirts when they go on sale at a store since I know they go sale!
My clothing I buy what I like when it’s on sale but my sister sewed my a few outfits and those r the ones I get a compliment every single time I wear them.. I so proud to say the my sis made me it and their surprise!
July 17, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I must be lucky.. My brother gave me a Louis Vuitton bag which cost more than my monthly mortgage..
July 17, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Was out to dinner with friends, two of whom have family incomes of over 500K a year. As they toted in their Luis Vuitton (spelling?) bags, the only one that received any complements was my 35 dollar JC Penny bag, and even they admired it. Granted theirs will probably last 20 years but I expect that within a year they will be donated, or stuffed in the back of a closet to make room for the latest and greatest models.
I believe that if you have no debt, and can afford it, you should definitely be able to treat yourself, but when you buy the best and most expensive of EVERYTHING, that to me borders on socially irresponsible. I live in a city where kids go without breakfast and lunch, and the shelters are full of abandoned animals, and you are couriering in shirts from Toronto at 800 dollars a pop and don’t “believe” in charity. Hmmm.
July 17, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I realized about 10 years ago that a lot of people were going into debt for labels. And while they’re nice, they’re just not my thing. I would rather spend my money elsewhere, so I’m cool with bags lacking cachet.
I have 2 small children. What kills me is the conspicuous consumption of baby items. $1500 strollers or $4000 nurseries. They’re lovely, of course, but they’re going to be covered in baby poop all the same. I am willing to pay a slight premium for a quality item that will last through a few kids, but once you’re buying a designer diaper bag you’ve long since passed that point.
If you can afford it I’m in no position to judge. But I might just laugh quietly to myself when I see the expensive gear covered in spit up all the same.
July 17, 2009 at 1:58 pm
The other benefit about finding quality comfortable name brands at a 2nd hand store is when something bad happens to them you don’t feel that badly. Here’s a true life tale that happened to my husband a few yrs back.
He had bought a beautifully fitted quality suit from Goodwill. The suit was from Harry Rosen – with still the dry cleaner’s tag on it. While wearing the suit, my husband walked by our rose bushes on his way to the garage then yelled in frustration. His pants were snagged by one of the rose’s thorns, tearing his fancy pants. He exclaimed, ‘Damn! That cost me a whole $10!’.
July 17, 2009 at 1:58 pm
After watching a documentary about counterfeiting, I would never buy a “knock off” or a “counterfeit” of any item. Sure, it might just be a purse or a piece of clothing to you, but you are supporting an illegal practice that also makes counterfeit items that can be dangerous.
Buying counterfeit items like purses & clothes funds the production of things like fake appliances which can catch fire or come apart & hurt you, fake childrens’ items which can harm a child (or worse) and even counterfeit over-the-counter drugs which contain sub-standard ingredients, some which would be banned in Canada. Think about that!
I was out with a friend yesterday who is very label-conscious and we had a interesting conversation about the t-shirt I was wearing that I bought at Reitmans for $12 (2 for $24). She loved it until I told her where I got it from. Sad…….
July 17, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Toby: good points, but you also forgot that “knock-off” items also fund gangs responsible for drugs and prostitution. So while flaunting the knock-off Coach or Louis Vitton purse, you got to ask yourself how many lives I just indirectly damaged or caused death to because of my support of the knock-off industry.
July 17, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I have a weakness for DVD box sets, but have acquired a large enough number of them that I’ve since gotten overwhelmed and am not watching them! Could have something to do with the current 20 hours of daylight, too, though.
My big purchase this fall will most likely be a Canada Goose parka. I’ve had enough of shivering through -40C and if I have to spend $600 to live through another winter, so be it. It will last me for YEARS and is money well spent as far as I’m concerned.
July 17, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Betty,
I think you are making assumptions regarding people with money.
I completely agree with Geoff and others.
I absolutely love my Louis Vuitton birthday purse (now that I am more comfortable using it). It was not detrimental to our RRSPs, education savings or any other savings we have. It gave my husband a lot of pleasure to pick it out and see my thrilled reaction.
We have the good fortune of being comfortable and enjoying our lifestyle. I don’t think we should have to justify it to any one.
However, I have done a lot of volunteer work with Laubach adult literacy, made meals at a local church, and done volunteer work for a local surgical group in Guatemala. I have monthly donations to Canadian Red Cross and the local food bank and shelter.
As long as people are not going into debt for things, they should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labour, without getting sneers from people who have reverse snobbery.
Go Dotty! enjoy your Burberry coat and I will enjoy my LV purse, sans regrets!!
July 17, 2009 at 5:14 pm
The thing that’s obsurd to me is that many label obsessed people don’t even have good taste.
It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to look good, and spending a lot of money wont gaurantee that you look great.
July 17, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I love shoes and purses, but never spent more than 50 for a purse, and 80 for shoes or boots, with the exception of my high winter boots, they were 100, but my mom bought them for me.
July 17, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I also agree with Geoff, if you want it and have the money go for it…the sad thing is when people purchase high end goods they can’t afford/don’t really like, just need to wear the label as a statement. I really admire Dotty Dot for knowing what she wants and saving up for it…and I bet she will get plenty of pleasure out of it…good for you!!!
July 17, 2009 at 11:17 pm
I’m glad Amber said something about expensive baby gear. Many moons ago I was shopping with a friend who was looking for baby gear for herself. We stopped at Holt Renfrew and looked at a diaper bag from Luis Vuitton. $1500! The clerk said that Sarah Jessica Parker had one at the time! Knowing SJP has an LV diaper bag doesn’t convince me to buy a $1500 diaper bag.
My friend decided to shop around so we stopped in the Gucci store. The staff knew her by her face! While Gucci hadn’t designed a diaper bag at the time, they were suggesting a “backpack” for her. I didn’t catch how much that would cost, but I suppose that if I have to ask, then I can’t afford it!
Needless to say, I don’t often shop with this friend (who is lovely). I don’t try to keep up with her, either. I am doing just fine with my $50 diaper bag from Toys R Us.
July 17, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Annie:
Not sure where you live, but I live in Northern Ontario and it gets down to -40C here and lower, and I don’t own a goose down coat. My Columbia ski jacket that was $100 is extremely warm.
July 18, 2009 at 9:14 am
If you’ve got the $$ and your finances in place, spend your $$ as you will. If you’ve budgeted and saved for it, go for it.
My Mom raised me saying that if you have a couple of very good outfits that you can mix and match and they look nice and you feel good in them, save and do it. Also you must have a really nice, warm winter coat. I purchased a camel wool coat in 1969 and wore it every winter for 15 years.
I also purchased a beautiful winter coat 12 years ago for $480.00 (fast forwarding 12 years…could it cost $2,000 Dotty?) . I love it. So far, I guess it has cost me $40. per winter. It looks nice, is very warm, I feel good in it, and every winter I have many people compliment me on it. I will be wearing it again this winter……thanks Mom!
July 18, 2009 at 9:20 am
My purse is from a second-hand store. Wait it gets better. Value Village.
But I recently bought 24 personal training sessions for myself, around 1400$ worth.
I have my priorities straight.
July 18, 2009 at 9:41 am
Diana, I think Betty is talking about our society in general, not the actions of a few people.
I agree with her point — just because we can afford things, doesn’t mean we should have them at the expense of others. Do I see the harm in saving up for, researching and buying a $2000 coat that will get used a lot for years to come? No.
I do see a problem with having to own things like bigger and bigger houses and gas-guzzling SUVs that waste precious natural resources. People die of hunger while we waste gourmet food. People are dying for a lack of clean water while we buy ours in bottles at inflated prices. People can jet-set all over the world in their polluting private jets because they can afford it.
Sure, it’s fine to say “I can afford it”, but the question is can everyone else afford it?
July 18, 2009 at 8:43 pm
There seem to be alot of people getting defensive about their purchases. Especially about winter coats. There’s nothing wrong with buying quality items, what Gail is saying is that it’s absolutely ridiculous to buy something because of the little tag that says who made the item. This new frugality movement that’s popped up lately tries to make us feel bad if we buy something, it’s not about never spending money, it’s about choices. You can buy nice things sometimes. The people in Gail’s examples could not afford their items.
July 19, 2009 at 12:48 pm
For a list of ridiculously expensive crap – check out the blog “Maybe You Shouldn’t Buy That”
http://maybeyoushouldntbuythat.com/
August 5, 2009 at 4:33 am
Just getting back on the Internet and reading a month’s worth of posts that I missed. I agree that it’s one’s priorities, the rest of us cannot make judgments on anyone’s choices. I have had a few expensive (in my mind) items, they have mostly been gifts. I have a full length leather coat that I have worn for over 15 years (on sale for $150), bull hide lace up roper (cowboy) boots, that were also $150 on sale, and I have worn for 12 years. Over 30 years ago, I purchased (on a payment plan) a set of waterless cookware; the set came with a beautiful four place setting of china, crystal stemware (16 pieces), and four place setting of sterling silverware. Upon calculating how much I paid over the years (about $1,800), realizing that I have never had to replace the cookware, and the rest is in my china cabinet, I have spent $60/year for the quality I received. I am not a purse person, use a belly bag if I need to carry something with me, but to each his/her own. If you can afford it, and the item is something you want/need for yourself, go for it. I firmly believe that you get what you pay for, but as so many have stated, some of us get what YOU paid for when it hits the Goodwill/Salvation Army/Value Village outlets! As for that winter coat, I should get saving for my own (but not that much) because I haven’t had a decent winter coat in years!!
August 5, 2009 at 8:31 am
There was an interesting article in the Globe and Mail about the societal cost of buying “cheap”. Certainly gives one pause.
Suzanne, I hope you have given lots of dinner parties on your beautiful dinner set. I like your cost/year thinking.